Dual Fuel
Dual Fuel Overview
The Dual Fuel interruptible service rate is designed for electric heating. To qualify for this rate, you must have a non-electric backup heating system and a separate meter socket wired by a qualified electrician. The Dual Fuel system consists of an electric service panel connected only to your electric heating equipment. During times when demand on Minnesota Power’s electric system is high we can interrupt your Dual Fuel service. When this happens, your non-electric backup heating system must be capable of meeting your heating needs. Your backup heating system must be capable of providing all of your heating needs up to 30% of any annual period. Electric service for your other appliances is not affected.
It’s a great rate:
Dual Fuel is a great way to make electric heat more affordable. Customers who have a backup non-electric heat source can receive a discounted electric rate for limited interruptions.
Frequently asked questions about the Dual Fuel Rate
Q. How much of a discount do Dual Fuel customers receive?
Minnesota Power’s standard residential rate is $0.08384 per kWh
Minnesota Power’s Dual Fuel rate is $0.05888 per kWh
Q. How does a customer get on the Dual Fuel rate?
A mechanical heating contractor is normally hired to install your back up heating source. Then an electrician will need to install a second service panel—one panel will have circuits for general household/business use; the second panel will have only the electric heating circuits. This means two separate meters are required. The cost to upgrade Minnesota Power’s distribution system facilities to accommodate your additional electric heating load can consist of (but may not be limited to) a transformer, wire, meter disconnects in applicable installations, and a radio receiver and socket interrupter or integral meter contactor to control the heating service.
Interruption Information:
Dual Fuel interruptions can occur during times when demand on Minnesota Power’s electric system is high, during emergency events or to perform necessary interruption tests. The interruptions that Dual Fuel customers experience help ensure reliability and mitigate cost risks for all customers.
Frequently asked questions about Dual Fuel Interruptions
Q. How often are the dual fuel interruptions? How long are the interruptions?
We cannot anticipate in advance the frequency or duration of interruptions. The maximum interruption is not to exceed 30 percent of any annual period. There is no maximum interruption length per day defined in the rate. This is why it is extremely important that your non-electric backup system is capable of continuous operation and is adequately sized to meet 100 percent of your heating needs.
Q. How can customers find out about upcoming interruptions?
On our website, you can see upcoming outages under Current Interruptions. You can also sign up for interruption notifications by following these steps.
Back up your electric heat:
You need a working backup heating system (oil, wood, propane or natural gas). This system needs to be able to work continually and support space and/or water heating needs.
Frequently asked questions about Dual Fuel back up heat sources
Q. Is a fireplace okay as a backup system?
The non-electric backup system must be externally vented and capable of continuous 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.
Q. Does Minnesota Power permit wood to be used as a backup heat source?
Wood can be the backup heating 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.
Dual Fuel Guide
Electric Heat
Electric heat offers many benefits
- There’s no flame, which means less fire hazard and no combustion by-products that could present an indoor air quality concern.
- Eliminates sooting, back-drafting or fuel handling.
- Individual room units provide precise room-by-room temperature control to fit your lifestyle, save energy and allow for individual comfort. Electrical heat lets you put the right amount of heat exactly where you need it.
- In most cases, there are no, or a limited number, of moving parts.
- Installation and maintenance costs are low, and competitive Dual Fuel and Fixed Off-Peak storage rates make electric heat economical.
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Electric heating is very versatile and can offer many heating options to meet your needs, such as:
- Radiant heat, e.g., cover heaters, ceiling panels, radiant slab heating
- Conventional heat, e.g., baseboards and boilers
- Fan forced heat, e.g., electric furnaces, plenum heaters, wall heaters, kickspace heaters, floor heaters, air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps
- Electric heating offers a high degree of reliability with time-tested, proven heating technology. Electric heating is considered to be one of the most reliable systems available today.
Dual Fuel
The Dual Fuel interruptible service rate is designed for electric heating. To qualify for this rate, you must have a nonelectric backup heating system. The Dual Fuel system consists of an electric service entrance and panel connected only to your electric heating equipment. This separate electric service for heat has its own meter and switch that is controlled by Minnesota Power. During times when demand on Minnesota Power’s electric system is high or to perform necessary interruption tests, we can interrupt your Dual Fuel service. When this happens, your nonelectric backup heating system must be capable of meeting your heating needs. Your backup heating system must be capable of providing all of your heating needs up to 30% of any annual period. Electric service for your other appliances is not affected.
Conditions
Backup heating systems can be fueled by oil, wood, propane or natural gas. The backup system must be capable of continuous automatic operation to meet your total space or water heating needs.
The owner will receive a Dual Fuel Interruptible agreement and tax exempt card after the meter is installed. (All heating fuels in the State of Minnesota are tax exempt).
How to Participate:
Call Minnesota Power at 1-800-228-4966 for more information on the Dual Fuel program.
Dual Fuel Electric Heating
Individual Room Heating
Baseboard
Designed for quiet operation, in some cases easy and economical installation, minimal maintenance and no moving parts Hydronic units are also available.
Cove Heaters
Radiant heat is energy efficient The energy emitted from the overhead electric cove heater is a long wave electromagnetic infrared energy that warms people, objects and the floor in the room directly. The objects in a room maintain a constant warmth and even temperature This type of heating allows people the comfort of warm floors and furniture, while also saving energy costs.
Fan-forced Wall Heaters
Fan-forced heat for bathrooms, bedrooms, family and rec rooms, utility room, entry-ways and small areas in homes, apartments and offices. Various sizes and styles provide great design versatility
Fan-forced Ceiling Heaters
Fan-forced ceiling heaters are designed for use almost anywhere in areas where wall space is not available Can be recessed or surface mounted. Room temperature is controlled by a remote wall thermostat.
Kickspace/Toe Heaters
Fan-forced heater commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms recessed at floor level in kick space, toe space counter or soffit. Room temperature is controlled by a remote wall thermostat.
Drop-in Floor Heaters
A versatile fan-forced heater used as a draft barrier for large window areas, sliding glass doors or open stairwells. Recessed into the floor between floor joists.
Unit Heaters
A large fan-forced heater commonly used in areas such as garages, shops, warehouses and storage rooms where rapid temperature rises are required. Unit heaters can be either wall or ceiling mounted and are available in a variety of heating outputs for added versatility.
Radiant Ceiling Heating
Infrared type heating that provides heating comfort in much the same way as the sun. Radiant heating heats objects in the room rather than air, providing ideal comfort at lower temperatures, resulting in reduced heating cost Radiant ceiling heat comes in a variety of designs
Radiant Slat/Floor Heating
Radiant slab systems are designed for sub-floor or under-slab installation and can be used on any electric rate. Heating is provided by either an electric resistance heating cable or by plastic tubing used in conjunction with a hot water boiler Radiant floor heating does not interfere with furniture placement or room design
Floor Warming Systems
Eliminate cold ceramic tile or linoleum floors with the use of a supplemental electric floor warming system. Floor warming systems are suitable for both new construction and remodeling This solves the problem with cold, uncomfortable floors and is used in addition to your primary heating system.
Central Heating
Electric Furnace
A 100 percent efficient central forced air heating system to be used with a conventional ductwork system.
Plenum Heaters
A common retrofit application for installing an electric heater into the plenum ductwork of an existing central forced air furnace.
Electric Boiler
A 100 percent efficient central hot water heating system used for zoned hot water heat distribution Boilers can be used with a variety of distribution systems including fin tube baseboards and slab heating.
Ground Source Heat Pump
The ground source heat pump can provide 100 percent of a building’s heating and air-conditioning needs It operates by utilizing heat present in the earth to heat your home or business and also transfers heat back in to the earth when cooling is desired. Ground source heat pumps can also provide a percentage of your home or business hot water needs.
Air Source Heat Pump
Fan-forced heater commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms recessed at floor level in kick space, toe space counter or soffit. Room temperature is controlled by a remote wall thermostat.
Dual Fuel FAQs
Q. What is the cost of installing Dual Fuel?
A. The costs can vary greatly depending on the individual installation. A mechanical heating contractor is normally hired to install your plenum heater, boiler, electric furnace, etc. An electrician will need to install a second service panel—one panel will have circuits for general household/business use; the second panel will have only the electric heating circuits. This means two separate meters are required. For services 200 amps and less, a radio receiver and socket interrupter or integral meter contactor will be installed by Minnesota Power. For services over 200 amps, an electrician needs to work with Minnesota Power’s metering personnel to install a proper interruptible control system The cost to upgrade Minnesota Power’s distribution system facilities to accommodate your additional electric heating load can consist of but may not be limited to a transformer, wire, and meter disconnects in applicable installations, and a radio receiver and socket interrupter or integral meter contactor to control the heating service.
How does the Dual Fuel rate compare with other fuels?
A. Compare the Dual Fuel rate to other fuels with our Fuel Cost Comparison Calculator.
Q. How often are the Dual Fuel interruptions? How long are the interruptions?
A. We cannot anticipate in advance the frequency or duration of interruptions. During times 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 we can interrupt your Dual Fuel service. The maximum interruption is not to exceed 30 percent of your Dual Fuel requirements of any annual period. There is no maximum interruption length per day defined in the rate. This is why it is extremely important that your non-electric backup system is
capable of continuous operation and is adequately sized to meet 100 percent of your heating needs.
Q. Is a fireplace okay as a backup system?
A. The non-electric backup system must be externally vented and capable of continuous 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.
Q. Does Minnesota Power permit wood to be used as a backup heat source?
A. Wood can be the backup heating 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.
Q. Can I put my water heater on the Dual Fuel system?
A. Yes, you can have a water heater connected to your Dual Fuel system, provided you have a non-electric, externally vented backup water heating system installed, e.g., natural gas, propane, or oil. The customer is responsible for the operation and maintenance of all backup systems.
Q. Can I put my air conditioner on the Dual Fuel Rate?
A. Air conditioning cannot be placed on Dual Fuel Rate.
Q. Can I put a Heat Pump on the Dual Fuel Rate?
A. For the billing months of June through September all service through the Dual Fuel meter is billed as firm electric service under a separate application of the applicable standard rate schedule (i e , Residential or General Service if a commercial customer). The service shall not be subject to interruption during this period. For the billing months of October through May all service through the Dual Fuel meter shall be subject to interruption and billed under the applicable Dual Fuel Interruptible Electric Service Schedule.
Q. If I go on vacation or go south for a month, can I go off Dual Fuel for that time period?
A. No. When you go off a rate, you stay off that rate for a minimum of 12 months.
Q. 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?
A. 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.
Why is Minnesota Power changing its policies/practices?
A. 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 technological advances, we have been able to upgrade the 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 needs on our system.
Q. Will I be notified if there is a Dual Fuel interruption?
A. Sign up to receive notifications of interruptions in MyAccount. You can also view current interruptions here.
No. You can call our Interactive Voice Response at 1-800-307-6937 (Minnesota only) or 1-218-722-2625 or you may go to our website at www.mnpower.com/CustomerService/DualFuelInterruptions. When an interruption is scheduled or in process, a message will be posted.
Q. How do I qualify for Dual Fuel?
A. To qualify, you must have an electric heating system and a non-electric fueled, externally vented, backup heating system. A backup heating system can be fueled by oil, wood, propane or natural gas, and it must be capable of continuous operation to meet your total space-heating needs You cannot use electric heaters connected to your household panel to back up your Dual Fuel electric heat.
Q. What do I do if I want to discontinue Dual Fuel?
A. If you choose to go off of the Dual Fuel rate, you will not be able to go back on the rate for a minimum of 12 months. You can discontinue Dual Fuel by filling out this form. A Minnesota Power representative will contact you regarding next steps.
Space Heating Comparisons
| Type of Heating Appliance | Electricity | Gas/Propane | Oil | Wood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boiler | ||||
| Forced Air | ||||
| Plenum | ||||
| Baseboard (non-hydronic) | ||||
| Radiant Cove | ||||
| Slab | ||||
| Slab Storage | ||||
| Heat Pump | ||||
| Convection Heater |
| Operation/Maintenance | Electricity | Gas/Propane | Oil | Wood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Precise Room-by-room Control | ||||
| Moving Parts | ||||
| Fuel Handling Required | ||||
| Regular Maintenance required | ||||
| Venting Required |
Meter Requirements
Bypass Metering Requirements
If Lot Line Metering is Not Used
In order to minimize power interruptions during meter replacement or calibration, and to ensure safety of Minnesota Power employees, all residential, customer-owned, self contained meter sockets must have a jaw-clamping, lever-type bypass. Horn-type bypasses are not acceptable.
Self Contained Metering
200-Amp Single-Phase 3-Wire—4 or 5 terminal, 200-amp, jaw-clamping, lever-operated bypass, weatherproof, ringless, screwless cover, 5th jaw at nine o’clock position, hub opening for overhead, closure plate or plain top for underground.
320-Amp Single-Phase 3-Wire—4 terminal, 320-amp, jaw-clamping, lever-operated bypass, weatherproof, ringless, screwless cover, hub opening for overhead, closure plate or plain top for underground Anti-inversion clips in the upper right jaw are not allowed.
200 Amp 2 Position Single Phase 3 Wire—4 terminal, weatherproof, 200-amp jaw-clamping, lever-operated bypass per position, ringless, screwless cover, hub opening for overhead, closure plate or plain top for underground.
Approved Meter Sockets—List of Manufacturers
Landis and Gyr, Milbank, T&B, Anchor, Durham, Siemens, Square D, Cutler Hammer and Midwest Electric are examples of UL approved metering equipment providers.
Sample Part Numbers
Millbank U-4801-XL-5T9
Siemens Drawing 48804, PN 48804-02NU
Sample Meter Spec
*Note: Metering services greater than 320A and in excess of 240V require instrument-rated metering equipment.
Meter Location
Outdoor metering is required for all installations unless prior approval is given.
For outdoor installations the center line of all meters shall be between four and six feet from the finished grade.
A minimum three feet of unobstructed working space, as measured from the surface on which it is mounted, should be maintained in front of the meter, and a minimum of 12 inches of unobstructed space should be maintained on all sides of the meter cover Ample space shall be provided for all meters, metering equipment and other apparatus so that they can be safely read, inspected and tested.
Please call Minnesota Power’s Meter Department at 1-800-228-4966 for questions regarding sockets.
*Note: Your local or state electrical code may have additional requirements.
Meter Installation Examples
Overhead Style
Parallel Mast
Underground or Overhead
Style 2 Position Meter Base
Minnesota Power Underground
Lot Line Meter Base Installation
Minnesota Power Overhead
Lot Line Meter Base Installation
