Basin Electric transmission project advances with federal and state permits

The Wheelock-and Tande-to-Saskatchewan transmission project reached key milestones in May with two major approvals:

• A site compatibility permit by the North Dakota Public Service Commission on May 14
• A Presidential Permit by the U.S. Department of Energy on May 21

The Wheelock-and Tande-to-Saskatchewan transmission line project was identified in the Southwest Power Pool’s (SPP) 2021 Aggregate Transmission Service Study as necessary to expand reliable 230-kilovolt transmission service. The request was initiated by SaskPower to increase the transfer capability between Saskatchewan and the U.S.

Basin Electric is the designated transmission owner for the U.S. portion of the project, while SaskPower is completing the corresponding circuit in Canada. The North Dakota portion of the project is estimated at $179 million. SaskPower will pay for transmission service across SPP, which covers the cost of the project. As a result, there is no cost impact to existing SPP customers, including Basin Electric.

Pending final permits and easement acquisitions, construction is scheduled to begin in the coming months, with an anticipated energization in the fall of 2027. Once complete, the upgrades will improve voltage support, system reliability, and operational flexibility during outages, maintenance, and high-load conditions.