Planning with Purpose, Building with Confidence

Sixty-five years ago, Basin Electric was formed by people who understood the value of thinking ahead. Rural families and businesses came together to bring reliable, affordable electricity to communities where demand for electricity would soon outstrip supply. They planned with intention and built with confidence. That same mindset continues to guide us today.

Across our service territory, we are seeing growing demand for electricity and rising expectations for reliability. While the energy landscape continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the need for a strong, dependable system that our members can count on every day.

At Basin Electric, we believe the strongest energy systems are built by thinking ahead and acting deliberately. That belief is reflected not only in the projects we are building today, but also in the work we are doing to prepare for tomorrow.

Planning with intention

A recent example is the front-end engineering and design (FEED) study underway at Dry Fork Station. Located near Gillette, Wyoming, Dry Fork is a coal-based generating facility that began operation in 2011.

Last fall, Basin Electric was awarded $4 million by the Wyoming Energy Authority, with approval from Governor Mark Gordon, to support this effort. The study is funded through Energy Matching Funds provided by the Wyoming Legislature and reflects a shared interest in exploring reliable energy solutions for the region.

The current FEED study helps us evaluate, with a data-driven approach, what it would take to expand a facility by adding a second coal-fired unit. It examines key factors such as design, cost, and feasibility using current data and today’s realities before making any long-term investment decisions.

What makes this effort unique is that Dry Fork was originally designed with the foresight of accommodating a second unit. That original planning accounted for key considerations like available space, fuel supply, and water resources – positioning the cooperative with valuable flexibility for the future.

Today, we are thoughtfully revisiting that opportunity. This does not represent a final decision, but rather a disciplined step in understanding what is possible and what is prudent. The study is expected to be completed in early 2027 and will help inform future decisions as we continue to evaluate our system needs.

From planning to action

Similar planning and studies in the past are being put into action today.

The Bison Generation Station in northwest North Dakota is a clear example of that commitment.

On May 11, 2026, Basin Electric marked an important milestone in that effort as we officially broke ground on the largest generation investment in our history. Groundbreakings are more than a ceremonial moment in history; they represent the transition from planning to action. Years of study, permitting, engineering, and partnership come together in a single moment that signals progress and purpose.

Projects like Bison are made possible by the dedication of our employees, the expertise of our contractors, and the strong partnerships we have built within the communities we serve. Together, they reflect the confidence our members place in Basin Electric to deliver on our commitments.

Balancing today and tomorrow

When you look at these efforts side by side, they tell a larger story.

On one hand, we are planning thoughtfully for the future, evaluating opportunities like Dry Fork with discipline and care. On the other hand, we are actively building and investing in the resources needed to ensure reliability today.

This balanced approach has defined Basin Electric since the beginning. It is how we honor our responsibility to our current members while positioning our cooperative to serve future generations of members.

We remain committed to powering rural America – not just for today, but for generations to come.