Basin Electric to host open houses for Pioneer-to-Patent Gate transmission project

Basin Electric will host two open houses this month to gather public input on its proposed Pioneer-to-Patent Gate 345-kilovolt (kV) transmission line project. The plan calls for roughly 50 miles of new high-voltage line connecting the cooperative's Pioneer Generation Station substation near Williston, North Dakota, to the Patent Gate substation near Arnegard, North Dakota.

The Southwest Power Pool (SPP) approved the project through its 2024 Integrated Transmission Planning study process. In 2025, SPP issued Basin Electric an Approved Reliability Network upgrade notice, designating Basin Electric as the designated transmission owner for the project.

A study area with preliminary routes has been developed, but a final route has not been established. Landowners, community members, and other interested parties are welcome to attend an open house to learn more, ask questions, and provide feedback. Refreshments will be provided.

Open House Dates:

• Wednesday, April 22, 6-8 p.m. CST Alexander Public School, 601 Delany St., Alexander, North Dakota
• Thursday, April 23, 6-8 p.m. CST NDSU Research Extension Ernie French Center, 14120 Highway 2, Williston, North Dakota

"The proposed Pioneer-to-Patent Gate 345-kV electric transmission line project will strengthen the region's transmission load-serving capability and address existing reliability constraints," Bobby Nasset, Basin Electric civil engineering supervisor, said.