| Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Dual Fuel?
The Dual Fuel interruptible service rate is designed for electric heating. Because it is interruptible, in addition to the electric heating equipment, you need a nonelectric fueled backup heating system. The Dual Fuel system consists of a separate electric service entrance and panel connected to your electric heating equipment. This separate service for heat has its own meter and switch (contactor). A socket interrupter (contactor and radio receiver) is used for controlling dual fuel loads up to 200 amps. Loads exceeding 200 amps require a contactor supplied by the customer/electrician capable of interrupting your connected load. An electrical diagram must be provided to Minnesota Power’s meter department to ensure compatibility with our radio receiver. This radio control system is installed to interrupt Dual Fuel service for varying lengths of time, when demand on Minnesota Power’s electric system is high, for emergencies, testing, or when the cost of supplying power is greater than the return from the rate. When this happens, your nonelectric-fueled backup heating system must be capable of automatically meeting your heating needs. Electric service for other appliances is not affected. Your backup heating system will never be required to meet more than 30 percent of your Dual Fuel requirements during any annual period.
How do I qualify for Dual Fuel?
To qualify, you must have an electric heating system and a nonelectricfueled backup heating system. A backup heating system can be fueled by oil, wood, propane or natural gas, and it must be capable of continuous automatic operation to meet your total space-heating needs.
How does the Dual Fuel rate compare with other fuels?
Please refer to the Guide to Fuel Cost Comparisons.
How often are the Dual Fuel interruptions? How long are the interruptions?
We cannot anticipate in advance the frequency or duration of interruptions. Minnesota Power will interrupt its Dual Fuel customers during system peaks, emergencies, for testing, and when the cost of supplying power is greater than the return from the rate. The maximum interruption is not to exceed 30 percent of your Dual Fuel requirements during any annual period. There is no maximum interruption length per day defined in the rate. This is why it is extremely important that your nonelectric backup system is capable of continuous automatic operation and is adequately sized.
Is a fireplace okay as a backup system?
The nonelectric backup system must be capable of continuous automatic operation to meet your total space-heating needs. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure that the backup heating system is adequate for comfort and protection from freezing of pipes, etc.
Does Minnesota Power permit wood to be used as a backup heat source under the Dual Fuel rate?
Wood can be the backup system for Dual Fuel, however, wood requires that someone is home to manage the backup system. Careful consideration is needed to determine if this is appropriate for your backup heating system.
Can I put my water heater on the Dual Fuel rate?
Yes, you can have a water heater connected to your Dual Fuel system, provided you have a nonelectric backup water heating system installed. The customer is responsible for the operation and maintenance of all backup systems. Air conditioning cannot be placed on Dual Fuel.
Why is Minnesota Power changing its policies/practices?
The rate has not changed since the inception of the Dual Fuel rate in the 1980s. Although the rate has not changed, technology has advanced. With these technology advances, we have been able to upgrade old time and temperature equipment that often failed when it was extremely cold. The new equipment, which uses a radio signal, also enables us to more closely match interruptions to the peaks in our system.
Will I be notified if there is a Dual Fuel interruption?
No. You can call our Interactive Voice Response at 1-800-307-6937 (Minnesota only) or 1-218-722-2625. When an interruption is scheduled or in process, a message will be recorded.
What do I do if I want to discontinue Dual Fuel?
If you go off Dual Fuel, you must stay off for a minimum of a year. If you wish to discontinue this rate, you can request the rate change. Minnesota Power will make an order to disable the radio control. If the Dual Fuel meter can be removed (no electric equipment requiring power is wired into the Dual Fuel electrical panel), Minnesota Power will do so. If the meter is not removed, you will continue to be billed a $8/month service charge.
To avoid that charge, transfer all electric equipment circuits to the general service panel. If you have had a lot line metering pedestal installed and decide you no longer want Dual Fuel, the Dual Fuel pedestal will need to be removed. The cost ranges from $470 to $550 to remove our metering equipment.
If I go on vacation or go south for a month, can I go off Dual Fuel for that period of time?
No. When you go off a rate, you stay off that rate for a minimum of a year.
What will I save by going on Dual Fuel?
Please refer to the Fuel Cost Comparison Calculator if you wish to compare electric heating options with other fuels. If your home has electric heat and you add Dual Fuel, the savings can range from 0-45 percent depending on your annual kWh usage for Dual Fuel.
I am looking at buying a business or home that has Dual Fuel. What happens when a new owner moves into an existing building that already has Dual Fuel?
The new owner will be connected to Dual Fuel. With your first bill you will receive a form to sign and return. This form is to make you aware that you will be subject to interruptions and to qualify you for sales tax exemptions for your electric heat for the billing months of November 1 through April 30.
What is the cost of installing Dual Fuel?
The costs can vary greatly depending on the individual installation.
All costs are subject to change and additional charges may be necessary.
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