March 2024 Enlightener

View the March 2024 Enlightener online!

In this month’s Enlightener:

  • Grid regulators issue warnings about power reliability
  • Manager’s report – Demand and time of use
  • Installing an air-source heat pump?
  • Staff report – Redesigned SmartHub® website
  • Southwestern lasagna recipe from the kitchen of member Marge Block
  • Commitment to Community

Check out the SmartHub® redesign!

North Star Electric Cooperative is excited to announce the launch of its revamped online account management tool, SmartHub®. The new and improved SmartHub introduces a fresh look and enhanced functionality while maintaining the reliability members have come to expect.

The SmartHub web application recently underwent a comprehensive redesign, focusing on a more user-friendly design to elevate the overall experience. The most noticeable change is the streamlined and intuitive user interface, offering easy navigation and immediate access to essential features. The home screen has undergone a transformation, now presenting a cleaner appearance that gives end-users immediate access to payment processing, issue reporting, and usage history.

The technological foundation of SmartHub has also undergone significant improvements, enhancing security and adaptability for future integrations and enhancements. Users will also observe improved consistency between the SmartHub app and its web counterpart, ensuring a uniform experience across platforms.

Access SmartHub by visiting northstarelectric.smarthub.coop or by downloading the app on your mobile device through the Apple App Store (iOS devices) or Google Play Marketplace (Android devices). Managing your North Star account has never been easier!

February 2024 Enlightener

View the February 2024 Enlightener online!

In this month’s Enlightener:

  • Operation Round Up continues to help local programs
  • Parents of high school seniors
  • What does it mean to be part of a cooperative?
  • Why is my power out?
  • Turkey dressing bake recipe from the kitchen of member Sandra Sindelir
  • Commitment to Community
  • Staff report – are you prepared for an outage?

Project Tundra Selected for US Department of Energy Funding

Project Tundra reached major milestones in the fourth quarter of 2023 that help position the project for a final decision in the upcoming year. The U.S. Department of Energy announced on Dec. 14 that it has selected Project Tundra as a recipient of funding through the Carbon Capture Demonstration
Projects Program. The funding award is under negotiation for up to $350 million.

“We’re grateful that the Department of Energy recognizes the importance of developing carbon capture systems and is positioning the United States to be a leader in the advancement of this critical clean energy technology,” said Mac McLennan, Minnkota president and CEO. “Innovation is our path forward through the energy transition. Project Tundra has the potential to help pave the way toward a future where electric grid reliability and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.”

The project also received approval of a permit on Oct. 4 that will provide additional space to safely and permanently store carbon dioxide (CO2) near Center, N.D. The Dakota Carbon Center West storage facility has the capacity to store 122 million metric tons of CO2 over a 20-year period. Combined with the already permitted Dakota Carbon Center East storage facility, Project Tundra has the capability to store 222 million metric tons of CO2 over two decades in Oliver County.

The vision for Project Tundra is to advance next generation carbon capture and storage technologies at the Milton R. Young Station, a power generation facility located near Center, N.D. The project is being developed by Minnkota Power Cooperative, TC Energy, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kiewit and its affiliates. Through Project Tundra, up to 4 million metric tons of CO2 are planned to be captured annually from the Young Station and stored in geologic formations approximately one mile underground near the plant site. If Project Tundra moves forward into construction, it will be the largest post-combustion CO2 capture project in the world.

“We remain grateful for the strong support we’ve received from area landowners, the city of Center and Oliver County,” McLennan said. “The science has shown that we have ideal geology to store CO2 in the region, but none of that matters if we don’t build and maintain relationships with the people in the area. We look forward to continued engagement with these stakeholders as Project Tundra moves ahead.”

Project Tundra is currently in its final development phase. The completion of advanced engineering and design work on the carbon capture facility is scheduled for the spring of 2024. A final decision on whether to move forward with the project is expected in mid-2024.

January 2024 Enlightener

View the January 2024 Enlightener online!

In this month’s Enlightener:

  • Project Tundra selected for US DOE Funding
  • Winter impacts on generation resources
  • New Year, new rebates!
  • Minnesota chicken recipe from the kitchen of member Ellen Breneman
  • Commitment to Community
  • Staff report

December 2023 Enlightener

View the December 2023 Enlightener online!

In this month’s Enlightener:

  • Ready for Response
  • Winter storm preparedness
  • LED holiday lighting rebate
  • Staff Report – Roosevelt substation energized
  • Connect your portable generator
  • Broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe provided by member Norma Anderson

November 2023 Enlightener

View the November 2023 Enlightener online!

In this month’s Enlightener:

  • Drive-in annual meeting recap
  • Celebrate with savings – LED lighting rebate form
  • Five electric ways to warm
  • Staff Report – Update your contact information
  • Electrical contractor continuing education courses
  • Autumn tossed salad recipe provided by member Julie Olson

October 2023 Enlightener

View the October 2023 Enlightener online!

In this month’s Enlightener:

  • Celebrate National Co-op Month this October
  • Grants given to fire rescue teams
  • Is your off-peak heating system ready for winter?
  • Staff Report – Substation build nearing completion
  • Electrical safety tips for hunters
  • Careers in Energy Week – October 16 – 20
  • Zucchini blueberry bread recipe provided by member Faye Barrett
  • Cold Weather Rule – Energy Assistance Program

2023 Annual Meeting and Report

Our 2023 Annual Meeting will be held on October 6, 2023, at the Lake of the Woods School in Baudette.  The Annual Report to be presented at the meeting may be viewed here.

This year, our annual meeting will be drive-in style! Registration begins at 4 pm, when you can also pick up your free gift and hot dinner provided by West of Border. Enjoy your dinner in your car, while you wait for the 4:45 pm meeting to begin, which we anticipate to be short. We will draw names for prizes, including a 55″ TV, an Apple iPad, and Apple Watch, and a $100 coloring random winner for kids birth through age 18. We hope to see you there!

July 2023 Enlightener

View the July 2023 Enlightener online!

In this month’s Enlightener:

  • See you at the fair!
  • Director candidate materials are available for District 7
  • 6 things you might not know about coal mining
  • North Star member appreciation days recap
  • Ham and mashed potato bake recipe from member Karen Ryba
  • Nomination process for director election
  • Staff report