The Storage/Off-peak rate is designed around the ability to store energy for space heating and water heating. During off-peak hours from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., when the cost of electricity and system demand is less, special storage equipment turns on and stores the energy needed for the balance of the day.

A storage system can consist of thermal storage room units, a central storage furnace, a central hot water system or slab heat. Water heating on the storage rate generally requires a minimum of one 80-gallon electric water heater or two 52-gallon electric water heaters. Larger combinations may be necessary, depending on hot water demand. Electricity to energize the heating equipment is on only between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. This system is also known as controlled access or "ETS" (electric thermal storage).

Incentives:

To qualify for the Storage/Off-Peak rate, you must have sufficient storage capacity to meet your building's space or water heating needs. The homeowner will receive a Storage Heating Agreement and the tax-exempt card after the meter is installed (all heating fuels in the state of Minnesota are tax-exempt)

Call Minnesota Power toll free at 1-800-228-4966 (Minnesota only), extension 2211, for more information on the Storage/Off-Peak Service program.

What is Controlled Access? (Storage/Off-peak Rate)
Controlled Access is a reduced rate designed around the ability to store energy for space heating and water heating.

During off-peak hours—11 p.m. to 7 a.m.—when the cost of electricity and system demand is less, special storage heating equipment automatically turns on at 11 p.m. and off at 7 a.m. The energy stored in the equipment meets the heating requirements of your home or business during the rest of the day.

The Storage/Off-peak system consists of an electric service panel and meter that is connected to an energy storage system. The service contains a contactor and radio receiver controlled by Minnesota Power. Some common storage/off-peak heating systems are: individual storage room heaters, centralized storage furnaces, central hot water systems, or slab heating systems and domestic water heating systems.

How do I qualify for Controlled Access? (Storage/Off-peak)
To qualify, you must have a means of storing sufficient heating energy to meet your building’s needs.

What do I do if I want to discontinue being on the Controlled Access (Storage/Off-peak) rate?
If you go off Controlled Access (Storage/Off-peak), 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 Controlled Access (Storage/Off-peak) meter can be removed (no electric equipment requiring power is wired into the Controlled Access (Storage/Off-peak) electrical panel), Minnesota Power will do so. If the meter is not removed, you will continue to be billed a $5/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 Controlled Access, the Controlled Access pedestal will need to be removed. The cost ranges from $470 to $550 to remove our metering equipment.

What will I save by going on the Controlled Access (Storage/Off-peak) rate?
Please refer to the Guide to Fuel Cost Comparisons if you wish to compare electric heating options with other fuels. If your home has electric heat and you add Controlled Access (Storage/Off-peak), the savings can range from 0-45 percent depending on your annual kWh usage for Controlled Access (Storage/Off-peak).

What is the cost of installing Controlled Access (Storage/Off-peak)?
The costs can vary greatly depending on the individual installation. An electrician will need to install two electric service panels—one panel will have circuits for the general household/ business use; the second panel will have the electric heating and/or cooling circuits. This means two separate meters are required. A socket interrupter will be installed by Minnesota Power personnel at a one-time service connection fee of $280 for services for 200 amps or less. The socket interrupter is the equipment that is used to interrupt connected load. For services over 200 amps, an electrician needs to work with Minnesota Power’s metering personnel on a proper interruptible control system.