Powering the future

At Basin Electric, transmission and technology work hand in hand to deliver what matters most: safe, reliable power for our members. Together, they power our mission, connect our communities, and ensure energy is delivered efficiently and securely across our 500,000-square-mile service territory. This coordinated approach is essential to meeting growing energy needs while maintaining our commitment to reliability, sustainability, and service for our members.

Our transmission infrastructure plays a vital role in delivering electricity over long distances, moving power from our large generation facilities to our members’ local distribution systems that serve homes, farms, and businesses across our nine-state region. As the largest generation and transmission cooperative in the country, we are committed to investing in this critical infrastructure to support our members and meet the needs of a growing and evolving electric grid. Every mile of line we build and every investment we make is driven by our responsibility to serve and support our members today and in the future.

Investing in critical projects

I am proud to share the progress we’ve made on key transmission projects and technological upgrades designed to prepare us for future growth and improve service reliability across our footprint.

One of our most transformative projects, the Leland Olds-to-Tande 345-kilovolt (kV) transmission line, moved into final planning stages. This approximately 175-mile line will enhance transmission load-serving capability in western North Dakota and mitigate regional reliability constraints. Construction is slated to begin in 2025, with energization expected by November 2026.

To strengthen cross-border exchange and system stability, we’re also constructing two new 230-kV transmission lines: Tande-to-Saskatchewan and Wheelock- to-Saskatchewan, totaling approximately 110 miles. These lines will enhance import/export capabilities between the U.S. and Canada.

Construction also advances on the Leland Olds Station Substation, one of the largest 345-kV substations in our system. Located near Stanton, North Dakota, this critical asset is set for completion by summer 2025 and will
support long-term system reliability.

We celebrated a major milestone with the early completion of the Roundup-to-Kummer Ridge transmission line – a 33-mile, 345-kV line energized in December 2024, five months ahead of schedule. This project enhanced grid reliability and helps alleviate system congestion.

Leveraging smart technology

Investing in infrastructure also means investing in innovation. Through the integration of Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) technology, we are maximizing the efficiency of our existing transmission system. In 2024, we installed 19 DLR sensors across the 75-mile-long Williston-to-Charlie Creek line in northwest North Dakota. Earlier this year, we added an additional 12 sensors across two more lines totaling 50 miles. These devices provide real-time transmission capacity data, allowing for greater flexibility during peak demand periods, improved efficiency, and support for load growth without needing to build new lines.

This level of infrastructure expansion and technological advances is unprecedented, and it comes with unique challenges. From navigating rugged terrain and extreme weather conditions to working through complex regulatory and permitting processes, our teams continually rise to the challenge. Their dedication ensures we meet growth demands while staying true to our cooperative values.

Meeting challenges

Behind every project is a team of professionals who make it happen. Engineering, transmission services, right-of-way specialists, environmental experts, legal counsel, communication professionals, and many others collaborate and do the hard work to ensure projects move forward responsibly and effectively. Our construction crews then bring these plans to life, prioritizing safety at every step.

The success of the Roundup-to-Kummer Ridge line is a powerful example of this collaboration. Completed ahead of schedule, the project showcased strong coordination, open communication with landowners and tribal members, and an unwavering commitment to doing the job right.

With every new asset comes a responsibility to maintain it. Our Transmission Systems Maintenance team manages a growing number of substations, structures, and telecommunications sites. Their proactive approach to inspection, repair, and reliability ensures our entire system continues to operate smoothly, day in and day out.

At Basin Electric, we believe trust is the foundation of every successful project. That’s why we prioritize open, transparent communication with communities and landowners from the start through one-on-one conversations, public meetings, and ongoing project updates. Our right-of-way agents work closely with landowners to explain project goals, gather input, and minimize disruption. This relationship-based approach helps us balance system needs with community concerns, because we know success depends on collaboration.

As new technologies emerge, populations shift, and demand grows, Basin Electric remains committed to staying ahead of the curve. Our proactive, cooperative approach to long-term planning ensures we continue delivering on our promise: reliable, affordable, and safe power for our members – now and for future generations.

Thank you for your continued trust in Basin Electric.