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Minnesota Energy curtails natural gas for grain drying

Minnesota Energy Resources plans to curtail natural gas for crop drying purposes because of frigid temperatures this week.

Southeast Minnesota farmer Brennen Toquam tells Brownfield he received an email notice from the company saying the curtailment is for all Class 2 and 3 grain dryer customers across the state and could last until Friday.

“The way I understand it is there’s kind of a pecking order when it comes to natural gas. Obviously it’s homes first, then livestock facilities, and then basically grain dryers and stuff are on the bottom of that list.”

The Blooming Prairie farmer says they can still have access to natural gas during the curtailment, but it would cost ten times more.

“From going from like 50 cents a unit to about $5 bucks a unit.”

With half his corn crop left to harvest, Toquam says they’re inclined to wait for warmer weather.

“And if it is 5 below outside, I don’t know how efficient it would be to run our dryer anyway. So at this point, the way it’s explained to us is that it could potentially be a five-day shutdown. But more likely it’s going to be a two or three-day shutdown.”

He predicts the natural gas curtailment will have widespread consequences because many farmers are out of LP and planned on taking their corn to local elevators, which use natural gas.

Alison Truoy, a spokesperson with Minnesota Energy Resources, provided Brownfield this statement:

Due to colder than normal temperatures for this time of year, Minnesota Energy Resources has curtailed natural gas use by agricultural grain dryers until further notice. In exchange for lower natural gas rates, curtailable customers have agreed to reduce their natural gas use in the event a reduction is necessary. Residential and commercial customers who are not on a curtailable rate are not affected by this request.

We will closely monitor the weather forecast, and let farmers know as soon as the curtailment is lifted. Small family farms are not affected by this curtailment. So far, customers we’ve spoken with have been very understanding, and we appreciate their cooperation.