BISMARCK – In collaboration with Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) and Ampacimon, Basin Electric is investing in technology that will enhance grid capability in northwestern North Dakota.

To allow for more electricity to flow across currently operating transmission lines this summer, the cooperative is installing 19 Ampacimon Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) devices on WAPA’s 75-mile-long Williston-to-Charlie Creek 230-kilovolt (kV) line.

Unlike the traditional line rating process, which uses static assumptions to set transmission ratings based on seasonal temperature and wind considerations, this dynamic approach allows for a more flexible and efficient use of transmission lines by capturing real-time measurements of the lines allowing for increased generation and load service during certain conditions.

This is the first-ever installation the cooperative has done using these types of devices. The cooperative anticipates more DLR devices could be installed in the future.

“By investing in initiatives like this DLR project, we are aiming to take full advantage of the transmission capacity of these facilities that will bridge us until additional transmission is constructed. The goal is to fully utilize the capability of the transmission system we have in place, maintain reliability, and to minimize congestion on our grid,” said Basin Electric Vice President of Transmission Jeremy Severson.

The cooperative also is building about 580 megawatts of natural gas generation near the Pioneer Generation Station, northwest of Williston. It is Basin Electric’s largest single-site electric generation project to be built in the state in 40 years. The cooperative is building major transmission lines and several substations in western North Dakota to maintain reliability and service of the power grid in the region, including two 345-kV lines that will double the load serving capability in the region.

These two projects equate to roughly $500 million invested to serve the membership. Looking to the next five years, Basin Electric’s financial forecast projects $4 billion in capital expenditures to maintain reliable power.