Freedom Heat

If you use wood (or another non-automatic fossil fuel source), the Freedom Heating program may be what you need. This utilizes your choice of electric heat as the main heat source, and your wood stove, fireplace or manually controlled gas heater as a backup. Because you may not be home when the electric heat is interrupted, we only control for a maximum of 6 hours per day.

Rates

· $0.057/kwh (includes PCA effective 1-1-08)

Control Times

· Maximum 6hr/day, as needed to prevent excessive peak usage.

Rebates

· None

Equipment Required

· Electric heat source
· Non-automatic, non-electric heat source (wood qualifies)
· Freedom Heating meter and radio control

Water Heater Operation

· Can be run through the same Freedom Heat control and rate
· Would operate at a separate Off Peak schedule

Air Conditioning

· Can be run through the same Freedom Heat control and rate
· Would operate at a separate "Cycled Air" schedule

Pros

· Flexible choices of electric heating
· Utilizes a locally renewable energy source

Cons

· Increased insurance rates, some carriers consider wood heat risky
· Extra labor, maintenance and dirt associated with some renewable sources
· Potential temperature fluctuations during interrupt periods

Please Note: Customer must verify their heating system(s) are sufficient to maintain temperatures as required for safety and comfort.

Crow Wing Power can help you to size your electric heating system. Just call us for details.