Powering growth: meeting member needs

Basin Electric’s member cooperatives continue to experience growth at an exceptional rate, far outpacing the national average. To address this unprecedented demand, Basin Electric is developing approximately 1,470 megawatts of natural gas-fueled generation in Williams County, North Dakota. This state-of-the-art facility, strategically located outside the town of Epping, will power our communities’ expanding needs while ensuring reliability for the future.

The preferred site for this new combined-cycle natural gas facility, recently named Bison Generation Station, was chosen after careful evaluation of several critical factors. These include proximity to natural gas pipelines, access to water resources, and connection to high voltage transmission infrastructure. The site was also selected for its large, rural location, which accommodates the facility’s needs while minimizing impact. Additionally, local community members have been supportive of the project. Environmental considerations and socio-economic impacts were also carefully weighed, ensuring a balanced approach to development. With commercial operations anticipated to begin in 2030, Bison Generation Station is poised to deliver reliable, efficient energy to meet the growing needs of our member cooperatives.

Addressing unprecedented growth

The rising demand for electricity across our region stems from diverse sources such as industrial expansions, manufacturing facilities, data processing centers, residential developments, and small businesses like farms and ranches. This steady increase in load places a significant strain on the grid, particularly during times of peak demand. Without proactive investment in new generation facilities, our members face the risks related to reliability and cost volatility.

Today’s complex regulatory environment further complicates the challenge, threatening the affordability and reliability of electric generation. Basin Electric is addressing these challenges head-on to ensure an affordable, resilient energy future that meets the needs of our communities.

The cooperative model in action

Building the Bison Generation Station facility represents the cooperative model at its best – prioritizing member needs through enhanced reliability, affordability, and community-focused benefits. This investment strengthens our commitment to an all-of-the-above generation portfolio strategy, balancing diverse fuel types, generation methods, and locations to ensure resilience and flexibility.

Economically, Bison Generation Station will create jobs, drive local development, and support the broader community. Strategically, it extends our proven approach of converting low-cost, regional natural resources into affordable electricity. By leveraging locally-produced natural gas alongside coal, wind, hydro, and solar, we reinforce our historical strategy while addressing today’s challenges.

Securing the energy future

The Bison Generation Station facility is a critical step toward meeting the growing demand for electricity, ensuring grid reliability, and maintaining affordable rates for our members. While natural gas plays an increasingly important role in our generation mix, we remain mindful of the pricing volatility associated with national and international markets for natural gas. This underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced generation portfolio that safeguards against market fluctuations.

By combining strategic foresight with our cooperative principles, Basin Electric is securing an energy future that is reliable, affordable, and resilient. As we power growth across the region, we remain committed to our mission to serve our members and strengthen the communities we call home.