Father recommends geothermal
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When considering her father’s recommendation, state and federal tax credits, and possible cap and trade legislation, Becky Naslund and her husband Shane invested in the most energy-efficient product on the market: a ground-source heat pump. |
Dave and his wife Beverly built a home in the Capital Electric service area four years ago. The North Dakota natives wanted their new home to withstand the state’s extreme temperatures, so they purchased insulation with a high R-value rating, and installed airtight doors and windows. Then, to make their home as energy-efficient as possible, they invested in a geothermal heating and cooling system after consulting with the member services department at Capital Electric. Dave indicates he and Bev based their decision on the following factors:
• He works as a utility engineer and knows the volatility of natural gas prices;
• She likes that geothermal is both economically and environmentally friendly; and
• They plan on remaining in their new home after they retire, so they understand they are making a long term investment.
Dave and Bev made a lot of decisions four years ago, from choosing the lot to selecting the cabinet and tile designs. Investing in a geothermal system was certainly one of the largest and most difficult decisions they made — but Dave reveals it has also been one of the most rewarding. When he receives his monthly electric bill from Capital Electric, Dave continues to appreciate how affordable it is to heat his garage, floors and electric hot water heater.
Dave and Beverly have reached a pretty comfortable stage in their lives. Dave still works full-time, but retirement looms on the horizon. Bev works at a quilt store part-time and teaches quilting classes. While the costs associated with digging the wells and purchasing and installing the technology may deter some folks from choosing geothermal, it worked for this couple’s budget. In fact, Dave feels so strongly about the quality of the product and the return on his investment, that he recommended the ground-source heat pump to his daughter, Becky — and her family survives and thrives on one main income.
“Geothermal does require a larger investment,” Becky reiterates. “But with potential legislation like cap and trade, there is no place for electric and gas prices to go, but up. So having the most energy-efficient product makes sense.
Becky and her husband relocated to Bismarck in August 2007, so their three children could spend more time with grandpa and grandma. Becky works in the distribution and engineering department at a local utility company, and Shane also works full-time as a stay-at-home dad who also does landscaping projects.
During the construction of Dave and Bev’s home, Shane closely watched the installation of the ground-source heat pump because he anticipated he and Becky would be building a new home in a few years. When the state and federal tax credits became available for geothermal, the couple agreed it was the right time to build. But based on Becky’s income, they knew they would have to make some tough choices and take care with how much money they spent. The one thing they weren’t willing to make a compromise on was their geothermal system.
MEMBERS: Take advantage of Capital’s all-electric heat program and dual-fuel rates!
Becky and Shane will use geothermal as their primary heating and cooling source, but their home will also have a plenum and boiler as supplemental heaters. The plenum is a standard secondary source that will only operate as an emergency heat system. In the Naslund’s case, the boiler was necessary because they bought a model to meet specific energy-efficiency standards which qualified them for the state and federal tax credits. Depending on how warm Becky and Shane choose to keep their garage and how cold the temperature is outside, the boiler may or may not kick on. The couple also installed a gas fireplace, which qualified them for Capital Electric’s dual-fuel rate.
To qualify for the special rate, a member must use electricity as the primary heat source, with a non-electric system serving as the back-up. During the co-op’s load-control times, the back-up system will automatically be turned on. A Capital Electric member who qualifies or the dual-fuel rate will receive a rate of $0.035 per kilowatt hour (KWH) on the heat meter beginning with October’s consumption period and ending with April’s consumption period. A $3 monthly meter charge is also charged during these seven months.
If one does not have a backup heating system, a member may qualify for Capital Electric’s all-electric heat program. A member agrees to heat all or a portion if his or her residence, garage, shop, business, and/or related work areas using electricity. In return, the member receives a discount on the electricity he or she purchases.
The terms of this program include:
• Any electric heat eligible for this rate shall be sub-metered separate from all other circuits.
• The member shall be responsible for all costs related to the electrician-installed meter socket and wiring, and Capital Electric will provide and install the meter.
• Qualified members will be billed a rate of $.047 for each KWH of usage shown on the heat meter beginning with October’s consumption period and ending with April’s consumption period. Like the dual-fuel rates, a $3 monthly meter charge is also charged during these seven months.
Your electric cooperative can help!
One of the main reasons Dave and Beverly felt comfortable going with geothermal was the recommendation they received from Josh Schaffner, member services assistant at Capital Electric Cooperative. Josh sat down with them and laid out all the facts about the product, the costs, what to expect on their monthly electric bills, and when they might see a return on their investment.
“Josh basically said, here’s the plan, here’s how to lay it out, and Capital Electric will rent you the tools. He made us think, ‘Wow, this is really doable,’” Dave expresses.
Members, if you are interested in learning more about geothermal or any other electric heat product or co-op service, call Josh or Doug in the member services department at Capital Electric at (701) 223-1513. They are here to help!