Energy Security
America's energy security depends on a carefully designed strategy to boost domestic energy production, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and protect the environment. Basin Electric advocates a defined energy policy that gives industry certainty when planning for generation and transmission infrastructure, research and development of low-carbon emission technology, and energy efficiency and conservation efforts. Such certainty would also provide for long-term tax incentive structures. Throughout its history, Basin Electric has forged ahead with building a secure power supply system, focusing on diversity, stability, and innovation. The result: low-cost, environmentally responsible electricity for its membership
Environmental Commitment
Environmental Commitment facts (PDF)
Basin Electric and its membership support a clean environment, recognize the need to use energy more efficiently to hold down the cost of producing additional energy and to conserve our natural resources. Basin Electric advocated responsible reclamation practices at the Glenharold Mine - which fed the Leland Olds Station, starting in the 1960s - long before it was required by law.
Renewable Energy
Basin Electric supports an all-of-the-above energy solution, and that includes wind at Basin Electric.
Through direct investments and annual payments under renewable power purchase agreements, Basin Electric has invested more than $5 billion in renewable resources.
Great Plains Synfuels Plant
Great Plains Synfuels Plant facts (PDF)
Basin Electric, through its for-profit subsidiary, Dakota Gasification Company, owns and operates the Great Plains Synfuels Plant, a $2.1-billion dollar plant that began operation in 1984. Located five miles northwest of Beulah, ND, the Synfuels Plant has been owned and operated by Dakota Gas since 1988.
Innovation
Throughout Basin Electric's history, the cooperative has participated in many first-of-its-kind projects. Basin Electric has stepped into the arena of innovative technologies when doing so will have long-term benefits to both the cooperative and its members.
Serving the Bakken
Serving the Bakken facts (PDF)
The oil play in the Bakken formation covers parts of western North Dakota and eastern Montana. North Dakota is projected to surpass Alaska as the second-largest oil-producing state in 2012, trailing only Texas. Basin Electric has been actively monitoring the growth and planning for transmission and generation needs associated with rapidly increasing loads.
Transmission and SPP (Southwest Power Pool)
Transmission and SPP facts (PDF)
Basin Electric is one of the few utilities that supplies electricity on both the Western and Eastern interconnections. This separation of the national electric system exists because, as the transmission system developed, the major transmission lines emanated from the major population centers, which there are relatively few of at the separation.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), are organizations responsible for coordinating, controlling and monitoring electricity transmission over large interstate areas.
As of Oct. 1, 2015, Basin Electric is operating in the RTO Southwest Power Pool (SPP). In joining SPP, Basin Electric retains control of its generating assets.
Commitment to Community
Commitment to Community facts (PDF)
Basin Electric gives back to the communities by extending a helping hand by donating their time throughout the community, holding charity events, sponsoring events, and offering many different scholarship opportunities to its members and employees. Basin Electric and its employees have also done their part to alleviate hunger in their communities, volunteering for organizations such as United Way, the Great Plains Food Bank, and Heaven's Helpers Soup Café.
