Dual Fuel can be any combination of electric heat with an automatic fossil fuel or storage heating back-up system. Members participating in this program benefit by paying the low off-peak electric rate for all of their electric heat usage. In exchange, the Cooperative is able to control their electric heat during peak times (up to 400 hours per year maximum). During control times, the automatic back-up system will heat the home.
Forced air combinations could be an electric plenum heater with a gas or oil furnace. Air source or ground source heat pumps are also a popular combination with any forced air furnace. An electric boiler or mini-boiler can be paired with a gas boiler back-up for hot water heat. Electric radiant baseboards or cove heat could be backed up by under-floor storage heat. There are many other possible combinations of electric heat with the automatic back-up systems.
The installation of the off-peak contactor boxes or control equipment needs to be performed by a licensed electrician.