At the November 28 meeting of the Grand Marais Public Utilities Commission (PUC) board, the commissioners approved an expenditure of roughly $11,000 for a new load management controller.
The device, which Water/Wastewater Superintendent Tom Nelson described as somewhat bigger than a breadbox, monitors load conditions and turns off electrical appliances in buildings on dual fuel and off-peak programs.
Inside the box are a couple of small circuit boards. This piece of equipment is very useful, however, because it cuts down on what the PUC pays to its electrical cooperative, Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency. The monthly bill, reflecting wholesale prices, is $100,000-170,000, City Administrator Mike Roth said. One third of that cost reflects the amount of energy actually used.
Nelson reported that three Creechville homes were getting connected to the PUC water and sewer system.
The only PUC meeting planned for December was scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 19.
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