Guide
Cass County Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric distribution system in southeastern North Dakota providing high-quality electrical service to more than 6,600 commercial members of all types and sizes.
Contact us
Todd Bollinger Business Accounts Manager
tbollinger@kwh.com 701-356-4507 (Office) 701-212-2236 (Mobile)
Shannon Stumpf Business Accounts Coordinator
sstumpf@kwh.com 701-356-4544 (Office)
Main office: 701-356-4400 Toll free: 1-800-248-3292
Bob Miller Manager of Energy Services
bmiller@kwh.com 701-356-4522 (Office) 701-261-0872 (Mobile)
Chad Brousseau VP of Member and Energy Services
cbrousseau@kwh.com 701-356-4514 (Office)
Cass County Electric is a member-owned cooperative, built by and for the people we serve. As a community-focused organization, we’re committed to delivering energy that’s safe, reliable, and affordable—every day.
• We’re part of the communities we serve, and when there’s excess revenue, it goes back to our members.
• We’re governed by local members—real people who live here, listen, and lead with your best interests in mind.
• We were founded by members like you and continue to grow with your support.
• We’re more than your utility—we’re your trusted energy partner.
About Cass County Electric Co-op
District 1: Paul White
District 2: Douglas Anderson
District 3: Vanessa Kummer
District 4: Stacey Ackerman
District 5: Tom Seymour
District 6: Terry Kraft
District 7: Wendy Loucks
District 8: Kalvin Hoff
District At-large: Glenn D. Mitzel
Capital Credits
As a member of Cass County Electric Cooperative, your business earns capital credits—your share of any margins returned to those we serve. These credits represent the value of your investment in the cooperative over time. If your business is sold or closed, those accrued credits can be retained by the seller or transferred to the new owner as part of the sale. However, if we’re not notified of the ownership change, future allocations may not be correctly assigned. To ensure your business receives its rightful share, keep your contact information current and notify us of any ownership updates. Don’t leave your capital credits behind—claim what’s yours.
TYPES OF UTILITIES
INVESTOR-OWNED
Privately owned by shareholders/ investors
Operate for a profit
MUNICIPAL SYSTEMS
Owned by cities, counties, or states Not-for-profit
COOPERATIVE
Owned and operated by the people they serve 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
1
Cass County Electric tracks how much electricity you buy and how much money you pay for it throughout the year.
CREDIT ON BILL: Members with an active account
2 We pay the bills for things like power generation, maintenance, and new construction.
3
Then, at the end of the fiscal year, the cooperative determines if there are excess revenues, called margins.
CHECKS ISSUED: Inactive, former
03/15/25
money
4
Next, the cooperative allocates those margins to members as capital credits based upon their electric bill.
5
Lastly, your board of directors decides to retire, or pay, the capital credits when our financial condition permits.
$2 .75 million
The Cass County Electric board of directors has approved the retirement of capital credits for the years 2004 and 2005 (partial) as well as estate and early retirement payments.
Cass County Electric Cooperative!
Programs and Services
At Cass County Electric Cooperative, our goal is to deliver reliable electricity and exceptional service tailored to your business’s unique needs. As your trusted energy advisor, we’re here to support you with a range of programs and services designed specifically for our commercial members. We encourage you to contact us with any questions.
Rate Analysis/Forecasting
We can provide annual or on-demand rate analysis and forecasts for your budgetary needs. We will work with you to determine if your business is on the best rate option for your operation.
Energy and Lighting Audits
We can review your business’s energy load profile, advise on energy use and demand levels, and provide a walk-through of the facility to identify areas for energy-saving opportunities.
Demand Response/Generator Program
We have a demand response rate for consumer-members looking to save money on energy demand charges. Businesses can receive lower off-peak rates by managing their consumption during peak energy demand periods, by transferring to on-site backup generation, under our Incremental Pricing Plan.
(See page 7)
Online Account Management
Use our mobile app or website to pay your bill, view energy use, access the outage viewer, and manage other account settings.
(See page 11)
Electric Vehicles
Cass County Electric has partnered with a number of local organizations to install electric transportation infrastructure, with three fast chargers installed in 2020. Additionally, we added another all-electric vehicle to our service fleet, helped West Fargo Public Schools obtain the state’s first electric school bus, and assisted the Fargo Police Department and Fargo Parks in obtaining an all-electric patrol motorcycle. We offer programs and incentives for installing an electric vehicle charger on off-peak.
(See page 14)
Renewable Energy Options
Using energy wisely is the cooperative difference. We offer solar energy credits or you can purchase green energy credits. Renewable Energy Credits (REC) can help your business accomplish your renewable energy goals.
(See pages 16-19)
Demand Response/Generator Program
Cass County Electric Cooperative partners with businesses to find rate options that align with your operations and goals. One way to save is through our demand response rate, designed for businesses that can shift energy use during peak times.
By temporarily switching to on-site backup generation during periods of high demand—using
Incremental Pricing Plan
Green Zone
Yellow Zone
Red Zone
our Incremental Pricing Plan—many businesses see savings of 25% or more.
Explore the chart below to compare options and see how your business can reduce energy costs. To participate in our demand response program, backup generators must meet current EPA emissions standards. Let’s work together to power your business more efficiently.
During normal times when we are within our capacity; energy purchased at our low off-peak rate.
When demand exceeds our capacity, but wholesale market prices are reasonable; just pay the additional adder.
When energy needs reach a critical or peak emergency situation; charges are passed along directly.
Financial Stability
Cass County Electric Cooperative employees, the management team, and the board of directors are committed to sound financial management of the cooperative to provide the best value for our members’ investment in the cooperative.
Cost of Operations
The cost to operate your cooperative has remained stable, consistently outperforming like-sized cooperatives.
CCEC
Employee Count vs. Member Growth
Adding new accounts and maintaining employee count by utilizing innovative technology helps us maintain cooperative expenses, saving you money.
Sales in Kilowatt-Hours
Electricity Cost Components
Wholesale power is purchased from Minnkota Power Cooperative.
Communication
MOBILE APP
The Cass County Electric mobile app helps you manage your energy consumption. By viewing peaks in use and hours, with weather overlays, you can stay in control of your power.
HIGHLINE NOTES
Our monthly magazine includes feature articles, safety information, technology, energy saving tips, and more!
CO-OP CURRENT
Our monthly e-newsletter is full of timely topics to aid with using energy efficiently, as well as subjects that will help to run your operation smoothly. If you are not receiving this today, sign up at energy@kwh.com.
WEBSITE
Quickly discover information on our programs and services, read educational articles, or watch videos on ways to stay safe around electricity. We also feature new electronics and technology and tips for you to save energy.
LOAD CONTROL NOTIFICATIONS
Alerts are available via text and/ or email to notify consumermembers when we are in peak conditions for those business members that participate in the Demand Response or Energy Management programs.
OUTAGE NOTIFICATIONS
We offer real-time outage notifications via text, email, and voice call for multiple contacts. We also post updates for large outages on our Cass County Electric Facebook page.
Online Account Management
Managing your electric account has never been easier with Cass County Electric’s online platform and mobile app. Whether you’re on a desktop or using your smartphone or tablet, you’ll have 24/7 access to the tools you need to stay informed and in control.
All you need to get started is your account number.
Key Features:
• Access and manage one or multiple accounts anytime.
• Track your energy use in real-time with hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly graphs.
• Receive notifications when your bill is ready.
• View current and past bills, payments, and usage history.
• Pay your way—set up autopay, prepay, or go paperless.
• Report outages and check status updates easily.
• Use smart assistants like Google Home or Alexa to get bill updates or print energy reports.
• Quickly access Highline Notes, energy-saving tips, and more.
Take control of your energy use today—online or on the go.
Reliability
Reliability You Can Count On
At Cass County Electric Cooperative, delivering reliable power is one of our highest priorities—and in 2024, we achieved a record-breaking year. With zero major outage events, our System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) was just 24.5 minutes, and our Average Service Availability Index (ASAI) reached an outstanding 99.9953%.
These numbers mean that power was on for our members 99.9953% of the year—a level of reliability that ranks CCEC in the top 10% of electric cooperatives nationwide.
Smart Investments in a Stronger Grid
Outages can’t always be avoided, but we work to minimize their frequency and duration through strategic investments in maintenance and cuttingedge technology.
Our grid is supported by an advanced network of systems that help us detect, isolate, and respond to issues quickly:
• Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
• Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA)
• Fault Location, Isolation & Service Restoration (FLISR)
• Outage Management System (OMS)
*Decrease in number related to ‘23 Dec. ice storm.
CCEC has installed SCADA at every substation and on all distribution feeder breakers. We’ve also connected 10 CAT 2 MW emergency generators and deployed 38 remote-controlled SCADA devices—creating a fully integrated system powered by our private radio network.
These tools enable real-time monitoring and automated switching. If an issue arises, the system can often reroute power within seconds, restoring service to most members instantly while our Power Control Center dispatches crews to address the isolated problem area.
Looking Ahead: Preventing Outages Before They Happen
We’re not just reacting to outages—we’re preventing them. One of our most innovative tools is a thermal imaging drone (UAV) that inspects hard-to-reach infrastructure, detects hot spots, and identifies potential failures before they cause disruptions.
By combining advanced technology with a dedicated team, CCEC is building a more resilient grid—so you can count on safe, reliable power every day.
CCEC
Major Events/Storms Excluded
Outage Preparedness
Reliability You Can Trust – Preparedness You Can Control
At Cass County Electric Cooperative, we take pride in delivering reliable service to our members. Through proactive maintenance and investment in advanced grid technologies, we work hard to minimize outages and voltage fluctuations. However, no utility can promise uninterrupted service.
We understand that even short outages can impact business operations. That’s why we encourage commercial members to take proactive steps to protect their operations and equipment. Here’s how you can be prepared:
Backup Generation
• Protect your business from costly downtime with on-site emergency generators.
• Diesel generators can automatically start and power critical operations during an outage.
• Participate in our off-peak generator program and save up to 25% on your commercial electric rate.
Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
• Provide battery backup for sensitive equipment like computer servers.
• Many UPS systems also offer built-in surge protection.
• Ideal for short-term power loss or bridging to generator startup.
Phase Loss Protection
• Prevent equipment damage during a phase loss on three-phase systems.
• Simple, affordable devices that shut down motors or issue alarms when imbalance occurs.
• Protects valuable equipment from severe electrical damage.
Surge Protection Devices
• Install Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors (TVSS) to guard against power spikes.
• Divert excess voltage away from sensitive electronics.
• Best protection comes from multi-point installation: at the service entrance, panels, and individual circuits.
Stay Informed with Outage Notifications
• Receive automated outage texts or emails for multiple business contacts.
• Track outages live at outage.kwh.com or via the Cass County Electric mobile app.
• Get updates on major outages via our Facebook page.
• To update your business’s outage contacts, call 701-356-4400 or email energy@kwh.com.
How to Report an Outage
• Call our 24/7 outage line at 701-356-4400. Use the automated system to report and receive updates.
• Use the Cass County Electric mobile app for quick reporting from your mobile device.
• Outages are never convenient—but with the right tools and preparation, their impact can be minimized. We’re here to help you stay powered, protected, and informed.
LEADING THE CHARGE
Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a fringe concept—they’re quickly becoming a mainstream transportation option as technology advances and consumer demand grows.
At Cass County Electric Cooperative, we’re committed to leading the charge. Innovation and community are core to who we are, and we’re proud to support projects that bring electric transportation to life in our region.
EV Fast Charging Network
In 2020, CCEC received Volkswagen settlement funding to install three Level 3 fast chargers across the Fargo metro. These chargers are now available at:
• West Acres Mall
• Hornbacher’s Gateway West
• FM Convention & Visitors Bureau
North Dakota’s First All-Electric School Bus
In partnership with Minnkota Power Cooperative, the Coalition for a Secure Energy Future, ND State Energy Program, and West Fargo Public Schools, we helped introduce the state’s first all-electric school bus.
All-Electric Patrol Bike
We also teamed up with Fargo Parks and Fargo PD to bring the first all-electric patrol bike to the area—another step toward cleaner, more sustainable transportation.
Whether you’re a business owner or an individual considering EV adoption, we’re here to help. Contact us with questions about EVs, charging infrastructure, or how to electrify your fleet.
CCEC purchased a Ford F-150 Lightning in 2022.
“Because of the generosity of our partner agencies, West Fargo Public Schools was fortunate enough to make the dream of utilizing renewable energy a reality.” - Brad Redmond, WFPS Director of Transportation
Electric vehicle panel at Ulteig
Fast charger at the Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau
Electric Vehicle Charging
Electric vehicles (EV) are continuing to grow in popularity. CCEC offers several rate options and incentives for EV chargers. Simply plug in to start saving!
STRAIGHT RATE OPTION
*STRAIGHT RATE
$0.089/KWH BEST OPTION FOR THOSE THAT WANT TO CHARGE ANY TIME THEY WANT
CHARGER REQUIREMENTS NONE
CHARGING TIMES
CHARGE WHEN IT IS CONVENIENT (MOST EXPENSIVE)
TIME-OF-DAY RATE OPTION
*ON-PEAK RATE
*OFF-PEAK RATE
$0.222/KWH MONDAY-FRIDAY 6-9 AM AND 5-8 PM
$0.052/KWH THE BEST OPTION FOR THOSE THAT WANT TO SAVE MONEY AND THERE ARE NOT ANY OTHER OFF-PEAK LOADS. THE FACILITY WILL BE ON THE T-O-D RATE AND BENEFIT FROM LOAD SHIFTING.
CHARGER REQUIREMENTS NONE
CHARGING TIMES
CHARGE WHEN IT IS CONVENIENT WITH THE GREATEST SAVINGS DURING OFF PEAK TIMES
OFF-PEAK RATE OPTION
*OFF-PEAK RATE
$0.052/KWH THE BEST OPTION IF YOU WANT TO SAVE MONEY AND THERE ARE OTHER OFF-PEAK LOADS
CHARGER REQUIREMENTS
CHARGING TIMES
CHARGER INCENTIVE
MUST BE CONTROLLED ON OFF-PEAK AND SUB-METERED ADDITIONAL $5/METER CHARGE
LEVEL 2 CHARGER MUST BE RATED AT 240 VOLTS AND ON A DEDICATED 240-VOLT CIRCUIT
OCTOBER - MAY: NOON TO 5 PM AND 11 PM TO 7 AM
JUNE - SEPTEMBER: MIDNIGHT TO 10 AM
$50/KW UPON INSPECTION
LIGHT DUTY
$750 MAX PER CHARGER
MEDIUM DUTY $1,500 MAX PER CHARGER
HEAVY DUTY $2,250 MAX PER CHARGER
CASS COUNTY ELECTRIC PROVIDES THE RIPPLE CONTROL
* Doesn’t include the variable purchase power adjustment (PPA).
Please visit with our Energy Management Team for details, terms, and conditions about specific offers and credits available. Marketing promotions/incentives may be subject to change, conditions, or restrictions. To be eligible, the member must install the charger on Cass County Electric’s off-peak program. The incentive will be applied in the form of an energy credit after a CCEC technician has verified the account.
Energy Strategy
A Balanced Energy Strategy for Reliability
At Cass County Electric Cooperative, we believe in an “All-of-the-Above” approach to power generation. Our energy mix includes a strong commitment to renewable resources—33% of our generation capacity comes from North Dakota wind farms—but renewables alone aren’t enough to ensure year-round reliability.
Baseload power, especially from North Dakota’s lignite coal, remains essential. These 24/7 resources provide the dependable electricity needed during times when renewable generation is limited—such as when the wind isn’t blowing or extreme cold impacts turbine performance.
Capacity vs. Energy
CCEC and Minnkota are striving toward a cleaner electric grid, but that doesn’t mean we have to shut down all fossil fuel generators and depend solely on wind and solar facilities. In our region, that simply won’t work. The stakes are too high. When it’s 30 below zero, we need electricity so reliable that we don’t have to think twice about it.
Our mission is clear: to serve our members’ energy needs with safe, affordable, reliable electricity—and that means using every available tool in the toolbox to keep the lights on, no matter the season.
ND Lignite 58%
Our plants are equipped with emission control technologies that meet or exceed all current state and federal air quality standards.
ND Wind 33%
Three wind farms and two independent turbines with a nameplate capacity of 457 megawatts are under contract with NextEra Energy.
ND Hydro 7%
Power from Garrison Dam in western North Dakota comes from Western Area Power Administration.
Infinity Renewable Energy Program
Your energy. Your way.
Environmental Stewardship: Supporting Your Renewable Goals
Cass County Electric Cooperative offers a simple, flexible way for your business to support renewable energy through our Infinity Renewable Energy Program. You choose the percentage of your electricity to be sourced from renewables—we handle the rest.
Through the Program:
• You select how much of your energy use comes from renewable sources.
• CCEC allocates that amount and reflects it on your monthly bill.
• Your participation is backed by Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), which verify that renewable energy was generated and reserved specifically for your business.
What is a Renewable Energy Credit (REC)?
Each REC represents one megawatt-
hour of renewable energy delivered to the grid. All RECs in the Infinity program are certified by the Midwest Renewable Energy Tracking System (M-RETS) to ensure transparency and that credits are only used once. Once you designate your desired level of participation, RECs are retired on your behalf.
Program Details
• No contract required.
• Open to all Cass County Electric consumer-members.
• Renewable energy charges appear as a line item on your monthly bill.
• Pricing varies based on market conditions—contact Todd Bollinger or Chad Brousseau for current rates.
Make renewable energy part of your business strategy—on your terms, at your pace.
In North Dakota, we can’t slow down when it’s 30 below. Our electricity can’t, either. That’s why we’re all in on all-of-the-above energy.
Prairie Sun Community Solar
Cass County Electric Cooperative’s Prairie Sun Community Solar was the first community solar garden established in North Dakota. Located just off 52nd Avenue South near 63rd Street in Fargo, the solar array has been delivering clean, renewable energy to the grid since 2016.
By participating in Prairie Sun, members support renewable energy while receiving monthly bill credits based on their panel’s energy production and the current electric rate. If electric rates increase, your solar credit increases, too—adding even more value over time.
Each full panel (approximately $396.67, prorated) is expected to produce between 10 and 45 kWh per month, depending on weather and seasonal conditions. At today’s rates, that translates to an average credit of around $35 annually per panel.
All Cass County Electric Cooperative members are eligible to participate, with the option to purchase the output of panels that cover up to 75% of their lowest monthly energy usage. Participation is subject to a review of account standing.
Historical Monthly Energy Credit
Below is a representation of the monthly credits applied since the project’s inception.
A kilowatt-hour is how we measure energy consumption This is enough to sustain the power in 15-20 homes.
Solar panels 324
Each panel is 77 × 39.05 × 1.57 inches, contains 72 cells, and weighs 60.8 pounds.
66
panels are still available as of June 5, 2025
Any Cass County Electric consumermember can participate in the program.
Emissions Reduction
Cass County Electric Cooperative supports an All-of-the-Above energy strategy—delivering affordable, reliable, and safe power while advancing environmental stewardship.
In 2011, Minnkota Power Cooperative, our wholesale power provider, invested $425 million in emission controls at the Milton R. Young Station to meet or exceed EPA standards for SO₂, NOx, and mercury.
Now, Project Tundra—a proposed carbon capture initiative in advanced design—aims to remove up to 90% of CO₂ emissions from one of the plant’s units, further reducing environmental impact.
Learn more at ProjectTundraND.com.
