Off-Peak Electric Service
Off-peak service enables Polk-Burnett members to take advantage of reduced rates for electric hard-wired heat and/or electric water heaters of 80 gallons or larger that can be controlled or temporarily turned off during periods of high electric demand.
By controlling these devices with a radio receiver through a process called electric load management, Polk-Burnett can balance electric demand more evenly, which helps to reduce costs.
Polk-Burnett offers the following rate structures for off-peak electric service:
Storage Rate
This is the most economical off-peak rate Polk-Burnett offers. Electric thermal storage (ETS) room units or furnaces qualify for this rate. Electric water heaters with a capacity of 80 gallons or greater, including the 105-gallon Marathon® electric water heater, can also be put on this rate.
To receive the storage rate, members allow Polk-Burnett to control or turn off these electric heating units for 14 hours a day using a separate off-peak meter and radio receiver. Because these products are designed to store heat and hot water, this is not an inconvenience to members.
Dual-Fuel Rate
The dual-fuel rate is excellent for people who understand how gas and fuel oil costs fluctuate, and who appreciate the safety, cleanliness and convenience only electric heat can offer. Most direct-wired electric heating units qualify for the dual-fuel energy rate when combined with a thermostatically controlled backup, such as a gas furnace, gas fireplace or electric thermal storage (ETS) heater. Electric water heaters with a capacity of 80 gallons or greater also qualify for the dual-fuel rate. To receive the dual-fuel rate, members allow Polk-Burnett to control or turn off their electric heat or water heater when demand throughout the system is high, usually from 5 to 11 p.m. and/or 5 to 11 a.m. although the control time may occur any time of the day when peak demands are at their highest.
Interruptible Rate
The interruptible rate is ideal for people who burn wood and want the peace of mind that comes from knowing electricity will heat their home or cottage when they don't have a fire burning.
Most direct-wired electric heating units qualify for the interruptible energy rate and no backup heating system is required. Electric water heaters with a capacity of 80 gallons or greater also qualify for the interruptible rate. The power to the interruptible rate meter can be turned off for a maximum of four hours in any six-hour period when Polk-Burnett experiences a peak demand situation. The likely hours are between 5 and 9 a.m. and 5 and 9 p.m., during cold weather. These times may vary in extreme demand periods. This is similar to the dual-fuel service; however, no backup heat is required and the control time is shorter. This rate is not the best off-peak rate available, but is still less than the regular rate of electricity.
For a current listing of off-peak rates, visit Polk-Burnett's rate page or call 800-421-0283, ext. 318/319.