Basin Electric CEO, Western Fuels leaders appointed to National Coal Council

Todd Brickhouse, CEO and general manager of Basin Electric Power Cooperative (Basin Electric) and board member of Western Fuels Association (Western Fuels), and Adam Anderson, CEO of Western Fuels, have been appointed to the reestablished National Coal Council (NCC). The council serves to advise the U.S. Secretary of Energy on coal-related and broader energy policy issues.

The appointments were formally recognized during the NCC meeting held Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at the White House. The meeting brought together industry leaders and federal officials to discuss strategies to maintain and strengthen the U.S. coal fleet and identify opportunities to support its future role in the nation’s energy mix.

These appointments highlight the importance of cooperative leadership and the long-standing partnership between Basin Electric and Western Fuels. Together, they support the region’s electric grid with affordable, reliable, and dispatchable power through coordinated coal sourcing, transportation services, and advocacy focused on grid stability and long-term energy security.

“I’m proud to serve alongside Anderson and other industry leaders, with strong representation from coal-producing states like North Dakota and Wyoming,” Brickhouse said. “Having cooperative voices at the national table is critical as we work to provide reliable, affordable power for the communities and member-owners we serve.”

“I appreciate the opportunity to represent Western Fuels and our members at the national level,” Anderson said. “Coal continues to be an essential part of a dependable energy system, and having leaders from coal-producing regions involved in these discussions helps ensure policies remain grounded in operational reality.”

For Basin Electric and its member cooperatives, Brickhouse’s service on the council aligns with an all-of-the-above energy strategy that prioritizes reliability, affordability, and long-term energy security. Coal remains a critical component of that strategy, providing dependable, around-the-clock power that supports economic growth, grid stability, and local jobs.