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Energy Services - Space Heating
Click here for Great River Energy's Load Management Guide and check today's load control.
Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative offers our members load management programs to help you save money on your heating costs while providing you with the safest and most convenient way to heat your home or business. These programs help control electric loads on our system. Click on links above for heating options.
Let MLEC help you determine the best program for you. For more information, contact us at 927-2191 or 1-800-450-2191
Off Peak
A storage space heating system is capable of providing 100% of a home’s heating requirements. Storage units must be properly sized so the off-peak charge time and storage capacity meet the BTU requirements of the home. Off-peak rates apply.
Our energy team offers free heat loss audits for MLEC members to determine BTU requirements. Details on storage furnaces and room units can be found on our “PRODUCTS” page.
Click here to see an Electric Heating Video.
* 25 kW maximum load limit; garages and outbuildings do not qualify.
Dual Fuel
A dual fuel system provides whole-house heat using electricity and another fuel. At times of peak electrical demand, our radio receiver interrupts the electric heat. During interruptions, you heat with your alternate fuel.
Dual Fuel interruptions can occur at any time and last for any length of time up to 12 consecutive hours. The total of cumulative interruptions cannot exceed 400 hours during the heating season. For this reason, your backup system must be controlled by a thermostat and be capable of automatically coming on when the interruption occurs.
Your satisfaction with the dual fuel program is dependent on the ability of your backup system to keep you comfortable during extended interruptions.
Make electric heat your primary heat source and extend the life of your fossil fuel furnace. Electric heat on our Dual Fuel program is very cost competitive.
Dual Fuel rates apply.
Freedom Heat
Freedom Heat is a predictable, interruptible, electric heating system. Interruptions will always occur between 4 and 10 p.m., with a 4-hour maximum interruption. Because of the limited interruptions, wood qualifies as a backup. Concrete slabs with hydronic heating systems require no backup due to stored heat in the slab.
Freedom Heat rate applies.
All-Electric Combo Heating
The All-Electric rate applies when the basement slab has a hydronic system heated with an electric boiler and an off peak storage furnace (or room units) in the upper level.
The All-Electric rate applies.
Heat Pumps
Air-source Heat Pumps
An air-source heat pump can cut your heating costs and increase efficiency during the spring and fall heating seasons. Approximately 75% of heating hours in our area are 10 degrees or above; the air-source heat pump is approximately 200% efficient at 10 degrees.
Incorporating an air-source heat pump with a storage furnace increases efficiency because the furnace is electronically programmed to assist the heat pump.
Incorporating an air-source heat pump with a gas or oil furnace increases efficiency because the furnace is designed to be most efficient in colder temperatures. The 200% efficient heat pump carries the heating load in warmer temperatures when your furnace is least efficient.
Using a 12-SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) or greater air-source heat pump (or central air conditioner) is highly recommended.
Heat pumps and air conditioners can be controlled and metered for our controlled load rates.
Ground-source Heat Pumps
A ground-source heat pump does not burn any fuel to create heat. It simply transfers the earth’s energy to your home. At the earth’s constant temperature of 40 to 50 degrees, a loop through the earth, coupled with an indoor heat pump (about the size of a conventional furnace), provides 300% efficient heat. The heat pump can be connected to ductwork or hydronic tubing.
In the summer, you flip the switch to reverse a ducted system for air conditioning.
Water Heating | Space Heating | Air Conditioning | Added Services |
Mille Lacs Energy
Cooperative
Phone: 218.927.2191 or 1.800.450.2191
Fax: 218.927.6822
mlec@mlecmn.net