Skip to main content
View & Pay Bill
Contact Us
Outage Viewer
Home

Online Bill Pay

Loading...

'Loading NISC SmartHub log in. Please wait...'
Menu

Latest

  • The scammers are at it again! Click here to learn more.   
  • Subscribe to our YouTube channel for energy-saving tips, co-op news, linework & more!
  • Cooperative Insights will be conducting a survey of CCEC members in July 2022. Contact us with any questions.
1 of 3 
  • My Account
    • Paperless
    • Prepay
    • Autopay
    • Levelized Budget Billing
    • Cass County Electric Mobile App
    • Understanding Your Bill
    • View & Pay Bill
    • Bill Credit
  • Request/Stop Service
  • Programs & Services
    • Business Accounts
    • Contractor Information
    • Donations
    • Electric Vehicles
    • Time of Day Rate
    • Energy Management Services
    • Heating Assistance
    • Interconnection of Generation Systems
    • Prairie Sun Community Solar
    • Infinity Program
    • Operation Round Up
    • My Co-op Cares
  • Member Info
    • Max Gen Resources
    • Outage Information
    • Highline Notes & North Dakota Living
    • Conservation Blog
    • Safety Blog
    • Recipe Blog
    • Capital Credits
    • Co-op Connections
    • New member information
    • Home Energy Adventure
    • Call Before You Dig
    • Grant - Rural Development Finance Corporation
  • Events
  • About Us
    • Career Center
    • Contact Us
    • Board of Directors
    • Energy Sources & Environment
    • Governance & Document Center
    • Rates
    • Connect With Us
  • Youth & Ed
    • Kids Zone
    • Scholarships
    • Youth Tour

Shopping for a generator? Do a little homework first

Wednesday | October 27, 2021
All News

Shopping for a generator? Do a little homework first

Generators are classified by how much power or watts they can produce. That wattage measurement is important because it determines how many devices you can power. According to Consumer Reports (CR), the typical home requires 5,000 watts to cover the basics.

When considering which generator to buy, decide what you can’t live without when the power is out. Then add up the wattages to get an idea of how much power you will need.

For example, a refrigerator typically takes 600 watts to run; a sump pump requires 750 to 1,500 watts; a portable heater can take 1,500 watts; and lights can require from 60 to 600 watts (depending on how many you power and the size of your home).

Safe Electricity and Cass County Electric Cooperative offer background on four types of supplemental power sources:

1. Portable Generator Because these usually run on gasoline, they are extremely dangerous since they can produce carbon monoxide (CO). Because of that, never run these indoors or in an enclosed space and always keep them at least 20 feet from your home when operating them. Additionally, do not use them in damp or wet conditions. Some newer models feature a built-in CO sensor that triggers an automatic shut-off feature if it detects CO buildup. Other advanced models are designed to emit less poisonous fumes; both of these safety features help to save lives. Prices range from $400 to $1,000.

2. Inverter Generator This type of generator has a more complex engine than its portable cousin. Because of that, inverter generators usually cost more than portable versions. They are much quieter than portable generators since they throttle up and down to match demand (instead of running at constant full power). They also boast more advanced exhaust
systems, which also helps with noise levels. Inverter generators typically cost $500 to $4,000, and if you pick this kind of generator, you should follow the same safety precautions you would with a portable version.

3. Standby Generator This is the most expensive type of generator and models range from 5,000 to 20,000 watts. Standby generators are also the most convenient, since they are permanently mounted and they kick on automatically when the power goes out. They run on propane or natural gas and cost $3,000 to $6,000, not including installation. Installing them is definitely not something you can do yourself; they should be installed by an experienced electrician.

4. Portable Power Stations These stations don’t use gasoline or propane; instead they are powered by a battery that can be charged by electricity or by a solar panel. They cost more than traditional portable generators at $750 to $3,000. They are extremely quiet and they don’t produce fuel emissions so you can use them indoors. The downside is they don’t power as many appliances as portable generators and they don’t run for an extended period of time.

Safety Blog

--

We greatly value our connection to the members we serve. Follow us on social media to stay in-the-know on the latest energy-saving tips, community outreach efforts, power outages, cooperative news, promotions, and more!

Connect with us!

Facebook    YouTube     Instagram     LinkedIn     Twitter

Is Your Power Out?

View Outage Map Report Outage: 701-356-4400 Mobile App for Android Mobile App for iOS
Back to Top

Contact Us

Address: 4100 32nd Ave. S. Fargo, ND 58104
Phone: 701-356-4400 or 800-248-3292
Email: info@kwh.com

Office hours:
Monday-Friday
7:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Quick Links

  • Governance & Document Center
  • Co-op Connections Program
  • Capital Credits
  • Operation Round Up

We have an app for that!

Google Play Store
Apple App Store

Connect with us!

Cass County Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

©2022 Cass County Electric. All Rights Reserved.

  • My Account
    • Paperless
    • Prepay
    • Autopay
    • Levelized Budget Billing
    • Cass County Electric Mobile App
    • Understanding Your Bill
    • View & Pay Bill
    • Bill Credit
  • Request/Stop Service
  • Programs & Services
    • Business Accounts
    • Contractor Information
    • Donations
    • Electric Vehicles
    • Time of Day Rate
    • Energy Management Services
    • Heating Assistance
    • Interconnection of Generation Systems
    • Prairie Sun Community Solar
    • Infinity Program
    • Operation Round Up
    • My Co-op Cares
  • Member Info
    • Max Gen Resources
    • Outage Information
    • Highline Notes & North Dakota Living
    • Conservation Blog
    • Safety Blog
    • Recipe Blog
    • Capital Credits
    • Co-op Connections
    • New member information
    • Home Energy Adventure
    • Call Before You Dig
    • Grant - Rural Development Finance Corporation
  • Events
  • About Us
    • Career Center
    • Contact Us
    • Board of Directors
    • Energy Sources & Environment
    • Governance & Document Center
    • Rates
    • Connect With Us
  • Youth & Ed
    • Kids Zone
    • Scholarships
    • Youth Tour