Water heaters are incentive for load management program

By Sara QuamThe city of Luverne is trying to promote conservation of energy during peak demand periods by encouraging residents to participate in the load management program. The Luverne City Council approved Tuesday a venture that could also increase the city’s electric customers and electric revenue. The city has a new program that encourages the use of electric Marathon water heaters.The heaters keep water hot for longer periods of time, increasing efficiency.The heaters will be at no cost to customers who add them to their homes. People will have to pay for the installation, however.The water heaters will cost the city of Luverne between $447 and $625, depending on the gallon capacity.In order to qualify for this, homeowners must also sign up for the load management program. Load management saves customers and the city in purchasing electricity in peak times because it shuts off automatically in short time increments.City Administrator Greg LaFond said he estimated that six days of highest demand cost the city $50,000 in purchasing supplemental electricity. That’s money this program could help save by decreasing demand on key days and times.LaFond said, "If we can avoid a rate increase in the future, we’ll all win."In other city business Tuesday, the council:
Approved use of the city park for Relay For Life June 17 and 18.
Received a favorable report from the state auditor. Finance director Barb Berghorst received recognition for the city’s healthy fiscal management.
Left the option to close the animal pound on the table. The Council will address it at a future meeting.