March Highline Notes 2022

HIGHLINE notes March 2022

Members get the credit!

CCEC board of directors approves $3 million in capital credit retirements!

Learn more on page 2.

Proud to power - Marvin Windows - Making a clear difference, page 4 Your electric grid, page 7

How electricity gets to YOU, page 8

CassCountyElectric.com

March 2022 | Highline Notes 1

editorial Capital Credits

Marshal Albright, Cass County Electric Cooperative president & CEO

is a member-owned, not-forprofit organization, meaning we operate at cost for the benefit of our members.

Capital credits I am happy to report that $3 million in Capital Credits is going back to our members.

As a member-owner, you benefit from any excess revenues margins produced by the cooperative. At the beginning of every year, any (margins) of the prior year are proportionally allocated or assigned to your account as capital credits and later paid out in the form of capital credits. Your account will accumulate capital credits each year you are an active member based on the amount of electricity you purchased during the previous year (patronage).

Cass County Electric’s board of directors reviews company finances. When our financial condition permits, the board decides to retire (pay) capital credits to our members based on their allocated share. With higher than anticipated margins in 2021, the board approved the retirement of $3 million in Capital Credits.

At the January board meeting, Cass County Electric’s board of directors approved a $3 million general retirement or payout of capital credits to the members of the cooperative for the years 1999, 2000, and part of 2001. If you are an active member and were a member during those years, you would receive a credit on your bill.

Inactive or former members will Capital credits are currently be issued a check. retired using the FIFO (first-in, first-out) method, which means Cass County Electric Cooperative allocations for the oldest years are

paid out first. We are now around a 22-year payout schedule.

Power reliability In 2021, your power was on 99.991% of the time. Cass County Electric Cooperative is again in the top 10% of electric cooperatives in the nation for reliability.

Low-cost operations In 2021, the cooperative was in the top 10% of electric cooperatives nationally with the lowest total service cost, minus wholesale power. In 2021 we sold 1,308,482,319 kWh, and members saved over $19 million in power cost compared to the median of cooperatives our size by operating efficiently. The median price for cooperatives our size was at 3.69 cents per kWh, while CCEC was at 2.23 cents per kWh. Annual meeting On April 5, the cooperative will hold its annual meeting at the Delta by Marriot hotel with a meal starting at 5:30 p.m. At the meeting, you will learn more about the operation of the cooperative and our plans for the future. Our guest speaker will be Mac McLennan, CEO of Minnkota Power Cooperative.

CCEC offices will be closed Friday, April 15, for Easter.

2 Highline Notes | March 2022

CassCountyElectric.com

l

Highline Notes

Content in every issue

9

save

10 11 13 14 15

engage

safety

NATIONAL

AG DAY

March 22, 2022

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

tech

recipes

ads

BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS JANUARY 2022 The Cass County Electric board of directors met in person on Jan. 25, 2022, and discussed the following topics: • Moved to approve the January 2022 consent agenda of the regular board meeting consisting of minutes, monthly department reports, director expense report, and the December Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA).

• President/CEO Marshal Albright gave the president’s report reporting on updates from meetings and conferences attended.

• Received the 2021 year-end financial report.

• Moved to approve the payout of $3 million in capital credits which includes estate capital credits, early retirement of capital credits less than $500, and capital credits for the years 1999, 2000, and partial 2001.

• Moved to approve the transfer of 2021 nonoperating margins to the unallocated reserve account.

• Received reports from the directors who attended the NDAREC Annual Meeting.

• Received a report from the credentials committee meeting.

• Received the 2021 safety report and the 2022 safety training plans.

• Moved to adopt the Cass County Electric Foundation (Operation Round Up) Bylaws on redistricting.

• Moved to approve the January 2022 capital credit estate payments.

• Reviewed upcoming meetings and events.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

CassCountyElectric.com

Volume 80, Number 3

Communications: 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 2022. 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.

March 2022 | Highline Notes 3

Plant manager Dennis Quittschreiber explains how Marvin turns parts and panes into finished products.

Proud to power: Marvin Windows Making a clear difference As Marvin innovates and expands in Fargo, so does its power to strengthen the community Written by: Kaylee Cusack, Communications Specialist, Minnkota Power Cooperative Dennis Quittschreiber knows the people and parts of the Marvin West Fargo-South facility well. The plant manager is quick to personally greet the 250 employees who are on-site at any time, and he could probably point you to any sill, frame or plate of glass needed for the next Marvin door to roll down the line.

“We fabricate 100% of the units going out of here. We drill holes in them, route them, cut them,” Quittschreiber said, walking the aisles of the 200,000-square-foot plant, waving to a passing forklift operator. “Right now we’re building 400 door panels a day. That will jump up to probably 600 a day this fall.”

Marvin is flourishing, and that’s opening the door for more opportunities in Fargo. In January, the Warroad, Minn.-based window and door manufacturer announced it would expand operations in North Dakota with two new Fargo facilities totaling nearly 300,000 additional square feet of manufacturing and distribution space. The facilities, one of which will be served by Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC), are set to begin operation in spring of 2022.

“We needed the buildings to keep up with our growth,” explained Chris Barta, a Senior Director of Operations at Marvin. “When COVID hit, we expected orders to slow down and they did for a while, but then orders took off again and we’ve been busy ever since.”

4 Highline Notes | March 2022

CassCountyElectric.com

The new buildings will join six facilities already active in Fargo and West Fargo, adding more employment opportunities to the 1,700 positions that already exist – from production associates to engineers.

“We try really hard to help you, as an employee, figure out what you like to do and what you’re good at, and then get you into those roles and help you grow,” Barta said. “There are many, many stories of people growing and advancing with the company.”

Marvin, a fourth-generation familyowned company, has a history of putting its employees first. During the Great Recession, President Barack Obama used Marvin as an example of a company that dug

deep to avoid laying off even one person. “Everyone was supported and it makes me proud to tell that story, to say I’m a part of a company like that,” Barta said.

In addition to starting wages at $20 an hour and day-one benefits, Marvin employees also enjoy an award winning safe environment.

The West Fargo facility has earned the “Star Level” designation in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program, the highest safety achievement a company can receive from OSHA. A glance through Marvin West Fargo-South reveals large aerial dust collectors, robotic arms and window flippers to reduce manual lifting, automated conveyors at an ergonomic height and employees who have exceptional training on-site.

“The growth excites us, our involvement in the community, being able to offer great opportunities to folks – I think that’s huge,” Quittschreiber said. “But being able to work hard for our customers is also exciting.”

Power needs Marvin can’t power futures without a good supply of power itself. Its

assembly systems require a lot of energy to run smoothly, and CCEC is making sure the window for productivity is always open.

things, like our lighting. The lights out in our parking lot, our lights in our plants – we switched to all LED to reduce energy consumption.”

“With all the growth in the industrial park, and with the new Marvin facility nearby, we have invested significantly into the infrastructure here to try to maintain that reliability and increase that capacity,” said CCEC accounts executive Chad Brousseau.

Marvin has become a literal and figurative “bright spot” in the community. The company is active with the United Way, provides vocational opportunities for special needs adults (with Heartland Industries) and students (West Fargo High School), and offers internships for local colleges and universities.

“That is the key,” Barta added. “It all comes down to reliability.”

In the rare case of an outage, Marvin’s West Fargo locations are equipped with large backup generators that kick on within seconds. The generators are also on CCEC’s demand response program, which allows Marvin to switch to the generator’s power during peak electric demand. Each facility on the program saves approximately 25% on utility costs.

“In our relationship, somebody from Cass County Electric comes out monthly or quarterly to go over our energy usage and give us recommendations,” Quittschreiber said. “It’s pushed us to do different

“I love the involvement and the awareness we’re creating in the community,” Barta expressed.

“People often say, ‘It’s really cool, all Marvin is doing.’ That’s incredibly fun.”

“Marvin means a lot to Fargo and the community. It’s not just Marvin’s growth and how that directly impacts Cass County Electric and its membership, but it’s those 1,700 employees,” Brousseau said.

“They’re buying homes, they’re fueling that side of the economy, they’re supporting our local small businesses, restaurants, schools.

Seventeen hundred good-paying jobs is a big deal.”

Chris Barta references Marvin’s core values, the guiding force behind decision making, leading with “Do the right thing” and one of the reasons he’s proud to work at Marvin.

CassCountyElectric.com

March 2022 | Highline Notes 5

OFF-PEAK ELECTRIC HEAT What is off-peak? When electric demand and market electricity prices are high, an off-peak device in the home automatically switches from an electric source to a backup source, such as propane or fuel oil. In exchange, participating 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.)

6 Highline Notes | March 2022

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.

CassCountyElectric.com

YOUR ELECTRIC GRID A reliable and resilient electric grid is essential to our modern lives – even if we don’t think about it often. The electricity you use is generated, delivered and consumed almost instantaneously, and that means resources must be available to produce electricity every second, every day.

Your electric grid is unique to our region, ready to respond to any challenges that come its way. Cass County Electric Cooperative receives its energy from Minnkota Power Cooperative. The co-ops work together to make grid choices that create reliable and affordable electricity for your home, farm or business.

The backbone of the Minnkota grid is coal, a resilient resource that’s consistently energized and stable in extreme weather conditions.

As a part of the Minnkota system, (CO-OP) is connected to a diverse mix of energy resources.

Wind and solar are a growing part of our nation’s energy mix, but they are not positioned to meet the 24/7 demand for electricity. Although battery storage is improving, it is still many years away from large-scale deployment. 24/7 resources (like coal and natural gas) will be needed well into the future for grid reliability.

Minnkota’s generated power travels through a system of highvoltage power lines, substations and distribution lines before it makes its way to YOU!

Minnkota collaborates with grid neighbors to buy and sell excess power, keeping the entire grid balanced and dependable.

WANT TO SEE THE VIDEO?

Coal is just one piece of the power puzzle. About 42% of Minnkota’s generation capacity comes from carbon-free resources like wind and hydro.

CassCountyElectric.com

SCAN THIS CODE WITH YOUR PHONE!

March 2022 | Highline Notes 7

How electricity gets to YOU

Electricity doesn’t just happen – it must be generated, sent incredible distances, and then converted to flow safely to farms and communities. Cass County Electric Cooperative works hand-in-hand our wholesale power provider, Minnkota Power Cooperative, to deliver reliable energy at every point in the process. Take a look!

Service Area N O R T H DA KOTA M I N E S OTA

Service Area

Generation (Minnkota Power Cooperative) Minnkota produces electricity from a diverse mix of energy sources. Around 55% of its generation capacity is derived from coal at the Milton R. Young Station in Center, N.D. (near Bismarck). The remainder of Minnkota’s generated electricity comes from North Dakota wind turbines (34%), hydropower from Garrison Dam (8%) and other resources (3%).

Transmission (Minnkota Power Cooperative) Once the electricity is created at one of Minnkota’s generation facilities, it is sent through miles and miles of high-voltage transmission lines across North Dakota and Minnesota.

These lines branch out into multiple local service areas, like Cass County Electric Cooperative.

Distribution (Cass County Electric Cooperative) This is where your cooperative takes over. The high-voltage power from the transmission line is “stepped down” (or converted to a usable voltage) at a local distribution substation. From the substation, the electricity enters the distribution lines that are built and maintained by your cooperative team. These lines are the last path to your home or business.

8 Highline Notes | March 2022

CassCountyElectric.com

save

Furnace turning on and off frequently?

As a cooperative, we are owned by the members we serve, and we promote saving energy to help you save money!

Does your furnace turn on and off frequently? It’s a common problem known as “short cycling” that, if not corrected, can increase your energy bills and lead to costly furnace repairs. Here’s what may be causing your furnace to short cycle and what you can do about it.

Low airflow A dirty air filter or blocked or closed registers could be restricting airflow. If your filter becomes clogged, heat can build up on the furnace’s heat exchanger, causing it to overheat and shut off. Change your filter regularly according to manufacturer’s instructions. Also, check all registers to make sure they are open and unblocked by furniture, rugs or other obstructions.

Defective thermostat Your thermostat controls the heating system, so if your furnace keeps turning on and off, it might be the thermostat. A number of things could cause your thermostat

to malfunction. It could need new batteries, or it may have faulty wiring. If the thermostat is located near a heat source, such as direct sunlight or a register, that could be the problem.

If your thermostat uses batteries, replace them. If you suspect that faulty wiring or the location could be the problem, contact a qualified professional. Also, consider upgrading to a Wi-Fi programmable thermostat. These advanced models optimize savings and convenience and include smart features, such as remote control.

Oversized furnace A furnace that is too big for the space will likely short cycle. Why? The larger unit will heat the house too quickly then abruptly shut off. Once the temperature drops, the cycle is quickly repeated. One possible solution is to reduce the cycles per hour heat setting on an advanced thermostat (say, from five to three). The trade-off is wider

CassCountyElectric.com

temperature swings. Otherwise, you would have to replace your furnace with a new unit that’s properly sized for your home.

Contact a trusted, qualified installer and make sure your new furnace or heat pump is ENERGY STAR® certified. ENERGY STAR heating systems use less energy than standard units while providing the same level of comfort.

That’s not all There could be other issues causing your furnace to cycle on and off frequently. It could be defective fan limit switch, a corroded flame sensor or a poorly designed duct system. Problems such as these require the attention of a qualified HVAC professional.

To help prevent costly maintenance issues and ensure optimal performance, have your heating system cleaned and inspected at least once a year.

March 2022 | Highline Notes 9

B I NGO LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

EMAIL A RECIPE TO

CCEC@KWH.COM

PROGRAM THERMOSTAT TO 68° F IN WINTER AND 78° F IN THE SUMMER

SIGN UP FOR AUTOPAY

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

TAKE THE HOME ENERGY ADVENTURE ON OUR WEBSITE UNDER THE MEMBER INFO TAB

COMPLETE A SELF HOME ENERGY AUDIT

DOWNLOAD THE CASS COUNTY ELECTRIC MOBILE APP

SET FRIDGE TO 38° F

SWITCH YOUR MOST-USED LIGHT FIXTURES TO LEDS

SIGN UP FOR PAPERLESS BILLING

EMAIL A PHOTO OF NORTH DAKOTA TO

🌱🌱🌱

CCEC@KWH.COM

FREE

EMAIL A STORY IDEA TO

CCEC@KWH.COM

FIND YOUR LATEST ENERGY BILL AND LEARN HOW TO READ IT

EMAIL US WHY YOU YOUR CO-OP

❤

CCEC@KWH.COM

DOWNLOAD THE CO-OP CONNECTIONS MOBILE APP

LEAVE US A GOOGLE REVIEW

TEST SMOKE AND CO2 ALARMS

COMPARE YOUR ENERGY USE REPLACE FROM THIS YEAR FURNACE FILTER TO LAST WITH YOUR ONLINE ACCOUNT

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

PROGRAM THERMOSTAT TO ADJUST TEMPS WHILE YOU ARE AWAY

SET WATER HEATER TO 120° F

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Submit a “regular” BINGO card to ccec@kwh.com with your name and CCEC account number by March 31, 2022, for a chance to win great prizes!

10 Highline Notes | March 2022 CassCountyElectric.com

safety 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 Cooperative 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. Instead, stay where you are and call 9-1-1 to dispatch the appropriate utility to deenergize 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 accumulation.

• Visually inspect overhead lines, which may not meet height codes due to age or pole damage. 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 CCEC. • Every day, map out where CassCountyElectric.com

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.

• According to American Family Insurance, “know your PTO.” To stay safe when working with a power take off (PTO), always disengage the PTO, turn off the engine and remove keys before getting off the tractor.

Also, never step across a rotating power shaft.

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

March 2022 | Highline Notes 11

CAPITAL CREDITS TYPES OF UTILITIES

INVESTOR-OWNED MUNICIPAL COOPERATIVE Privately owned SYSTEMS Owned and operated by shareholders/ Owned by cities, by the people they investors counties, or states serve Operate for a profit 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

4

5

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.

Then, at the end of the fiscal year, the board of directors determines if there are excess revenues, called margins.

Next, the cooperative allocates those margins to members as capital credits based upon their electric bill.

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

HOW DO I RECEIVE MY CAPITAL CREDITS?

DATE

OR

Pay to the order of

CCEC Member

Amount here

03/15/22 $Amount

Cass County Electric Cooperative

CHECKS ISSUED: Inactive, former members

CREDIT ON BILL: Members with an active account

A minimum $5 capital credit amount must be met

$3

million

The Cass County Electric board of directors has approved the retirement of capital credits for the years 1999, 2000 and a portion of 2001 as well as estate and early retirement payments.

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.

12 Highline Notes | March 2022 CassCountyElectric.com

Grid operators, regulators, forecast reliability risks Energy transition represents challenges, opportunities The energy industry is in the midst of one of the most challenging and disruptive periods in its history.

As the pace of change continues to accelerate, grid regulators and operators are beginning to identify elevated electric reliability risks.

Rapidly changing energy mixes and extreme weather are among the biggest challenges to reliability according to the 2021 Long-Term Reliability Assessment released by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) in December. NERC identified significant reliability risks associated with more intermittent and distributed energy resources and inverterbased resources (IBR) such as wind, solar and battery storage systems.

“The shift to more and more IBR brings unique opportunities but also integration challenges that can and must be addressed to assure continued reliability,” the report concludes. “This is not an argument against the transition but a recognition that, without a collective focus, system reliability faces risk that is inconsistent with electric power’s essentiality to the continent’s economy as well as the health and safety of its population.”

NERC is charged with the security of the bulk power system and sets and enforces reliability standards for utilities. The organization also assesses trends, needs and remedies for grid reliability. It operates under the supervision of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The report finds most regions are projected to have sufficient capacity to meet annual peak demand under normal weather conditions, but extreme events, like a polar vortex or summer heat wave, can create shortfalls, which occurred in Texas in February 2021 and California in summer 2020.

“We begin to see at above about 30% renewable energy penetration significant stability issues in the grid and significant changes that need to be managed somehow,” said Brian Tulloh, MISO’s Executive Director of External Affairs, during the Midwest Energy Summit last summer in Fargo.

From an energy mix standpoint, potential near-term capacity shortfalls may be caused by the retirement of coal-based generation facilities with no ready replacement. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) region – where Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) and its wholesale power supplier Minnkota Power Cooperative operate – could lose 13 gigawatts (GW) of resource capacity from power plant retirements between 2021 and 2024. That’s enough electricity to power about 9.5 million homes.

“As you get up into the 50% range, those challenges become increasingly more expensive,” he added, emphasizing the importance of time and planning to reach these ambitious goals.

North Dakota Public Service Commission Chair Julie Fedorchak estimated the cost of this transition to be $500 billion or more.

“The retirement of these traditional resources also accelerates the change in resource mix and punctuates the urgency for implementing resource adequacy and energy sufficiency initiatives in the (MISO) area,” the report said.

MISO released its own Renewable Integration Impact Assessment in February 2021 and highlighted its preparation for an “unprecedented pace of change.” The report concludes that “significant challenges arise” as renewable penetration exceeds 30%.

CassCountyElectric.com

While there are challenges on the horizon, it shouldn’t discourage efforts to make our nation’s electric grid as environmentally responsible as possible. But there needs to be recognition that the energy transition must be approached with caution and common sense. Electricity remains essential to our everyday lives – powering homes, hospitals, schools and businesses. If mistakes are made during this transition, they can be extraordinarily difficult to reverse.

CCEC embraces an all-of-theabove energy strategy that includes coal, wind and hydro.

Working together with your offpeak program, these resources are essential to ensuring you receive reliable and cost-effective power – each and every day.

March 2022 | Highline Notes 13

recipes Don’cha know? Its hot dish time!

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

7-layer hot dish

Cavatini

Ingredients

1 bag (12 ounces) egg noodles, prepared 2 pounds hamburger, seasoned & browned 8 slices of Velveeta cheese 2 cups carrots, sliced 1 onion, ringed 1 green pepper, ringed 1 can of tomato or V8 juice (11.5 ounces) 1 small can of Spicy Hot V8 juice (5.5 ounces) ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon garlic salt Pepper to taste

Preparation

Layer noodles, cover with the cheese slices, onion, carrots, browned hamburger, and green peppers. Mix tomato juices, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings and pour over the mixture in a 9x13-inch pan. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes at 350° F.

Ingredients

1 ½ cup rotini noodles, prepared 1 ½ pounds hamburger, seasoned & browned 2, 6-ounce bags of mini pepperoni slices 8 ounces mozzarella cheese (1/2 bag), shredded 8 ounces pepperjack cheese (1/2 bag), shredded 1 green pepper, chopped 1 onion, chopped 1 large jar Ragu spaghetti sauce (24 ounces) Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Combine all ingredients, mix well, place in a two quart casserole dish, and bake uncovered for one hour at 350° F. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top for the last 10 minutes.

Corned beef hot dish

Spam hot dish

Tuna hot dish

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients

Preparation

Preparation

Preparation

6 ounces macaroni noodles, prepared 1, 12-ounce can corned beef, shredded ¼ pound Velveta, cubed ¾ cup milk 1 can cream of mushroom soup ½ cup onion, finely chopped Salt and pepper to taste Ruffles original potato chips Combine all ingredients, mix well, place in a two quart casserole dish, top with crushed original potato chips, and bake uncovered for one hour at 350° F.

2 ½ cups egg noodles, prepared 1 can Spam, cubed 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed ¾ cup milk 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 can corn, drained Salt and pepper to taste Combine all ingredients, mix well, place in a two quart casserole dish, and bake uncovered for 30 minutes at 350° F.

14 Highline Notes | March 2022 CassCountyElectric.com

½ bag (6 ounces) egg noodles, prepared 2, 5-ounce cans tuna in water, drained ½ cup Velveeta cheese, cubed 1 can cream of mushroom soup ½ cup onion, finely chopped ½ cup celery, finely chopped Salt and pepper to taste Ruffles original potato chips Combine all ingredients, mix well, place in a two quart casserole dish, add crushed chips, add a few dollops of butter and bake uncovered for 45 minutes at 350° F.

s

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: 4’ x 8’ manufactured walk-in storage shed, always kept indoors. Small airplane T-hanger, to be moved.

22.5’ 3-point planter toolbar, 7”x 7” tube, with markers & assorted openers, hydraulic motors & hoses.

All offers considered. 701-730-3638 Schwinn 420 BIO Fit Elliptical exercise machine, exc. cond., $175/ OBO. 701-388-5858 Best Home Furnishings Petite lift chair recliner; all steel mechanism, battery backup, adjustable lumbar support, less than 2 years old, like new, $450. 701-866-3737 Solid Oak, Roll Top Desk, exc. cond. very attractive desk, used very little, must sell, $500. Black entertainment center, $25. Call/text 701-238-3337 Twin size AeroBed with electric pump, incl. bag, separate mattress pad, set of light blue twin sheets (fitted, flat, pillowcase), pictures avail., $40. Fargo pickup. 701-290-2314

Meat grinder, Eberle#32 w/1 hp electric motor, installed on a custommade stand. $125. Pictures avail.

701-799-1114 2011 Lincoln MKZ. AWD. 41,000 mi. $23,500. 701-532-0537 45 NYPD Diecast vehicles. Different sizes and scales and different types of Police vehicles, with various paint schemes. $150.00. 701-799-7960 Homelite string trimmer (gas); Craftsman 12’ pole saw; Electric lawn edger; Electric pressure washer; Airoperated parts washer. 217-549-7846 Wanted: Older (60s, 70s, 80s) home stereo equipment. Looking for speakers, receivers, turntables, amplifiers, and tape decks from brands like Pioneer, Sansui, JBL, etc. Only looking for individual components, no console (all in one) units. Also looking for records & tapes from that era. Text photos or call 701-541-7852

Co-op Connections

Average Wages Per Year 1937... $1,780 2022... $51,480 Increase...29x

Electricity

1937... 5¢/kwh 2022... 11¢/kwh Increase...2x

Download the app today to start saving.

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.

CassCountyElectric.com

March 2022 | Highline Notes 15

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

2022 ANNUAL MEETING: PEOPLE BEHIND THE POWER Tuesday, April 5, 2022 5:00 Registration | 5:30 Meal Served | 6:00 Business Meeting Delta by Marriott, southwest entrance: 1635 42nd St SW, Fargo

Bring this page for express registration 16 Highline Notes | March 2022 CassCountyElectric.com