Members of Riverland Energy Cooperative can receive a special low dual fuel electric rate for electric heating systems that are wired for peak load control under the Dual Fuel Program. Under this program, the electric heat is metered separately (dual (two) meters) and is switched off during peak demand periods via a load control receiver installed by a Riverland Energy technician. To receive your dual fuel electric rate, you will need to contact the office and fill out an agreement form.
Dual Fuel Overview
- Dual Fuel is having two sources of heat to heat your home. Having some form of controlled electric heat along with another source of heat (like a gas furnace) will provide the heat for your home through peak times when we control the electric heat.
- We control your electric heat during peak times so we can offer you the dual fuel rate, which is close to half of the regular rate during the winter months. We are able to keep these heating loads completely off of the peaks because you have a second source that is taking care of the heat loss during the control time.
- The dual fuel rate is not as low during the summer months because there are not as many loads that we can effectively control to reduce the peaks during the summer months. People typically would not like their air conditioners controlled for more than the fifteen minute cycling, and that means we cannot reduce the peaks as effectively during the summer as we can during the winter.
- We are charged more as a cooperative during the summer since our overall consumption is higher than in the winter.