2023 June Highline Notes

HIGHLINE notes

June 2023

Co-op Contractors, page 6

Welcome apprentices, page 7

Milton R. Young Station provides resiliency to members, page 4

Annual Meeting update

At our annual meeting in April, the membership voted to retain directors Tom Seymour, District 5; Paul White, District 1; Terry Kraft, District At-large, and we welcome our new director for District 4, Stacey Ackerman, from Reilies Acres. Congratulations to all candidates for being elected to represent the membership as directors for the cooperative.

PURPA Hearing

In the December 2022 issue of the Highline Notes, we published the following notice of hearing for member comment. If you would like to submit comments, see the instructions below:

Pursuant to amendments included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (the “Act”) to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, 16 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq., as amended, the Board of Directors of Cass County Electric Cooperative Inc. (the “cooperative”) will hold a paper hearing on Monday, July 24,

2023, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at 3312 42nd Street South, Fargo, ND 58104, to consider the following two standards:

1) Whether the cooperative will

(i) promote the use of demand-response and demand flexibility practices by commercial, residential, and industrial consumers to reduce electricity consumption during periods of unusually high demand and

(ii) establish rate mechanisms for the timely recovery of the costs of promoting demandresponse and demand flexibility practices. 16 U.S.C. § 2621(d)(20).

2) Whether the cooperative will consider measures to promote greater electrification of the transportation sector, including establishing rates that

(i) promote affordable and equitable electric vehicle charging options for residential, commercial, and public electric vehicle charging infrastructure,

(ii) improve the customer experience associated with electric vehicle charging, including by reducing charging times for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles,

(iii) accelerate third-party investment in electric vehicle charging for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles, and

(iv) appropriately recover the marginal costs of delivering

electricity to electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. 16 U.S.C. § 2621(d)(21).

Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) already has policies that support the new PURPA standards being considered. CCEC staff welcomes the public’s comments and recommendations for the board’s consideration regarding improvements to the current CCEC policies for compliance with these new PURPA standards.

All members of the cooperative, the U.S. Secretary of Energy, and affected utilities and their customers may participate and submit comments for consideration of the board by delivering them to the cooperative at its address set forth below or on the cooperative’s website at CassCountyElectric.com/ purpa-2023 by the close of business on June 9, 2023 a statement detailing their position relative to the adoption of one or both of the standards and their response to the written position of the cooperative staff relative to all of the standards. The procedural rules and other information relating to the proceedings and how to participate may be obtained on the cooperative’s website at CassCountyElectric. com/purpa-2023 or through a written request mailed to the following address:

Paul White, Board Secretary, Cass County Electric Cooperative Attn: PURPA Proceedings

3312 42nd St S, Suite 200 Fargo ND 58104.

Marshal Albright, Cass County Electric Cooperative president & CEO

Content in every issue

save tech recipes safety impact ads

13 14 15 12 11

BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS APRIL 2023

The CCEC board of directors met in person on April 25, 2023, and discussed the following:

• The board held its annual reorganization meeting with the following officers elected:

- Board Chair, Glenn Mitzel

- Vice Chair, Terry Kraft

- Secretary, Paul White

- Treasurer, Kalvin Hoff

• The board welcomed the newly elected District 4 director, Stacey Ackerman.

• Approved the April 2023 consent agenda of the regular board meeting consisting of minutes, monthly department reports, director expense report, the March purchased power adjustment (PPA), and the annual report on disaster recovery.

• President/CEO Marshal Albright gave the president’s report, providing updates from the annual employee informational meetings, PURPA compliance, and meetings and conferences attended.

• Received the first quarter 2023 financial report.

• Received reports from the Minnkota board, member, and annual meetings.

• Received a report from the Square Butte board meeting.

• Received a report from the NDAREC board meeting.

• Reported on the 85th annual meeting held on April 18, 2023.

• Moved to approve the April 2023 capital credit estate payments.

• Reviewed upcoming meetings and events.

The next board meeting is Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

Highline Notes

Volume 81, Number 6

Communications:

Jocelyn Lura Hovland

Kaitlyn Hartman

Printer: Forum Communications

Printing

Board of Directors:

Paul White

Douglas Anderson

Sid Berg

Stacey Ackerman

Tom Seymour

Glenn Mitzel

Wendy Loucks

Kalvin Hoff

Terry Kraft

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 2023. 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.

CALL BEFORE YOU DIG. IT’S THE LAW.

MILTON R. YOUNG STATION PROVIDES RESILIENCY TO MEMBERS

Coal-based power plant is a key resource when extreme weather strikes

By Emily Windjue

What makes the Young Station so resilient?

Weatherization of major components

North Dakotans know how to prepare for extreme weather. All of the Young Station’s major components are covered, insulated and weatherized to ensure they can operate in extreme cold or heat.

Environmental protection

Just as the Young Station must produce power reliably, it must also meet environmental compliance every step of the way. Systems needed to protect the land, air and water are all designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Mine-mouth generation

The Milton R. Young Station is a mine-mouth power plant, which means that the coal mine is located adjacent to the power plant. Hauler trucks capable of carrying 240 tons of coal make the short trip to the Young Station. With no need for trains or pipelines, the plant receives fuel consistently without transportation issues.

Prudent maintenance

The Young Station is wellmaintained, which ensures it is able to operate for the majority of the hours each year and is consistently available to produce power more than 90% of the time.

On-site fuel supply

Minnkota is able to store up to three weeks of coal supply on-site at the Young Station, which makes the facility resistant to weatherinduced failure. Even in major blizzard events, the plant is able to operate dependably.

Commitment of employees

The Young Station has employees on-site 24 hours per day to operate and monitor the generation of power, environmental control technologies and related cyber assets. Personnel are trained and ready to respond to numerous system issues.

Co-op Contractors

The work doesn’t end for an electric utility once the power lines are in the air or underground. With a 10-county service area, nearly 6,000 miles of line, and more than 57,000 accounts, installing, maintaining, and keeping the power running takes a massive effort. CCEC augments its workforce with contractors to help with some of the heavy lifting to make it happen.

The companies below provide crucial services that aid our maintenance efforts. If you see them out in the field, there’s a chance they’re helping us keep the power on for you. If you have a question about our contractors or the work they perform, call our office at 701-356-4400.

UNDERGROUND WORK: The removal, repair, and installation of underground electric distribution lines

LOCATING: Assists with 811 locates

• ACE Utility Services

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT: Keeps tree limbs clear of power lines to prevent fires and power outages

• Carr’s Tree Service

YARD RESTORATION: Restoring impacted member property

• Red River Services

• Jack Martin Engineering

YARD LIGHTS: Conducts light maintenance and replacements

• Dakota Hills Electric

POLE TESTING: Aged, damaged, or unsuitable poles are marked for replacement

• Utility Inspection Services

GENERAL MAINTENANCE: Painting, leveling transformers, and minor restorations

• Jack Martin Engineering

- New Heights -

A journeyman lineworker’s job is more than poles and power lines. Our apprenticeship training program prepares apprentices for all aspects of this exciting and gratifying career. Cass County Electric Cooperative’s Lineworker Apprenticeship Program offers on-the-job experiences while an apprentice lineworker learns about the occupation and industry. The apprentice program consists of logging 8,000 hours of hands-on training under the supervision of a journeyman lineworker as well as 150 hours of related technical instructional study. Cass County Electric welcomes this year’s seasonal apprentice lineworkers.

Seasonal Journeyman Lineworker - Kindred

Easton Ogren

Seasonal Apprentice Lineworker - Fargo

Braxtyn Schmalz Seasonal Apprentice Lineworker - Arthur

Adam Solum

Seasonal Apprentice Lineworker - Maintenance

Levi Johnson Seasonal Apprentice Lineworker - Valley City

Braden Legrand

Chill Your Bill

7 tips to save energy in the summer

Most people expect higher energy costs in the summer. We crank up the air conditioning to get out of the heat; the kids are home from school and spend all day on their electronics; and, when you finally convince them to play outside, you find yourself washing extra loads of bathing suits, beach towels, and muddy clothes. The warm weather comes with a price. But, with a little preparation, you can manage your energy use wisely and cut down on your bill. We’ve shared seven tips that will help you use less energy in the summer and save you valuable money on your utilities.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Ceiling Fan

Use your fan to your advantage. Make sure it’s spinning in the correct direction (usually counterclockwise) to create a downward draft. Fans cool people not rooms.

Close Blinds

During the warmest hours of the day, close your window blinds. This keeps the cool air from escaping and the hot air from entering.

Wash With Cold Water

Washing laundry is one of the biggest energy users we have around the house. Wash your clothes in cold water to avoid using energy to heat the water for the machine.

Relax and Unplug

That charger you left plugged in that is not charging anything sucks your energy away. To ease your mind on your next energy bill, simply unplug those chargers that are not in use.

Optimize Thermostat Setting

Keep your thermostat set as high as possible when you’re away. Adjusting your thermostat 10 to 15 degrees – or up to 78 degrees for eight hours during the work day – could save you up to 10 % on your cooling bills. Small changes can save you money. If you don’t already have one, get a smart thermostat that you can control from your phone.

Upgrade Appliances Like AC

If you are ready to take your energy savings to the next level, upgrade to an Energy Star certified air conditioning system. They are 15 % more efficient than other models. If you can’t afford to upgrade your air conditioning system, make sure your current model is clean and running at its best.

Go Low Flow

• 102-kW solar array DC rating

• The land is leased from the City of Fargo

• Prairie Restorations planted lowgrowing natural prairie grass around the arrays that requires minimal maintenance and provides a natural habitat for wildlife

• 324 panels total, divided into three separate arrays of 108 panels

• Panels are 315 watts each.

• Optimal 40-degree array angle for peak production in northern latitudes

• The first community solar project in North Dakota, completed in 2016

• 250/324 panels leased

program

Prairie Sun Community Solar

Do you like the idea of using solar panels for energy but aren’t interested in putting them on your home? Participate in Cass County Electric Cooperative’s (CCEC) Prairie Sun Community Solar project to receive the benefits of a solar panel without the installation or maintenance. Community solar is an affordable, low-risk way for members to benefit from solar energy without the hassles of designing, permitting, installing, maintaining, and insuring your own photovoltaic solar array.

Prairie Sun Community Solar is a 102-kW solar array CCEC established in Fargo, North Dakota, in 2016. It consists of 324 solar panels owned by CCEC.

These panels are available to lease by CCEC members.

Energy from the array is distributed back to the electrical grid by CCEC distribution lines. The panel lease is paid for upfront, and the energy credit produced by the panel is reflected on a member’s monthly bill. The upfront cost of a panel is on a sliding scale based on the project’s anticipated expiration date. Members generally see a credit of around $35 a year. Monthly credits are calculated based on the current electric rate; this means that if electric rates increase, so will the monthly credit. For current pricing, contact Cass County Electric Cooperative.

Prairie Sun Community Solar benefits you and the environment by reducing overall fossil-fuel consumption. Since the installation of the panels in 2016, they have produced over 898.7 MWh of electricity. That’s enough energy to power 6,913 computers for one year! It has also created a carbon offset of 1,231 metric tons. The Prairie Sun Community Solar program is just one of many ways CCEC is dedicated to providing energy options to its members.

If you think Prairie Sun Community Solar would be a good fit for your energy needs, contact Cass County Electric at 701-356-4400 or email info@kwh.com. Learn more at CassCountyElectric.com/solar.

CHARGE UP with homegrown North Dakota energy.

2017

• Developed an EV rate for members charging on CCEC’s off-peak program.

• Instituted a program providing incentives for Level 2 chargers installed on CCEC’s offpeak program.

2018

• Acquired an all-electric Chevy Bolt.

• Acquired an Outlander PHEV.

• Installed Level 2 charger at the CCEC Corporate Services Center.

• Hosted Fargo’s first community Drive EV event.

2020

• Installed DC fast charger at the FM Convention & Visitors Bureau.

• Installed DC fast charger at West Acres Shopping Center.

• Installed DC fast charger at Hornbacher’s Gateway West.

2022

• Instituted a pilot project for time-of-day rate.

• Acquired an all-electric Ford Lightning.

• Installed two Level 2 chargers in the Fargo warehouse.

• Installed Level 2 charger in CCEC’s Kindred warehouse.

• Installed a Level 2 charger at West Acres Shopping Center.

• Installed a Level 2 charger at Sanford Medical Center.

2019

• Made a donation to West Fargo Public Schools for North Dakota’s first all-electric school bus.

• Donated to Fargo Police Department & Fargo Parks for an all-electric motorcycle to patrol parks and recreational areas.

2021

• Installed a Level 2 charger at the Cass County Electric Member Services Center.

2023

• Installed Level 2 charging stations at CCEC’s Valley City, Arthur, and Lisbon service centers.

• Ordered a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV for a fleet vehicle replacement.

• Save the date for our community EV event on Aug. 24, 2023. More details to come.

EVs are an economical way to power your ride - saving you up to five times the amount of traditional cars, depending on local fuel costs. Take advantage of off-peak charging rates offered by CCEC to pocket even more savings! Scan the code to learn more about our EV program!

Check out our Pinterest page for more member recipes!

Red sauce

Ingredients:

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

6 large or 8 small garlic cloves, minced

1 - 28 ounce can tomato purée

1 - 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes

2-3 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1-2 Tablespoons sugar (to start with)

Salt and pepper

2 Tablespoons cornstarch (optional)

Preparation:

Combine olive oil, pepper flakes, and garlic in a large pot or Dutch oven on low heat for five minutes. This infuses the flavors to the oil and is key to this sauce’s bold flavor. Add the tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper to the pot. Whisk until the oil is completely incorporated (this takes some muscle and a bit of time) making sure that it doesn’t separate.

Pasta bake with creamy red sauce

Ingredients:

1 package fettuccine

1 small onion, diced

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 pound ground Italian sausage (sweet, hot or whatever)

Salt and pepper

6 cups red sauce

1 cup heavy cream

1 container ricotta cheese

1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese (in a log or ball)

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

3 Tablespoons Italian seasoning

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 400° F and spray a 9x13” baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions.

3. While noodles are boiling, combine onion, garlic, and sausage in a skillet. Cook over medium heat until sausage is browned. Salt and pepper to taste.

Submitted by: JoDee Devaney

Turn the heat up and bring the sauce to a boil. Then drop it back down to low, cover, and simmer for one hour. Let the flavors develop, and then taste, taste, taste! Adjust the vinegar, red pepper, sugar, and salt and pepper to your liking.

This is my go-to red sauce for pasta, pizza, meatball subs, or anything you like a good red sauce with. If you like your sauce a little thicker like a marinara or pizza sauce, you can make a slurry with the cornstarch and a little water and add it to the sauce at the end. This will thicken it like magic.

Remove from heat and let cool. Store in mason jars or freezer bags for later use. If you double this recipe, it will yield 3-quart jars. You should probably just go ahead and plan to do a double batch and do your future self a favor.

4. Warm your red sauce and add cream (OMG so so yum).

5. Drain pasta and grab your baking dish.

6. It’s time to start layering your lazy man’s lasagna:

- 1/3 of the red (cream) sauce

- 1/3 of the cooked fettuccine

- 1/3 of the sausage mixture

- 1/3 of the ricotta (just plop on with a spoon)

- 1/3 of the mozzarella (if pre-sliced - if not, slice and layer)

- Sprinkle on Parmesan

- 1 Tablespoons Italian seasoning

7. Repeat two more times.

8. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Take off the foil and bake for 5-10 more minutes until the cheese is browning and the pan is bubbling.

9. Now for the hard part. Let it rest and cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving with chunks of garlic bread to soak up all that saucy goodness.

Know the APWA Color Code

WHITE: Proposed excavation

PINK: Temporary survey markings

RED: Electric power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables

YELLOW: Gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or gaseous materials

ORANGE: Communication, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit

BLUE: Potable water

PURPLE: Reclaimed water, irrigation and slurry lines

GREEN: Sewer and drain lines

safety

Let the digging begin!

Power outages caused by damage to underground cables increase in the spring and summer. Call 8-1-1 before you dig. It’s easy, and it’s the law.

Forty-nine percent of Cass County Electric Cooperative’s 5,685 miles of power lines are buried underground. Though these lines are safe from high winds and accidental vehicle damage, they are susceptible to another threat every spring. Once the ground thaws, landscaping and construction projects take off and so do accidental dig-ins to underground power lines. Outdoor projects can cause big problems if you do not plan ahead.

Digging into power lines can cause outages for the whole neighborhood; it also can be

extremely dangerous and lifethreatening. It’s not just buried power lines that you have to worry about, either. Water, sewer, gas, and telecommunications equipment are often right underfoot. Luckily, there’s an easy process to keep you safe.

Two days before you work, visit ndonecall.com or call 8-1-1. You’ll provide details about the work you’re doing and ND One Call will alert the appropriate utility companies. Once a request is made, the companies have 48 hours to mark the locations of buried equipment. The paint or flags they leave behind will be

your guide to safety.

Safety is the number one priority at Cass County Electric Cooperative. Before you pick up the shovel, visit ndonecall.com or dial 8-1-1.

On a related note, we remind you to keep a clear space around transformers – 10 feet in front and 3 feet on each side – so workers can access them. Tall, decorative grasses that can bend and restore themselves are okay, but anything else planted within the listed space may be damaged or removed.

impact

North Dakota women qualify for the program.

A woman may be eligible if they meet the income guidelines and:

• Live in North Dakota

• Are ages 40 through 64

Women’s Way: What is it and do YOU qualify?

Women’s Way, the North Dakota breast and cervical cancer early detection program, has been offering free breast and cervical cancer screenings since 1997 and has served nearly 17,000 women. Currently, an estimated one in 17

• Are ages 21 through 39, have breast symptoms (lump), are at high risk for breast cancer, are due for a Pap test, or need breast or cervical diagnostic procedures

• Do not have health insurance

• Have health insurance that does not cover Pap tests and/ or mammograms, or cannot afford to pay her deductible or co payments

Women’s Way has 10 local coordinators available to assist

women with enrollment and guide them through the entire screening process. The coordinator will help to identify and overcome a woman’s barriers to care such as transportation, appointment scheduling, appointment reminders, language barriers, and much more.

Women’s Way has 850 participating providers located at over 280 facilities across the state. This means most women will be able to receive services through their regular provider.

To learn more about Women’s Way or to enroll, contact Women’s Way at 800-449-6636, or visit hhs.nd.gov/womensway.

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

Brinly pull behind 42” lawn sweeper, never used. Corelle by Corning butterfly gold service for 4+ serving pieces. Vintage 1995 Batman Forever mugs & cups McDonald’s collector series complete set. 707-588-4521

Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies, tails docked, declaws removed, not papered, wellness exam & vaccinations done. Ready in July, $650. 701-7937088

Limited supply of local raw honey, 8 oz. - $6, 16 oz. - $12, 32 oz. - $22. 1 lb. comb honey - $15. Colfax, ND. 662-251-5954 or 662-386-3286

Propane tank 500 gals. 75% full of propane, $1000 OBO. 701-238-2185

1982 Buick Riviera Convertible loaded burgundy w/ white convertible top, excellent condition, 65,325 actual miles. 701-793-2748

2018 Tesla Model 3, AWD, long range, blue, lifetime premium connectivity, 19k miles. With charge cord, rubber floor mats, $33,900 OBO. 701-426-0769

21’ used Pontoon trailer, double axel, good cond, $1500. 701-730-4425

21” Honda lawn mower, starts and runs good, $40. 701-234-9549

2006 Honda Forman 4x4 Electric shift, 1761 miles, has Sedona rip-saw R/T tires & a poly drop rack. 701-840-0571

18 HP lawnmower, like new w/ new battery. 701-318-0104

Brown cloth loveseat w/ 6 pillows. 701866-0218

11.2x38 tractor tire, $125 e/a. 8x24 tractor tire, $50 e/a. 1 spinet piano, nice cond. 701-282-8284

12,000 BTU AC, $50. 2 5,000 BTU AC $25 e/a. 701-367-7584

22’ Palm Beach Echelon 220 Ltd. Pontoon and covered pontoon lift, w/ solar powered elec. lift. 701-645-2592 or 701-446-6781

Size 58-60P suits and sport coast, all good cond. Suits, $50 e/a. Sport coats, $25 e/a. 701-730-4046

Modern office desk sets, Secretarial (front office), $300. Executive (back office) includes full-size credenza w/ overheads, $600. 701-730-4521

Used golf balls, 2 pull carts, parts, & accessories. Books. Antique American soldiers & toys. Red Wing crocks; 20 gal., 5 gal., & jug. Cash only. 701-7994677

Delta Band saw 3-wheel cat #28-160, 3 new tires, 2 blades, 1 never used, $125. Delta 2 speed 16” scroll saw, $50. Brinks safe model 5059, 17’x12’x13’, $75. Engine stand, $50. Coronado Radio model C800, needs restoring, $50. 701-7996661

1938 unstyled JD AR, new tires. 1941 JD Model H, electric start, new tires. 2 JD dump hay rakes, 10’ & 12’. 217-549-7846

Nintendo Wii, 2 controllers, balance board, fitness and fun games included, $75. 701-361-7333

Kitchen table & 2 chairs, refurbished, tabletop extends, $300. 701-799-8129

Wanted

Steel T-posts, 5.5’ or longer, can be rusty. 701-866-3737

Your old used plastic thru-flow dock panels for the lake. Grey 12” x 48”. 701-282-5726 or 701-361-6804