HIGHLINE notes November 2021
Reliable power for reliable packages, page 4 Value during volatility, page 6 Meet Director Hoff, page 8
Minnkota electrician Brandon Greene hangs leads at the Maple River distribution substation in preparation for CCEC’s connection.
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November 2021 | Highline Notes 1
CCEC offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 11 for Veterans Day and Thursday, Nov. 25 for Thanksgiving.
editorial
Energy costs are rising – Electricity price remains stable for CCEC members Marshal Albright, Cass County Electric Cooperative president & CEO
In North Dakota, the cost of energy matters. We use substantially more energy per capita than the average U.S citizen with our cold winters and long-distance travel. The cost of energy is increasing and will impact our membership. The information below compares energy prices one year ago, the current price, and the 2021/2022 winter forecast. Home heating Expect to see your home heating bills much higher this winter compared to previous winters. Natural gas prices are currently more than double the cost compared to this time last year. With energy demand high and production stable, natural gas prices are forecasted to remain high throughout the winter. Propane prices have more than doubled over last year. Fortunately, the cost of electricity from Cass County Electric will stay stable this winter. For members that have off-peak electric heat, this is excellent news! (source – Minnkota Power Cooperative spot market price check and www.tradingeconomics.com) Natural gas (wholesale price) Past - 12 months ago $2.5/MMBtu Current - Oct $6.275/MMBbtu Forecast - $5-6/ MMBtu (about double the cost of last year) Propane (retail price) Past - 12 months ago $1.09/gallon Current - Oct $1.79/gallon Winter Forecast - $1.75-2.00/gallon Off-peak electric heat Past - $.055/kWh Current - $.056/kWh Winter forecast - $.056/kWh Transportation fuels Global demand for transportation fuels is increasing, and production is lagging, causing inflated prices at the pump. Industry reports are indicating crude oil to reach $100/gallon. Inflated oil prices will directly affect the cost of goods and services in the U.S. (source: EIA.gov) Diesel fuel Past - 12 months ago $2.29/gallon Current - Oct $3.38/gallon Gasoline Past - 12 months ago $2.12/gallon Current - Oct $3.18/gallon 2 Highline Notes | November 2021
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Highline Notes
Content in every issue
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impact
safety
tech
recipes
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continued from page 2... Power generation fuels When the price of commodities increase, like natural gas has over the summer, so does the cost of electricity when generated by natural gas. Last year at this time, wholesale power market prices were under $0.02 kWh In early October, wholesale power market prices averaged $0.06/ kWh. Over this past summer, wholesale electricity prices were more than double compared to last year. Fortunately, Cass County Electric Cooperative and Minnkota Power Cooperative are not directly impacted by the natural gas price increases because most of our power supply comes from wind energy and coal-fired power generation. We recently had a coal plant off-line for scheduled maintenance, and Minnkota had to rely on market purchases to fill any generation shortfalls. When regional wind generation was low, market prices spiked to more than $0.10/kWh. The volatility of wholesale power markets has and will continue to increase as more baseload power is forced to go off-line. How will a higher price energy impact Cass County Electric Members? Members will have to spend more on energy to heat their homes and transportation, but the good news is that the price you pay for electricity is forecasted to remain stable. Because of high power market prices, members will likely see more use of our energy management program (off-peak heating, water heating, etc.) For members that use off-peak heating, expect more load control this winter.
Board meeting highlights September 2021 The Cass County Electric Board of Directors met in person on Sept. 28, 2021, and discussed the following topics: • Moved to approve the September 2021 consent agenda of the regular board meeting consisting of minutes, monthly department reports, director expense report, and the September Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA). • President/CEO Marshal Albright gave the president’s report reporting on updates from retreats and conferences attended. • Moved to approve the 2022-2024 labor agreement with the IBEW. • Received the August 2021 financial report. • Moved to approve a one-time 1.5% inflation adjustment for union and nonunion employees. • Moved to approve the early buyout on eight power-operated equipment leases. • Received a presentation from the executive vice president and general manager of NDAREC. • Moved to approve a residential time-ofuse rate pilot program. • Received a report from the operations and administration board committee. • Moved to approve revisions to 11 policies. • Moved to approve the September 2021 capital credit estate payments. • Reviewed upcoming meetings and events. • Moved to approve the voting and alternate delegates for the election of the NRECA Director from North Dakota. The next board meeting is scheduled for Tues., Nov. 30, 2021.
CassCountyElectric.com
Volume 79, Number 11
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. 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 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. November 2021 | Highline Notes 3
FAR1 Amazon Fulfillment Center general manager John Sabo explains how hundreds of racks in the facility will soon be filled with inbound and outbound products.
Reliable power for reliable packages Amazon Fulfillment Center becomes latest cooperative member in growing Fargo community Written by: Kaylee Cusack, Communications Specialist, Minnkota Power Cooperative Life has been moving fast for John Sabo this year. In July, he was brought onto the Amazon team molding the final features of the FAR1 Fulfillment Center under construction on the north side of Fargo, N.D. As the building’s new general manager, Sabo wrapped up his life and shipped himself to North Dakota as quickly as an Amazon Prime package. The speed of light is the typical pace of the multibillion-dollar business, and the design and execution of the massive facility certainly didn’t buck the trend. “If you think about what it takes to build a 1.1 million-square-foot facility seven feet above the floodplain, all in 12 months – it’s impressive,” Sabo said from his office inside the FAR1 facility. “Amazon has launched a significant number of buildings in the last 15 years, and we’ve become better at it. I am extremely happy with the way things have turned out.”
Fargo’s Amazon Fulfillment Center is the company’s way of providing enhanced service to its customer base in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. The facility will feed a supporting network of additional buildings in the region that run last-mile delivery to homes and businesses. “People in Fargo, much like people in Los Angeles, probably want something as fast as they can get it,” Sabo said. “So this is how we provide that.” To do big things, Amazon had to build big. FAR1, which began delivering packages in early October, boasts 7.8 million cubic feet of interior space and a 22-football-fieldsized footprint. The perimeter of the building contains 132 dock doors for inbound and outbound deliveries. To sustain all of the conveyors and robotics technology that brings shipments to the shelf and back again, 1.4 million feet of wiring winds throughout the facility.
4 Highline Notes | November 2021
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“It’s the biggest physical structure in the state right now, so the power demands are not insignificant,” Sabo said with a smile. Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) and Minnkota Power Cooperative were ready for this call for kilowatts. CCEC business accounts executive Chad Brousseau said an incredible amount of work was put in by the cooperative’s engineering team and line crews over the past year to prepare for their newest member-consumer. “These infrastructure upgrades will also benefit our existing members in the area, supporting our already strong reliability numbers and offering additional contingency options,” Brousseau said. Delivering power The Amazon facility is just the start of the industrial development expected north of Fargo and West Fargo. The FAR1 construction announcement served as an ideal launching point
for plans to design and build a new distribution substation in the shadow of Minnkota’s Maple River transmission substation, along with a new underground distribution feeder. The existing two distribution substations that deliver electricity to the area were becoming overwhelmed with recent growth, and the benefits of the boosted system will be multifold. “We needed the new Maple River substation for two reasons,” explained Minnkota engineering manager Kasey Borboa. “One was we needed to offload the existing substations, and to provide a backup source in case one of those substations ever went down. But it’s also for future load growth. The substation we’re building is plenty big enough for any additional industrial load that would come to that area.” Minnkota’s engineering department worked with CCEC on a series of studies to determine the transmission and transformer needs of the expanding north end of the metro. The analysis proved the need for the Maple River substation addition, and the team started design work in January 2021. The project progressed rapidly – it
was designed and constructed in approximately 10 months. “It was a quick turnaround. Our people answered the call and they did the work,” Borboa said, speaking to the talent and dedication of the engineers and field crews. “For them to put it all together, put it up and complete it is a huge, huge task.” Partnering for development When the Maple River substation was energized in mid-October, it became the latest of 10 substations electrifying the Fargo community. Many of those have been expanded in the past several years to match the expanding demand of the city – demand that will continue to evolve. “There’s a lot of additional growth expected in that area, beyond Amazon,” Borboa said. “We’re doing these projects to keep up with the growth rate and make sure that we have adequate capacity to serve our members and the loads they’re bringing on. The City of Fargo and Cass County have been doing a fantastic job of getting these companies to commit to come into the area.” “Any time a new business or an existing business expands in the
Fargo area, it’s a boost to the local economy and benefits the greater Fargo-Moorhead area,” CCEC’s Brousseau added. “Growth is also a good thing for the cooperative and for our members, helping to keep electric rates stable.” When the FAR1 facility ramps to a full employee headcount of 1,400 over the next few months, it will become the tenth largest employer in the Fargo area. Sabo knows that comes with a responsibility to the community. He has already met with the mayors of Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead to discuss the beneficial partnerships they can build, and he will soon check in with local university presidents to examine how Amazon can play a role in creating career paths for students. Although Sabo is thrilled to get Amazon packages to Upper Midwest doorsteps faster, his long-term goal is to deliver the full package of regional development. “When we think about what being a good community partner looks like, it’s not necessarily just absorbing labor from the local market,” he said. “It’s being able to provide opportunities and, ideally, help Fargo and West Fargo grow.”
Dozens of hydrogen fuel cell-powered lifts await the facility’s ramp up. They are equipped with smart harness technology that allows no movement unless the driver is properly harnessed.
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November 2021 | Highline Notes 5
YOU MAY NOT BE READY FOR WINTER... BUT YOUR HEATING SYSTEM SHOULD BE.
Value during volatility Minnkota and its members expect active off-peak load control season spurred by volatile energy markets Last winter, a polar vortex event sent energy market prices soaring. Fewer resources across the country were able to generate electricity in the historic cold, and demand was high for the few resources that that were generating enough to sell into the electric grid. Utilities are experiencing those high market prices again – but it’s not because of a single major weather event this time. It’s the climbing cost of natural gas. “Natural gas is one of those resources that typically help manage the variability in electricity generation, and we’re seeing prices that are significantly higher than what we’ve seen in the past 1015 years,” explained Todd Sailer, senior manager of power supply & resource planning for Minnkota Power Cooperative, Cass County Electric Cooperative’s power provider. “We’re seeing prices double and triple what they were last year, or even over the last couple of years.” While the energy markets soared for only 7-10 days in February 2021’s polar vortex, Sailer says this volatility could last throughout the
winter season, or longer. That’s good insight for cooperative members on the demand response – or off-peak – program, which allows the co-op to temporarily interrupt service to a participant’s off-peak loads (electric heating, large-capacity water heaters, electric vehicle chargers, etc.) in exchange for a lower electric rate. “The projection is that these high prices will likely drive our demand response more than we’ve seen in the past years,” Sailer said. Minnkota’s energy marketers are preparing for 200 hours of off-peak electric heating load control this winter, but Sailer says that could rise if natural gas prices continue to climb. He also notes that load control could be spread out over more days and not always coincide with major weather events. “If we have days of low intermittent resources in the region, like wind power, the expectation is that the markets will respond and you’ll see higher markets, which will result in more off-peak control,” he said. Ultimately, the cooperative will deploy off-peak load control
6 Highline Notes | November 2021
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when it needs to protect itself from buying high-price energy from the market. This system was established years ago to avoid building more generation facilities for peak need that only arises a few days out of the year. That, in turn, keeps rates low for consumers. By being a part of the off-peak load control program, consumers can also take advantage of an even lower electric rate without any disruption in comfort. As we enter the winter, Sailer urges those who are a part of the off-peak program to make sure they have adequate backup fuel supply and confirm that all parts of your heating system are running smoothly. The cooperative is tentatively scheduled to run its load control tests the week of December 13 (subject to change based upon the weather). “It’s not just natural gas – it’s propane, it’s all fuel sources that have seen an increase in cost. Which leads to people reliant on their off-peak system,” Sailer said. “Members should be making sure their system works.”
Save money with off-peak What is off-peak? When electric demand and market electricity prices are high, an offpeak device in the home automatically switches from an electric source to a backup fuel source. In exchange, participating members receive discounted 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 REPLACEMENT CREDIT Cass County Electric Cooperative offers a $250 energy credit for members who are currently on offpeak 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.
Our off-peak members save ~ $10 million annually by participating in the off-peak program. In addition, the off-peak program helps to shield the cooperative and its entire membership from purchasing power on the wholesale market, which can see extreme price swings during periods of high demand. Learn more: CassCountyElectric.com/Conservation-blog
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November 2021 | Highline Notes 7
Photo credit: Fatcat Studios
director
Kalvin Hoff District: District 8 (Horace)
to let others down. If I made a commitment, I do what it takes to fulfill it.
Hometown: Richardton, N.D.
What is your dream job? Being a technical advisor for Elon Musk. I’d love to hear the ideas he has that never see the light of day and the stuff he works on in secret.
Education: NDSU BS Electrical Engineering 2007
What advice have you received that was the most impactful? “Banks are full of money and they are dying to get rid of it.” From a friend - never let financing stop a dream.
Career/profession: Controls/Automation Engineer Years of service: Elected in 2019 (2 years)
What do you feel is the biggest strength of CCEC right now? No doubt the employees and culture.
Training completed: Credentialed Cooperative Director Describe yourself in three words: Driven. Problem Solver. What motivates you? Honoring my commitments. Whether it’s a work deadline or promise I made to my kids, I don’t want 8 Highline Notes | November 2021
What is your favorite part about being a CCEC director? Getting to be involved with the power industry and make an impact.
CassCountyElectric.com
CCEC DIRECTOR ELECTIONS
CO-OP YOUTH TOUR WIN AN ALL-INCLUSIVE TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
JUNE 19-24, 2022 If you are a Cass County Electric Cooperative member and are interested in becoming a director, contact Karen Egeberg at 701-356-4405 for a 2022 director election petition packet. Return petition to the cooperative by Jan. 5, 2022.
Please submit your essay
Directors up for election are currently serving in the following districts:
If chosen as a Youth Tour delegate,
addressing the following question: you will be traveling to Washington,
District 1 Marcy Svenningsen (I) Valley City
D.C., with the co-op representatives
District 6 Glenn Mitzel (I) West Fargo
from across North Dakota to
District 8 Kalvin Hoff (I) Fargo
Directors are elected by ballot for a threeyear term.
experience and learn about America’s rich history. What moment
Nominees in Districts 1, 6, and 8 must be bona fide residents of the director district in which they are seeking directorship. The board of directors recently revised director district boundaries, splitting District 5 into three separate districts, expanding District 4 and renumbering former District 6 to District 8. For more information on the district boundaries, please visit: CassCountyElectric.com. The names of all candidates who submit the required information in the time and manner specified in Article III, Section 3.6, of the bylaws will be forwarded to a Credentialing Committee. The Credentialing Committee may require candidates to provide and verify additional information deemed relevant. CCEC bylaws can be found at CassCountyElectric.com; a written copy is available upon request.
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in American history do you wish you had been a part of and what would you have contributed?
The quality of work is more important than the quantity. Submit entries by Dec. 1, 2021 at casscountyelectric.com/youthtour. • You must be a sophomore or junior in high school. • Your parent(s) or guardian(s) must be served by Cass County Electric. • Contact us at 701-356-4400 or ccec@kwh.com with questions. November 2021 | Highline Notes 9
save Deck the halls with LEDs
It’s a shame that holiday lighting can lead to higher energy bills, but the good news is there are strategies that can save you money without dampening your holiday spirit! One of the best ways to save energy is LED lights, which use about 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs. The amount of money you can save depends on a lot of factors, including your electric rate and how many hours your holiday lights are turned on. The reason incandescent bulbs are so inefficient is that 100% of their energy is heat, and the byproduct is light. LEDs, by contrast, convert virtually all their energy to light. This means up to 20 strings of LED lights can be linked together, whereas incandescent sets are typically limited to between three and five strings in a chain. The efficiency of LED lights also makes them safer because they generate so much less heat. Aside from their energy efficiency, LED lights can last longer—around 200,000 hours or more, which is about 25 times longer than incandescent lights. The bulb is more durable because it is made of an epoxy instead of glass. But not all LEDs are created equal. An LED that
is not designed properly can flicker, change color or draw power even when it’s turned off. To avoid these problems, purchase ENERGY STAR®-rated LEDs. To qualify for the ENERGY STAR rating, LED products must use 75% less energy than incandescent lighting and pass a number of additional tests. Innovative decorating ideas can make your display more dynamic and interesting, which might help you get by with fewer lights. For maximum effect with the smallest amount of energy use, try distributing the lighting across a broader space. In the spaces between light, add reflective ornaments and decorations to increase the effect of the lights and add interest. We hope these tips help raise your holiday spirits without giving you the budget blues in January! Estimated cost of electricity to light a 6-foot tree for 12 hours a day for 40 days Type of light
Cost
Incandescent C-9 lights
$10.00
LED C-9 lights
$0.27
Incandescent mini-lights
$2.74
LED mini-lights
$0.82
10 Highline Notes | November 2021 CassCountyElectric.com
impact Be a Santa to a Senior
Home Instead provides trustworthy, kindhearted, senior home care services in your or your loved one’s home. Their goal is to keep seniors living in the comfort of their own home while providing the highest quality home care services that fit the needs of any family. While Home Instead cares for seniors year-round, during the holidays, they give back to local seniors through Be a Santa to a Senior, which identifies seniors in our area that may be lonely or financially challenged and coordinates the purchase and delivery of a holiday gift. For the 2021 holiday season, Cass County Electric Cooperative is partnering with Home Instead to help make the holidays special for local
seniors that otherwise may not receive a gift.
gift requests are written on a Be a Santa to a Senior bulb.
Sheena Sando, the Fargo franchise owner of Home Instead, says the best part about Be a Santa to a Senior is delivering the gifts. One recipient said, “Why me? This has never happened to me. Thank you.”
Once again, Cass County Electric is partnering with Home Instead to help make the holidays special for local seniors that otherwise may not receive a gift.
Share your holiday cheer Home Instead partners with local nonprofit and community organizations to identify seniors who might not otherwise receive gifts this holiday season. The company then works with local businesses and retail stores to help facilitate the purchase and distribution of gifts by placing trees and ornaments within their various locations. Each senior’s
Here’s how you can help: • Visit Cass County Electric at 4100 32nd Ave S, Fargo • Remove a bulb with the senior’s gift request from the tree in lobby or a participating location after Nov. 23, 2021. • Purchase the requested gift(s) listed on the bulb. • Return the bulb and unwrapped gift in the designated box by Friday, Dec. 10, 2021.
CCEC employee, Andy Weiss gets in the Christmas spirit, helping wrap gifts.
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November 2021 | Highline Notes 11
safety
Shopping for a generator? Do a little homework first Generators are classified by how much power or watts they can produce. That wattage measurement is important because it determines how many devices you can power. According to Consumer Reports (CR), the typical home requires 5,000 watts to cover the basics. When considering which generator to buy, decide what you can’t live without when the power is out. Then add up the wattages to get an idea of how much power you will need. For example, a refrigerator typically takes 600 watts to run; a sump pump requires 750 to 1,500 watts; a portable heater can take 1,500 watts; and lights can require from 60 to 600 watts (depending on how many you power and the size of your home). Safe Electricity and Cass County Electric Cooperative offer background on four types of supplemental power sources: 1. Portable Generator Because these usually run on gasoline, they are extremely dangerous since they can produce carbon monoxide (CO). Because of that, never run these
indoors or in an enclosed space and always keep them at least 20 feet from your home when operating them. Additionally, do not use them in damp or wet conditions. Some newer models feature a built-in CO sensor that triggers an automatic shut-off feature if it detects CO buildup. Other advanced models are designed to emit less poisonous fumes; both of these safety features help to save lives. Prices range from $400 to $1,000. 2. Inverter Generator This type of generator has a more complex engine than its portable cousin. Because of that, inverter generators usually cost more than portable versions. They are much quieter than portable generators since they throttle up and down to match demand (instead of running at constant full power). They also boast more advanced exhaust systems, which also helps with noise levels. Inverter generators typically cost $500 to $4,000, and if you pick this kind of generator, you should follow the same safety precautions you would with a portable version. 3. Standby Generator This is the most expensive type
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of generator and models range from 5,000 to 20,000 watts. Standby generators are also the most convenient, since they are permanently mounted and they kick on automatically when the power goes out. They run on propane or natural gas and cost $3,000 to $6,000, not including installation. Installing them is definitely not something you can do yourself; they should be installed by an experienced electrician. 4. Portable Power Stations These stations don’t use gasoline or propane; instead they are powered by a battery that can be charged by electricity or by a solar panel. They cost more than traditional portable generators at $750 to $3,000. They are extremely quiet and they don’t produce fuel emissions so you can use them indoors. The downside is they don’t power as many appliances as portable generators and they don’t run for an extended period of time. For more information about electrical safety, visit CassCountElectric.com/ safetyblog.
tech
EERC, safe and reliable energy is their business
Image provided by: EERC Officially founded in 1951, the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) has been researching energy solutions for 70 years. In its long history, the EERC has undergone several transitions to become the organization it is today. Beginning as the Robertson Lignite Research Laboratory on the University of North Dakota (UND) campus under the U.S. Bureau of Mines, the EERC later became a U.S. Department of Energy federal energy technology center in 1977. During these periods, the EERC concentrated on local energy research and solutions, focusing on possible uses for the vast supply of lignite coal found in North Dakota, a topic that is still generating valuable findings at the EERC. After defederalization in 1983, the EERC joined the UND campus community. As the EERC reconnected with the university, it expanded its energy research and began building strong partnerships with government and industry leaders in- and outside of North Dakota. These relationships have furthered the EERC goal of
providing practical, pioneering approaches to energy and environmental challenges. Today, the EERC is internationally recognized as a developer of cleaner, more efficient energy, having partnered with more than 1,300 clients in 53 countries. The EERC employs a collaborative team of over 200 employees, including scientists, engineers, operations personnel, and support staff, all committed to addressing contemporary energy and environmental challenges with cutting-edge science. To remain at the forefront of innovation, the state-of-the-art facilities at the EERC are located on more than 15 acres of the UND campus, which includes seven different laboratory spaces (totaling 254,000 square feet), three city blocks of demonstration facilities, event spaces, meeting rooms, and four floors of office spaces. The EERC takes a total-systems approach, meaning the EERC takes an interest in research of all sources of energy. Some major initiatives from the EERC include
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groundbreaking research in clean air technologies (e.g., carbon capture, utilization, and storage), biomass, alternative fuels, hydrogen, and wind and solar power. Just a few of the projects the EERC collaborates on include the Plains CO2 Reduction Partnership, Project Tundra, and Red Trail Energy. These programs concentrate on developing safe, sustainable energy production practices that seek to reduce CO2 emissions and support a carbon-neutral future for North Dakota and the United States. Many of the initiatives under these projects are designed with commercial viability in mind; the new technologies developed are intended for widespread use across the oil and gas industry to improve operations and preserve the environment. At its core, the EERC practices a safe, ethical, engaged, effective, and professional approach to everything it does. The EERC team embraces the opportunity to make the world a better place as progressive leaders in energy and environmental research.
November 2021 | Highline Notes 13
food Ready for the holidays
Email recipes to ccec@kwh.com or mail to: Cass County Electric; Highline Notes, 4100 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, ND 58104
Nanna’s cheesy potatoes Ingredients
1 (32-ounce) cubed potatoes 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese 16 ounces sour cream 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup 1 cup butter, softened (2 sticks) 1 small onion, chopped 3 cups crushed corn flakes
Preparation
Grandma P’s holiday relish Ingredients
1 apple, cored and cubed 1 orange 1 bag cranberries 1.5 cups sugar
Preheat oven to 425°F. Pour potatoes into a greased 9x13” baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the cheese, sour cream, and soup. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the onion with one stick of butter and sauté for 5 minutes. Add to the soup mixture and spread over the potatoes in the dish. Arrange the crushed corn flakes over the potatoes and soup mixture. Melt the remaining stick of butter and pour evenly over the corn flakes—bake at 425°F for 1 hour.
Preparation
Grate peel of orange and set aside. Peel and discard white membrane—separate orange into sections and place half of the orange, cranberries, and apples in a food processor. Process until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a bowl, repeat with remaining oranges, cranberries, and apples. Stir in sugar and reserved orange peel.
Crockpot ham Ingredients
8-10 pound spiral ham 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted 1 cup brown sugar, packed 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices, drained - reserve juice 2 tablespoons honey 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Preparation
Coat inside of crockpot with non-stick cooking
spray. Place ham, cut side down, into the crockpot. Combine melted butter, brown sugar, honey, and cloves until paste forms. Cover ham with brown sugar mixture, gently pushing the mixture into ham. Add pineapple slices on top of the ham, secure with toothpicks if necessary. Pour reserved pineapple juice over ham. Add the lid to the crockpot; if the lid doesn’t fit, cover tightly with foil. Cook on low for 4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Baste with juice and let ham rest for 10 minutes before serving.
14 Highline Notes | November 2021 CassCountyElectric.com
d
ads 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.
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good. Kids pedal firetruck, new in box. 701-646-6159
Late 1940s Allis Chalmers narrow front w/snow blower attachment, runs & includes a cab & tire chains, $2,500. 701403-4935
GE washer/dryer, 3 yrs old, ex. cond., 600. 2-drawer nightstand, cherry, 1.5 yrs old, ex. cond., $50. 701-532-1654
Browning Maxus Auto 12 gauge, Winchester SX3 Auto Compact, 12-gauge, Smith & Wesson M&P 22lr. All in original boxes, call for price. 701-8404546 Stove, looks like a wood stove but is a gas furnace. Hood for 1953 Chevy. Windshield for 1963 T Bird still in the box. Small coal/wood burning stove. 701-552-2422 New w/o box DuPont reverse osmosis water cleaner, 3 gal, 3 new filters, never seen water, installation manuals, $50; 2005 Yamaha 600 FZ6, probably for parts $600. I make custom ATV plows to fit anything, $400; also metal fabricating. Possibly powder coated (better than paint) if small. 218-443-1030 Old fashion “deep” tub. 701-552-2422 610 Bobcat, new rear tires, grapple forks, no cab, make an offer. 200 chair covers, $200. 701-840-1094 Small square soybean straw bales. Exc., sewer banking or flower covering, $3 in-field, $4 picked up. Delivery avail. 701-238-2933 One row potato planter, very old. 40” wheels; Horse drawn plow. One bottom, 12” moldboards w/colter and seat. 3 wooden poles, 12” by 35’ very
Decades of value Sliced Baked Ham
1937... $0.39 per pound 2021... $6.49 per pound Increase... 60x
20+ blue & brown tarps, 20 x 30, $150/ OBO. 701-388-7696
96 hornet camper, 1 slide out & an awning 25’ fifth wheel hitch, $3,500/ OBO. Boflex max trainer m5 good cond. $150/OBO. 701-799-5927 Used wood all lengths & sizes, no nails. 701-320-7709 2 Grand Caravan type minivans, 1 Chrysler or Plymouth, high mi. but runs, $500/ea. DuPont reverse osmosis system, new, $50. Criterion meat slicer used once, $25. 218-443-1030 Tire sale, P225/60/16, Sure Trac Power Touring radial, half tread depth, can be mounted w/ white wall facing in & black out. all 4 tires, $99. Please call 701234-0204 TopPaw dog potty pads, $15/150, call between 10 & 6. 701-799-1090 Wanted: Do you have older home stereo equipment just taking up space? Looking for receivers, speakers, turntables, & amplifiers made in the 70s or 80s by: Pioneer, JBL, Sansui, Kenwood, etc. 701-541-7852 Older metal watering can. Text & leave message. 701-212-9518 Ford Fairlane Classic Car 1956 model, in great cond. 701-430-1531 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. November 2021 | Highline Notes 15
800-248-3292 | CassCountyElectric.com 4100 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, ND 58104
Did you know? The energy used to roast a 16-pound turkey in an electric oven will cost you around $1.38. That is one delicious bargain!
16 Highline Notes | November 2021 CassCountyElectric.com