Basin Today Winter 2025 by Basin Electric

BASIN TODAY

Basin Electric’s Wellness Committee is comprised of representatives across the organization and focuses on organizing opportunities for employees to participate in health-related activities. This fall, the committee hosted a “Fall/Hunting Outdoor Photo Challenge,” asking employees to submit a photo that was taken in Basin Electric’s service area.

There were three categories: Animals, Places, and People. Featured is the winning photo in the People division, submitted by Kayla Myron, accounting analyst I at Headquarters. The photo was taken while she was archery hunting in District 8.

CONTENTS VOLUME 28 | NUMBER 1

ON THE COVER

Cleverly hidden in Havre, Montana, is the state’s smallest ski hill, Bear Paw Ski Bowl. But don’t let size fool you. This nearly entirely volunteer-run nonprofit offers an inexpensive, old-fashioned ski hill experience you won’t find anywhere else. Served by Class C member Hill County Electric Cooperative, Bear Paw Ski Bowl is also one of only three ski areas in the United States that is located on a Native American reservation and is open to the public.

IN EVERY ISSUE

2 CEO and general manager column: Todd Brickhouse

4 In brief

8 Member focus

10 How we serve

17 Employee highlights

FEATURE STORIES

6 Beneath the Surface: Dakota Gas uses seismic surveys to monitor carbon capture and storage project

12 Engagement Excellence: The Lonesome Creek Station way

14 Passing the torch: Basin Electric Board of Directors welcome a new director to the boardroom

CONTRIBUTORS

Editor: Kalli Senske (communications@bepc.com)

Graphic designer: Joy Schnabel

Photographers: Joy Schnabel, Juan Thomas, Greg Wheeler

Writers: Erin Becker, Jenifer Gray, Dana Hager, Alison Kirsch, Andrew Weeks

Scan the QR code with your cell phone to view stories online.

TODD BRICKHOUSE

POWERING GROWTH: MEETING MEMBER NEEDS

Basin Electric’s member cooperatives continue to experience growth at an exceptional rate, far outpacing the national average. To address this unprecedented demand, Basin Electric is developing approximately 1,470 megawatts of natural gas-fueled generation in Williams County, North Dakota. This state-of-the-art facility, strategically located outside the town of Epping, will power our communities’ expanding needs while ensuring reliability for the future.

The preferred site for this new combined-cycle natural gas facility, recently named Bison Generation Station, was chosen after careful evaluation of several critical factors. These include proximity to natural gas pipelines, access to water resources, and connection to high-voltage transmission infrastructure. The site was also selected for its large, rural location, which accommodates the facility’s needs while minimizing impact. Additionally, local community members have been supportive of the project. Environmental considerations and socio-economic impacts were also carefully weighed, ensuring a balanced approach to development. With commercial operations anticipated to begin in 2030, Bison Generation Station is poised to deliver reliable, efficient energy to meet the growing needs of our member cooperatives.

Addressing unprecedented growth

The rising demand for electricity across our region stems from diverse sources such as industrial expansions,

manufacturing facilities, data processing centers, residential developments, and small businesses like farms and ranches. This steady increase in load places a significant strain on the grid, particularly during times of peak demand. Without proactive investment in new generation facilities, our members face the risks related to reliability and cost volatility.

Today’s complex regulatory environment further complicates the challenge, threatening the affordability and reliability of electric generation. Basin Electric is addressing these challenges head-on to ensure an affordable, resilient energy future that meets the needs of our communities.

The cooperative model in action

Building the Bison Generation Station facility represents the cooperative model at its best – prioritizing member needs through enhanced reliability, affordability, and community-focused benefits. This investment strengthens our commitment to an all-of-the-above generation portfolio strategy, balancing diverse fuel types, generation methods, and locations to ensure resilience and flexibility.

Economically, Bison Generation Station will create jobs, drive local development, and support the broader community. Strategically, it extends our proven approach of converting low-cost, regional natural resources into

affordable electricity. By leveraging locally-produced natural gas alongside coal, wind, hydro, and solar, we reinforce our historical strategy while addressing today’s challenges.

Securing the energy future

The Bison Generation Station facility is a critical step toward meeting the growing demand for electricity, ensuring grid reliability, and maintaining affordable rates for our members. While natural gas plays an increasingly important role in our generation mix, we remain mindful of the pricing volatility associated with national and international markets for natural gas. This underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced generation portfolio that safeguards against market fluctuations.

By combining strategic foresight with our cooperative principles, Basin Electric is securing an energy future that is reliable, affordable, and resilient. As we power growth across the region, we remain committed to our mission to serve our members and strengthen the communities we call home.

TODD BRICKHOUSE CEO and general manager

The design of the future Bison Generation Station facility.

Basin Electric energizes new transmission line in western North Dakota

Basin Electric energized a new transmission line in western North Dakota on Dec. 17.

The Roundup-to-Kummer Ridge transmission line includes 33 miles of new 345-kilovolt (kV) transmission line connecting the existing Roundup substation near Killdeer, North Dakota, and the existing Kummer Ridge substation near Johnson’s Corner.

The project was driven by increased load in the region and aims to enhance reliability and reduce the risk of load loss due to a transmission line failure, Philip Westby, manager of Transmission Services at Basin Electric, said. The new line uses an aluminum-encapsulated carbon core conductor which is lighter and more efficient. The project also addresses congestion and cost levelization in the power grid, benefiting local businesses and residents. Westby said Basin Electric is extremely excited about the new transmission line and so are cooperative members.

The new line underscores what Basin Electric is doing to keep power both reliable and affordable by utilizing generation, technology, and transmission to reduce congestion for its membership. Other examples include building its Pioneer Generation Station in Williston, North Dakota, and harnessing technologies such as Dynamic Line Rating at the Williston-to-Charlie Creek 230-kV line.

https://bit.ly/Roundup-to-KummerRidge

NERC releases 2024-2025 winter reliability assessment report

The 2024-2025 winter reliability assessment report was recently released by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). NERC looks at every power market across the United States to determine available generation resources and load levels so they can ensure there is enough generation to serve the load. The winter report identifies and assesses reliability concerns for the months of December, January, and February.

As Basin Electric’s renewable portfolio continues to grow, monitoring the appropriate ratio of dispatchable generation to peak load ensures that members are being served as reliably and affordably as possible.

https://bit.ly/WinterAssessment

New Leland Olds substation on track for 2025 completion

Construction of a new 19.5-acre substation to replace the 345-kilovolt (kV) substation at Leland Olds Station located near Stanton, North Dakota, is on track for completion in 2025.

The project started in 2020 and most of the construction work has since been completed, including energizing two of the five bays.

“The purpose of the project is three-fold,” Chad Kuntz, supervisor of Electrical Engineering, said. “It is displacing an aging infrastructure project that was to occur at the original Leland Olds 345-kV substation. It is also providing an additional terminal for Basin Electric’s East Loop 345-kV transmission project and a wind interconnection that were not available at the original location.”

The new Roundup-to-Kummer Ridge transmission line was energized Dec. 17.

Aerial view of Leland Olds substation construction.

The new Leland Olds 345-kV substation has nine terminals that include two 345/230-kV transformers, seven 345- kV transmission lines, and room for growth, making it one of Basin Electric’s largest 345-kV substations.

https://bit.ly/LelandOldsSubstationProgress

FERC approves 2025 Rate Schedule A

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has accepted the 2025 Rate Schedule A with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2025.

In September, the Basin Electric Board of Directors authorized a Class A rate increase of $4 per megawatt-hour (MWh), or approximately 6.5%. Basin Electric’s financial forecast indicated the need for an approximate $5.20 per MWh rate increase; however, after feedback from members, the board elected to use a portion of the Rate Stability Fund to gradually implement the rate increase.

https://bit.ly/RateScheduleA

Basin Electric’s Security and Response Services set record week

A record-breaking week spanned from Tuesday, Sept. 24, until Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, when Basin Electric’s Security and Response Services (SRS) added nearly 94,000 new utility meters, which measure electricity usage, in one week alone. According to Chad Reisenauer, Basin Electric director of Community and Member Relations,

the average growth for the SRS call center over the past five years is approximately 26,000 meters per year.

SRS allows members 24-hour access to their electric cooperative while taking pressure off cooperative employees. Dispatchers communicate with linemen via push-to-talk radios and cell phones, tracking linemen from the time they leave the shop until the outage has been restored and they have returned to the co-op.

Between Sept. 24 and Oct. 1, SRS incorporated two new members: Yampa Valley Electric Association, located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, a non-member of Basin Electric; and Mountain View Electric Association, situated in Falcon, Colorado, a Basin Electric Class C member. The incorporation of these two new members played a crucial role in the record-breaking week.

https://bit.ly/RecordWeekForSRS

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The Security and Response Services team at Headquarters.

Specially designed vibroseis trucks were on site at Dakota Gas in early November to conduct seismic surveys of the plant’s Broom Creek carbon dioxide injection field

BENEATH THE SURFACE

DAKOTA GAS USES SEISMIC SURVEYS TO MONITOR CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE PROJECT

By Andrew Weeks

The loud whine of engines reverberated across the open fields at Dakota Gasification Company (Dakota Gas) as three vibroseis trucks sent seismic waves deep into the earth. A gray sky foretold that the seasons were changing, and the trucks were there to conduct seismic surveys at the company’s Broom Creek carbon dioxide (CO2) injection field near Beulah, North Dakota, before Old Man Winter arrived.

Kurt Dutchuk, pipeline superintendent at Dakota Gas, a subsidiary of Basin Electric, says winter months can present significant challenges for surveys, making it crucial to complete them before the snow flies.

“When deep snow or mud is present, access to the survey lines can be difficult,” he explains, “as the weight and size of vibroseis trucks can cause them to get stuck or make it impossible to travel through the terrain.”

Dakota Gas began injecting carbon dioxide into the Broom Creek formation last February, where it stores captured CO2 about 5,900 feet underground. The carbon dioxide, once captured and treated for transportation and storage, moves via pipeline to an onsite injection well and is sent to the underground storage site. Partnering with Denver, Colorado-based Carbon Vault, the seismic surveys—part of the permitting process for Dakota Gas to store CO 2 underground—are required to monitor the captured carbon dioxide and ensure it stays within its confined geological storage site.

Rhonda Gathers, vice president of engineering and operations at Carbon Vault, was on site for the project in early November and explained the survey process.

The specially designed vibroseis trucks use hydraulic systems to generate seismic waves. “These seismic

near Beulah, North Dakota.

waves are reflected back to the surface when they encounter different rock layers,” Gathers says. “They are captured by sensors placed at the surface. The data collected is interpreted by the measured time it takes for the waves to return to the surface and results in a subsurface image.”

Data collected from these surveys helps confirm that the injected CO2 is staying within the geologic confines of the Broom Creek formation. She said the seismic survey is only a part of the storage facility testing and monitoring plan. This plan is in place to target early detection of any abnormalities and ensure that the geologic storage project is operating safely and protecting all underground sources of drinking water.

Dakota Gas is permitted to store roughly 26 million metric tons of carbon dioxide over 12 years at the Broom

Creek formation. Since operations started in February, the company has sent about 1.3 million metric tons of it underground. Seismic surveys are required for this site during years one, three, five, and 10.

Dutchuk says data obtained from the November survey is still being analyzed. Once verified, it is then sent to a processing facility, with results available anywhere from four to eight weeks.

As the cool November breeze whipped across the dry prairie, the snow still weeks away, the reverberating sounds of the vibroseis trucks were carried with it as they continued to survey the storage field. As of this writing, Dakota Gas is still awaiting the results of the survey.

This image depicts what happens during a seismic survey. Vibroseis trucks send seismic waves deep into the earth, which then reflect to the surface where the data is captured by sensors placed on the ground. Data collected from these surveys help confirm that injected CO2 stays within the geologic confines of the storage formation.

Photo courtesy of Energy & Environmental Research Center

WARM PEOPLE, COOL MOUNTAIN

SMALL SKI AREA BRINGS BIG FUN

By Kalli Senske

Montana’s beautiful and diverse terrain makes it a sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially those looking to hit the slopes. One ski area you may not have tried yet is just 20 minutes from Havre; Bear Paw Ski Bowl. If it’s not on your “must-visit” list yet, it’s time to add it.

Nestled in the Bear Paw Mountains, Bear Paw Ski Bowl is Montana’s smallest ski hill that makes a big impression. Visitors have been skiing the mountain since 1960, and while the pristine landscape looks the same, enhancements like a double chair lift and tow rope have been added to the 900 vertical foot mountain, making it an easy place to spend the day.

But what makes Bear Paw Ski Bowl really unique is that it’s one of three ski areas in the United States that is located on a Native American reservation and is open to the public. It operates on land wholly owned by the Chippewa Cree Tribe of Rocky Boy.

“It’s a privilege that the Chippewa Cree have invited visitors to this hill for the last 64 years. It’s their gift to the community,” Claire Stoner, president of Snow Dance Ski Association, says.

While Bear Paw Ski Bowl is located on tribal land, it’s operated by Snow Dance Ski Association and has been for over 40 years. The association takes care of all legal and accounting responsibilities, executes fundraisers, makes capital purchases, and operates the ski/board rental shop located in Havre. They also manage all the volunteers, which is important since the nonprofit organization is nearly entirely volunteer run.

“Our four lift operators, who are all Chippewa Cree tribal members, are the only paid employees. That being said, we have a lot of volunteers, and it takes a village to make Bear Paw possible,” Stoner says.

Skiers ride the chair lift up the 900 vertical foot mountain.

Photo courtesy of Peggy Ray Photography

WE

WORK HARD TO KEEP RATES AFFORDABLE SO PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND ABILITIES ARE ABLE TO COME AND ENJOY THE HILL.

Claire Stoner, president of Snow Dance Ski Association

There are approximately 30 volunteers from Havre and surrounding communities who support Bear Paw Ski Bowl. They bring various talents and skills ranging from business management to construction, fundraising to medical.

Three year-round volunteers work on building maintenance and have completed projects such as replacing a roof, remodeling the ticket booth, and replacing a ceiling. During the off-season, volunteer maintenance crews prepare for the next winter by doing tasks like clearing downed trees and stringing new cables for the chairlift.

Bear Paw Ski Bowl is also fortunate to have the help of Eagle Creek Ski Patrol, a group certified through the National Ski Patrol who volunteer each weekend to maintain safety and provide first aid on the hill.

Because it’s heavily dependent on volunteers, Bear Paw Ski Bowl does not open until January (exact date depends on snow fall) and is only open on Saturdays and Sundays.

A huge amount of community support has been shown to the ski bowl, helping make sure its doors stay open. In fact, Montana State University-Northern in Havre even pays for lift tickets and rentals for its students so they have easy access to the hill.

“For many students, it’s their first experience with skiing and snowboarding, and they’re able to try it because of the generosity of the school,” Stoner says. “We work hard to keep rates affordable so people of all ages and abilities are able to come and enjoy the hill.”

Maintaining affordability is imperative for Bear Paw Ski Bowl, not only when it comes to their pricing but also when managing their expenses. Stoner says having reliable, affordable electricity provided by Basin Electric Class C member Hill County Electric Cooperative is vital.

Electricity is used to operate the chair lift, rope tow, power in the lodge, and more.

“We are very fortunate to have three-phase power which allows for efficient operation of the chair lift,” Stoner says. “Our diesel engine on the lift is only a backup, and

we couldn’t operate without electricity. If we had to convert the chairlift to diesel, it would be very expensive and not feasible to operate. The ski hill operates at a loss most years, so any more expense would shut us down.”

Bear Paw Ski Bowl has won the hearts of many by offering an old-fashioned, friendly ski experience, but it’s the community support that has kept the hill open to visitors for nearly 65 years. The Chippewa Cree Tribe, Snow Dance Ski Association, Eagle Creek Ski Patrol, community volunteers, Hill County Electric Cooperative, and local businesses and neighbors all do their part to make the ski hill a magical place and give visitors an experience they won’t find anywhere else.

Students from Rocky Boy School visit for a day of skiing.

Photo courtesy of Bear Paw Ski Bowl

WITH THE STATION OPERATING TEAM HOW WE SERVE

By Erin Becker

Employees across Basin Electric work tirelessly to ensure we can charge our cell phones, heat our homes, turn on the television, and perform daily tasks without a hitch. One of the roles tasked with monitoring and ensuring this reliability is the station operators.

Dominic Moore is an assistant station operator at Dry Fork Station located in Gillette, Wyoming, and plays a vital role in ensuring the efficiency of plant operations for our members.

Moore’s journey at Basin Electric started with an internship. “I was hired at Dry Fork Station in the summer of 2013 as an intern in the electrical shop after finishing my degree in industrial electrical,” Moore says. “In December 2013, I received a full-time job as a utility operator, then approximately a year later began working as a scrubber operator. Eventually, I came to find myself in my current position – assistant station operator.”

Assistant station operators play an important role at Basin Electric by monitoring equipment, performing inspections, and engaging in plant-wide communications to avoid disruptions in power to Basin Electric’s members.

“I typically start my day with a set of equipment inspections, beginning with the boiler, where I check oil levels and differential pressures on filters,” Moore says.

The boiler is an essential piece of equipment that produces steam which drives turbines to generate electricity. Without an efficient boiler, Dry Fork Station wouldn’t operate effectively, impacting energy production and reliability. Assistant station operators monitor boiler performance by inspecting the ports and monitoring bottom ash quantity. They also maintain constant communication with the lead station operator if any issues are observed.

Dominic Moore, assistant station operator at Dry Fork Station in Gillette, Wyoming.

I’M PROUD OF THE WORK I DO AT DRY FORK STATION – IT GIVES ME A SENSE OF PRIDE KNOWING THAT THE WORK I DO HELPS PRODUCE CLEAN, RELIABLE, AND EFFICIENT ENERGY TO KEEP THE LIGHTS AND HEAT ON FOR MEMBERS ACROSS BASIN ELECTRIC.

Dominic Moore, assistant station operator at Dry Fork Station

Assistant station operators and lead station operators also work closely to ensure the boiler complies with environmental regulations.

“I monitor the mechanical/operation side of the ammonia system which is used to prevent NOX (nitrogen oxides), while the lead station operator maintains and regulates ammonia flow into the boiler to keep the plant in compliance,” Moore says.

With temperatures that reach up to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit inside the boiler, safety is vital in Moore’s role. “The boiler at Dry Fork Station is coal-fueled, and it’s critical to wear heat protective clothing to protect yourself from the high temperatures,” Moore says. “Our team also has a full-face respirator with ammonia cartridges ready in the event of an emergency.”

When asked how he handles emergency shutdowns or boiler malfunctions, Moore responded, “Don’t panic. It’s important to assess the area and the potential problem, calmly call the lead station operator, and work with him to maintain control of the situation at hand. I also rely heavily on other members of my crew to assist me in the situation.”

“Teamwork is very important in my role,” Moore says. “Not only do we assist one another with issues that arise from day-to-day, but we also work together to improve efficiencies that help create a better work environment for everyone.”

The duties of an assistant station operator extend beyond monitoring the boiler.

“After boiler observations, I begin outside assessments, like checking the ammonia and propane tanks and the

cooling tower. Then, I continue to the control room to grab preventative maintenance work orders and see if there are any lockout/tagouts that need to be hung for the day so electrical and maintenance personnel can work on equipment safely.”

Assistant station operators support the lead station operator by monitoring various systems, recording critical data, and ensuring smooth communication across the plant. Their observations and inspections help identify minor repairs and maintenance issues before they escalate, reducing unplanned outages for Basin Electric’s members.

“I’m proud of the work I do at Dry Fork Station – it gives me a sense of pride knowing that the work I do helps produce clean, reliable, and efficient energy to keep the lights and heat on for members across Basin Electric.”

Assistant station operators play an integral role in monitoring boiler performance.

ENGAGEMENT EXCELLENCE: THE LONESOME CREEK STATION WAY

By Alison Kirsch

What does it take to create an exceptional team in a high-stakes environment? According to Doug Hunter, Basin Electric operations and maintenance supervisor at Lonesome Creek Station (Lonesome Creek), it takes communication, collaboration, and a whole lot of heart.

The team of technicians at Lonesome Creek has set a new standard for engagement, achieving the highest score among facilities in the cooperative during the 2024 Employee Engagement Survey. In a high-stakes environment where quick decisions and teamwork are crucial, this team’s ability to work together seamlessly has led to operational efficiency and an engaging, positive workplace.

Across all facilities, 72% of employees completed Basin Electric’s second annual Employee Engagement Survey, indicating that they wanted their voices heard. The results were compiled and analyzed by analytics and advisory company Gallup, and action plans were developed by Basin Electric team leaders targeting areas to optimize employee engagement within their teams.

Gallup’s research has found engaged employees have higher wellbeing, better retention, lower absenteeism, and higher productivity. Gallup’s latest published employee engagement findings show an average of 23% globally, 33% nationally, and 70% in best-practice organizations.

EVERYTHING FALLS INTO PLACE WHEN COMMUNICATION IS OPEN, HONEST, AND INCLUSIVE.

Doug Hunter, operations and maintenance supervisor at Lonesome Creek Station

Pictured at the Lonesome Creek control room from left, Victor Urbaniak, operator technician I; Jacob Fisher, operator technician II; Daniel Roznowski, operator technician II; Taun Murphy, operator technician I; and Doug Hunter, operations and maintenance supervisor.

The Basin Electric Human Resources team launched the Gallup Employee Engagement Survey in 2023 to gather baseline data to determine the level of engagement throughout the entire workforce. The team plans to conduct this survey annually for three years with a goal to improve employee engagement each year.

“We conduct an engagement survey because we all want to have meaning and purpose in our lives,” Todd Brickhouse, Basin Electric CEO and general manager, said at the all-employee meeting in August. “Engagement is one way to measure that in our professional lives. We all want to make Basin Electric a great place to work and come into every day.”

According to Brickhouse, engagement is important because when employees are engaged, they are more likely to tell someone when something is wrong, especially concerning safety, reliability, and affordability. “If each of us has a sense of engagement, it leads to a thriving culture where we are much better positioned to execute our mission.”

Hunter has been working at Basin Electric for almost nine years – three of which have been spent at the cooperative’s Lonesome Creek facility. His team of six members is one of the smallest facility teams across all Basin Electric facilities.

The team at Lonesome Creek is unique not only in its configuration but also in its people. “We are a small group comprised mostly of veterans who have all worked

in the oil field,” Hunter says. This shared background, understanding, and sense of brotherhood make them a very effective team.

According to Hunter, his team’s high level of engagement comes from a team culture of communication and collaboration. “Everything falls into place when communication is open, honest, and inclusive,” he says. “It makes me real proud when I hear my team over the radio communicate and coordinate every step of a process and every request for help.”

One of the team’s biggest challenges is the fuel valves on the station’s natural gas units. When a valve needs a replacement, it usually entails a two-day project. Through communication and teamwork, the team has gained efficiencies and reduced that time to 10-12 hours.

Unsurprisingly, the aspect of Hunter’s job that makes it easy to go to work every day is his team. “These technicians are great people. They have a lot of pride and ownership in their site and its performance. They work hard, they work safely, and they have fun while doing it,” he says.

Hunter’s guide to engagement is simple: connect. “As I tell my team – If you don’t say anything, you won’t change anything,” he says. “That’s why I appreciate every one of my teammates – they want to continue making Basin Electric a better place to work every day.”

PASSING THE TORCH: BASIN ELECTRIC BOARD

OF DIRECTORS WELCOME A NEW DIRECTOR TO THE BOARDROOM

By Jenifer Gray

The old saying, “When one door closes, another one opens” can apply to many experiences we have throughout our lives: business opportunities, career paths, relationships, etc. Those changes can be exciting, challenging, and even scary.

For District 8 Director Allen Thiessen who has served on the Basin Electric Board of Directors for 12 years, change comes in the shape of retirement. “Working together in cooperative fashion to address the changes and challenges in our industry has been

both fun and rewarding,” Thiessen says. “I may not have fully understood the challenges another co-op had and they may not have understood mine, but we listened to each other and came to conclusions that benefited our members.”

He admits he’s a co-op junkie. “My dad and his brothers served on about every co-op board in our area,” Thiessen says. “My uncle, C.R. Thiessen, was a founding member of Basin Electric and talked me into running for his Lower Yellowstone Rural Electric Cooperative board seat when

Former District 8 Director Allen Thiessen served on the Basin Electric Board of Directors for 12 years.

he retired.” After that, Thiessen was hooked and went on to serve on both Montana and North Dakota rural electric associations, Upper Missouri Power Cooperative, and Midwest Electric Cooperative Corporation. “It’s been a very rewarding experience,” he says.

Although Thiessen will no longer serve on the Basin Electric Board of Directors, he’ll still be busy in his role as board vice president of the Upper Missouri Power Cooperative, a Basin Electric Class A member, and board president of the Lower Yellowstone Rural Electric Cooperative, a Basin Electric Class C member. Both cooperatives are located in Sidney, Montana. Thiessen is also an active member in his community of Lambert, Montana.

Thiessen says he’ll miss the fellowship of the board and staff the most. “Everyone has been so wonderful, and I’ve been friends with a lot of them outside of our meetings. You get to meet their families at social events and keep up with what’s happening each month,” he says. “I still miss past board members; only Wayne Peltier, board president, and Kermit Pearson, secretary of the Dakota

Coal and Montana Limestone boards, are still here from when I began.”

As Thiessen spends more time with family and doing some of the things he’s been putting off, like restoring old cars, he will continue to be a dedicated Basin Electric supporter and looks forward to working with the board to make the world a better place for its members.

New opportunities

With Thiessen’s retirement from the board, a door opens on a new opportunity for Anthony Larson, vice president of the Slope Electric Cooperative board in New England, North Dakota, as he fills Thiessen’s seat on the Basin Electric Board of Directors. Larson is the fourth-generation owner and operator of 1910 Larson Ranch, a beef cow/calf, yearling, and forage operation. He has worked in bank management and lending and is a former board member of the Rural Development Finance Corporation. He also holds a National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Director Gold Certificate.

Director Anthony Larson is proud to now represent District 8 on the Basin Electric Board of Directors.

BY FULLY UNDERSTANDING THE NEEDS OF THE BASIN ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP AS A WHOLE, I CAN POSITION MYSELF AS AN EFFECTIVE DIRECTOR.

Anthony Larson, District 8 Director

“My whole life has been focused on service, and I’ve had opportunities to serve in a variety of ways,” Larson says. “When I saw the chance to serve on the Basin Electric board and the impact that Basin Electric has on so many lives throughout such a big service territory, I knew I could use my skills and experiences to make a difference.”

Larson is passionate about the cooperative business model, which provides a solid foundation from which to make decisions. “That foundation allows us to serve the interests of all. By fully understanding the needs not only of my Upper Missouri family but the needs of the Basin Electric membership as a whole, I can position myself as an effective director,” Larson says.

Larson values healthy discussions and ensuring all sides of an issue are explored. He even appreciates non-unanimous votes, viewing them as a sign of diverse viewpoints and experiences being represented. “It is

important that all perspectives are considered prior to making board decisions and that the board is unified once a decision is made,” Larson says. “By valuing other people’s input, listening, and being fully engaged by doing the necessary homework, the interests of the Basin Electric membership will be best served.”

Change often creates opportunities and clears the way for new possibilities. Every change, whether planned or unexpected, invites us to explore new paths, develop new skills, and connect with different people. Throughout the past 12 years, Thiessen shared his knowledge and love of the cooperative family with his fellow board members, often making difficult decisions in the face of an ever-evolving energy industry and always with the membership in mind. Those decisions have paved the way for Larson to continue the important work of a board director, inspiring a deep commitment to the cooperative model and a fresh perspective.

Anthony Larson, back left, joins the rest of the Basin Electric Board of Directors.

A FAMILY TRADITION

DAWSON KAYLOR FOLLOWS

HIS PARENTS’ FOOTSTEPS TO DAKOTA GAS

By Andrew Weeks

Perhaps it was a sign that hinted at his future career with Dakota Gasification Company and its Great Plains Synfuels Plant when Dawson Kaylor, at only 5 years old, appeared with his parents on the spring 2008 cover of Basin Today. In the image, Jerard and Heidi Kaylor are walking along a dirt path with their three children. Dawson is holding hands with his parents as he playfully swings in their grasp. The cover story for that edition: “Our energy, our future.”

That future is now.

Sixteen years after that photo was taken, Dawson followed his parents’ footsteps to Dakota Gas, a subsidiary of Basin Electric, where since January 2024 he has worked as a shift maintenance field technician. The tradition of working at the plant near Beulah, North Dakota, started with his father, Jerard Kaylor, who is superintendent of planning. He began his career with Dakota Gas in 2000. Next, Dawson’s mother, Heidi Kaylor, began work with the company in 2013. She works as the executive administrative assistant.

Because they all work for the same company, Dawson will sometimes visit his parents’ offices before or after his shift, and occasionally they’ll have lunch together. In some ways, he says, this shared work connection is another benefit that Basin Electric has provided.

“Having Dawson follow in our footsteps at the Synfuels Plant is very special, especially seeing how his early interest in this kind of work has grown into a rewarding career,” Jerard says. “From a young age, Dawson was always curious about how things worked – taking apart toys, tools, vehicles, and electronics to figure them out and then putting them back together. He spent countless hours by my side while doing repairs and rebuilds, and as he grew older, he applied those skills both in his everyday life and in the workforce.

Dawson Kaylor, a shift maintenance technician at Dakota Gas’ Synfuels Plant, holds a copy of the spring 2008 issue of Basin Today. Dawson, at age 5, is pictured on the cover, center, with his parents, Jerard and Heidi Kaylor, and his siblings.

“I’ve enjoyed watching and being part of the evolution of the Synfuels Plant over the last 24 years, and it’s exciting to now share this experience with our son. Watching him start his own journey here at the plant and knowing he’ll have the opportunity to contribute to its continued growth and success for our members is something I’m proud of.”

Heidi adds, “It’s certainly rewarding to see Dawson follow in our footsteps at the Synfuels Plant. Jerard and I have been fortunate to build our careers here, and it’s meaningful to see our son take that same path. Dakota Gas has played a central role in our family’s story, providing not just job security but also valuable benefits and support that have enabled us to raise our family in a neighboring community.

“I’m grateful to have grown up in a family that worked for and embraced the cooperative spirit, and it’s been fulfilling to pass that on to my own family. While continuing his education at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, Dawson was fortunate to receive a Basin Electric scholarship, which not only helped financially but also offered him insight into how cooperatives balance the needs of their employees, the cooperative, and the communities they serve.”

Dawson is now treading his own path forward, perhaps setting an example for his own future children to follow. He married his sweetheart, Hailey, this past September and the couple make their home in Hazen.

“We’re excited that Dawson will have the same stability and work-life balance that we’ve valued throughout our careers with Dakota Gas,” Heidi says. “We’re also thrilled that Dawson is raising his own family in the same community we call home. It’s rewarding to see him carry these values forward in his own journey, and we’re happy that he and his family will benefit from the same security and opportunities that have meant so much to us.”

Dawson says he enjoys his rotating shift and the work he does at the Synfuels Plant, saying no two days are the same. He’ll work four days on shift, four days off, a schedule he has come to appreciate the more he’s done it. “There’s a lot of variety, and it allows me to have a flexible lifestyle,” he says, including the time to immerse himself in his hobbies, among them fishing, hunting, and rebuilding automobiles.

While retirement for Dawson is still a few decades away, these are pursuits he hopes to still do when he retires.

Like his parents, Dawson says he plans to stay longterm with Basin Electric and Dakota Gas. “I’ve seen the lifestyle that Basin Electric allows you to have,” he says. “I’ve seen how the cooperative treats it employees, the retirement and benefits it offers,” including an in-house doctor. “It’s a great benefit package, especially if you have a family.”

He continues, “I plan to stick around to build on my skills and gain experience,” noting another benefit the cooperative offers is the opportunity for advancement. “And the retirement plan is a significant benefit!”

Dawson Kaylor, center, poses for a photo with his parents, Jerard and Heidi Kaylor.

NEW EMPLOYEES

Dana Hager joined the team at headquarters working as a communications manager on Sept. 23. The Barton, North Dakota, native previously worked as an account executive at Clearwater Communications in Bismarck, North Dakota. Hager has spent over two decades working in both private and public sectors, including 14 years at Roosevelt Park Zoo and seven years at the Bismarck Cancer Center. She earned her undergraduate degree from Minot (North Dakota) State University.

Jacqueline Nelson began working at Dakota Gas as a protection services specialist on Sept. 23. She is originally from Bismarck, North Dakota.

Devin Radomski joined the team at Dakota Gas working as a shift/shop maintenance field technician on Sept. 23.

Casidie Fladeland began working as a senior administrative assistant at Headquarters on Oct. 21. Originally from Bismarck, North Dakota, she previously worked as an education coordinator for the North Dakota Long Term Care Association in Bismarck. She has also worked for Workforce Safety and Insurance and earned an associate’s degree in business administration.

Anna Frey joined the team at Headquarters working as an accounting analyst I on Oct. 21. A native of Mandan, North Dakota, she previously worked for American State Bank and Trust as a commercial and agricultural loan assistant in Williston, North Dakota. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Ryan Kuchenski joined the team at Dakota Gas working as a shift/shop maintenance field technician on Oct.

7. The Bismarck, North Dakota, native previously worked for Allied Value Inc. as a shop/field supervisor in Bismarck.

Devin O’Day began working at Groton TSM as a lineman-journeyman on Oct.

7. A native of Pierre, South Dakota, O’Day previously worked as a lineman for East River Electric in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Keaton Erhardt, from Bismarck, North Dakota, began working as a structural engineer I at Headquarters on Oct.

14. He was previously employed by Nucor in Norfolk, Nebraska, as a design engineer. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from South Dakota School of Mines in Rapid City.

Hannah Frohlich began working as an accounting analyst I at Headquarters on Oct. 21. Originally from Bismarck, North Dakota, she previously worked as an accounts payable specialist for Cross Country Freight Solutions in Bismarck. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Minot (North Dakota) State University.

Megan Grad joined the team at Headquarters working as a human relations generalist II on Oct. 21. The Beulah, North Dakota, native previously worked for Soul Haven Studio in Bismarck, North Dakota, as the studio director and owner.

David Hughes, a native of Phoenix, Arizona, began working as a tax analyst I at Headquarters on Oct. 21. He was previously employed as a premium auditor for Workforce Safety Insurance in Bismarck, North Dakota. Hughes also worked as a commercial insurance agent for First Western Bank and Trust.

NEW EMPLOYEES

Shaina Rosaaen began working as an administrative assistant III at Dakota Gas on Nov. 4. She is originally from Hazen, North Dakota.

Blake Seibel began working as a maintenance field technician at Dakota Gas on Nov. 4. He is originally from Beulah, North Dakota.

Nolan Lines joined the team at Huron TSM as a system protection apprentice on Nov. 12. The Hershey, Nebraska, native previously worked as a maintenance technician for Walmart Inc. in North Platte, Nebraska. Lines has also worked as a journeyman substation technician for Nebraska Public Power District in Ogallala.

Alex Brown, a native of Lincoln, North Dakota, began working as a business intelligence analyst at Headquarters on Nov. 18. Brown previously worked as a report writer consultant for National Information Solutions Cooperative in Mandan, North Dakota. He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Eric Pierce began working as an electrical engineer I at Headquarters on Nov. 18. Originally from New Salem, North Dakota, Pierce previously worked as an electrical engineer for Bobcat Doosan in Bismarck, North Dakota. He gained a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.

Michael Skinner joined the team at Dakota Gas working as a maintenance field technician on Nov. 19. A native of Silver Bay, Minnesota, Skinner previously worked as a mechanic for Alaska Railroad in Fairbanks.

Mat Berogan began working as a chemistry lab field technician at Dakota Gas on Dec. 2.

Rob Illg, a native of Frazee, Minnesota, began working as a senior land surveyor at Headquarters on Dec. 2. Illg previously worked for SHE Inc. as a land surveyor.

Kris Knutson, from Bridger, Montana, began working as a quarry supervisor for Montana Limestone Company on Dec. 2. Knutson previously worked as a shift supervisor at Sibanye-Stillwater in Nye, Montana.

Apostolos Kotsolis, originally from Athens, Greece, joined the team at Pioneer Generation Station as a mechanical engineer I on Dec. 2. Kotsolis was previously employed by Price Waterhouse Coopers in Athens as a strategy consultant. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in Minneapolis.

Brad Sayler began working as a purchasing agent III at Headquarters on Dec. 2. Originally from Hebron, North Dakota, Sayler previously worked for DistributionNOW as a branch manager in Beulah and Bismarck, North Dakota. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Dickinson (North Dakota) State University.

Heather Weisz joined the team at Dakota Gas working as a change house attendant on Dec. 9.

RETIREES SERVICE AWARDS

Sherry Walker, change house attendant at Dakota Gas, retired Dec. 3 after 33 years with the cooperative.

“Sherry always went above and beyond, ensuring everything stayed on track,” Jeff Graney, Dakota Gas compliance, safety, and industrial hygiene superintendent, says. “I will miss not only her work ethic and reliability, but the expertise and knowledge she had from over 30 years of experience in her role.”