Senator praises energy deal for Minot Air Force Base
U.S. Sen. Kent Conrad calls agreement between Verendrye Electric and air base a win.
Basin Electric Power Cooperative
- October 28, 2011
U.S. Sen. Kent Conrad (ND) applauded the awarding of a 50-year federal contract to Basin Electric Class C member Verendrye Electric Cooperative, Velva, ND, to purchase, maintain and operate the electrical distribution infrastructure on Minot Air Force Base.
“After years of difficult negotiation, it is particularly satisfying to see a proud North Dakota organization like Verendrye providing vital services to the men and women serving our nation in uniform,” Conrad said.
The Air Force estimates the value of the contract to be nearly $85 million over the 50-year period. Verendrye has provided electricity to the U.S. Air Force since the early 1950s.
Conrad had pushed military leadership to consider Minot as a leading candidate for utility privatization, and has worked continuously to help the process overcome bureaucratic hurdles along the way.
Although Verendrye has served the base for more than 50 years, the cooperative did not own and maintain the power poles, wires, transformers and other distribution infrastructure located on the base. The Pentagon initially developed plans for utility privatization in order to allow installation commanders to focus on core defense missions and functions by relieving them of activities that can be done more efficiently and effectively by others.
“This contract represents a great opportunity to continue our service to Minot Air Force Base, and we appreciate the assistance Senator Conrad has provided throughout this process,” said Verendrye Manager Bruce Carlson. “Having served the base for more than five decades, it is a natural fit for Verendrye to be taking on this expanded role.”
Although the contract was officially awarded Sept. 30, there is a transition period to learn the distribution system before Verendrye officially takes over the electrical facilities. The contract will mean Verendrye will be building a warehouse to help serve the base and will be hiring more employees that will be dedicated to the base.
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Basin Electric Power Cooperative will provide cost-effective wholesale energy along with products and services that support and unite rural America.
