May Highline Notes 2021

HIGHLINE notes The cooperative difference in action, page 4

May 2021

Meet the 2021 director candidates, page 6 North Dakota energy tour, page 8

May is Electrical Safety Month. To our lineworkers who face danger daily, it’s essential to watch out for each other.

Safety is always their number one goal – that’s why they brush up on their electrical safety skills with pole top training.

CassCountyElectric.com

May 2021 | Highline Notes 1

CCEC offices will be closed Monday, May 31, for Memorial Day

editorial 2021 Director Elections

Marshal Albright, Cass County Electric Cooperative president & CEO all the details. Eight candidates will be up for election, including the three incumbents currently serving in District 3, District 5 and At-large.

For more information on each candidate, see pages 6-7. If you cannot attend the annual meeting in person and would like to vote, you can contact the office at 701356-4400 or go to our website at CassCountyElectric.com to request an absentee ballot.

It is annual meeting time, an opportunity for members to engage in the cooperative’s operation by voting for directors to serve on the board. This year we have three districts with contested elections.

Our annual meeting will be held in-person on June 24, at the Delta

by Marriott; see the back cover for

Directors play an essential role in the governance of the cooperative.

The following is a list of duties that directors are required to fulfill.

• Hire, delegate, and appraise the CEO • Govern through policies and plans • Comply with director duties and standards of conduct • Provide direction through a strategic planning process • Authorize resources consistent with the strategic plan and the long-range financial plan

COOPERATION Among Cooperatives

INDEPENDENCE

CONTROL

MEMBERSHIP

It is your right and privilege as a member/owner of the cooperative to vote for your directors. We are living in uncertain and challenging times in the power industry, and voting for a director that supports your values is more important than ever as we chart our course into the future.

Autonomy and

Democratic MEMBER

Open and Voluntary

• Serve as a regulator (setting rates) • Provide monitoring and oversight of the cooperative • Demonstrate due diligence through board assessment • Recognize the impacts of regulatory and legislative issues on the cooperative • Actively participate in state and national associations to drive public policy that supports electric cooperatives • Engage co-op members to reach out to local, state, and federal elected officials who support the mission of electric cooperatives

MEMBERS’ ECONOMIC Participation

EDUCATION, Training, & Information

Concern for

COMMUNITY

CO-OPS ARE PEOPLE POWERED 2 Highline Notes | May 2021

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l

Highline Notes

Content in every issue

10 12 13 14 15 save

recipes

safety

Board meeting highlights March 2021 The Cass County Electric Board of Directors met in person on Mar. 30, 2021, and discussed the following topics: • Approved the March 2021 consent agenda of the regular board meeting consisting of minutes of the previous meeting, monthly department reports, director expense report, and the February Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA).

• President/CEO Marshal Albright gave the president’s report on legislative updates that are important to our industry, annual meeting planning updates, Minnkota and Square Butte annual meetings, and the Minnkota Manager’s Meeting.

• Received the February 2021 financial report.

• Moved to approve the revisions to Policy 314 – Appendix D – Purchased Power Adjustment.

• Received reports from the Credentials Committee, Minnkota, Square Butte, and NDAREC meetings.

• Received a presentation on a proposed time-of-day rate and agreed to move ahead with a pilot program.

• Received a report on the 2020 activities of Operation Round Up. • Moved to approve the March 2021 Capital Credit estate payments.

• Reviewed upcoming meetings and events.

programs

It’s time to power a small business comeback across America.

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

CCEC brings you Co-op Connections, a free member benefit program. Download the Co-op Connections app to find discounts from local and national merchants, pharmacy discounts, travel deals and more. #PowerOn

The next board meeting is scheduled for Tues., May 25, 2021.

ads

Volume 79, Number 5

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© 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 Cass County Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Information about the cooperative, articles of incorporation, bylaws and more can be found at CassCountyElectric.com.

May 2021 | Highline Notes 3

In the Family Wellness maintenance room, Ely Mercil chats with Chad Brousseau and Chris Erickson about how the VFDs impacted the energy consumption and how he’s starting to see the reflection on the bill.

The cooperative difference in action CCEC is #PROUDtoPOWER the YMCA & Family Wellness Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) operates as a not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative, meaning we operate at cost. Any excess revenues, or margins, are returned to our members in the form of capital credits. We are vastly invested in the communities we serve, giving time, money, and expertise to build local economies.

In fact, we have an entire team of business accounts professionals committed to helping our members save energy.

Why would we help members save when what we sell is energy? Being a member means you are part owner, and we want to provide you the best possible service at the best possible price. It pays to be a co-op member.

When we talk about benefits for businesses, energy efficiency is key.

Energy efficiency is one of the best tools for decreasing power costs.

Investing in energy efficiency can significantly benefit members, allowing them to spend less money on their power bills and focus on their mission.

“We want all of our member businesses to be successful. Suppose we can help them lower their energy costs by using energy wisely and efficiently. In that case, that can have a direct impact on their bottom

line,” said Chad Brousseau, CCEC business accounts executive. “We are here to serve as your trusted energy advisors.”

With more than 10 years of energy-savings experience, the vice president of buildings and grounds at the YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties, Ely Mercil, is no stranger to harnessing the benefits of energy-efficient tools and upgrades. Working at a not-for-profit community service organization, Mercil knows firsthand it’s hard to spend the money up front on upgrades—but when he shows the return on investment, it’s evident the change will be worth it.

“If you can save money every year by making a change and it lasts for many years, that makes a huge difference,” Mercil said. “It’s a nobrainer.”

The YMCA received funding for the LED lighting project pictured on the following page through the North Dakota State Energy Program.

Working together, Brousseau and Mercil conducted an energy audit and were able to find measurable energy-efficiency upgrades at Schlossman YMCA and Family Wellness (Mercil currently manages both facilities). The halting factor of executing these upgrades was cost.

4 Highline Notes | May 2021

CassCountyElectric.com

Businesses like the YMCA and Family Wellness find it essential to keep their operating costs down because it allows them to do more mission work in the community.

“Working with Cass County Electric has been very beneficial for me,” Mercil said with a smile on his face.

“I’ve been very impressed with Chad ever since I first met him. He’s always available when I have questions.”

Small change with big impact The YMCA embraces the hustle and bustle of energetic members utilizing their facility. But it’s harder to embrace the impact of a high energy bill – that’s where Brousseau stepped up. During an energy audit, Brousseau presented the potential energy savings the YMCA could employ if they use their generators during the summer.

Before this discussion, the YMCA only participated in CCEC’s demand response program during the winter season since their generator was not large enough to handle the cooling load. Brousseau explained if the YMCA could manage their summer demand and not overload the generator, the savings would be substantial, roughly $20,000 annually. Mercial set out making adjustments and adding controls to the current chillers to make the demand savings a reality.

Mercil’s long-term plan is to replace the second chiller (near its end of life) with an ice storage system.

Ice storage is a good fit for CCEC’s demand response program. It allows business members to use their chillers to make ice during the off-peak hours and receive offpeak rates, with additional energy savings from making ice during the overnight hours when air temps are cooler.

Mercil continued the streak of lowering the building’s energy load with an LED lighting retrofit.

Brousseau assisted the YMCA in applying for a grant through the State Energy Program, and they were awarded $50,000. The lighting project alone will save the YMCA roughly $12,700 annually.

Mercil is also exploring adding a future energy recovery unit to the YMCA’s ventilation system with initial savings estimates of ~ $7,000 annually.

The pool at Family Wellness generates big smiles on members’ faces, but it also generates a big energy bill. During the energy audit, Brousseau noticed the water valves were half closed. Mercil explained

the pumps were moving too much water in the pools so they kept the valves partially closed. Brousseau recommended installing a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) and slowing the motors down, which in turn would also reduce the demand and energy usage. Upgrades like this have a ripple effect. Not only will Mercil be saving 50% on the pump’s energy costs, but he also expects to save on chemicals used in the pool along with filter and water savings.

“It is rewarding to see an energysaving project come together and see it through from the initial planning stages to seeing the final result,” Brousseau said. “We are proud to empower our members and see the positive impact it can have on a member’s monthly electric statement.”

Members are at the heart of everything Cass County Electric does. As a member-owned electric cooperative, we are dedicated to helping you get the most out of your power. If your business has usage concerns or wants advice on where to begin with energy efficiency improvements, give our business accounts team a call at 701-356-4400.

Energy-saving projects Family Wellness VFD: Completed February 2021 Before: - Actual load - 12 kW - $8,000 annual operating cost for pool pumps After: - VFDs reduced load to 6 kW - $4,000 annual operating cost for pool pumps - 2-year payback

Schlossman YMCA lighting project:

Completed November 2020 State grant funding awarded - $53,160 Annual energy savings - $12,000

Schlossman YMCA chiller project:

Completed June 2020 - $20,000 estimated annual savings - Chiller is on load control the savings will result from participating in CCEC’s generator demand response program

Potential future projects:

Family Wellness - LED lighting in the pool area

Picture courtesy of YMCA. In the photo, the lights on the left are original and the lights on the right are the upgraded LEDs. You can see impact of higher lumens with less energy consumption.

CassCountyElectric.com

Schlossman YMCA - Energy recovery wheel for the air handlers - Future ice storage to replace the aging second chiller (additional demand response)

May 2021 | Highline Notes 5

District At-large District At-large District At-large District At-large

Doug Kalianoff I am a lifelong resident of North Dakota, a resident of Fargo, and a former farmer/rancher and farm equipment business owner. I was a director at BEK Communications Cooperative and served on the Broadband Association of ND for many years.

It is essential to be involved in making decisions that affect the well-being and the future of our community. I spent 45 years in a rural community and now in an urban neighborhood, which will help make decisions that affect both. I would appreciate your vote for the director at-large seat at the annual meeting or by absentee ballot voting.

Terry Kraft - Incumbent I have been a co-op member since 1984. As a business leader, I worked at Case New Holland and Swanson Health in an Engineering and Operations capacity.

I have had the privilege to serve as a director since October 2020. In May, I will complete the coursework and receive the Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate. This education provided insight regarding our complex distribution system, finances, power generation, and fiduciary duties.

As a director, I am committed to focusing on membership satisfaction, reliable power, competitive rates, and sound business decisions. I’m asking for your vote so I can help support these initiatives.

Barry Maring I’m at a point in my business career where I want to give back to the community by using my many years of restaurant and hotel experience and my CPA experience to continue the cooperative’s good work. We all pay electricity bills, whether in a business or at home, and for most places, it is the largest expense short of a mortgage payment.

Most strive for a lower carbon footprint, and as renewables become more efficient and available, we can rely on them more. Until then, let’s use our natural resources to maintain affordable and reliable electricity.

Michael McMahon My reason and purpose for becoming a director candidate to serve on the Cass County Electric board centers upon the cooperatives mission statement with emphasis on these keywords: “Reliable” and “Affordable” electric service. The achievement of this mission requires the retention of directors with substantial levels of experience, knowledge, and understanding of the electric utility industry.

I am knowledgeable and have skill sets developed over decades of hands-on rural electric employment. I would like to share my experience to help fulfill the cooperative’s mission. I would be pleased and honored to serve.

Marcy Svenningsen - Incumbent

District 1

Meet the 2021 director candidates

Members of the Cass County Electric Cooperative Board of Directors are elected to threeyear terms. All cooperative members have the opportunity to vote for directors either inperson at the annual meeting or by a mail-in absentee ballot. CassCountyElectric.com/AM2021

I believe that it is important to be an active participant in my community, not only in my occupations but using my abilities to serve others. My rural background and business experience give me a unique perspective that allows me to represent all the cooperative members proactively and fairly.

I am committed to dedicating the time necessary to be informed and educated about the issues facing the cooperative. I have appreciated the opportunity to serve as a director and humbly ask the members to allow me to continue to do so in the future.

6 Highline Notes | May 2021

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District 2

Douglas Anderson - Incumbent I am the current director for District 2. I am running unopposed and want to thank the membership for your support. I would like to take this opportunity to express my concerns about the future of our power supply. Currently, we are facing an attack on the coal industry. The Biden Administration’s plan to reduce or eliminate CO2 emissions from coal generation will increase our cost significantly. Your cooperative has an ownership stake in coal generation, and we need to push back on groups whose plans are to eliminate coal.

Members of these groups live in our service area and have a right to run for the board to advance their agenda. Be aware of board candidates with an antagonistic plan as they could seriously disrupt the board’s function and our cooperative’s financial health, affecting your pocketbooks significantly.

District 3

Sid Berg - Incumbent I have been your District 3 board member since 2003. I live near Colfax and provide leadership in our community. I served on the local school and park boards, city council, church council, and mayor. I served 20 years in the National Guard, as a director for Minnkota Power, and currently serve as Richland County Commissioner.

The biggest issue our industry faces today is our future power supply. We need to work together as a country to supply clean, affordable, and reliable electricity. With a commonsense vision, I am committed to providing insight to propel the cooperative’s future. I’m asking for your vote to be District 3 director.

District 3

Brian Gregor CCEC customers enjoy reliable, economically priced energy as the result of well-thoughtout strategic plans and policies developed by CCEC leadership over the years. New federal energy policies and regulations aimed at reducing fossil fuel use will create significant new challenges to continue providing reliable, cost-effective electrical power.

Serving on the board of directors is a challenging opportunity for me to leverage what I have learned during my engineering career to representing CCEC customers and stakeholder interests as strategic plans and policies are developed to ensure CCEC can continue to provide cost-effective electrical power.

District 5(1)

Sonja Kaye Our energy economy is changing rapidly. My personal experience with residential solar production, electricity usage, and electric vehicles got me excited to explore our cooperative’s operation. This led me to enroll at BSC in courses on power systems and their economics. I have learned that cooperatives have new technologies at their disposal. I am prepared to explore innovative options to benefit members. I believe in the cooperative business model, and that great ideas come from diverse perspectives (executives, employees, and member-owners) working together to solve problems. I hope to empower member-owners in understanding and participating in their electricity choices.

District 5(1)

Wendy Loucks - Incumbent Greetings to all our members. CCEC is an excellent company with dedicated employees engaged in distributing reliable, affordable electricity to you. Did you know CCEC has been ranked # 1 in its class four years in a row for its reliability? Together, we can make it happen again. Our future looks bright!

I have appreciated your trust in my ability to serve you in the past and ask that you reelect me for another term. Please vote at our annual meeting on June 24 or call the CCEC office (701-356-4400) to request an absentee ballot. Either way, don’t forget to vote!

CassCountyElectric.com

May 2021 | Highline Notes 7

Power Plant and Mine Tour July 14 & 15, 2021 Learn what it takes to make the lights come on when you flip the switch.

Making electricity is a fascinating business. We like to share the experience when possible because we believe it’s essential for our members to know how their homes and businesses are powered. Our power supplier, Minnkota Power Cooperative, provides tours of the Milton R. Young Station and the adjacent BNI coal mine near Center, ND. The tour will include an overview of power supply, presentation and tour at the Milton R. Young Station, and a tour of the adjacent BNI coal mine.

The tours involve frequent walking on uneven terrain and grating, plenty of stairs, as well as hot and loud environments. We recommend wearing layered casual clothing and sneakers.

Attendees will be provided with mandatory safety equipment, such as eye and hearing protection and a hard hat.

Contact Emily Thompson at 701.356.4400 to reserve your seat today—attendance is limited to 30. Included in the price are bus fare, snacks, all meals, and the hotel room. Your electric account will be billed either $100/single or $150/double when registering.

When calling with reservations, please have the following information ready: • Member’s first and last name • Guest’s first and last name • Double or King bed • Phone number • Email • Address • Mobility concerns • Food allergies

8 Highline Notes | May 2021

CassCountyElectric.com

Rate structure realignment The past few months we have communicated the need to adjust our electric rates to make them more equitable among members.

After careful consideration, the board of directors approved the adjustments. These adjustments will show up on this month’s bill reflecting April’s electric 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.

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.

The latest cost of service study indicates we currently do not

recover enough of our fixed costs 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.

Starting in May (April’s energy consumption), we increased the basic charge and reduced 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: This is 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

May 2021 | Highline Notes 9

Last year, CCEC members saved more than $14 million utilizing our off-peak programs!

energy

Small device = BIG savings for CCEC members

Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) strives to provide a personal touch to the way we do business. To achieve that goal, we developed our energy management programs (offpeak) in our members’ interest. We designed these programs to make your life easier, more comfortable, and affordable. Off-peak electric heating is one of the most efficient and economical ways to heat your home. Residential and commercial members alike endorse the programs because they understand that they provide members with the most value for their energy dollars.

The energy management program began as a way to manage power during peak seasonal need without building additional generation resources. CCEC views this program as a tool to keep rates stable by reducing or avoiding purchasing high-cost energy from the wholesale energy market when demand for electricity is peaking.

“Off-peak” is a term used to define loads that are controlled and “off” during “peak” times of electricity demand. The voluntary program allows the cooperative to temporarily interrupt service to a member’s participating loads during high demand or “peak” times - like electric heating, largecapacity water heaters, and electric vehicle charging - in exchange for a lower electric rate during “off-peak” times.

CCEC pioneered its energy management program in 1974 when the West Acres Mall – one of our larger members at that time – was warned by its fuel supplier that its heating needs might go unmet.

CCEC fulfilled their need and served 3 MW of heating to their electric boilers.

CCEC’s energy management umbrella includes: 1. Residential

10 Highline Notes | May 2021 CassCountyElectric.com

a. Small capacity water heaters b. Daily cycle load i. Large-capacity water heaters ii. Floor heat c. Dual heat d. Cooling/Air conditioning e. Electric vehicle charging 2. Commercial – generators 3. Agriculture a. Grain drying b. Irrigation An energy management computer at Minnkota Power Cooperative’s (CCEC’s wholesale power provider) headquarters is the brains of the system. It tracks the demand peaks, records when the peak times occur, and helps the control center operators determine the need for load control. When control is needed, the computer sends the control message via the power line.

This signal is read by individually programmed ripple or load control receivers at your home, farm, or business.

1

2

Home uses electric heat at lower offpeak rate under normal conditions.

High Market Prices

3

4

Available

Available

Electricity

Electricity

Electricity demand exceeds current power supply and economical energy purchases are not available.

When CCEC’s system reaches a high demand “peaking” condition, the electric heat is automatically turned off, and a ripple receiver activates an alternate heating source such as fuel oil or propane to keep your home at the preferred temperature.

If the system is sized and installed correctly, you will not even notice you are being controlled – the switching is seamless.

When members are controlled, CCEC avoids paying peak demand charges for that electricity. These savings are passed along to off-peak members through low off-peak heating rates, which are competitive against other sources.

CCEC’s energy management program has helped strengthen the grid’s reliability, saving members millions of dollars in the process.

Demand is a significant portion of CCEC’s power costs, so members who participate in the off-peak programs help shed demand during peak hours and provide tremendous savings for the wholesale power provider (Minnkota), the distribution co-op (CCEC), and the members. It is a win-win-win situation.

By temporarily controlling members who participate in the off-peak programs, members help the cooperative avoid building new power plants to meet peak electricity demand.

Home is automatically switched from electric to backup heating source. No change in comfort should be noticed between the two systems.

Today, CCEC has nearly 10,600 accounts involved in load management, allowing the cooperative to shed nearly 45 MW from its summer peak. That means, in the summer, when intermittent energy sources are not producing, CCEC can curtail almost 20% of its total summer peak. The winter capability is more substantial, with the ability to shed up to 100 MW or 40% of its load. In 2020, the total off-peak rate/credit savings to all members was $14,182,664.

To learn how off-peak may work for you, please contact our energy management department at 701356-4400 or energy@kwh.com.

Ripple control (Interrupts load.

Also a visual indicator)

Electric panel

Off-peak meter (Preferred location is outdoors next to the primary meter)

Junction box (Encloses current transformers (CTs) and relays)

Load control is used to avoid uneconomical energy purchases and maintain system reliability.

CassCountyElectric.com

May 2021 | Highline Notes 11

food

Keep your kitchen cool - it’s grilling season!

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

Grilled Parmesan Broccoli

Grilled Beef Tenderloin

Garlic Herb Sauce

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 pound broccoli crowns, large 2” florets 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 medium lemon, zested

4 beef fillet medallions, (6 to 8 ounces each) Olive oil 2 teaspoons kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Preparation

Heat an outdoor grill to medium heat (350°F). Whisk the lemon juice, oil, and salt together in a large bowl.

Add the broccoli and toss to combine.

Set aside at least 20 minutes, tossing occasionally. Drain the broccoli through a colander and return to the bowl. Sprinkle with the cheese and red pepper flakes and toss until the broccoli is thoroughly coated. Using tongs, place the broccoli on the grill in a single layer, leaving at least 1/2-inch space between pieces. Cover the grill and cook, flipping the broccoli every 2 1/2 minutes, until crisp-tender, about 10 minutes total. Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with the zest, and toss to combine.

A half-hour before cooking, remove the medallions from refrigerator. Prepare the grill with a medium-high heat fire (450°F). Brush meat lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. To get to medium, place medallions on the grill and cook, without moving, until nice grill marks appear, about 6 minutes.

Turn the medallions and continue to grill until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the medallions sideways registers about 130°F, about 5 to 6 minutes more. Set aside on a cutting board to rest for 5 minutes before serving. The temperature will raise a bit more while resting. Divide medallions among plates and drizzle with some of the sauce.

3 shallots, sliced 2 cloves garlic 1/4 cup white wine vinegar 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves 1/4 cup chopped chives 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Put the shallots, garlic, vinegar, and all the herbs in a food processor and pulse until herbs are minced. With the motor running slowly drizzle in the olive oil until you have a thick sauce. Season with salt and pepper and the sauce is ready to serve.

USDA grade shields USDA Prime

Young, well-fed cattle Broiling, grilling, and roasting Tender, juicy, flavorful Fine texture Abundant marbling

USDA Choice

From the loin and rib Braising, roasting, and simmering Tender, juicy, flavorful Course texture Some marbling

USDA Select

Lean and uniform Marinating, braising, and slow cooking Rough with less juiciness and flavor Coarse texture Sparse marbling

12 Highline Notes | May 2021 CassCountyElectric.com

Standard and Commercial grades of beef are frequently sold as ungraded or as store brand meat.

Utility, Cutter, and Canner grades of beef are seldom, if ever, sold at retail but are used instead to make processed products.

d safety Look up and live

Power lines are part of our landscape – most of the time we don’t even notice they are there. With the sun in your eyes, trees in your line of vision or your focus on something else, you may not see how close you are to power lines. However, failure to notice high-voltage power lines can be a deadly oversight.

Cass County Electric Cooperative encourages everyone to always remember to look up and around you. Follow these guidelines as you prepare to work on the farm or outdoor projects this year: • Always be aware of the location of power lines, particularly when

using long tools like ladders, pool skimmers, and pruning poles. Be sure to lower your long equipment when you are moving it. Carry ladders and other long items horizontally whenever possible.

• Be careful when working on or around your roof—installing rooftop antennas and satellite dishes, installing or cleaning gutters, or doing repair work.

Never go up on the roof in windy or bad weather.

• Be especially careful when working near power lines attached to your house. Keep equipment and yourself at least 10 feet from lines.

• Never trim trees near power lines—leave that to the professionals. Never use water or blower extensions

CassCountyElectric.com

to clean gutters near electric lines. Contact a professional maintenance contractor.

• Never climb trees near power lines. Even if the power lines are not touching the tree, they could come in contact when more weight is added to the branch.

• Never fly kites, remote control airplanes or balloons near power lines.

• If you get something stuck in a power line, call Cass County Electric Cooperative to get it.

• Don’t touch anything that may be touching a downed wire, such as a car.

• Keep children and pets away.

For more information on electrical safety, visit CassCountyElectric. com/safetyblog.

May 2021 | Highline Notes 13

Looking to the next generation

Turning rays to kWhs for 5 years!

Our 102-kW solar array, Prairie Sun Community Solar, consists of 324 photovoltaic solar panels with output available exclusively to CCEC members.

CCEC members can purchase the output of a half or full panel based on a depreciated schedule. The upfront cost of a half panel starts at $270 and $540. Twenty-four-month payment plans are available for both half and full-panel purchases.

The rated power output per solar panel(s) allotted to each member is divided by the entire array’s rated output. The output is then multiplied by the array’s total power production each month, resulting in each member’s monthly kWh credit. One full panel provides a credit of 10-45 kWh per month, meaning your credit will vary from month to month because of weather and time of year. Based on today’s electric rate, the average solar credit from one panel will be roughly $35 per year. Credits will be calculated based on the current electric rate, so if rates increase, your solar credit will, too.

CassCountyElectric.com/solar As of May 1, 2021, there are 72 panels available; reserve yours today!

Here are just a taste of our summer member events!

Visit our Facebook page or CassCountyElectric.com/ events for detailed event information!

Annual Bicycle Safety Rodeo Thursday, May 20 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM West Fargo Sports Arena North Parking Lot

Family Movie Night - Despicable Me Tuesday, June 8 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM Essentia Health Plaza @ The Lights

Family Fun Night - Camp Out Tuesday, June 15 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM Essentia Health Plaza @ The Lights

Superhero Night at the FM RedHawks Tuesday, June 22 at 7:00 PM Newman Outdoor Field

Lunch on the Lawn - Community Picnic Monday, July 12 from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Essentia Health Plaza @ The Lights

Beat the Heat - Frozen Treats Tuesday, July 13 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM Red River Valley Fair

14 Highline Notes | May 2021 CassCountyElectric.com

ads

Decades of value

Member market

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: Counter height butterfly style table w/storage below, 42”x54” expands to 42”x72” plus 6 chairs. Paid $1,295, priced $350/OBO. Leather butter color sofa, looks brand new, $275/ OBO. 701-866-5049

make offer. 3-point planter toolbar, 22.5’, 7”x7” tube, w/markers and assorted openers, hydraulic motors and hoses. 701-730-3638

Scoop A Second auger-PTO 45’x8”, $400. Mayrath auger PTO 50’x7”, $250. 9’ JD C C Cultivator, ground lift, steel wheels, $400. M-1H tractor grill, $45. Garbage dumpster w/lid, $75.

701-840-0538

5ct of 4 Michelin tires, 36k mi: LTX m/s P27s/65R18, $160/set of 4. 701200-5149

Savage 7mm Remington Mag Bolt action, left hand, model 116SS w/ Picatinny rail, like new cond., $500.

662-386-3286

Poulan Pro 42cc 18” chain saw, $95.

Electric lawn edger, $45. Homelite string trimmer, $35. Air-operated parts washer, $55. 217-549-7846

One pair 320/85 R38 tires, would replace 12.4 X 38, $350. One 8 X 24, $50. Two 16” implement wheels, one 5 ½” wide, & one 4” wide, $10/ea. 701282-8284

Boats w/trailers: Hobie Cat 2 man pontoon, $600. 16’ alum Mirrocraft fishing w/27 hp Mariner, $800.

18’ Astro bass boat w/150hp Mercury, needs work $1,200. 60’s 14’ speedboat w/35hp Sears, $600/ decent offers. 701-840-0138

2020 Tandem deck over flatbed trailer, 102” X 22’, ABU Monster ramps, 1,200 IB cap. 701-439-2024 Brand new genuine 3 pack General Electric-MWFA refrigerator replacement water filters, $75. Can’t use on new fridge. 701-566-4629 Craftsman Motorcycle Lift $50; Turkey Fryer $50; DeWalt Cordless tools (drill, sawsall, circular saw, right angle drill, flashlight) prices vary; Black & Decker 1/3 Sheet Pad Sander $5; Precision Garden Seeder $25; Electric Outdoor Tabletop Grill $20.

701-552-1015 Airplane T-hanger, to be moved,

Pound of ground beef 1937... 12¢ 2021... $3.97 Increase... 33x

275-gal heating oil fuel tank, used in good cond. $300. 701-238-8119

GE washer, all cycles include gentle, very good cond., $50. 701-781-5151

Oxyacetlyne cutting torch $50, Leeson 1.5 HP elec. motor $40, Black & Decker drill press $45; Towbar Hitch w/1 7/8 ball included $30; 1000 count 9” rebar ties $10; Folding grill table $15; 701-371-8111 2000 Keystone camper 32’, Sprinter model, $4900; new 36 lineal ft steel/ white vinyl fence, 5’, $425; multiple bikes, sz child-adult, $20 & up. 701793-9081 Wanted: Motorcycles & ATV’s, all makes, models & years. Any cond. 701-3617289 CassCountyElectric.com

Electricity

1937... 5¢/kwh 2021... 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.

May 2021 | Highline Notes 15

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800-248-3292 | CassCountyElectric.com 4100 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, ND 58104

2021 ANNUAL MEETING YOUR POWER - FOR LIFE

Thurs., June 24 • Delta by Marriott, Fargo VOTING INFORMATION All cooperative members have the opportunity to vote for directors either in-person or by a mail-in absentee ballot. Absentee voting opens May 1, 2021. Absentee ballots must be received at Vogel Law Firm by noon on Fri., June 18. If you prefer to receive an absentee ballot, please visit CassCountyElectric.com/AM2021 or call 701-356-4400.

AGENDA

PRIZES Attend for a chance to win a Traeger grill, LED TV, or a Yeti cooler.

Members must be present to win.

• Approve minutes

LEARN MORE Leading up to the annual meeting, you can submit questions and view addresses from the candidates. Quick links to the annual report, bylaw updates, and other noteworthy info is currently available for you to view at CassCountyElectric.com/AM2021.

• Financial report

16 Highline Notes | May 2021 CassCountyElectric.com

• Registration (5:00 PM) • Meal (5:30 PM) • Call to order (6:00 PM) • Board chair’s report • Establish quorum • Election of directors • President/CEO’s report • Old and new business • Open discussion • Adjournment