Dual fuel
An energy partnership for your home or business
Combine a fossil fuel furnace with efficient electric heating to create a dual fuel system. By upgrading to a dual fuel system you can protect yourself against volatile fossil fuel prices and qualify for our low dual fuel rate that is about half the standard price per kilowatt-hour. That means you can save $300 each year—and more when fossil fuel prices are high .
Here's how it works
In a dual fuel system, electricity is the primary heating fuel during normal off-peak conditions. A non-electric backup system supplies heat during energy control periods. Otter Tail Power Company sends radio signals to switch from one fuel to the other automatically. And we supply and install the necessary meter and radio controls.
Dual fuel is an energy partnership. Because you allow us to interrupt your electric applications during periods of energy control, you help lower costly high-demand peaks. In return you save money with our special low dual-fuel rate.
Water heating equipment may be added to this rate when installed, metered, and controlled with a heating system.
Current heating system |
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Best electric option* |
Description |
Advantage |
Forced-air with ductwork |
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Plenum heater |
Installed where the existing furnace and the ductwork system meet; air warms as it flows over heating elements inside the plenum. |
Low-cost whole-house solution. |
Fossil fuel boiler |
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Electric boiler |
Compact; heats water distributed to radiators, hydronic baseboards, or underfloor hydronic heating system. |
Easily connects into existing piping system. |
If you have areas that aren't heated well, supplemental electric heat installed as part of a dual-fuel system can help keep every room comfortable.
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Electric baseboard |
Units are installed near the floor. |
Low up-front cost; provides zoned heating. |
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Cove heat |
Radiant heaters are installed near the ceiling. |
Provides zoned heating; units are safely removed from drapes, furniture, and children. |
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Ceiling panels |
Radiant panels imbedded with heating cables are installed in the ceiling. |
Radiant heat provides instant, sunshine-like comfort. |
* Electric heating applications may require electric service and wiring upgrades.
Control limits and cost of energy
- Two dual fuel rates are available. One applies to large systems with qualified metering. The other for smaller systems with standard metering.
- We may control dual fuel heating loads up to 24 hours a day during peak situations.
- We may control water heaters served on the dual fuel rate for up to 14 hours a day.
- Rates vary by season. We apply winter season rates from October 1 through May 31 and summer season rates from June 1 through September 31.
- Cost of energy charges do apply.
