NewsFlashesSEPTEMBER 2021

in the best interests of our members and that the sale would continue to provide reliability and rate stability for a signifi-cant amount of time until other sources of energy are made available.

The sale of Coal Creek Station does not in any way demonstrate that LREC and GRE are taking a step back from all the efforts previously made toward cleaner energy. In fact, if the purchaser is successful with its pursuit of carbon capture and storage, the result of such success would likely lead to a significant reduction of CO2 emissions. In addition, GRE will add 900 MW of wind energy by 2023, more than doubling its renewable energy. Finally, GRE is still on track to meet Minnesota’s carbon dioxide reduc-tion goals of 80% ahead of schedule.

We are pleased that GRE continues to evolve its power supply portfolio to best meet the needs of LREC and GRE’s other member-cooperatives. GRE’s new power supply portfolio will serve LREC for de-cades with cost-competitive renewables and market energy, while retaining a fleet of natural gas and oil-fired peaking plants to ensure reliable electric service.

Although purchasing power from Rain-bow Energy Center, LLC was not in GRE’s original plans, it will serve as a reliable steppingstone as GRE transitions its power supply. We expect the sale to benefit LREC economically and support us in our ongoing efforts to improve reliability and maintain stable rates for years to come.

On July 29th, 2021, our Board of Direc-tors unanimously adopted a resolution allowing our delegate to approve the Coal Creek Station sale at the Great Riv-er Energy (GRE) Special Meeting held the next day. On July 30th, 2021, a signif-icant majority of GRE member-coopera-tives adopted the resolution to approve the sale. This action demonstrates the commitment of GRE member-co-operatives doing their due diligence to ensure their members will receive affordable and reliable energy for many years, and the possibility of cleaner energy as a result of the commitment made to carbon capture and storage by the purchaser, Rainbow Energy Center, LLC. History can be made by Rainbow Energy Center, LLC if it is successful in its pursuit of carbon capture and stor-age on one of the largest scales ever, if not the largest, and it is exciting for us to potentially be a part of that history.

Our Board of Directors did not take the many issues involved with the Coal Creek Station plant lightly, and deter-mined, after careful consideration, that the sale of Coal Creek Station had much more upside than the alternative, which would have been to simply close the plant. The sale of Coal Creek Station and the HVDC system will create additional value for GRE’s member-co-operatives, including but not limited to LREC. GRE estimates the savings from the transaction to be $130 million. Based upon the review and analysis of the information obtained by LREC with regard to the sale of Coal Creek Station, and based upon our Board of Direc-tors and management conducting due diligence regarding the sale, it was our position that the sale of the plant was

LREC is Part of Historic Decision Coffee with the Co-op & Brews + Your ViewsTo create opportunities for LREC employ-ees to meet with our members, we have created Coffee with the Co-op and Brews + Your Views. These mini events will take place throughout the LREC service territory at local cafes and eateries.

During these events, our main goal is to hear from all of you, the members of LREC. While enjoying a beverage on LREC, infor-mal conversations can be had on anything related to LREC, including our Distribution Grid Improvement Plan (DGIP). We look forward to seeing you!

Brews + Your Views: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.September 23rd // Oakwood (Henning)September 24th // TJ’s (Detroit Lakes)October 8th // Toad Lake Store (Frazee)October 22nd // Silver Dollar Saloon (Elizabeth)

Coffee with the Co-op: 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.September 28th // The Viking Cafe (Fergus Falls)October 5th // Palace Cafe On Main (Frazee)October 12th // Betty’s Pantry (Ottertail)October 26th // Country Corner Cafe (Henning)

NEW! Members can now text the co-op at any time to chat with customer service. The numbers are as follows:

LREC (Electric): (218) 853-5732

LRES (Natural Gas): (218) 853-5737

Hello, I have a question about my account.

Hi, I can certainly help you with that! What’s your question?

www.lrec.coop • (800) 552-7658 • This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

How to apply for funding: if you have a community project that needs funding, complete the Operation Round Up Funding application form at www.lrec.coop/oru before September 15th for consideration.

R O U N D

O P E R AT I O N

Application Deadline for Operation Round Up

Energy AssistanceThe Energy Assistance Program is designed to assist income eligible households with the cost of energy/heating their homes. To receive assistance, household income for the last three months must be below the following income guidelines:

Household Size Gross Income Last 3 Months

1 $8,4792 $11,0883 $13,6974 $16,3075 $18,9166 $21,525

Detroit Lakes: (218) 847-1385 Fergus Falls: (218) 739-3011 Mahnomen: (218) 935-5022

Note: there are no deductions from income. House-holds must provide proof of income when they apply.

Request Application From Mahube-Otwa: Park Rapids: (218) 732-7204 Wadena: (218) 632-3600 Toll-free: (888) 458-1385

LREC is seeking applicants to join our Virtual Member Advisory Committee (VMAC)! It is a member engagement program developed by LREC to gain membership guid-ance on various projects and ideas. LREC employ-ees will reach out to VMAC

Seeking Members for Advisory Committee

Interested in participating? Please visit www.lrec.coop/vmac to fill out an application!

participants with new projects, concepts, and general ideas on a regular basis. They will offer their

suggestions and feedback so together we can effec-tively carry out the LREC mission. This will be an online-only committee.VIRTUAL MEMBER ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Minnesota Cold Weather Rule (MN Statute, Ch. 235, Sec. 216B.097) protects residential utility customers during the cold winter months. Under this rule, your electric service will not be disconnect-ed from October 1st through April 30th because of non-payment provided you meet ALL of the following conditions:

• You declare an inability to pay.• Your total household, not individual,

income is less than 50% of the state median income. You must provide the necessary documentation to support this condition.

• You enter into and make reasonable, timely payments under a payment agreement that considers the financial resources of the household.

• You receive referrals to energy assis-tance, weatherization, conservation, or other programs likely to reduce the customer’s energy bills.

If you do not meet all of the above con-ditions, then you do not qualify for the winter shut-off protection. However, you still can continue to receive electric service if you call us to make a mutually acceptable payment arrangement.

Residential customers who cannot qualify for winter shut-off protection and who cannot pay their full bill may make special payments over an extended period of time. To arrange for sched-uled payments, call (800) 528-2392 (toll free) or (800) 498-6116 (toll free), or (218) 863-1171.

Cold Weather Rule

Agriculture is the backbone of our coun-try, and our livelihood greatly depends on the crops provided by American farmers. The hard work and exhaustive labor are tough but rushing the job to save time can be extremely danger-ous—even deadly—when farming near electrical equipment.

Every year, we see collisions where tractors and other farming equipment accidentally collide with utility poles and power lines, causing injuries and power outages. These dangerous accidents can be avoided by looking up and around your surroundings when operating large farm machinery.

We hope you never find yourself in a situ-ation where farming equipment contacts power lines or poles. Here are some tips to remain safe around utility poles.

Tips for a Safe Harvest ✔ Maintain a 10-foot clearance around all utility equipment in all directions.

✔ Use a spotter and deployed flags to maintain safe distances from power lines and other electrical equipment when working in the field.

✔ If your equipment makes contact with an energized or downed power line, contact 9-1-1 immediately and remain inside the vehicle until the power line is de-energized. In case of smoke or fire, exit the cab by making a solid jump out of the cab (without touching it), and hop away to safety.

✔ Consider equipment and cargo exten-sions of your vehicle. Lumber, hay, tree limbs, irrigation pipes, and even bulk materials can conduct electricity, so keep them out of contact with electri-cal equipment.

Electric Heating Sales Tax ExemptionElectricity sold for residential space heating, when used as the primary source of heat, is exempt from Minnesota sales tax for the usage months of November through April. Separately metered off-peak systems are also eligible for the sales tax exemption.

To qualify, members must complete the Sales Tax Exemption Certificate for Resi-dential form located under the Sales Tax Exemption heading at www.lrec.coop/forms. You only need to fill out the form once and it is in effect until you notify us otherwise.

Any business, organization, or nonprofit that has not recently updated their exemption status should visit www.lrec.coop/forms and submit an updated Sales Tax Exemption Certificate for Businesses, Organizations, and Nonprofits.

Note: Businesses, Organizations, and Nonprofits

Equipment For SaleWe are currently accepting bids on a JD 25A Flail Mower, a Westgo 5230 Snow Blower, and a 3 Point Back Blade. If you would like to find out more information, view more pho-tos, or submit a bid, please visit: www.lrec.coop/2021equipmentbids

JD 25A Flail Mower Westgo 5230 Snow Blower 3 Point Back Blade

Steffes Forced Air Comfort Plus(Cutaway view)

Steffes Room Heater(Cutaway view)

Specially-designed ceramic bricks within our units store

vast amounts of heat for extended periods of time

Cozy comfort even on the coldest days

Enjoy both off-peak savings and comfort while heating your home with Electric Thermal Storage (ETS).

�Enjoy comfortable, radiant heat with a quiet, variable speed fan.

�This is a great way to heat a single room or entire home—Steffes Room Heaters can replace wood stoves, wall furnaces, or electric baseboard.

�Qualifies for 4.8¢ ETS rate and 5.4¢ dual fuel/short term storage rate.

�Up to $50 per KW rebate available on installation.

�Interest-free EASY-PAY available—pay for heaters over 48 months on your bill.Steffes Room Heater

� Steffes Forced Air Comfort Plus provides the optimal balance of comfort and efficiency.

� The ETS heater stores off-peak energy with no back-up system required.

� The system is eligible for 4.8¢/kWh ETS rate, and a $50 per KW rebate on installation.

� Get up to $630 rebate by installing an air source heat pump (combining with ASHP reduces electricity usage of ETS systems by nearly 50%).

� Interest-free EASY-PAY available—pay for heater over 48 months on your bill.Steffes Forced Air Comfort Plus

Steffes Forced Air Comfort Plus for Whole House

Steffes Room Heater

Start saving today! Call our energy management specialists at (800) 552-7658.

Lake Region Electric Cooperative Pelican Rapids, MN (800) 552-7658 • www.lrec.coop