The change in weather reminds us that winter and colder temperatures is upon us. Many of us have already turned on our heat to warm up our homes and businesses. I want to remind folks about Clarke Electric Cooperative’s Heat Rate program and how it works.
Clarke Electric Cooperative members who use electric heat as their primary heat source, and use an electric water heater for their hot water needs, qualify for a special discount on the energy they use to heat their home or shop.
Every year beginning Oct. 1 and ending May 31, all of the heating kilowatt-hours used are calculated at a rate of 5.8 cents per kilowatt-hour ($0.058/kWh) instead of the regular retail price of 11.3 cents per kilowatt-hour ($0.113/kWh). This is a very good discount that will save qualifying member-consumers up to 50% on their winter heating bills. Additionally, in order to utilize the heat rate, a separate meter must be installed.
You qualify for the heat rate if you have any of the following heating systems:
- Geothermal
- Air-Source Heat Pump (mini-split)
- Electric furnace
- Electric boiler
- Electric baseboard heat
If you are a member who already has a heat meter it is important that the breaker powering the meter is always left on. This is because it allows the cooperative to read your meter and also prevents it from indicating there is an outage.
The heat rate is primarily for residential customers, but your business may also qualify. For more details, please visit www.cecnet.net or call me at (641) 342-2173.