Powering Forward: Navigating the Complex Web of Reliable Electricity Supply

By Matt Hanson

Last month, we kicked off Co-op month by highlighting the value of electric cooperatives and our commitment to providing affordable power. This month, I wanted to take a deeper dive into the combined efforts to provide the reliable power that you all depend on.

McKenzie Electric Coopertative (MEC) is part of a three tier system by which Basin Electric Power Cooperative produces and delivers power through a wholesale power supplier, Upper Missouri Power Cooperative, and then to McKenzie Electric. Under this current arrangement, Basin Electric has the primary obligation of providing all the required power for MEC’s membership.

MEC’s system interconnects with various utilities, primarily Basin Electric, to create an elaborate network of wires and interconnections known as the nationwide electric grid, commonly referred to in the utility world as the Bulk Electric System (BES). The BES generally affords a depth of power generation and transmission resources that benefit the overall electric consumer. Across the BES, independent system operators have the responsibility of oversight on how the electric grid operates in their respective regions. McKenzie Electric resides within the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) region.

Because of this important control structure, sometimes, there can be problems, like not having enough power generation during uncontrollable weather events - much like what we experienced during Winter Storm Uri in February 2021 which led to rolling blackouts across the Midwest. To avoid the potential of these gaps in power generation, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), acts as a watchdog of sorts over the BES. Each spring and winter, NERC provides their assessment on where the BES may be at risk for inadequate available supply to meet the anticipated demand. Ultimately the independent system operator has oversight and the responsibility of making sure the power supply matches the demand for electricity. I have provided the most recent outlook from NERC, and as you can see, our area is at high risk for not meeting normal peak conditions – primarily due to much needed infrastructure not keeping up with the pace of demand.

On high demand days, local gas peaking plants or renewable energy are providing the current support needed, not a place we particularly want to be at. Fortunately, there are two projects from Basin Electric underway to get the necessary infrastructure in place. The first is installing a new high voltage transmission line from just north of Killdeer to Johnson’s Corner. Second is putting in place approximately 600 Megawatts of new generation west of Williston that will provide additional support to the Bakken and McKenzie Electric’s system. Completion dates for the transmission expansion is 2025, with the new generation in place by 2026.