
Electric cooperatives served by Basin Electric say the generation and transmission co-op’s efficient work to get a new 345-kilovolt power line up and running will help them meet existing and future demand with greater reliability.
The Bismarck, North Dakota-based G&T recently completed a 33-mile transmission line within the state to connect the Roundup substation near Killdeer and the Kummer Ridge substation near Johnson’s Corner.
“The strength this line adds to McKenzie County and the surrounding region will increase existing member reliability and voltage strength and will help accommodate future load growth,” said Jeremy Mahowald, general manager of Sidney, Montana-based Upper Missouri Power Cooperative.
Basin Electric initiated the project to enhance reliability and reduce the risk of load loss due to a transmission line failure, said Philip Westby, the G&T’s manager of transmission services.
The power line will also address regional grid congestion and cost inefficiencies to better serve local businesses and residents, he said.
“The completion of the Roundup-to-Kummer Ridge transmission line bolsters the reliability to a significant amount of McKenzie Electric’s membership by closing the path on what was previously a radial line,” said Matt Hanson, CEO of the Watford City, North Dakota-based co-op. “It also provides an additional feed into the McKenzie Electric service area, providing contingency benefits to both McKenzie Electric and other surrounding utilities.”
Basin Electric provides energy to 140 electric co-ops in nine Western states that serve more than 3 million members.
Construction of the transmission line, which uses an aluminum-encapsulated carbon core conductor, began in April 2024. It was energized in December, five months ahead of schedule. Reclamation work around the project is ongoing.
Gavin McCollam, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Basin Electric, attributed the quick progress on the power line to McKenzie and Dunn counties and the North Dakota Public Service Commission “for recognizing the importance of this project and providing necessary approvals.”
He also credited McKenzie Electric and area pipeline operators for their help in navigating the project around existing utilities, and the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation leadership for their assistance during design and construction.
“Together, we have developed a solution for a safe and reliable transmission line that provides critical power delivery needs,” McCollam said.
Cathy Cash is a staff writer for NRECA.