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Electricity Delivery

Our transmission system

Basin Electric has base load generating resources on both sides of this separation.

Basin Electric Power Cooperative is one of the few utilities that supply electricity on both sides of the national electric system separation. The two systems arose because the transmission system developed from the population centers on the coasts inward.  

Direct-current ties

Direct-current (DC) ties or interties bridge the national electric system separation by taking alternating current electricity on one side, converting it to direct current, and then converting it back to alternating current so that it is in sync with the alternating current of the other side of the system separation.

Every generator east of the electrical transmission separation drives and affects that system and every generator west of the separation drives and affects that system. Electricity is generally transmitted at alternating current of 60 Hertz (cycles) per second. The slightest upset such as an electric generating unit abruptly separating from the system changes the standard 60 Hertz per second just slightly so the two systems are not synchronized and therefore cannot be connected directly. Connecting the systems would cause several system disconnects because protective devices for the facilities that are basically big circuit breakers would activate.

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• Electricity Delivery
• Common Use System
• FERC Laws and Orders
• Integrated System
• Regulation
• Missouri Basin Power Project
• Regional Transmission Organizations
• Glossary

Transmission Jargon 

Q. What is postage-stamp pricing?

A. A pricing methodology proposed for regional transmission organizations for which transmission users all pay the same rate to send electricity anywhere in the region. This pricing method facilitates needed transmission system improvements because all users pay equitably in proportion to their use.