How we serve: mechanical technicians

When the electric grid calls for power, there’s no margin for error. Engines need to start, systems must respond, and equipment must perform exactly as designed — often in extreme weather conditions with high demand. Behind that reliability are daily maintenance, safety, and preparedness tasks at Basin Electric’s generation stations.

For the past three years, Taylor Erdmann has worked as one of seven mechanical technicians at Basin Electric’s Pioneer Generation Station located near Williston, North Dakota. Erdmann attended North Dakota State College of Science, earning a degree in diesel mechanics, which laid the foundation for the complex, high-energy equipment he now maintains.

At Pioneer Generation Station, Erdmann focuses on equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and operational support for the station’s new Wärtsilä reciprocating engines. These natural gas-fueled units are among the most flexible in Basin Electric’s fleet, capable of ramping up quickly when the grid needs power fast. Keeping them healthy is a responsibility Erdmann takes seriously.

A typical day for Erdmann starts with a team meeting where safety comes first, maintenance priorities are set, and the latest updates on plant operations are shared. From there, technicians report to their designated areas. For Erdmann, that means checking the engines, reviewing readings, and making sure every system is running smoothly and efficiently.

Erdmann’s work spans everything from preventive maintenance to complex hands-on troubleshooting. On any given day, that might mean replacing valves, gaskets, filters, or motors; overhauling compressors or engines; responding to alarms; and monitoring equipment performance. Much of this work happens outdoors, at the mercy of the weather, around heavy industrial machinery. It’s demanding, highly technical, and essential to plant safety and reliability.

Mechanical technicians across Basin Electric play a critical role in ensuring reliability, and reliability is the backbone of safe, continuous power generation. Even small mechanical issues can escalate into costly outages or safety risks if not caught early.

“I place a strong emphasis on reliability,” Erdmann explains. “When the demand is there for my engines,
I need to ensure the members can count on them ramping up.”

This is especially important during extreme cold or heat, when the grid relies on natural-gas units, like those at Pioneer Generation Station, to respond quickly. They’re currently the only major power source that can increase generation on demand, and that flexibility depends on their mechanical systems being ready to perform.

“I’m lucky I’ve had the opportunity to work side by side with the Wärtsilä contractors that installed the new reciprocating engines and the ones performing warranty maintenance,” Erdmann says. “It helped me better understand the units I’m working with and see firsthand the techniques and best practices that keep these units running at their best.”

Keeping the plant running smoothly requires clear communication and effective teamwork. Mechanical technicians work closely with operations, electricians, and instrumentation staff, often coordinating tasks across loud, high-energy environments where clear communication is critical to safety and efficiency.

“Our team works really well together,” Erdmann says. “We’ve all worked with each other for years, and our work flows naturally. Because we’re around loud, heavy equipment, it’s important that we have a good game plan before we go into the engine hall. This helps us stay coordinated and safe.”

Erdmann says maintenance work is more than simply replacing and maintaining parts; it’s about protecting the equipment that powers homes, hospitals, and businesses across Basin Electric’s service territory—and being ready when the grid needs it most. “By doing my job well and safely, we keep expenses low and reliability up, ensuring the members have access to the reliable power they depend on.”