Basin Electric Power Cooperative (Basin Electric) has energized the Roundup-to-Kummer Ridge transmission line in western North Dakota.
The transmission line includes 33 miles of new 345 kV transmission line connecting the existing Roundup substation near Killdeer, North Dakota, and the existing Kummer Ridge substation near Johnson’s Corner.
The project aims to enhance reliability and reduce the risk of load loss due to a transmission line failure, said Philip Westby, manager of Transmission Services at Basin Electric. The new line uses a lighter and more efficient aluminum-encapsulated carbon core conductor.
The project also addresses congestion and cost levelization in the power grid to benefit local businesses and residents.
“The strength this line adds to McKenzie County and the surrounding region will increase existing member reliability and voltage strength and will help accommodate future load growth,” said Jeremy Mahowald, general manager of Upper Missouri Power Cooperative.
The transmission project, which started construction in April 2024, was energized five months before its initial target date. The reclamation work around the project is scheduled to continue into 2025.
“The completion of the Roundup-to-Kummer Ridge transmission line bolsters the reliability to a significant amount of McKenzie Electric’s membership by closing the path on what was previously a radial line,” said McKenzie Electric Cooperative CEO, Matt Hanson. “It also provides an additional feed into the McKenzie Electric service area, providing contingency benefits to both McKenzie Electric and other surrounding utilities.”
