March Highline Notes 2021

HIGHLINE notes March 2021

$1.75

million

DIT CAPITAL CRE T RETIREMEN

Is 100% carbon-free electricity possible?, page 4 Bill structure changes coming to April electric bills, page 5 It pays to be a co-op member, page 7

Journeyman lineworker Luke Nefzger operates a digger derrick

CassCountyElectric.com

March 2021 | Highline Notes 1

editorial Board of directors approves rate change

Marshal Albright, Cass County Electric Cooperative president & CEO

charges have not increased since 2011 and currently do not recover the required revenue to support basic service. Our cost to provide basic service has increased, and wholesale rates have increased more than 19% since 2011. Accounts with low energy use will see an increase in cost, while accounts with significant energy use will see a decrease in costs. The average user will notice about the same cost as the previous rate design.

In the February issue of the Highline Notes, I mentioned Cass County Electric’s board of directors would review a rate adjustment in response to a wholesale power cost increase from Minnkota Power Cooperative, impacting our members’ electric rates.

At the January board meeting, the board approved an electric rate adjustment that will impact April electric bills coming out in May. Residential rates will be adjusted by lowering the energy rate and raising the basic service charge.

Energy rates for rural farms, rural residential, urban residential, and apartment accounts will now be the same. The basic service charge will increase to offset the reduction in revenue from reducing the energy charge for a near revenue-neutral rate change for the cooperative. Basic service

Electric heat, streetlights, and specific commercial rates will increase slightly to account for an increase in wholesale electricity cost from Minnkota Power Cooperative. Overall, the increase in revenue to the cooperative by adjusting rates is around .2%.

For details on the rate changes approved by the board, see page 5.

Future power supply planning It is possible that carbon dioxide emissions from power plants could be restricted or taxed in the future.

Minnkota Power Cooperative held a planning session with its board of directors and associated distribution cooperative general managers to review future power supply resources options. If carbon dioxide from coal-fired power plants was not the target to address climate change, Minnkota has ample power supply from our existing resources for at least another decade. However, with a new administration in Washington, D.C., focused on climate change policies and regulations, specifically

its desire to reduce carbon dioxide, the transition to a carbon dioxidemanaged future may come sooner than anticipated.

Minnkota is looking at several power supply options and is working on a study with a consultant to evaluate all practical options, including Project Tundra, a carbon capture facility added onto its existing coal-fired power plant. If approved and funded as anticipated by investors, Project Tundra would provide a low-cost alternative for a reliable baseload power supply with low carbon dioxide emission. Natural gas, renewable energy, additional wholesale market purchases, and energy storage (although currently not economically feasible) are also being considered but would likely be much more expensive.

In 2021, Minnkota will need to make an important decision on our future power supply. Whatever they decide, the impact of transitioning to an alternative power supply will come at a cost, or in other words, a rate increase. The plan should be revealed later this year, and the price of a new system would not be imposed on rates until investments are made in whatever source is chosen.

Cass County Electric purchases our electricity from Minnkota Power Cooperative and stresses the importance of a power supply that is affordable and reliable.

Cass County Electric offices will be closed Friday, April 2, 2021 2 Highline Notes | March 2021

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Highline Notes

Content in every issue

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tech

save

12 13 14 15

community

recipes

Board meeting highlights January 2021

The Cass County Electric Board of Directors met in person on Jan. 26, 2021, and discussed the following topics: • Approved the January 2021 consent agenda of the regular board meeting, consisting of minutes of the previous meeting, monthly department reports, director expense report, and the December Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA).

• President/CEO Marshal Albright gave the President’s Report, noting brief updates regarding online conferences he attended, the North Dakota Manager’s Meeting, Minnkota Manager’s Meeting, and legislative updates.

• Accepted the December 2020 financial report.

• Approved the payout of $1.75 million in capital credits, which includes estate capital credits, early retirement of capital credits less than $500, and capital credits for the years 1998 and partial 1999.

• Approved the transfer of 2020 nonoperating margins to the unallocated reserve account.

• Received the 2020 Safety Report and the 2021 Safety Training Plans.

• Approved retail rate adjustments for all rates beginning April 2021.

• Approved Policy 225 – Information Security.

• Approved rescheduling the 2021 Annual Meeting to June 24, 2021.

• Moved to approve the January 2021 capital credit estate payments.

• Reviewed upcoming meetings and events.

safety

ads

NATIONAL

AG DAY March 23, 2021

To those that work in acres, not in hours, we thank you!

The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 30, 2021.

photo

CassCountyElectric.com

Volume 79, Number 3

Communications Team: Sara Hand Jocelyn Hovland

Printer: Forum Communications Printing Board of Directors: Douglas Anderson Sid Berg Kalvin Hoff, Treasurer Terry Kraft Wendy Loucks Glenn Mitzel, Secretary Thomas J. Seymour Marcy Svenningsen, Chair Jeff Triebold, Vice Chair 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 © Copyright Cass County Electric Cooperative 2021. All rights reserved.

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.

March 2021 | Highline Notes 3

Is 100% carbon-free electricity possible?

Major technology breakthroughs needed to reach ambitious climate goals

The year 2050 may seem far away, but for electric utilities it feels like tomorrow.

Many political leaders, large corporations and environmental groups are calling for the electricity sector to be 100% carbon-free by midcentury or sooner. While this goal is virtually impossible to meet in 2021, can we reach it in the coming decades without sacrificing electric reliability or affordability? One thing is certain: It will take every ounce of innovation the world has to offer.

The complexity and difficulty in achieving a carbon-free electric grid cannot be understated. No single technology, power source or approach will be sufficient on its own. It will take an all-of-the-above strategy and many technological breakthroughs occurring rapidly in the coming years.

Minnkota Power Cooperative has made great strides toward reducing the carbon footprint of its generation portfolio. About 42% of the generation capacity provided is already derived from carbon-free resources, and methods to decarbonize even further are being pursued by Minnkota Power Cooperative, our wholesale power provider.

Minnkota is thoroughly evaluating Project Tundra – an effort to install carbon capture technology at the coal-based Milton R. Young Station near Bismarck, N.D. This power plant has reliably delivered electricity to Cass County Electric Cooperative members for decades and is well-positioned for technology advancements. The Project Tundra facility is designed to have a 90% CO2 capture rate – which is the equivalent of permanently taking 800,000 gasoline-fueled cars off the

road. The CO2 would be safely stored more than one mile underground near the Young Station site. If the project moves forward, a substantial amount of the energy provided to you through Cass County Electric Cooperative would be carbon-free.

As the energy transition continues, it is vitally important that electric utilities remain part of the conversation and that decisions are based on technological capabilities, reliability and affordability. Here are five things to consider during discussions on a carbon-free energy future.

Need for carbon capture technology To maintain the reliability and stability of the electric grid, dispatchable resources, like coal and natural gas, will need to continue operation for the foreseeable future. That means that carbon capture technology will need to be rapidly developed and deployed across the country and the world. In fact, the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – the gold standard in international climate change modeling – has determined that without carbon capture technology, it is virtually impossible to meet ambitious climate goals.

Limitations of renewables and batteries While wind and solar resources provide zero-emissions energy, they are also limited by the fact that they cannot operate on a frequent-enough basis to stabilize the grid by themselves.

Backup resources are still needed for when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine. While many are optimistic about the future of battery technology, it is still in its infancy at grid scale. Large battery banks can currently only dispatch energy into the

4 Highline Notes | March 2021

CassCountyElectric.com

grid for a few hours at a time, when multiple days of backup power can be needed.

Electric grid transformation As more non-dispatchable, intermittent energy comes onto the grid, power system operators will be challenged to meet real-time operational demands. The nation’s electric grid will undoubtedly need to be expanded and upgraded to ensure 24/7 stability. This will require a tremendous amount of investment, planning and coordination across multiple states. A recent study by the CapX2050 group anticipates the investment level to be in the billions in the Upper Midwest alone.

Role of beneficial electrification As the electric grid continues to see lower emissions levels, electrifying everything – from transportation to heating and water heating – provides long-term economic and environmental benefits. Known as “beneficial electrification,” this concept highlights the opportunities to reduce emissions through increased use of electricity to power devices that would otherwise burn fuels like gasoline, diesel, fuel oil or propane. This will be an essential strategy in decarbonizing other sectors.

Addressing other sectors Reaching climate goals requires a global strategy that extends well beyond electricity generation.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the electricity sector only contributes about 25% of all global greenhouse-gas emissions.

If the goal is to reach net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions, significant reductions must also be found from agriculture (24%), manufacturing (21%), transportation (14%), buildings (6%) and other miscellaneous sources (10%).

Bill structure changes coming to April electric bills In the February Highline Notes, we introduced the need to adjust our electric rates to make them more equitable among members.

After careful consideration, the board of directors approved the adjustments, which will begin in the April billing cycle and reflected on your May statements (remember, the bill you are currently paying is for the previous month’s usage).

The rate adjustments are near revenue neutral for the cooperative and are designed to recover fixed costs more equitably. The last time the cooperative adjusted its electric rate structures was in 2011.

The latest cost of service study indicates we currently do not recover enough of our fixed cost from the basic charge, but instead from the energy charge. Energy consumption varies from each member and even from month to month for every member.

Recovering fixed costs from a variable component is challenging and less equitable among members. Although these rate structure changes are near revenue neutral for the cooperative, you may see a small increase or decrease on your bill, depending on your monthly energy consumption.

Cass County Electric’s residential rates consist of two main components: a basic charge and an energy charge (kWH). The basic charge is to recover the fixed costs of the cooperative. Transmission and distribution power lines, transformers, power poles, and system maintenance are examples of fixed costs. The energy charge is to recover the cost of energy purchased from Minnkota Power Cooperative.

Starting in May (April’s energy consumption), we will increase the basic charge and reduce the energy charge. Below are examples of apartment, urban residential, and rural residential rate structure changes.

According to our analysis, the highest increase that a residential member would see is $12.65 per month. In those situations, it would affect accounts currently using no energy.

Details of Charges: Basic Charge: This is a fixed monthly connection charge that helps recover the cooperative’s fixed costs of serving a member.

Energy Charges: These charges represent the cost of the electricity you used in the last billing cycle. They include both a kWh charge and purchased power adjustment. kWh Charge: The cost of power you used plus the costs to deliver power, measured in kilowatthours. To calculate energy charges, multiply your rate (unit cost) by your usage (quantity).

Purchased Power Adjustment: This charge accounts for the variable cost in wholesale power.

Rate class

Old basic charge

New basic charge

Old energy charge/kWh

New energy charge/kWh

Apartment

$11.00

$12.00

$.092

$.089

Urban residential

$20.00

$23.15

$.092

$.089

Rural residential

$24.00

$36.65

$.099

$.089

Please contact our member services department at 701-356-4400 or info@kwh.com with any questions or concerns.

CassCountyElectric.com

March 2021 | Highline Notes 5

CAPITAL CREDITS TYPES OF UTILITIES

INVESTOR-OWNED Privately owned by shareholders/ investors Operate for a profit

MUNICIPAL COOPERATIVE SYSTEMS Owned and operated Owned by cities, by the people they counties, or states serve Not-for-profit Not-for-profit

When you sign up for service with Cass County Electric Cooperative, you become a COOPERATIVE member.

YOUR MONTHLY BILL BASIC CHARGE Monthly charge that covers the cost to provide electrical service (infrastructure) Included in capital credit allocation FRANCHISE FEES Fee charged by the cities of Valley City, Fargo, Horace, and West Fargo Not included in capital credit allocation

$

ENERGY CHARGE Charges for energy consumed during the billing period Included in capital credit allocation PURCHASED POWER ADJUSTMENT A variable component calculated from the cooperative’s monthly wholesale power cost Included in capital credit allocation

WHAT ARE CAPITAL CREDITS?

1

2

3

Cass County Electric tracks how much electricity you buy and how much money you pay for it throughout the year.

We pay the bills for things like power generation, maintenance, and new construction.

DATE

Pay to the order of

CCEC Member

Amount here

03/15/21 $Amount

Cass County Electric Cooperative

CHECKS ISSUED: Inactive, former members.

CREDIT ON BILL: Members with an active account

5

Then, at the end of the Next, the cooperative fiscal year, the board of allocates those margins to directors determines if members as capital credits there are excess revenues, based upon their electric bill. called margins.

HOW DO I RECEIVE MY CAPITAL CREDITS?

OR

4

A minimum $5 capital credit amount must be met

Lastly, your board of directors decides to retire, or pay, the capital credits when our financial condition permits.

$1.5

million

The Cass County Electric Board of Directors has approved a general retirement of capital credits to qualifying members that received service in 1998 and 1999.

Search our list of unclaimed capital credits at CassCountyElectric.com/capital-credits to see if anyone you know is owed money from Cass County Electric Cooperative!

The taxability of capital credits depends on if your electric bills served as a business tax deduction on your income tax return for the years in which the capital credits were allocated. For most individuals, the receipt of capital credits is non-taxable. Please contact your tax preparer if this tax deduction pertains to you, as this information is provided as a courtesy and is not intended to be construed as legal or tax advice.

6 Highline Notes | March 2021

CassCountyElectric.com

The Cass County Electric Board of Directors approved $1.75 million in capital credit retirements!

It pays to be a co-op member!

Please visit CassCountyElectric.com/capital-credits to see if you, family, or friends have capital credits waiting!

Cass County Electric Cooperative is excited to announce that it will be returning $1.75 million in capital credits to its members. $1.5 million will go to members who paid for electricity in 1998 and 54% of 1999. $145,952 was approved for estate payments for 2020. Additionally, $124,862 went to early retirements.

Cass County Electric Cooperative’s board of directors approved the retirement at its January 2021 meeting.

Cass County Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit organization, meaning we operate at cost, and any excess revenues, or margins, are returned to our members in the form of capital credits. Since our inception, Cass County Electric Cooperative has retired more than $24 million.

Active consumer-members: In March, capital credits earnings will be applied, but reflected on

your February billing statement.

Notification of the retirement is on your billing statement.

Inactive consumer-members: Generally, the cooperative will issue capital credit checks in March. However, if the retirement amounts are less than $5, consumermembers will not be issued a check.

Instead, the retirement amount will be posted to the member’s account, unless one of the following circumstances apply: • The member will not be receiving any future retirements from the cooperative.

• The current retirement amount plus any retirements from prior years have accumulated beyond the $5 threshold. In this case, the current retirement amount, along with the previously retired amounts, will be returned to the member as a check.

CassCountyElectric.com

How does the capital credit process work?

1. Cass County Electric Cooperative keeps track of how much electricity you buy and how much money you pay for it throughout the year.

2. At the end of the year, the cooperative completes financial matters and determines whether there are excess revenues, called margins.

3. Consumer-members receive a portion of the margins as capital credits based upon the amount of revenue each member contributed throughout the year.

4. When Cass County Electric Cooperative’s financial condition permits, your board of directors decides to retire, or pay, the capital credits for previous years.

5. The cooperative notifies you of how and when you’ll receive capital credit retirements.

March 2021 | Highline Notes 7

Have you heard the term BENEFICIAL ELECTRIFICATION? If you haven’t, that’s OK! It sounds complicated, but’s it’s actually quite simple: The more ways we can find to electrify our lives, the more we can save money and help the environment.

The ENVIRONMENT Electricity generation is becoming less carbon-intense every year, so switching from fuels to electricity to heat your home or power your car means fewer emissions into the air.

Using electricity to power elements of your life that currently might be energized otherwise – like home heating, water heating and transportation – is not only beneficial to you, but also to your co-op and all of society. It’s a winwin-win opportunity.

How can Cass County Electric Cooperative help you get started?

Who REALLY benefits?

You, the MEMBER You’ll save money by using low-cost, off-peak energy instead of hoping fuel prices don’t become volatile and skyrocket. Plus, electricity is simply more convenient and efficient.

Your COOPERATIVE More electricity use means utilities can better manage the electric grid, which means more resources to improve power lines, substations and other infrastructure.

Space heating An air-source heat pump (ASHP) allows the convenience of electricity without the volatility of sole reliance on fuel. An ASHP efficiently delivers warmth in the winter and comfort in the summer.

How you save: You can receive up to $1,200 in rebates by installing an ASHP on the offpeak program, which will keep you cozy at around half the standard electric rate.

Water heating Installing a high-capacity electric water heater is a safe, clean and easy way to benefit from electrification. Plus, it’s more efficient, as no heat is lost in a venting process.

8 Highline Notes | March 2021

CassCountyElectric.com

How you save: You can receive up to $700 in rebates by installing an electric water heater on the off-peak program, providing warm showers at about half the standard electric rate.

Transportation Driving an electric vehicle (EV) is the most fun way to benefit from electrification. EVs are zippy, environmentally friendly, incredibly low maintenance and much less expensive to power.

How you save: You can receive up to $500 in rebates by installing an EV charger on the off-peak program, letting you “fill the tank” for around half the standard electric rate.

There are many other ways you can reap the rewards of beneficial electrification, like installing automated smart home technology or electrifying a farm irrigation system. For more ideas about how to electrify your life, contact your energy experts at CassCountyElectric.com.

tech Plug it in. Power it up.

Suffering from snow blower rage? GO ELECTRIC! We all enjoy the vision of a blanket of white after a winter storm – but clearing your driveway and sidewalks can be downright aggravating. Whatever angers you most about snow removal, an electric snow blower is likely just the fix for your frustration.

It’s too loud!

Do you find yourself waiting to clear your driveway in the morning because you’re scared to wake the neighbors? Since electric snow blowers don’t have rumbling machinery, your a.m. chore won’t upset the family next door.

I hate the smell!

The scent of exhaust can linger on

your coat, scarf and gloves for longer than you’d like, especially if you have somewhere to be right after snow blowing. Electric snow blowers don’t emit exhaust or fumes, which is good for you and good for the environment.

The gas is a pain to store!

You not only have to worry about where and how to store your gaspowered snow blower’s fuel and oil, but you also have to worry about what is sitting unused in the tank.

With electric, you simply need an outlet to plug in or charge up.

It’s too bulky!

A lightweight electric blower or snow shovel is a perfect tool for

clearing the narrow corners of your deck. Try that with your standard gas-powered machine.

I can’t start the thing!

If you’ve never been a fan of unpredictable pull-cord ignition, an electric snow blower offers a super simple push button start that everyone in the family can use – and it works every time.

Check out your local hardware store to see all of the latest corded and battery-powered options. Models become more powerful every year, with some able to throw snow more than 35 feet or at 500 pounds per minute!

Electric Snow Tool Types Corded • Best for large areas • Pack the most power Cordless • Highly mobile • Great for small driveways and sidewalks Shovel • Simplest and most lightweight • Handy for decks and roofs

CassCountyElectric.com

March 2021 | Highline Notes 9

Save money with our off-peak program:

Off-Peak Electric Heat

When electric demand and market electricity prices are high, an off-peak device in the home automatically switches from an electric heat source to a backup source, such as propane or fuel oil.

In exchange, participating consumer-members receive discounted off-peak electric rates, which are competitive with fuel oil and propane. Our off-peak program is designed to reduce electric demand during peak times, saving you money. To learn how off-peak may work for you, please contact our energy management department at 701-356-4400 or energy@kwh.com.

INCENTIVES FOR NEW ELECTRIC HEAT INSTALLED ON OFF-PEAK: HEATING SYSTEMS

INCENTIVE

Baseboard heater, cove heater, forced-air furnace, hanging unit heater, plenum heater

$25/kW

Electric boiler, brick storage electric furnace, brick storage room unit, slab storage, electric cable

$45/kW

Air-source heat pump

$150/ton

Ground-source heat pump

$250/ton

~ There is a $1,200 max incentive for any combination of these systems per meter. To be eligible for incentives, all systems must have qualified backups, be new equipment, and be controlled on the cooperative’s offpeak program. Credits will be applied to the electric bill after a visit from a Cass County Electric Cooperative technician. These one-time incentives are in addition to the discounted off-peak electric rate. All incentives are subject to final approval from Cass County Electric Cooperative.

OFF-PEAK INFORMATION CassCountyElectric.com (Call for codes) | Free text messaging (Call 701-356-4523 to sign up)

OFF-PEAK REPLACEMENT CREDIT Cass County Electric Cooperative offers a $250 energy credit for members who are currently on off-peak and replace the backup system with propane or fuel oil. Limit one credit per account every five years. (Dual heat systems with natural gas do not qualify.

Systems with heat pumps without an electric plenum heater do not qualify.

Electric heat must remain as the primary heat source.)

NEW CONSTRUCTION ENERGY ANALYSIS We offer free heat loss estimates for new residential homes.

These estimates are based on a blueprint provided by the builder. The purpose of this evaluation is to provide an annual heating cost estimate of various systems to aid in choosing a heating system.

Heating cost comparisons are based on current costs of energy and average winter conditions. The information provided by our energy management team for your annual heating cost is an estimate and could vary with weather conditions, lifestyles and indoor conditions. We do not size heating equipment; the analysis we provide is for heating cost comparisons only.

10 Highline Notes | March 2021 CassCountyElectric.com

give back Giving Hearts Day

Through the years, Cass County Electric has been paving the way for community development. After all, our employees work here, play here, and live here.

Cass County Electric donated $6,000 to local nonprofit organizations on Giving Hearts Day! Cass County Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit and represents the diverse communities and members it serves. We believe in the cooperative difference and take pride in our concern for the community. It is part of our heritage and history to be active participants in our communities and to work to enhance the quality of life for all. No matter how great or small the act, we strengthen our community every time we give back. We take pride in powering our membership.

CassCountyElectric.com

March 2021 | Highline Notes 11

food

Gluten-free sweet treats

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

Recipes submitted by Leslie Matthews, Fargo

Banana Blueberry Muffins Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour (with Xanthan Gum) 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda ¼ tsp salt ½ cup sugar ½ cup butter, softened 2 eggs 2 Tbs milk ½ tsp vanilla 4-5 very ripe bananas, mashed 1 cup frozen unsweetened blueberries

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350° F. Prep muffin tins by lightly spraying with oil or lining with baking cups. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a separate bowl, using a mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Mix in the eggs, milk, vanilla, and bananas until well blended. Gently stir the frozen blueberries into the batter. Pour the batter into the muffin tins and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool and enjoy!

Pudding Cookies

GF Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

Ingredients

¾ cup butter 1 cup granulated sugar 1 egg, plus 1 yolk 1 tsp vanilla 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp kosher salt 1 packet instant vanilla pudding mix (3.5 ounce) 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour ½ cup sprinkles (optional)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine butter and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth (medium speed for 2 minutes). Add in the egg, vanilla, baking soda and salt. Mix until combined. Add the pudding mix and mix for 30 seconds on medium speed. Lower the speed and add the flour gradually and mix until combined. Add sprinkles if you choose and mix until incorporated evenly. Drop 2 tablespoons of dough approximately 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes until the cookies are almost set.

Allow to cool on the baking sheet for at least 3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda ¼ tsp salt 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter, softened 2 cups granulated sugar 2 eggs 2 tsp vanilla extract ½ cup chocolate chips ½ cup caramel squares chopped (chip size) Kosher salt or flake salt

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350° F. In a medium bowl, combine the GF flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well and set aside. Cream together the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time then the vanilla. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix well until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips and caramel pieces.

Drop by the tablespoon full about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet. Bake 9-10 minutes until cooked through.

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the salt. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

12 Highline Notes | February March 2021 CassCountyElectric.com 2021 CassCountyElectric.com

d

Farm equipment caused 16 outages to the CCEC system in 2020. Eleven other ag-related accidents caused equipment damage. There were also 22 dig-ins.

Power outages caused by damage to underground cables increase every spring.

Call 8-1-1 before you dig.

It’s easy, and it’s the law.

LOOK UP. LOOK OUT. LIVE.

safety Reap what you sow: Stay safe during planting season Long hours and fatigue are a constant battle for farmers during planting season. If you farm, remember to take care of yourself by getting as much rest as possible and allowing yourself breaks to clear your head.

Be especially aware of electrical hazards around the farm. Be cautious and think twice before acting around electricity. Cass County Electric offers farmers the following reminders: • If your machinery or vehicle comes in contact with a power line, do not get out. Once contact has been made with a live line (even when your tractor or truck makes contact), you are now a “pathway to ground” and you could get electrocuted if you step out. If a fire starts, remove loose clothing items, keep hands at your sides and jump clear away from the vehicle with your feet together. Keep both feet close together and shuffle away from

the vehicle without picking up your feet. If there is no necessary reason to leave the vehicle, stay where you are and call 9-1-1 to dispatch the appropriate utility to de-energize the power.

• If you come across an accident or incident near a downed power line, alert individuals (from a distance) to stay in the tractor or vehicle as long as there is no imminent danger. Do not approach the scene.

• When using machinery with long extensions or tall antennas and when using ladders, look up to avoid contact with overhead power lines.

• Even if there is no contact, an electrical current can jump or arc, so keep equipment at least 10 feet from surrounding power lines at all times.

• Remember, non-metallic materials (such as tree limbs, ropes and hay) can conduct electricity, depending on dampness and dust/dirt CassCountyElectric.com

accumulation.

• Visually inspect overhead lines.

If a wire is hanging low or is on the ground, consider it energized and stay at least 50 feet away; call 9-1-1 to have the operator dispatch Cass County Electric.

• Every day, map out where equipment will be moved to ensure it will clear power lines.

• When working in the vicinity of power lines, always use a spotter who has a broad vantage point.

• Train anyone working with or for you (including seasonal employees) to be aware of power line locations and teach them proper clearance distance. Also design and implement a safety training program that includes a review of electrical hazards and how to safely deal with power lines.

For more information on electrical safety, go to CassCountyElectric.com.

March 2021 | 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.

Tonya Neisen-Thronson, West Fargo

Cass County Electric Cooperative Mission: To serve our members’ energy needs with affordable and reliable electricity.

Cass County Electric Cooperative Values: Safety, Integrity, Innovation, Accountability, and Community 14 Highline Notes | March 2021 CassCountyElectric.com

o

ads

Decades of value

All ads must be 40 words or fewer and will be abbreviated following our guidelines. No real estate or commercial ads will be accepted. Ads are published for members at no charge as space permits on a first-received, first-printed basis. Ads are due by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Members may submit only one ad per issue. Editor reserves the right to edit or reject any ad. Email ads to: ccec@kwh.com.

For sale: 2018 GMC 1500 Sierra SLT (White), 1 owner, 6.2 Liter Engine, 88K mi, standard 6’ box, new - BF Goodrich KO2 tires, Tonneau cover, excellent condition, $35,995. 701-238-0817 1 like new tire, 235/70R16, mt. only on 16” rim, fits on a Ford Escape, $60. 701-361-5040 Blond entertainment center w/2 glass doors, 2 shelves inside, 42” w 71/2 D, 2’ H, $250/OBO. Inogen oxygen concentrator w/3 portable batteries, portable nebulizer for car, new bad, and nebulizer for the house, $2,000/OBO. 701-282-3280 1992 Lund Explorer 16’ boat w/ 40 horse Mercury tiller, HD tarp, depth finder, transom saver, splash guards, 3 swivel seats, Shorelander trailer w/bearing buddies, spare tire, $3,500. 701-799-4651 Dining room table, 4 chairs, selfstoring leaf, 3 years old, excellent condition, $300. 701-639-4746 2 sets factory chrome Dodge wheels 1 set (2016) other (2018), both look the same but 1 set has snow tires on them, will sell the set of 4 without tires for $250, & 4 w/ tires for $400. Oak dining table, chairs w/center leaves like new, $250/OBO. HD victorian style highend couch barely used, $300/OBO. Queen mattress & bed frame, 5 years old, very clean, hardly used, $150. 701-799-9999 (2) 1951 IH 1/2 ton pickup trucks, 1 in running condition, $1,800 for both/ OBO. 701-238-1530

Access tonneau cover fits Chevy 2014-18 crew cab 51/2’ box, like new, $200. 701-388-5286 42” x 20” dark wood cabinet w/ beveled glass doors, shelves on both sides, $50. After 6 pm. 701-7813407 Stihl chain-saw, 18” bar, model MS250C, gently used, $70.

Premium wood pellets, for wood chip stove, (40) 40-pound bags $1/ ea. 701-289-0260 Casio Cash Register, $30; Beautiful oak roll top desk, ex. cond., $800; JD 5 bottom plow, $150. Pics avail.

701-238-3337 Hankook Optimo H724 set of 4 tires 215-60-R16. Used 7 months/14k mi, on Camry until totaled, stored inside & in perfect cond., no cuts in sidewalls. $250/OBO. 701-353-9484 Ford F-150 2001, 180K mi, $2,600.

701-200-6028 3200 PSI cold water Karcher pressure washer, gasoline-powered, on wheels, $425. New Milwaukee electric skillsaw, in original box, new $110, selling $55. 701-793-9081 Paints, stains, varnishes (interior/ exterior), many colors, latex $5/gal, oil base $4/gal. Text 701-540-7929 Wanted: Baby grand piano must be in very good condition. 701-680-2668 30-55 gal metal burning barrel, without the lid. 701-289-0260 CassCountyElectric.com

Loaf of bread

1937... 7¢/loaf 2020... $2.46/loaf Increase... 63x

Electricity

1937... 5¢/kwh 2020... 11¢/kwh Increase... 2x

Affordable, reliable electricity is something you can count on as a cooperative member. While the cost of everyday items has increased, the cost of electricity has remained a powerful value.

March 2021 | Highline Notes 15

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CHANGE OF DATE

2021

ANNUAL

MEETING

June 24, 2021

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16 Highline Notes | March 2021 CassCountyElectric.com