Central ND News

The recent cold snap in February highlighted the essential nature of reliable electricity in North Dakota. Interruptions in electricity flow can affect human life, safety, business operations, and food-related activities. Additionally, healthcare, commerce, manufacturing, energy production, and national security depend on a consistent power supply.

North Dakota is preparing to expand its electric grid significantly. Since electricity cannot be easily stored, a robust transportation system is necessary to move it from generators to homes and businesses. High voltage transmission lines connect to substations and distribution lines that deliver power to end users. The electric grid requires careful planning and operation.

The state is served by two regional transmission organizations: the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and the Mid-Continent Independent System Operator (MISO). These organizations gather data from utility members to conduct comprehensive grid reliability studies that guide infrastructure expansion.

SPP and MISO have identified several transmission projects needed in North Dakota for congestion relief, reliability improvements, new load handling, and generation capacity enhancement. Basin Electric Power Cooperative (BEPC) completed a 35-mile, 345-kilovolt transmission project from Killdeer to Johnson's Corner last December. BEPC also has approval for a 175-mile line from Leland Olds Station to Tioga and two 230-kilovolt projects connecting with Sask Power.

Minnesota Power Allete is upgrading its High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) line capacity from 550 megawatts to 900 megawatts. SPP and MISO have also planned a 345-kilovolt line from Mapleton to Big Stone in South Dakota. Grid United aims to build a 525-kilovolt HVDC line between Colstrip, Montana, and St Anthony/Center. Additionally, Otter Tail Power Co. and MDU are planning a 100-mile line from Jamestown to Ellendale.