September Highline Notes 2020

HIGHLINE notes September 2020

SEE PAGE 10 FOR INFO ON THE NEW LOCAL FAST CHARGERS!

Education Electrification, page 4 Plug-in Power, page 5 Leading the Charge, page 6 A Practical Solution, page 8

CassCountyElectric.com

September 2020 | Highline Notes 1

editorial If you like to go from 0-60 in less than three seconds, perhaps an electric vehicle is in your future.

Marshal Albright, President/CEO hybrid gas/electric, Tesla’s Model 3 sales represented almost 47% of U.S. sales in 2019.

Future The future of EV acceptance and the rate of growth is uncertain.

However, vehicle manufactures are investing billions in anticipation of an EV future. In my opinion, the game-changers will be when mainstream manufacturers like Ford and GM offer an all-electric pickup. Both companies are working on pickup trucks that would provide batteries with an extended range of up to 600 miles, with electric motors that are much more powerful than current gas or diesel engines.

range anxiety will decrease.

The good news is 80% of the EV charging happens overnight at your home, and you can take advantage of CCEC’s low off-peak electric rates.

EVs offer lower operating costs and reduced maintenance costs over the vehicle’s life compared to their gas counterparts.

Cass County Electric Cooperative is playing a pivotal role in introducing EVs to our membership. The Cooperative owns and operates two electric vehicles and offers EV off-peak programs and rebates for members interested in an EV of their own. The Cooperative has History sponsored EV tailgate events to Electric vehicles (EVs) are not invite the community to see and something that car manufacturers drive electric vehicles. Recently, the recently invented. The first EVs Below are some challenges that Cooperative partnered with West were introduced in the U.S. in the Fargo Schools to purchase the late 1800s. The EV was an electrified must be overcome before we see a widespread transition to EVs. first electric bus in North Dakota. wagon with a crude electric motor Currently, the cost of an EV is 10The cost per mile to operate their and battery. Over the past century, 20% more than a comparable gas electric bus compared to their the challenge for EVs has been diesel buses are less than one-half. battery storage in lead-acid battery vehicle. The price will come down as the cost of batteries is reduced.

This past spring, the Cooperative technology (invented in 1859), partnered with the Fargo Police insufficient recharge times, driving As battery technology improves, a battery with more storage capacity Department to purchase an distance limitations, the weight will likely be used to increase the electric motorcycle for patrolling of the battery, and competition range of travel between recharge. the Fargo parks. This summer, against the flexibility of the the Cooperative coordinated combustion engine that stores fuel Currently, the average range is 150-200 miles between charges. the installation of three EV fastin a tank. Until the introduction of lithium batteries, car manufacturers When the range exceeds 400 miles, charging stations at West Acres Mall, Hornbacher’s on Sheyenne have ignored the value proposition range anxiety (the fear of running out) will decrease. Batteries do not Street in West Fargo, and the of EVs. perform well during the winters Convention and Visitors Bureau. in our climate, with the range of Today with technology advances travel reduced by 30-50%. Future The Cooperative views EVs as an in batteries and electric motors, in opportunity to use homegrown addition to a public perception that batteries that are insulated will improve the cold-weather range. energy from North Dakota, reduce EVs are good for the environment, our dependency on fossil fuels EV sales have surged. Of the nearly Currently, the fast-charging for transportation, and reduce 60 models that manufacturers are network in the U.S. is in its infancy, emissions from vehicles. producing today, either plug-in or as more fast chargers are installed, 2 Highline Notes | September 2020

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Content in Every Issue

13 14 Safety

Photo

15

Recipes

Board Meeting Highlights

Volume 78, Number 9

Writer: Sara Erickson Designer: Jocelyn Hovland

Printer: Forum Communications Printing Board of Directors: Marcy Svenningsen, Chairman Jeff Triebold, Vice Chairman Glenn Mitzel, Secretary Sid Berg, Treasurer Douglas Anderson John Froelich Kalvin Hoff Wendy Loucks Thomas J. Seymour

July

The Cass County Electric board of directors met on July 28, 2020, and discussed the following topics: • Approved the waiver of an in-person meeting for three directors to attend the July board meeting via Microsoft Teams during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Approved the July 2020 consent agenda of the regular board meeting consisting of minutes of the previous meeting; monthly department reports; director expense report; and the June Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA).

• President/CEO Marshal Albright gave the President’s Report noting brief updates from meetings with Minnkota, Greater FM EDC and Valley Prosperity Partnership, as well as legislative visit discussion topics.

• President Albright reviewed plans for the 2020 online voting process for the virtual annual meeting on Aug. 25.

• Accepted the second quarter 2020 financial report.

• Approved the 10-year, long-range financial forecast for 2020-2029, and the 2020-2023 Construction Work Plan RUS loan application.

• Accepted the 2020 IT audit report as prepared by Eide Bailly, LLP. • Received updates from the Minnkota and NDAREC board meetings.

• Approved the July 2020 capital credit estate payments.

• Approved the annual meeting date of record as June 24, 2020, and Aug. 18, 2020, as the closing date for absentee and online voting.

• Approved a physical recount of all mailed-in ballots should the top two candidates be within 2% of each other, and approved the method of breaking a tie for the top two candidates by picking a card from a deck of playing cards, with the Ace being high.

• Reviewed upcoming meetings and events.

• Set the date of the Rate, Audit & Finance, and Operations & Administration board committee meetings.

• President Albright received a capital credit check on behalf of the Cooperative from RESCO. • Approved the Board Chair to complete the NRUCFC proposed Bylaw Amendments voting ballot.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, 2020.

Highline Notes

Executive Staff: Marshal Albright, President/ CEO Jodi Bullinger, VP of Engineering & Operations Paul Matthys, VP of Member & Energy Services Chad Sapa, VP of Corporate Services & CFO Tim Sanden, VP of Information Technology & CIO Highline Notes (USPS 244-740) is published monthly by Cass County Electric Cooperative Inc., 3312 42nd St. S., Suite 200, Fargo, ND 58104. Periodicals postage paid at Fargo, North Dakota 58104, and at additional mailing offices.

Subscription Rate: 28¢/month.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Highline Notes 3312 42nd St. S., Suite 200 Fargo, ND 58104

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Questions: 701-356-4400 800-248-3292 info@kwh.com Call before you dig: 800-795-0555 or 811 Information about the cooperative, articles of incorporation, bylaws and more can be found at CassCountyElectric.com.

September 2020 | Highline Notes 3

Funds to support the electric bus project were provided by: ND Department of Commerce, the Coalition for a Secure Energy Future, Minnkota Power Cooperative, and Cass County Electric Cooperative.

Education Electrification

Students in the West Fargo school district experienced what it’s like riding to school in an all-electric school bus The Blue Bird electric school bus designated as e16 recently completed its first year picking up and dropping off West Fargo students. “It’s been an interesting journey for us,” said Brad Redmond, director of transportation at West Fargo Public Schools (WFPS).

While the electric bus has a higher upfront cost of slightly more than $300,000, it’s expected to be more cost-effective than a traditional bus throughout its lifetime.

Each month, the school compared the electric school bus’ costs to two diesel-powered school bus’ that went into service at the same time. A long-term analysis of the electric bus’ operational and maintenance costs will provide data to assist in future purchasing decisions regarding the most cost-effective fuel sources for the district’s fleet.

Operational & Maintenance Per Mile Diesel #1:

$0.45

Diesel #2:

$0.40

Electric (e16):

$0.14

Savings per mile (avg.):

$0.28

Total savings:

$3,269.62

The numbers paint a picture of the actual impact the electric school

bus provides. Because the district didn’t have to pay maintenance costs associated with oil changes, filter replacements or tune-ups, the cost savings was $3,269.62. “It’s been a really exciting project, and hopefully, we can get more buses,” said Redmond.

It’s no surprise that electric transportation exceeds expectations, but as with all technology, 100% performance isn’t always attainable. Redmond explained the bus surpassed his expectations, especially in North Dakota’s colder climate. “I was expecting some hiccups with it quitting because it’s too cold. The only real downfall we saw was a reduction in (battery life) range.”

On average, the electric bus loses 30% of its maximum range in cold weather. After experiencing the first winter, WFPS teamed up with Blue Bird to give the e16 bus two significant updates to help preserve range. The first update was installing an insulated pack that wraps around the batteries and coolant lines.

The second was a software update to preheat the bus while it’s still plugged in. These updates allow the driver to heat the bus’ cabin before leaving the parking garage to start their route—meaning they

4 Highline Notes | September 2020

CassCountyElectric.com

won’t lose any miles on their daily range through heating the bus to temperature.

Redmond said e16 could easily take 20 miles off its range by just standing idle in the winter, so using the electric bus for field trips is not the best application due to losing two or three hours of charging time to make the afternoon route.

WFPS and Blue Bird—the electric bus manufacturer— have kept in close contact as this it the first electric bus Blue Bird has on the roads outside of California.

Students who had the chance to ride the bus recognize it’s a little different than their ordinary everyday bus.

It’s not until the bus starts traveling down the road when they realize how quiet it is. Redmond said the most common question bus drivers receive is, “Why is the bus so quiet?”

WFPS is a cold weather electric bus pioneer, paving a path toward more potential electric school buses. By educating students and providing firsthand experience of riding an electric bus, there is a chance these future drivers might think twice about purchasing a mainstream vehicle and instead opt for an electric one.

Plug-in Power

Parkgoers experience the positive impact of electric transportation Josh Marvig, park officer for Fargo Parks District, is breaking the silence of electric transportation as he rides the first 100% electric motorcycle through the parks of Fargo. Marvig is a few months into patrolling the parks and says the motorcycle has exceeded all his expectations.

At low speeds in parks and on trails, it’s unbelievably quiet. “I have joked that I need a bicycle bell, so I stop startling people,” said Marvig, chuckling. “People rarely hear me approaching, even if they are on foot or bicycle.”

The electric motorcycle has many advantages for both the public and Marvig. He can patrol places

where other officers rarely or never get to with their vehicles, which offers a safer trail atmosphere for parkgoers, because they know an officer is nearby if needed. “Even if it is a simple hand wave as we pass each other on a trail or talking with people, the community wants to see officers in the remote areas of Fargo parks and along the riverfront,” Marvig said. “There is peace of mind knowing that the police are around even when things are good.”

As electric vehicles gain popularity in mainstream transportation, Marvig receives dozens of technical questions about the motorcycle.

He’s shocked by the number of people who express their interest

and knowledge about electric bikes.

Utilizing the bike to patrol the parks creates a positive impact, offering a roadmap and proving how electric vehicle technology is a unique and reliable tool.

“I love that I am able to show people I can work a 10+ hour shift on an electric motorcycle without recharging,” Marvig shared. “The battery range has also met what was advertised and has never required a mid-shift recharge.”

Odds are you will not hear Officer Marvig riding through the parks, but if he sees you, he will send a smile and a wave your direction.

Cass County Electric partnered with Fargo Parks District and Fargo Police Department to fund the first allelectric motorcycle in the area.

CassCountyElectric.com

September 2020 | Highline Notes 5

LEADING THE CHARGE When you think of mainstream transportation, electric vehicles are not usually top of mind, but one day they will be. Electric vehicle (EV) technology is evolving rapidly with more than 1 million EVs roaming U.S. roads today. According to the Edison Electric Institute, in 2030, EVs are projected to reach 18.7 million in the United States.

Cass County Electric believes in paving the way for an electric future. In 2020, we partnered with West Acres Shopping Center, Hornbacher’s Gateway West, and the FM Convention and Visitors Bureau to bring three Level 3 fast chargers to the area. These chargers are the first of their kind on our system and some of the first in North Dakota.

“Electric vehicle technology is advancing every day,” says Chad Brousseau business accounts executive at Cass County Electric. “More and more vehicle manufacturers are announcing new electric vehicle models, and we see that’s where that trend is going, and it’s something Cass

County Electric wants to support.”

As major automotive companies begin to focus more attention on EVs, the cost of the vehicles continues to drop, becoming increasingly price competitive with traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Advancements in battery technology are continually improving the range of EVs, an important consideration for drivers looking to make an EV their main vehicle for longer road trips.

In anticipation of the growth in popularity of EVs in the coming years, partnerships with community leaders and businesses will ensure that EV owners can charge their vehicles with reliable, homegrown energy.

When people plug in their EV to charge, they are charging up with homegrown North Dakota resources and keeping their energy dollars local.

By increasing EV awareness, the new fast chargers help keep the Fargo area at the forefront of emerging energy and transportation trends and technology.

6 Highline Notes | September 2020

CassCountyElectric.com

LEVEL 2 West Acres Shopping Center Hornbacher’s, Gateway West Sanford Medical Center, Veterans Element Hotel Happy Harry’s, 52nd Ave

LEVEL 3 Noodles & Co., I-94 West Acres Shopping Center Hornbacher’s, Gateway West FM Convention & Visitors Bureau Casey’s, Veterans (Tesla-only)

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 3

CHARGING INFORMATION

PLUGS INTO A STANDARD OUTLET

UTILIZES A SEPARATE CHARGING STATION

PUBLIC SPACES

ELECTRIC REQUIREMENTS

120 VOLTS (AC)

208 OR 240 VOLTS (AC)

UTILITY INVOLVEMENT (DC)

CHARGING SPEEDS

~5 MILES OF RANGE PER HOUR

~25 MILES OF RANGE PER HOUR

~100 MILES OF RANGE PER HOUR

APPROXIMATE TIME TO CHARGE (FROM DEPLETED)

10 - 40 HOURS

3 - 8 HOURS

20 - 60 MINUTES

INCENTIVES FOR EV CHARGERS INSTALLED ON OFF-PEAK: OPTION #1

FREE LEVEL 2 SIEMENS EV CHARGER

OPTION #2

$50/kW ($500 MAX PER CHARGER)

In addition to the incentives offered from Cass County Electric, current federal consumer tax credits are available ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 based on the size of the vehicle’s battery.

Also, many insurance carriers offer discounted rates. Cass County Electric Cooperative provides the load control device for both options.

OFF-PEAK RATE OPTIONS: $7 MONTHLY CREDIT

BEST OPTION IF: ONLY 1 CHARGER IS INSTALLED NO OTHER OFF-PEAK LOADS ARE IN THE HOME

$.055 OFF-PEAK RATE

BEST OPTION IF:

($5 MONTHLY METER CHARGE)

THERE ARE OTHER OFF-PEAK LOADS IN THE HOME

EV Requirements to Qualify for Off-peak

Charging Windows

All-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids qualify Level 2 charger, 240V

October-May: Noon—5 PM and 11 PM—7 AM June-September: Midnight—10 AM

Find public charging stations in your area at

CassCountyElectric.com/ev or plugshare.com.

For program questions call 701-356-4400.

CassCountyElectric.com

September 2020 | Highline Notes 7

A PRACTICAL SOLUTION What do you get when you have three people, three dogs, lumber, tools and luggage to drive around the country for a month and still get 47 miles to the gallon? A Prius, said Drew Rutherford, Cass County Electric member, laughing as he unfolded his road map to owning an electric vehicle (EV).

Rutherford has always had a fascination for environmentally friendly concepts. He and his wife, Julie, started remodeling their house, so he toyed with creating solar panels and building wind turbines, and ended up installing geothermal energy for their home. He went as far as installing wiring for an electric vehicle charger, even though he did not own one at the time.

After crunching numbers and feeling the weight of his jaw touch the floor, Rutherford switched from a gas-guzzling monster to an environmentally friendly EV. “If you can save money and protect the Earth, why

8 Highline Notes | September 2020

wouldn’t you do that?” he said. quick, and the ride is silent.

“You have to get use to the The Rutherfords spend their fact they are so quiet you can morning commute driving hear people talking inside from Horace, N.D., across of their cars, especially at the Red River to Moorhead, stoplights,” said Rutherford.

Minn. On average, they will easily drive a 25-mile round The Rutherfords’ love for trip each day. They quickly EVs and their money-saving realized a large SUV cost capabilities continued to them $7 to drive to work and grow. “My wife is a ruthless back. That adds up fast! negotiator,” Rutherford said as he explained how his wife In 2013, the Rutherfords bought an all-electric Kia invested in their first plug-in Soul for a ridiculous price as electric vehicle – the Chevy their second EV. Volt. “My wife drove the Volt the first 5,500 miles and only As members of Cass County used two gallons of gas, and Electric Cooperative, the those two gallons of gas Rutherfords signed up for were used to drive it from the off-peak program (see the dealership in the middle page 7 for details) and have of Minnesota. She never two EV chargers installed stopped for gas.” in their home. By simply plugging in at home and There are many advantages taking advantage of the low to going electric. EVs don’t charging rates, they can drive require oil changes, because the Kia Soul to and from work no oil is used to run the for $0.35 compared to the $7 engines. They don’t require with the Yukon XL. air filters, spark plugs, timing belts or many other A stop at the gas station parts that need occasional will be few and far between replacement in a gasoline as the Rutherfords are not car. EV enthusiasts go as looking in the rearview far as to say they drive like mirror. Their sights are set on butter. Their acceleration is the future - an electric future.

CassCountyElectric.com

THE ROAD TO EV CHARGING Imagine never going to the gas station again. If you’re a homeowner with an electric vehicle (EV), installing a Level 2 charger in your garage makes “refueling” a breeze.

A Level 2 charger significantly cuts the time it takes to replenish the battery. To help our members charge faster, Cass County Electric Cooperative provides a free Level 2 charger or offers an incentive to help cover the cost of a different charger when signing up for our off-peak program!

1| 2| 3| 4| 5|

Determine your home’s eligibility.

Confirm with Cass County Electric that your home is eligible for charger installation and incentives.

Get an electrical assessment of your home.

Consult a licensed electrician to assess whether your electrical service has the capacity for a Level 2 charger. If you are building or remodeling, consider making your home EV ready by installing a dedicated 240-volt, 50-amp (minimum) circuit to serve a charger in the future.

Choose your charger.

Aside from Tesla-model vehicles, EVs and plug-ins in the U.S. use the SAE-standard J1772 plug. Level 2 chargers range in price from just under $500 to more than $1,000. Cass County Electric provides a free Level 2 Siemens EV charger or $50/kw ($500/max) toward the purchase of a Level 2 charger when installed on our off-peak system.

Visit with CCEC to determine which off-peak rate option works for you.

Select the electric rate that is best for your desired meter setup. You can enroll in a $7 monthly bill credit or our $.055 off-peak rate (see page 7 for more details). The monthly credit may be more convenient for a member that has no other off-peak loads in their home.

Arrange for the electrical work.

Contact a licensed electrician. This professional can add a new panel, make any necessary service upgrades and install your new charging station. This is also the point in time when your electrician will sign out a ripple control device that will provide the off-peak functionality that allows Cass County Electric to signal to the charger when to charge, earning you the discounted electric rate or monthly credit.

6|

Install the EV charging station.

Most charging stations are suspended on a wall in a garage near where the EV will be parked. Consider the distance to the charging port on the car and the length of the cord you plan to use when determining the location.

7|

Contact us to complete your application.

After you complete the steps above, contact us at 701-356-4400 or energy@kwh.com. A Cass County Electric Cooperative technician must inspect the service for you to receive the off-peak rate.

CassCountyElectric.com

September 2020 | Highline Notes 9

FAST CHARGER

LAUNCH

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU, 2001 44TH ST S, FARGO, ND

Monday, Sept. 21, 2020 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

We are thrilled to be your local leaders in EV adoption. Charge forward with us as we celebrate our newest local fast charger at the Fargo Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau.

- Fast Charger Dedication - Treats from the North by Sweet Commotion - Charging Demonstrations - Various Electric Vehicles on Display - FMWF Chamber Ribbon Cutting @ 4:00 PM -

Location Sponsor:

Event Sponsor:

CHARGE UP WITH ND HOMEGROWN ENERGY 10 Highline Notes | September 2020 CassCountyElectric.com

faq

Questions about electric vehicles? We have answers!

What rebates are available?

greatly between models and is impacted by charging and driving In addition to the incentives practices. It is important to check offered from CCEC, current federal with the manufacturer’s warranty consumer tax credits are available How long will it take to before purchasing the vehicle. Most ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 charge my EV? vehicles have a 10-year battery based on the size of the vehicle’s A typical electric car (ex.

Nissan Leaf) warranty, while others are the life of battery. Most insurance carriers offer takes four hours to charge from the vehicle. discounted rates. Other federal tax empty using a 7-kW home charger. credits or manufacturer rebates How do EV batteries perform may be available.

How much will charging my EV cost?

year, the cost to charge an EV will be $264 per year on the regular rate/$136 per year on off-peak rate.

How far can you drive on a fully charged battery?

A 7-kW home charger provides about 30 miles per hour of charge.

On average, an EV will require 30 All-electric vehicles currently kilowatt-hours per 100 miles of range from 62 miles to more than range.

335 miles (Tesla Model S) on a full On regular electric rate, EV charging charge. Hybrids typically range from 10 to 53 miles on the electric battery. will cost $0.033 per mile.

On off-peak rate, EV charging will cost $0.017 per mile.

Based on driving 8,000 miles per

How long until the average battery needs a replacement?

The lifetime of the battery varies CassCountyElectric.com

in the winter?

Both gasoline and electric vehicles have lower efficiencies at colder temperatures. For EVs, cold weather can impact travel distance per charge by 25-50%. Larger batteries, however, have less performance loss issues. Still, today’s EVs work well in cold climates, and new models will be even better. It is recommended that you store your EV in a garage during the winter and allow it to heat up while still plugged in.

September 2020 | Highline Notes 11

glossary EV Terminology

A broad category that includes all vehicles that are fully powered by electricity or an electric motor.

L

1

Level 1 Charger:

L

2

Level 2 Charger:

Charges your EV using a Charges your EV at 240v standard household outlet up using an installed outlet. to 120v. Level 1 is the slowest Level 2 chargers are the most method of charging and can recommended chargers for take up to 24 hours or more EV owners. Level 2 can charge to fully charge your EV. 5x faster than Level 1, which equals up to 26 miles per hour of charging.

Tesla Supercharger: A super-fast charging system that can provide up to 250 kW directly to the car’s battery.

Currently, these systems are only available to Teslas.

L

3

Level 3 Charger: Also known as a DC or fast charger, the fastest method of charging for all EVs. It can fully charge an EV battery in about half an hour. Level 3 chargers are currently rare as they’re costly and require more power.

Off-Peak Charging:

Range Anxiety:

Charging your electric vehicle at certain lowest-cost off-peak hours.

Worry or stress that is caused due to the fear that an electric car will run out of battery power before the destination is reached.

12 Highline Notes | September 2020 CassCountyElectric.com

safety EV Safety

Wrapping your head around the idea electric vehicles are silent is a strange concept. It’s eye-opening to realize how much we associate engine noise with driving. The giant question individuals ask - are electric vehicles safe to drive? Yes. EVs are just as safe as the average gasoline vehicle.

Safety Requirements

Electric vehicles go through the same strict safety tests and guidelines as the average gas vehicle. EVs have high-voltage electrical systems that typically range from 100 to 600 volts. Their battery packs are encased in sealed shells and meet testing standards that subject batteries to conditions such as overcharge, vibration, extreme temperatures, short circuit, humidity, fire, collision, and water immersion.

EVs tend to have a lower center of gravity than conventional vehicles, making them more stable and less likely to roll over.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), both the Chevy Bolt and Volt are safe vehicles. For the last five years, both EVs received Top Safety Pick awards from the IIHS.

Fire Hazards

The probability of an EV catching fire is lower than cars with internal combustion engines (ICE). Gasoline fires start almost immediately when in contact with a spark.

Battery fires take more time to achieve the heat necessary to start a fire. According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, fire was found in 2.6% of EVs and 4.4% of ICE vehicles in cases of fatal vehicle crashes.

Less Maintenance

EVs are created with fewer moving parts than an ICE vehicle and because of this, they have less maintenance over their lifespan.

Less maintenance means more time to enjoy the vehicle instead CassCountyElectric.com

of worrying about parts failing.

The battery and associated electronics require little to no regular maintenance. There are fewer liquids to change, so no oil changes. Due to their regenerative braking, the brakes don’t wear out as quickly.

Emergency Response Training

Responding to an EV-related accident is challenging, and emergency personnel should be properly trained on how to keep themselves safe. Some key topics to know are how to power down the 360-volt system, fighting a battery fire with water, and getting people safely out of the car.

Manufacturers publish emergency response guides for their vehicles and offer training for emergency responders. The National Fire Protection Association has training and information resources available at EvSafetyTraining.org.

September 2020 | Highline Notes 13

photo ND Through Your Eyes

We look forward to publishing member photos that encompass anything North Dakota. Upload your image to CassCountyElectric.com/photo to have your image considered for the magazine.

Kim Wittenberg, Valley City

- 2020 Member Calendar Photo Contest -

We invite our members to share their most beautiful, engaging and fun photos for the chance to appear in our 2021 calendar! Calendars will be mailed out in place of our December issue of Highline Notes.

Each monthly winner will receive $50, and our cover photo winner will receive a grand prize of $100. Submissions are accepted until Oct. 12, 2020.

Visit CassCountyElectric.com/PhotoContest to enter your photos and review the guidelines.

14 Highline Notes | September 2020 CassCountyElectric.com

o

Sticking with the electric vehicle theme, our employees provided you with some of their own homegrown North Dakota energy. These electrifying snacks should keep you charged up for miles!

food

Recipes From Your Kitchen Email to ccec@kwh.com or mail to: Cass County Electric; Highline Notes, 4100 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, ND 58104

Protein Balls Ingredients

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 1/4 cup honey 1 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips 1/4 cup crushed nuts (your choice) 1/4 cup coconut

Preparation

Add peanut butter and honey to a bowl and stir together. Then stir in the remaining ingredients.

Place in refrigerator for 20 minutes. Remove from the fridge and form into 1-inch balls.

Easy Jerky Ingredients

London broil (2 pounds) 2/3 cup soy sauce 2/3 cup Worcestershire sauce 1 Tablespoon Liquid Smoke 2 Tablespoons brown sugar 1 Tablespoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder

Spicy Almonds Ingredients

Preparation

Partially thaw meat and slice into 1/4-inch strips. Mix together the seasoning. Marinate the meat in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Place a cooling rack on top of a cookie sheet and then lay the strips of meat tightly (but not touching) across the slats on the rack.

Set oven to 160°F and cook for 5 hours.

Oven-Dried Apples Ingredients

2 apples, washed and cored 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 225°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and slice apples in thin circles. Place the apple circles onto the parchment paper and sprinkle ground cinnamon on top. Bake, one side of the apples for 40 minutes or until the edges, start to curl up.

Then flip them over and bake for an additional 25 minutes. If you prefer apples crispy, bake for an additional hour and let them cool in the turned-off oven for an extra hour.

CassCountyElectric.com

1 cup almonds whole, unsalted, roasted 2 teaspoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon cayenne 1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation

In a small bowl, combine all dry seasonings and stir together until well-mixed. Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat for a few minutes until hot. Add the dry seasoning mix to the pan and stir with the oil. It should be hot and bubbling. Add almonds and stir until coated with seasonings, about a minute. Add Sriracha sauce and stir until mixed well, about a minute. Transfer almonds to a plate. Cool before serving.

September 2020 | Highline Notes 15

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16 Highline Notes | September 2020 CassCountyElectric.com