Basin Electric selects Fagenbush as new plant manager

On Jan. 26, Braden Fagenbush was hired as plant manager at Basin Electric's Pioneer Generation Station, located near Williston, North Dakota. This new position was created after eight units—six reciprocating internal combustion engines and two combustion turbines—were added during the plant’s recent Phase IV addition.

“With the addition of the new generation, additional staff, and the growth in the site’s overall size, we felt a full-time manager position was needed,” Troy Tweeten, Basin Electric senior vice president of Generation, said. 

Tweeten says Fagenbush was the right choice because of his strong leadership skills and experience with Basin Electric.

“Braden has earned the respect of teams across our cooperative through his work ethic, technical knowledge, and steady leadership,” Tweeten said. “He understands what it takes to run a complex facility safely and reliably, and I’m confident he’ll do an excellent job leading Pioneer and serving our membership.”

Before accepting the role of plant manager, Fagenbush worked with Basin Electric for 11 years, nine at Laramie River Station in Wheatland, Wyoming, and most recently two years as maintenance superintendent at Antelope Valley Station and Leland Olds Station near Beulah, North Dakota.

“I am excited to transition to the gas fleet and become part of the Pioneer team,” Fagenbush said. “Being a member of the Basin Electric team is something I am proud of, and I am grateful for this opportunity. I look forward to the new challenges and responsibilities that come with this role.”