Products

Money-saving programs

Federated Rural Electric has been involved in load management programs since 1983, saving our members millions of dollars. Load management allows us to control the way we buy electricity at the wholesale level; we try to buy electricity at the least expensive times and avoid buying it at the most expensive time. The programs associated with load management involve heating, cooling, water heating and gensets. Over half our members have some type of load management installed in their homes, such as the following:

Water heating program
Federated Rural Electric provides high quality, energy-efficient water heaters and installation for a reasonable price to its members. Federated sells top of the line, energy- efficient water heaters — the best on the market. Replace an electric or gas water heater for $375 — that includes the price of the water heater AND installation by Federated's electrician. If you're interested in installing the water heater yourself, it costs $275; Federated will still install the radio receiver. Note: an additional fee may apply for wiring the gas water heater replacement. Under the storage water heater program, members receive a $1.50 credit on their electric bill as the water is heated at night when electricity costs less and stored for use during the day. These savings are passed on to the members in this credit. In most cases a family of four or less will not run out of hot water under the storage program. Under the off-peak program, members' water heaters are controlled as needed, especially during energy alert periods.

Heating program
If you currently heat your home with gas or fuel oil, Federated’s dual fuel program can help you control your heating bill. Add electric heat or an air source heat pump to your existing system. Receive discounted electric rates that will keep your heating bills low. Federated offers Quality Installation heat pump rebates (rated SEER 14 or higher). Receive a 2.2 cent discount for electric heat with a dual heat meter and backup fossil fuel heating system. Earn a 2 cent discount exists for heat pumps with a backup fossil fuel furnace. Low-interest financing is available for installing dual heat; the loan payments are included on your electric bill. Call or stop by Federated's office to learn how your home can take advantage of Dual Heat savings. See how different types of heating systems (LP, natural gas and fuel oil) compare to Federated's discounted heating rates by opening this file: products/DHcosts.pdf

Cooling program
Cycled Air will keep you cool and comfortable whether you have central air or a heat pump. Sign up your existing central air conditioner or heat pump and receive $5 cooling credits on your June, July and August bills. Federated cycles the unit's compressor on for 15 minutes and off for 15 minutes during energy alerts. Your satisfaction is guaranteed! Federated offers Quality Installation rebates based on the unit's SEER rating and using a certified installer. Low-interest financing is available for the cost of a heat pump. Ask for a free energy audit.

Energy Star appliance rebates
Federated offers $50 Energy Star rebates on refrigerators, $75 for refrigerators or freezers with the old one being recycled and $25 Energy Star rebates on clothes washers and dehumidifiers. In addition, a $20 rebate applies for Energy Star light fixtures, lamps and torchieres. The Energy Star logo is given by the Department of Energy to manufacturers' products that are energy efficient. The rebates are issued as a credit on the member's electric bill. Limited rebates funds are available each year. Follow this link to download the Appliance Rebate Form.

Genset program
If you have or are looking at buying a standby generator for your home or business, call Federated. Besides gaining this extra reliability, you can also benefit from the discounted electric rate. Be sure to inquire about Federated’s purchase option and low-interest financing from Federated. The cooperative will also help you size the genset unit and help set up your system.

Energy Resource Conservation loan program
Thinking about making some energy-efficiency home improvements? Federated's ERC loan program can help you with the financing and a low-interest rate. These loans can be used to finance up to $3,000 over 42 months for items such as these:

• Electric heat that reduces oil or gas consumption
• Caulking, weatherstripping and insulation
• Storm or thermal windows and/or doors
• Clock thermostats
• Attic ventilation fans

The amount of the loan is up to $3,000 per structure, depending upon the project. Loan payments are shown on your monthly bill.

Other services and products

WildBlue
A small satellite dish will use Ka-band satellites to spot-beam to different regions. The Internet speed will be up to 3.0 Mbps — over 30 times faster than 56K dial-up service. Installation will cost $199 (through May 31, 2008) with monthly Internet service at $49.95, $69.95 or $79.95, depending upon the Internet speed desired. Click here for more information

Security Services
Federated Rural Electric, along with eight other electric cooperatives in the region, have joined to form a new legal liability company (LLC), Heartland Security Services. Together, the 10 Heartland Security Services partners are installing alarm and security systems in western Minnesota and northwestern Iowa. Click here for more information on the products and services offered by Heartland Security Services.

Wind Energy
Show your support for green energy. Sign up for the cooperative's Wellspring Wind Energy program. Buy wind energy in 100 kilowatt-hour blocks. Each block of wind energy costs 59¢ more a month on your electric bill. Sign up for one block or several blocks. It's a one-year commitment. For every three 100 kilowatt-hour blocks it is the equivalent of planting an acre of forest.

TV programming
UHF channels are available through Cooperative Television (CTV) on the Jackson, Frost and Godahl towers. All you need is a UHF antenna pointed to the closest tower. CTV costs $5 a month and can be paid for on your electric bill. If you prefer to pay it annually ($60) or for a six-month season ($30), just call us to make arrangements.

In addition, CTV Plus provides even more channels on the Godahl tower. Another TV option is Rural TV. This satellite television programming is available to you if you have a large satellite dish and receiver.

The flame looks so real from an electric fireplace. Stop in and see it.

Electric fireplace
Enjoy the warmth and beauty of a fireplace without any hassles. Federated sells electric fireplaces; the flame looks so real that you'll have to see it to believe it! Stop by our Jackson lobby. Electric fireplaces come in several styles, sizes and colors to fit your home's decor. Stand alone wood stoves cost only $350, or get an electric insert for your wood-burning fireplace (costs about $739). Otherwise, prices start around $999 for the insert, mantle and trim. Just plug it into your regular outlet, turn it on and enjoy the "flame only" for a romantic ambiance or both the heat and flame. If you wish, finance it with Federated and pay it off on your electric bill.

Electric grills
What a thrill to use an electric grill! No charcoal waiting! No tanks to fill! Just turn the knob and start grilling. The sizzling fat from the meat creates the grilled flavor. Federated sells these types of electric grills:

• Loc N Go electric grill $50
• Pedestal Tabletop grill $65
• Cart grill $139
• Rotisserie cart grill $159
• Charbroil grill $162

Security lighting
Your co-op provides new, state of the art security lighting to protect your home and property. Federated offers 100-watt high-pressure sodium lights. Enjoy the peace-of-mind and better visibility that a security light can provide your farm or business. You can rent a security light for $5.10 a month and Federated maintains the light for free. Other light sizes are available at your request.