Overview

Basin Electric’s history

In the early 1960s, the rural landscapes of the Midwest and Great Plains were growing, but many communities were struggling to have energy access. Large investor-owned utilities often overlooked these sparsely populated areas, leaving rural families and businesses without reliable, affordable electricity. In response to this challenge, a group of visionary local electric cooperatives band together, driven by a shared mission: to bring power to the people who needed it most. This collective determination gave birth to Basin Electric Power Cooperative in 1961.

Since the beginning, Basin Electric has been focusing on innovation and genuine concern for the member at the end of the power line. The cooperative began by harnessing the region’s abundant coal resources to generate reliable, affordable power for its members. Over time, Basin Electric expanded its diverse energy portfolio to include natural gas and renewable resources like wind and solar, embracing new technologies to meet the evolving needs of its members.

Together with its members, Basin Electric is proud to play a role in providing light, heat, and opportunity to communities that were once left in the dark. Basin Electric’s story continues to be rooted in its founding values of service, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to powering the dreams of the people it serves.

1961-1969

Founding and incorporation

After its founding and incorporation in 1961, Basin Electric focused on securing reliable power for its member cooperatives. In those early years, the cooperative built minimal transmission of its own, instead connecting to the federal transmission system to deliver electricity across the region. This approach provided a practical and cost-effective foundation for future growth and service expansion. During the 1960s, Basin Electric’s membership also grew as more rural electric cooperatives in the Upper Midwest joined to ensure stable, dependable power supplies.

1961

Basin Electric is founded on May 5, 1961, when 69 people sign the Articles of Incorporation in Bismarck, North Dakota. The cooperative was formed to provide reliable, affordable power to rural electric cooperatives across the Northern Great Plains who were not served by investor-owned utilities.

1962

Basin Electric flexes its pioneer spirit. In July, directors shape policy requiring that all coal companies include the cost of leveling land after it has been mined as part of their price. During the same decade, the cooperative proposes model laws to the North Dakota legislature to protect the air, water, and land. The cooperative advocates for legislation that requires mined land reclamation and prohibits dumping industrial waste into the rivers.

1963

On June 22, more than 8,500 people gather at a site south of Stanton, North Dakota, for the groundbreaking for the Leland Olds Station, the cooperative’s first power plant. This coal-fired plant is named after former chairman of the U.S. Federal Power Commission Leland Olds.

1966

Unit 1 of the Leland Olds Station is commissioned for use, the first of two units. Leland Olds Station is the first mine-mouth power plant in the region, taking advantage of nearby lignite coal resources.

1967-1969

While this period may not have seen major public milestones for Basin Electric, the cooperative's ongoing efforts in environmental advocacy, leadership development, and service expansion during this period were crucial in shaping its future trajectory.

1970-1979

Growth and productivity

Basin Electric continues developing robust platforms to deliver affordable, reliable, and safe electricity to its member cooperatives. From commissioning new power plants to building a new headquarters building, the 1970s sees Basin Electric “grow into its own” as a definitive player in the electric utilities industry. The decade sees new efforts, remarkable growth, and a steady focus on fulfilling its mission to its growing membership across several states. It even tries something that perhaps is not commonly initiated by power cooperatives: a housing program.

1970

Basin Electric launches the People’s Housing Program to alleviate the critical shortage of adequate rural housing in the region. It later receives national acclaim for improving living conditions in rural communities.

1973

Basin Electric purchases the William J. Neal Station, originally constructed by Central Electric Power Cooperative in 1952. The station served as an important early resource in meeting members’ growing electricity needs before being dismantled in 1999.

1974

Construction begins on a new headquarters building for Basin Electric located in northern Bismarck. Plans call for the 60,800 square-foot building to be six stories tall with energy conservation in mind; it is built on a hill with windows facing the southeast to take advantage of natural sunlight.

1974

Wheatland, Wyoming is selected for the 1,650-megawatt Laramie River Station for the Missouri Basin Power Project. Once the $1.6-billion power plant is complete, a workforce of about 400 will remain.

1975

Leland Olds Station Unit 2 begins commercial operation. Times – and costs – have changed since Unit 1 was built and commissioned in the 1960s. It had cost approximately $36 million to build Unit 1. Now in the 1970s, the price tag to build Unit 2 is three times that much, totaling roughly $109 million.

1977

Basin Electric installs 5,000 square-feet of solar collector plates for a supplemental solar heating system at its headquarters building in Bismarck, North Dakota. This project is a joint demonstration with the federal Energy Research and Development Administration, which provided 90% of the funding. The initiative highlights Basin Electric's commitment to exploring renewable energy sources and energy conservation measures.

1978

Construction begins in July on Antelope Valley Station in Beulah, North Dakota. The power plant comprises two units, each rated at 450 megawatts.

1978

Spirit Mound Station began commercial operation in June 1978. Located near Vermillion, South Dakota, the facility consists of two fuel‑oil‑fired combustion turbines that provide peaking capacity and help support system reliability when additional generation is needed.
1980-1989

Expansions and partnerships

Between 1980 and 1989, Basin Electric achieves several key milestones that position the cooperative as a leader in coal-based power generation and energy innovation.

Throughout the 1980s, Basin Electric continues expanding its cooperative membership, adding more rural electric co-ops, and extending its service territory. As a result, Basin Electric expands its high-voltage transmission network to support growing energy demands across its multi-state service area. The cooperative also becomes more involved in regional energy markets, strengthening partnerships and interconnections with utilities in the western U.S.

1980

Laramie River Station Unit 1 starts commercial operation. The electricity produced at Laramie River is delivered to Missouri Basin Power Project participants, which include Basin Electric, Tri-State G&T, Lincoln Electric System, and Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency/Missouri River Energy Services.

1980

Basin Electric begins construction of Antelope Valley Station Unit 2. The coal plant is located near Beulah, North Dakota.

1981

Laramie River Station Unit 2 starts commercial operation. Its fuel source is sub-bituminous coal supplied by Western Fuels Association and delivered by rail from surface mines near Gillette, Wyoming.

1981

Basin Cooperative Services forms as a subsidiary of Basin Electric. It is created with responsibility of ownership and management of Glenharold Mine, located near Stanton, North Dakota.

1982

Basin Electric moves into mine management when it assumed responsibility for the ownership and operation of the Glenharold Mine, the lignite source for Leland Olds Station until 1993.

1982

Laramie River Station Unit 3 starts commercial operation. Unlike Unit 1 at Laramie River Station, which is connected to the Eastern Interconnection, Unit 2 and Unit 3 are connected to the Western Interconnection. These grids, which divide the United States into two sections, were developed independently and must be served separately.

1984

Antelope Valley Station Unit 1 begins commercial operation, adding significant generation capacity to Basin Electric's portfolio. Unit 1 of this coal-based power plant in North Dakota is rated for 450 megawatts.

1986

Unit 2 of the Antelope Valley Station begins commercial operation. Like Unit 1, Unit 2 is rated for 450 megawatts.

1988

Basin Electric has its first-ever rate decrease. For the first time in its 27-year history, Basin Electric decreases member rates by 6% in 1988.

1988

On Aug. 5, U.S. Department of Energy announces that Basin Electric is the successful bidder for the Great Plains Synfuels Plant. On Oct. 31, Dakota Gasification Company, a subsidiary of Basin Electric, acquires the Great Plains Synfuels Plant.

1989

The groundbreaking takes place for Dry Fork Mine. The mine becomes a major source of coal for the Laramie River Station.

1990-1999

A focus on efficient energy

Basin Electric enhances reliability and environmental performance at coal-fired plants such as Antelope Valley Station and Leland Olds Station through equipment upgrades and modernization. The cooperative also expands and strengthens its high-voltage

Basin Electric also strengthens regional partnerships by deepening its involvement in wholesale power markets, enhancing interstate transmission agreements, and collaborating with other utilities on energy efficiency and environmental initiatives.

1990

Throughout the decade, Basin Electric invests heavily in environmental compliance to stay ahead of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. The cooperative implements major emissions‑reduction technologies, including sulfur dioxide scrubbers, expands water‑conservation measures at its power plants, and launches coal‑ash recycling programs to significantly cut landfill waste.

1992

Groundbreaking for the lime processing plant near Frannie, Wyoming. In 1991, the Dakota Coal Company directors approved building a lime processing plant in Wyoming. Ground officially breaks on the project in 1992. The processing plant brings financial synergies for Basin Electric.

1993

Dakota Coal Company’s division, Wyoming Lime Producers, develops a lime processing plant near Frannie, Wyoming. Operational since Jan. 23, 1993, Wyoming Lime Producers purchases limestone from a nearby quarry managed by Montana Limestone Company.

1993

Dakota Gas makes its first cresylic acid shipment to Coalite Chemicals of Derbyshire, England. Dakota Gas extracts its cresylic acid from the gas liquor stream produced during the gasification process.

1993

The North Dakota Department of Health issues a permit to construct a flue gas desulfurization system at the Synfuels Plant. The flue gas desulfurization unit at the Great Plains Synfuels Plant becomes the first application of General Electric’s ammonia scrubber technology, enhancing Basin Electric’s environmental compliance.

1993

June 9, the last shipment of coal is delivered to Leland Olds Station from the Glenharold Mine. The first coal from the Glenharold Mine was delivered to Leland Olds Station on Sept. 13, 1965, so the mine was operational for nearly 28 years.

1995

Basin Electric subsidiary Basin Telecommunications, Inc. is incorporated. This subsidiary is incorporated to provide IT services primarily for the membership. In 2014, it merges with Basin Electric.

1996

The Great Plains Synfuels Plant's flue gas desulfurization system begins operating. It uses ammonia to scrub sulfur dioxide from the plant's flue gases and produces ammonium sulfate, a fertilizer.

1997

The first anhydrous ammonia plant from North Dakota lignite-derived synthesis gas was commissioned at the Great Plains Synfuels Plant. Anhydrous ammonia is used as fertilizer for farming and as a feedstock for producing various chemicals.

1997

Dakota Gas and Basin Electric sign an agreement to sell carbon dioxide to PanCanadian Petroleum Ltd. for enhanced oil recovery, which increases oil extraction from reservoirs that have become less productive.

1998

Delegates to a special meeting approve changes to the bylaws to create a new Class D membership. Basin Electric begins delivering power to Class D member Corn Belt Power Cooperative.

1998

In the late 1990s, Basin Electric begins exploring renewable energy options, particularly wind power. This research and planning sets the stage for Basin Electric’s future investments in wind energy in the 2000s and beyond.

1999

The groundbreaking for the 205-mile carbon dioxide (CO₂) pipeline transports the captured and compressed CO₂ and transports it from Beulah, North Dakota, to the Weyburn Oil Field in Saskatchewan, Canada.

1999

Basin Electric's membership expands, energy consumption increases, and new power generation assets need stronger transmission connections to efficiently distribute electricity, so Basin Electric expands its transmission infrastructure.

2000-2009

Shaping the modern grid

From 2000 to 2009, Basin Electric makes major advances in renewable energy, infrastructure, and environmental initiatives. It expands its wind portfolio in the Dakotas—supported by its first wind energy loan guarantee—and purchases additional wind power. At the same time, the cooperative builds key facilities such as the Wisdom Generating Station and the Rapid City DC tie, while the Great Plains Synfuels Plant reaches important CO₂ production milestones that support enhanced oil recovery.

Later in the decade, Basin Electric constructs large power plants like Dry Fork Station in Wyoming and Groton Generation Station in South Dakota, and expands its infrastructure by adding a major CO₂ pipeline to support regional sequestration and emissions‑reduction efforts. By 2009, multiple renewable energy centers and major expansion projects are underway, reflecting the cooperative’s increasing emphasis on innovation.

2000

On Sept. 14, carbon dioxide begins flowing through the pipeline from the Great Plains Synfuels Plant to Canada, marking a key step in enhanced oil recovery, a process that injects CO₂ into aging oil fields to increase pressure and extract additional oil that would otherwise remain trapped underground.

2000

The year concludes with the dedication of a 205-mile carbon dioxide pipeline on Oct. 19, further solidifying advancements in energy infrastructure.

2001

On Jan. 10, the cooperative reached a significant milestone when it secured its first-ever wind energy loan guarantee from the Rural Utilities Service, marking a major step forward in its efforts to invest in renewable power and strengthen its long‑term energy strategy.

2002

In August, the cooperative hosts groundbreaking ceremonies for the Rapid City direct current (DC) tie, marking the official start of construction on a project designed to strengthen regional grid reliability and enhance power transfer capabilities.

2003

The cooperative receives the Wind Power Cooperative of the Year award from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, recognizing its efforts in wind energy.

2003

On April 29, the cooperative breaks ground on the Wisdom Generation Station Unit 2.

2003

On Oct. 14, the 40-megawatt South Dakota Wind Energy Center near Highmore from which Basin Electric purchases the output, is dedicated.

2003

The Rapid City DC tie begins commercial operation in October, further strengthening Basin Electric’s infrastructure.

2004

In March, Basin Electric advances its generation capacity with the “first fire” of Wisdom Generation Station Unit 2, a natural‑gas‑ and fuel‑oil‑fired peaking turbine. The unit is formally dedicated in June, adding 40 megawatts of flexible generation to the cooperative's energy portfolio.

2005

The cooperative secures five 2-megawatt diesel units from the city of Madison, South Dakota, for use as peaking resources starting in April.

2005

In September, Basin Electric breaks ground on the 49.5-megawatt Wilton Wind Energy Center, expanding its renewable energy portfolio.

2005

North Dakota Public Service Commission approves a permit for the expansion of the Freedom Mine to provide a better blend of coal from various mine areas aimed at lowering plant maintenance and helping ensure environmental compliance.

2006

On Jan. 14, the Wilton Wind Energy Center is declared operational.

2006

Basin Electric’s Board of Directors approves the installation of emissions control equipment on Leland Olds Station on Feb. 13 due to new and more stringent requirements.

2006

In June, Basin Electric energizes St. Anthony, the first recovered energy generation site near St. Anthony, North Dakota, along the Northern Border Pipeline.

2006

Basin Electric enhances its generation capabilities with the commercial operation of Groton Generation Station Unit 1, a natural gas-fired plant, in July, adding 95 megawatts of power to the grid.

2007

Basin Electric invests in infrastructure by purchasing land for the Dry Fork Station and breaking ground on the project in November.

2008

In February, Basin Electric directors authorize the creation of two subsidiaries: PrairieWinds ND 1 and PrairieWinds SD 1, expanding the cooperative’s renewable energy efforts.

2008

In May, Basin Electric launches a $410-million emissions control project at Leland Olds Station. In October, the Rural Utilities Service approves a $325 million loan guarantee for the project.

2009

Construction begins at the Culbertson Generation Station, a natural-gas fueled peaking unit and Basin Electric’s first power plant in Montana, located near Culbertson.

2009

The PrairieWinds ND 1 project becomes operational in December, adding 115.5 megawatts to the grid.

2009

The Wilton Wind Energy Center expands with 33 additional turbines.

2010-2019

Advancing energy solutions

From 2010 to 2019, Basin Electric expands and modernizes its energy portfolio, adding major natural gas facilities like Deer Creek and Lonesome Creek stations, bringing new wind projects such as the Crow Lake Wind Project online, and converting the Wisdom Generation Station from coal to natural gas. The cooperative also advances carbon capture research through the Wyoming Integrated Test Center at Dry Fork Station.

During this decade, subsidiary Dakota Gas adds North Dakota’s first urea fertilizer production facility, further diversifying operations. By 2019, Basin Electric has strengthened its position in efficient, diversified power generation and emerging energy technologies.

2010

Basin Electric launches the PrairieWinds SD 1 Crow Lake Wind Project, adding 152 megawatts to the grid.

2010

The cooperative receives the U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Power America Program Special Achievement Award.

2010

Deer Creek Station receives state permits, with construction beginning in July.

2011

In January, the cooperative energizes the 61-mile Williston-to-Tioga transmission line in North Dakota.

2011

The Crow Lake Wind Project (PrairieWinds SD 1) begins commercial operation in February 2011. At the time it is brought online, the project consists of 108 wind turbines.

2011

In May, Basin Electric celebrates its 50th anniversary with its 135 member cooperative systems spread over 540,000 square miles. Together, they serve 2.8 million electric consumers in nine states: Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

2012

In March, the cooperative announces plans to build the Lonesome Creek Station natural gas power plant in North Dakota.

2012

Deer Creek Station achieves its first fire in April and begins commercial operation in August, becoming Basin Electric’s first combined-cycle power plant.

2012

In July and again in September, the cooperative earns national recognition for its support of the Guard and Reserve, receiving the Freedom Award in Washington D.C.

2013

On Sept. 4, Pioneer Generation Station Unit 1 begins commercial operation, adding 45 megawatts to the grid.

2013

On Dec. 1, Unit 1 at Lonesome Creek Station—a sister station to Pioneer—also enters commercial service.

2014

In January, Dakota Gas’ board approves urea production at the Great Plains Synfuels Plant.

2014

In December, Basin Telecommunications, a subsidiary, merges into Basin Electric, enhancing services for its membership.

2015

In August, Basin Electric’s board approves a 4 mill per kilowatt hour rate increase scheduled to take effect in 2016.

2015

In the early hours of Oct. 1, Basin Electric successfully transitions to operating within the Southwest Power Pool. The integration benefits the cooperative due to regional market access, which enables lower energy costs, increased operational flexibility, and enhanced resource optimization.

2016

On January 9, Leland Olds Station, the cooperative’s first generating unit, marks 50 years of generating electricity.

2016

In April, construction begins on the Wyoming Integrated Test Center, a cutting-edge research facility at Dry Fork Station. The facility will use flue gas from Dry Fork Station to test carbon capture technologies.

2016

On April 27, Pioneer Generation Station Phase III achieves its first fire, marking progress in Basin Electric’s power generation capabilities.

2016

In June, Basin Electric’s Board of Directors authorize an intra-year Class A rate increase of approximately 7 mills effective August 1.

2017

On Jan. 1, Pioneer Generation Station Phase III begins commercial operation, adding 110 megawatts into the grid.

2017

In March, the CarbonSAFE project receives $1.5 million from Lignite Research and Development funds to explore carbon sequestration in North Dakota.

2017

In December, PrairieWinds subsidiaries merge into Basin Electric following a board-approved resolution, streamlining the cooperative’s operations.

2018

On February 1, North Dakota’s first urea fertilizer production facility, operated by Dakota Gasification Company, begins commercial operation at the Great Plains Synfuels Plant.

2018

In March, Basin Electric’s directors approve joining Southwest Power Pool (SPP) as a west-side transmission owner. The move addresses cost shifts caused by reduced participation in Mountain West. The move also aims to support fairer transmission cost-sharing across the broader SPP footprint.

2018

In May, the Wyoming Integrated Test Center at Dry Fork Station is dedicated.

2018

Dakota Gasification forms a joint marketing venture, N-7, with OCI N.V. to sell fertilizers and diesel exhaust fluid. N-7 begins operations on July 2.

2019

The first commercial sale of liquefied carbon dioxide produced at the Great Plains Synfuels Plant is loaded March 8.

2019

Work begins March 31 on the Dry Fork Station plant site where geologic testing will be done for the Wyoming Carbon Storage Assurance and Facility Enterprise’s (CarbonSAFE) Phase II project.

2019

In August 2019, Basin Electric’s Board of Directors authorized a general rate decrease for the 2020 rate year. This rate decrease was a reduction of about 1 mill per kilowatt‑hour on the cooperative’s average Class A member rate.

2020-today

Innovating the future

At the start of the decade, Basin Electric maintains reliable power through the COVID-19 pandemic, all while protecting essential workers. From 2022 on, it launches new products, lowers member rates, earns safety awards, and expands renewable energy and carbon capture efforts, adding large solar and wind projects and strengthening the grid.

By 2025, the cooperative invests further in infrastructure with plans for the Bison Generation Station and completes Pioneer Generation Station Phase IV, the largest generation project in North Dakota in more than 40 years. Looking ahead, Basin Electric remains committed to delivering reliable, affordable power and services that strengthen rural communities.

2020

In the spring, as COVID-19 reaches Basin Electric’s service area during planned power plant outages, the cooperative restricts travel and limits contractor presence to protect essential workers. Despite the challenges, employees work diligently to ensure reliable power while adapting to new safety protocols and communication methods.

2022

In January, Dakota Gas’s urea plant marks the first sale of a new product: a 40% blend of diesel exhaust fluid.

2022

On Aug. 10, Basin Electric’s Board of Directors unanimously vote to decrease member rates by an average of one mill per megawatt hour. The rate decrease amounts to approximately $33.5 million in 2023 alone.

2023

Construction begins on South Dakota's largest solar project, Wild Springs Solar, in January, with Basin Electric securing a long-term power purchase agreement.

2023

In May, groundbreaking took place for two large carbon capture projects at the Wyoming Integrated Test Center.

2023

In September, Basin Electric breaks ground on Pioneer Generation Station Phase IV, North Dakota’s largest electric generation project in 40 years.

2023

In December, North Bend Wind project begins commercial operation under a 25-year power purchase agreement.

2024

In mid-February, the Great Plains CO2 Sequestration Project begins service at the Great Plains Synfuels Plant. The 6.8-mile pipeline carries captured CO2 from the Synfuels Plant to a permanent geologic storage reservoir adjacent to the facility, the Broom Creek sandstone formation.

2024

On March 28, the Wild Springs Solar project, South Dakota’s largest, begins commercial operation, with Basin Electric purchasing 114 megawatts.

2024

In May, the cooperative announces its first-ever dynamic line rating installation to enhance grid capability in northwestern North Dakota by providing a real-time assessment of transmission line capacity.

2024

Basin Electric’s Board of Directors announce a Class A rate increase of $4 per megawatt-hour, or approximately 6.5%, beginning Jan. 1, 2025.

2024

In December, Dakota Gasification Company and OCI N.V. dissolve their joint venture, N-7, due to a mutual recognition of the unique growth opportunities available to both companies independently.

2025

In January, Dakota Gas earns the Excellence in Innovation Award from the Energy and Environmental Research Center for its Great Plains CO₂ Sequestration Project.

2025

Basin Electric announces plans to construct the Bison Generation Station, a new natural gas-fueled facility designed to meet future energy demands. With two roughly 745-megawatt units, the combined-cycle power plant will produce approximately 1,490 megawatts.

2025

On Sept. 3, construction wraps up on Pioneer Generation Station Phase IV, Basin Electric’s largest generation project in North Dakota since the 1980s, providing approximately 580 megawatts of natural gas generation.

2025

In September, the Basin Electric Board of Directors authorized a Class A rate increase of $6 per megawatt-hour, or approximately 10%, beginning Jan. 1, 2026.