Small changes in energy use can save you money... North Dakota’s electric cooperatives are among 700 Touchstone Energy Cooperatives® in 46 states that are helping co-op members save money by using energy more effectively and efficiently through a new campaign called “Together We Save.”

Co-op team connects Coleharbor family to energy savings

by Luann Dart

McLean Electric's Darrin Sand, left, member services coordinator, records thermal imaging data on the co-ops energy audit form as Coleharbor homeowner Dave Beck observes the infrared camera operated by Chad Reisenauer, energy conservation coordinator for Basin Electric (photo by JC Balcom, NDAREC)

Dave Beck peers over Chad Reisenauer’s shoulder into the camera’s display screen, which depicts winter peeking through the windows in cool blue hues, while the warm walls of his home emit vivid reds and yellows. Captured with an infrared camera, thermal images of the Dave and Debra Beck home portray energy efficiency in distinct detail.

The infrared camera captures the images as Reisenauer, the energy conservation coordinator with Basin Electric Power Cooperative, and Darrin Sand, member services coordinator with the Becks’ local electric cooperative, McLean Electric Cooperative in Garrison, team up to identify how the Becks can save energy. It’s just one way the local Touchstone Energy® Cooperative helps its members save energy through a new campaign called “Together We Save.”

Using thermal imaging, the team can pinpoint cold air infiltration, where blue is predominantly displayed in the images. Any object above absolute zero degrees emits infrared energy, which can be read by the camera. Temperature differences are measured in hues ranging from warm reds and yellows, to greens and cool blues.

“It makes good sense,” Sand explains about pinpointing energy savings. Following a telephone call from the Becks, who had concerns about their electric bill, Sand used automated meter reading technology to track the home’s history of electrical use. Then, a visit was scheduled to try to pinpoint where the family could save energy.

During the visit, Reisenauer and Sand find some potential savings for the Becks, whose Coleharbor area home is about a year old.

With two children, Dawson, 5, and Dara, 3, the couple became concerned about their electric bill when comparing notes with a neighbor who owns a similar home. The Becks discovered their average $150 monthly bill was higher than the $90 monthly bill of their neighbors. That’s when they called their electric co-op.

“That’s an apples to oranges type of thing,” explains Reisenauer, who advises against comparing bills with the neighbors. While the homes may be similar, lifestyles may vary, he explains.

The Beck home is equipped with an air-to-air electric heat pump and dual-fuel plenum heater, with an electric bill that peaks at about $280 a month during the winter.

“Hopefully, there’s something we can do differently to cut our electric bill,” Dave says .

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