From Electric Co-op Today news:

It’s the end of the line for a proposed change to the building sector code that would have banned future production of electric resistance heaters, a popular heating source for many co-op consumer-members in cold-weather states.

A coalition of utility associations, including NRECA, mobilized successfully to kill the suggested change to the International Energy Conservation Code that would have affected equipment used as a home’s primary energy source.

The proposal, issued by IECC in March, would have banned future production of thermal storage systems, which are used by many electric co-ops.

Proponents of the change withdrew the proposal June 28, in part because the number of public comments received on the issue raised several caveats that need further exploration.

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Great River Energy and its members helped the NRECA by submitting comments from co-op staff and members. Many areas of Minnesota served by cooperatives don’t have access to natural gas for heat and use electric heating. Members who use some electric thermal storage (ETS) systems can take advantage of better electric rates when participating in overnight heating storage programs. Because electric demand is lower at night, wholesale prices are lower, and it is less expensive for cooperatives to charge the heating storage systems. Additionally, wind energy tends to be more abundant at night, and using wind energy helps co-ops balance the higher price of wind.

Additional information about load management programs can be found here

The East Central Energy (ECE) board of directors selected Steve Shurts as the president/CEO of the cooperative, replacing Garry Bye, who is retiring after nearly 25 years in the position. Shurts brings more than 30 years of experience in the utility and energy business, and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. Since 2003, Shurts has managed the Owatonna Public Utilities that serves electric, water and natural gas customers.
“I hope to continue the emphasis on premier customer service, reliability and financial stability ECE has enjoyed under Garry’s leadership. My family and I look forward to joining East Central Energy and becoming members of the community.”
ECE’s search for a new president/CEO began in early 2010 with the announcement of Bye’s retirement. Sturts is expected to start at ECE in July.