B A S I N T O D AY BASIN EL EC T RIC P OW ER COOPER AT I V E
RELIABLE, SAFE,
AFFORDABLE
POWER JA NUA RY | FEBRUA RY 2016
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M AG A ZINE
Basin Electric Director Charlie Gilbert (right), District 11, Corn Belt Power Cooperative, was interviewed by John Roberts of FOX News for a segment that aired Jan. 20 on “Special Report with Bret Baier.� Gilbert was attending a Donald Trump presidential campaign event in Norwalk, IA, representing the Iowa Rural Power advocates. Read more about the advocates on pg. 10-12.
CONTENTS V O L U M E 19
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NUMBER 1
ON THE COVER As Basin Electric’s Leland Olds Station hit 50 years in operation in January, the cooperative celebrated the employees’ commitment to safety and operational excellence. Pictured on the cover are (from left) Leland Olds employees Gordon Goetz, electrician I; Dusty Simmons, warehouseperson; Kim Jackson, instrumentation & controls supervisor; David Payne, laborer; and Jesse Morrell, boiler attendant. See more on pg. 19-21. IN EVERY ISSUE 2 CEO and general manager column: Paul Sukut 4 In brief 14 Member focus: North Central helps community with adaptive ski facility 16 Feature series: A day in the life of ... Dusty Simmons, warehouseperson 22 Employee highlights FEATURE STORIES 6 A co-op with a plan 7 A better path to carbon reduction 10 One question. One shirt. One purpose. 18 It’s for the kids 19 Leland Olds Station: Workhorse of the Basin Electric fleet 20 Celebrating the power behind Leland Olds Station: The employees CONTRIBUTORS Editor: Andrea Blowers (ablowers@bepc.com) Publications manager:
Mary Miller
Graphic designer:
Nicole Perreault
Photographers:
Chelsy Ciavarella & Dani Molinaro
Writers:
Tracie Bettenhausen, Tammy Langerud, Chris Gessele, Dain Sullivan & Joan Dietz
Use your smartphone barcode scanner to view stories online. JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2016 | 1
CEO A ND G E NE R A L M A N AG E R C OL UMN
PAUL SUKUT 2016 COOPERATIVE PLAN This issue will bring you an overview of Basin Electric’s 2016 Cooperative Plan. This marks the second year we’ve put together a yearly plan. I’ve received positive feedback from employees that it helps bring focus to their efforts each year. Additionally, the membership has appreciated seeing where their cooperative is headed in a simple and concise format. This process, along with the challenges of the Clean Power Plan and the sudden and drastic drop in commodity prices, have led me to bring more focus to the future of Basin Electric. We’re responding to some of these more immediate challenges through several austerity measures, including the development of a cost optimization committee to help us realize more near-term savings. I appreciate the membership’s and employees’ support as we work to maintain our financial strength while recognizing we all need to give a bit in this process. Sometimes it seems that there is no end to the challenges we face. However, when I think about those challenges in light of our history, they don’t seem more daunting than what we have already accomplished. To that point, I recently met with my senior staff to discuss the future of Basin Electric and how we prepare for the major challenges facing us. While the yearly Cooperative Plan gives us our long-term and short-term objectives and initiatives, it does not adequately frame up long-term issues and how we will respond to them. So what constitutes a long-term vision? Is it five years? Thirty years? In many ways, this is an arbitrary question as a good strategic plan is constantly evolving. One of my favorite sayings is, “Life happens when you’re busy making plans.”
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COMPLETED, LONG-TERM VIEW UNDER WAY For the purposes of our discussions, we settled on a 10-year time frame. We started by laying out all the external forces and issues that have the potential to impact Basin Electric. That was the easy part; narrowing that list was harder. In the end, we decided that three external elements would guide us in setting the plan: Living in a carbon-constrained world; dealing with rapidly evolving technology, particularly in the form of distributed generation; and finally, mitigating the risks of volatile commodities. We also recognized our guiding force in all of these efforts: service to the membership. Let me explain. Serving the members does not simply mean the delivery of electricity. Rather, as the electric industry rapidly evolves, Basin Electric is committed to evolving with it, but only in a way that keeps our primary focus, serving the membership, front and center, now and far into the future. Within this context, let’s take a look at our three elements of focus. We believe that we will be living in a carbonconstrained world. This means that any fuel choice that we make in the future must take carbon dioxide into account. We have already developed a huge quantity of wind and diversified into natural gas. However, we are not satisfied solely with those two options. Wind is intermittent and more expensive than coal. Natural gas is price volatile. Neither option comes close to coal in creating the job infrastructure that is such a part of the cooperatives’ commitment to our communities. We need to find other options.
Technology is advancing at a faster pace than ever before in human history. Dealing with rapidly evolving technology, especially in regard to distributed generation, must be a cornerstone of our future strategy. Some distributed generation may prove very beneficial to our membership in the future. But, it does not fit our traditional resource to load structure or the rate system that goes with it. Evolving that structure without hindering our key resource, our relationship to the membership in the form of long-term contracts, is vital. Finally, we discussed how to mitigate the risks of a volatile commodity market. This is a factor that cooperatives have always dealt with. Our concept of “mine-mouth to meter” meant that we took control of our own destiny and brought service and stability to our region. Commodities are no less volatile today. The changing fuel mix and world markets dictate that we take a close look at how we retain that stability in a changing world. While refining these issues has been our first step, now our work begins. We are in the process of outlining a plan that makes sense to the board, the membership and our employees. Over the past 50-plus years, we’ve built something truly great. We must take the steps now to make sure we not only remain strong and vital to rural America, but that we protect our Basin Electric family and help write the next chapter in America’s energy history.
Paul Sukut, CEO and general manager JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2016 | 3
IN B RIE F
Supreme Court grants Motion to Stay the Clean Power Plan after D.C. Court denies Motion
Employees reach safety milestones
Employees at PrairieWinds 1, owned by Basin Electric subsidiary PrairieWinds ND 1, recently celebrated six years of operation without an employee injury. The 115.5-megawatt wind project is located south of Minot, ND.
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., denied a Motion to Stay of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan on Jan. 21. The motion, filed by Basin Electric and many others in November 2015, was a request to halt implementation of the Clean Power Plan until litigation has concluded. On Jan. 26, Basin Electric, along with many other industry representatives, filed a request for an immediate Stay of the Clean Power Plan to the U.S. Supreme Court, and on Feb. 9, the U.S. Supreme Court granted the Motion to Stay by a vote of 5-4. The Stay halts implementation of the rule until litigation is concluded. Oral arguments on the Clean Power Plan’s legality are set for June 2, 2016. EPA’s Clean Power Plan, if not improved, will have significant impacts on Basin Electric and its membership. The final decision on the legality of the rule will likely be made by the U.S. Supreme Court. http://bit.ly/BasinCPP
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T he employees of Montana L imestone Company’s fine grind plant and rail load out facility reached 12 years of zero lost-time accidents on Dec. 16, 2015. Montana Limestone is a subsidiary of Dakota Coal Company, which is a subsidiary of Basin Electric. Basin Electric embraces a culture of safety and provides regular training for its employees. Its employees are currently participating in the Our Power, My Safety process to strive for zero incidents and improve the cooperative’s safety culture. http://bit.ly/BasinSafety
Directors approve 2016 load forecast
Total Member Summer Peak Demands 7,000
MW
At its January meeting, Basin Elec6,000 tric’s board of directors approved the cooperative’s new load forecast 5,000 for 2016-2036. The forecast shows Basin Electric’s service area is grow4,000 ing at twice the rate of the rest of the 3,000 United States, even with oil prices at 12-year low. 2,000 The forecast shows member 1,000 requirements will increase 1,350 megawatts (MW) over the next 0 20 years, which is 739 MW lower than the forecast released in 2015. However, it shows growth at 1.4 percent annually across the membership. The load forecast is the main tool for power supply planning, financial forecasting and rate planning.
1,360 MW 1.4% ACGR
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Board approves further emission controls on Laramie River
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2020
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Basin Electric’s board has approved the installation of emission control technology, selective catalytic reduction (SCR), on one unit at Laramie River Station in Wheatland, WY. The project was set in motion by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Regional Haze Rule, which superseded the state of Wyoming’s original state implementation plan that required Basin Electric to install low-nitrogen oxides (NOx) burners and over-fired air (OFA) technology on all three units at Laramie River. Some of the more visible components of the project will be a 250-foot tall SCR reactor structure and an anhydrous ammonia receiving and shipping area. The project work will be completed and installed during two major outages, one at the beginning of the project and one at the end.
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JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2016 | 5
A CO-OP WITH A PLAN By Andrea Blowers A mission, strategic initiatives and a plan. Electric is subject to the extreme ups and downs of Basin Electric has all three in place. In fact, at his cyclical price fluctuations. Having employees armed with employee communication sessions in January, Basin that knowledge makes it easier to engage them when, Electric CEO and General Manager Paul Sukut opened his for example, budgets need to be adjusted to secure the presentation with sharing updates to the cooperative’s cooperative’s bottom line, which is currently the case. 10-year outlook by outlining the 2016 Cooperative Plan. (See sidebar.) “We’re positioning Basin Electric to our strengths,” On the other side, the plan outlines the cooperative’s Sukut says. “On all fronts, we’ve highlighted areas we opportunities. They include geographic reach and Basin need to address with regard to risks and opportunities; Electric’s recent integration into the Southwest Power and we’ve clearly defined our values, Pool; growth within the membership; objectives and key initiatives.” enhanced oil recovery and technolThe plan is really meant The plan’s purpose is to be a tool ogy development. Innovation and to give employees the knowlfor staff to have a concise understandforward-thinking will remain a big edge and tools to help build a better Basin. ing of the cooperative’s values and the part of the cooperative’s business direction Basin Electric is heading. practices. Paul Sukut “Every employee plays an important The values and objectives focus role, not just in the day-to-day tasks, on a strong and safe workforce; but in the larger scope of what we’re sound business practices and in business for,” Sukut says. “That is to provide the best engagement with the members. “It’s really about the possible service for our members. So, I encourage all people,” Sukut says. “We want to make sure our greatest employees to read through the plan and get to know it.” assets are taken care of.” The risks outlined in the plan include regulations The 2016 key initiatives remain commitment to and laws, workforce, assets, market risk and business cooperative, commitment to workforce, support growth practices. In just the last few months, market risk and and operational excellence. commodity price fluctuations have highlighted the value “The plan is really meant to give employees the of having them explained in the cooperative plan. knowledge and tools to help build a better Basin,” As a business with diverse commodities, Basin Sukut says.
Prudent actions in the cyclical commodity slump The decline in commodity prices has had significant impact on Basin Electric in the short-term. Natural gas prices are down 40 percent; fertilizers are down 20 percent and crude oil is down 25 percent. With low commodity prices across the board and a mild winter, Basin Electric has initiated an Austerity Measures Program to hold down expenses until commodity prices level out. The program includes an Optimization Task Force, which was formed a few months ago to begin pulling together new target budgets. Since the Basin Electric board approved 2016 budgets in the fall, staff has worked to put together 6 | BASIN TODAY
target budgets; proposed expense reductions; the cooperative has initiated a hiring freeze; and a delay of the proposed plant in-service for Pioneer Generation Station and Lonesome Creek Station. “Everyone has done a great job of zeroing in on areas we can save money. I’m so proud of staff,” Sukut says. “These are challenging times that require common sense response across the entire organization. With perseverance, we’ll come out a stronger team.” The proposal was presented to the board during the February meeting.
A BETTER PATH TO
CARBON REDUCTION By Chris Gessele A clean and healthy environment which we all need and enjoy must be maintained and that the energy industry must do all that is feasible to minimize the negative impacts on the environment. Basin Electric members’ Statement of Ideals and Objectives, 1967
From its beginning, Basin Electric has grasped the importance of caring for the environment for the sake of future generations. The cooperative’s stance has only intensified over the last 49 years. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes the heavy-handed Clean Power Plan is the right path toward a healthier environment. Basin Electric believes there are ways to achieve that goal without crippling mandates brought upon the energy industry that will sacrifice the low-cost and reliable energy on which America relies. “The structure and timing of the Clean Power Plan is meant to bring a hammer down on the country’s
use of coal as a fuel source. It’s bad public policy,” says Mike Eggl, Basin Electric senior vice president of Communications & Administration. “What Basin Electric would prefer to do is use all the ‘arrows in the quiver’ to successfully reduce carbon in a reasonable way.” Basin Electric and its members have been providing safe, reliable and low-cost energy to rural America for more than 50 years, all while being good stewards of the land, air and water. For decades, the cooperative and its membership have done several things well that are more measured and logical alternatives to the Clean Power Plan to achieve carbon reduction.
JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2016 | 7
Emissions technology
Renewable energy
All Basin Electric and subsidiary facilities are 100 percent environmentally compliant. In addition to the $1.5 billion invested in emissions control technology, more than $175 million was spent in 2014 alone to operate and maintain those controls. The annual average in control investments is approximately $155 million. Most recently, at its January meeting, the Basin Electric board of directors approved the installation of selective catalytic reduction emission control technology on one unit at Laramie River Station near Wheatland, WY.
We have brought wind on more aggressively than just about any other entity in the country. But because of the nature of the region and transmission constraints, there is a limit to the amount of wind that can be brought in.
Power plant efficiency
Mike Eggl
Acknowledging movement into a carbonconstrained future, Basin Electric and its membership have taken a leadership role over the last decade in the development of renewable generation. The cooperative has added close to 1,000 megawatts (MW) of wind generation to its system, invested more than $1 billion in natural gas resources and more than $1.5 billion in emissions control technology to make its already clean generation fleet even cleaner. Even more, Dakota Gasification Company’s Great Plains Synfuels Plant is home to the world’s largest carbon capture and sequestration project – capturing more than 30 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2). “We have brought wind on more aggressively than just about any other entity in the country,” Eggl says. “But because of the nature of the region and transmission constraints, there is a limit to the amount of wind that can be brought in.”
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Efficiency upgrade efforts at Basin Electric’s power plants over the years have included turbine upgrades, improved system designs and careful maintenance planning. A few premier examples include the 300-MW Deer Creek Station, a combined-cycle power plant that features two turbines: a natural gas-fired turbine and a steam turbine that uses steam created by the waste heat from the gas turbine. This configuration is very efficient because it uses exhaust heat that would otherwise be released into the air. More efficient turbines have also been installed in Laramie River’s three units and Leland Olds Station Unit 2 near Stanton, ND.
Exploring technologies
Working with other industries
Basin Electric has developed a team called the Horizons Committee, led by Senior Research & Development Engineer James Sheldon, to monitor and disseminate information regarding new technologies and major environmental issues. One of the more promising technologies being examined is the Allam Cycle, which consists of gasifying lignite coal to produce synthetic natural gas that would then be used along with oxygen and carbon dioxide (CO2) to drive a turbine generator.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) produced at the Synfuels Plant is piped to Canadian oil fields for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). The potential exists for some of that natural gas to also be used for EOR in the Bakken oil fields in North Dakota. “EOR should be an essential part of any plan to solve the carbon issue,” Eggl says. “It puts CO2 in the ground and stabilizes the oil and gas industry – which is subject to significant swings that disrupt the economy. It’s in the country’s best interest.” Proof of Basin Electric’s commitment to the environment has been evident since the cooperative’s very beginning. In the mid-1960s, Basin Electric proposed model laws to the North Dakota Legislature to protect the air, water and land. The cooperative advocated legislation requiring mined land reclamation and prohibiting dumping fly ash and other industrial wastes into the rivers. Basin Electric knows what it takes to keep the lights on – and do so in a safe, affordable, reliable and environmentally friendly manner. “Basin Electric and its membership have always creatively worked to develop alternatives that make sense for the membership,” Eggl says. “These are the things that Basin Electric already does well. Through these mechanisms, we feel we could do a much better job to find solutions for our membership rather than if we’re simply told how and what we have to do.”
Efficiencies at the end of the line
Ted Smith, Sioux Valley Energy director of engineering and operations, is working to be the community’s go-to for information on distributed solar generation.
Basin Electric offers programs and services to assist member cooperatives in their conservation and efficiency efforts, such as commercial, industrial and residential energy audits, training for member cooperatives to assist in their efforts to promote energy efficiency. Member cooperatives are also engaged in a variety of conservation and energy efficiency programs that promote, support and market load management, dual heat, water heaters, heat pumps, air conditioning, storage heating, grain drying, irrigation, photovoltaics and numerous other programs.
What is the Clean Power Plan? The EPA’s Clean Power Plan set final emission guidelines for states to follow in developing plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing fossil fuel-based electric generating units. Read why Basin Electric and its membership are greatly concerned about the rule. http://bit.ly/BasinCPP
JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2016 | 9
ONE QUESTION, ONE HOW THE IOWA RURAL POWER GRA
Hillary Clinton speaking at a campaign event in Indianola, IA, on Jan. 21.
Donald Trump speaking at a campaign event in Norwalk, IA, on Jan. 20.
By Tracie Bettenhausen Donald Trump hails from the land of logos, commotion, fashion and flash. But when Basin Electric Director Charlie Gilbert and Iowa Association of Electric Rural electric Cooperatives (IAEC) Contractor Julie Flemco-ops. Nothing like it. ing had the opportunity to be VIPs at a Keep ‘em going. campaign event in Norwalk, IA, Jan. 20, Donald Trump Trump recognized their shirts immediately. “Rural electric co-ops. Why do I see so many of you here?” Trump asked. “It’s because we’re really well-organized,” Fleming answered. She then asked Trump if he would like to give a message to the rural electric co-ops on camera. Fleming lifted her camera to Trump’s face, and he said, “Rural electric co-ops. Nothing like it. Keep ‘em going.” By this point, just before the Feb. 1 Iowa caucus, Fleming says you could ask any presidential candidate about rural electric cooperatives, and they’ll know exactly who you’re talking about.
To know co-ops is to love co-ops The Iowa Rural Power advocates program educates and engages with all candidates, both parties, at big and small events, all year long.
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Tim Coonan, government relations director for IAEC, says Iowa residents have a unique opportunity in helping decide who moves on in the presidential race. “I think it’s important for the rural electric cooperatives to make sure these candidates know what’s important to our member-consumers,” he says. Coonan oversees the Iowa Rural Power advocates program, which is headed up by Jenica Lensmeyer, IAEC advocacy coordinator, and Shelly York, IAEC executive assistant and Youth Tour coordinator, along with Fleming. The Iowa Rural Power advocates numWhat is your plan for ber in the hundreds, safe, reliable and affordable volunteering to attend electricity? political events wearing trademark green shirts and asking, “What is your plan for safe, reliable and affordable electricity?” Coonan says asking the same question, over and over, develops relationships and a level of comfort. “We pose the question in such a way that Republicans or Democrats can effectively answer it without feeling trapped,” he says.
SHIRT, ONE PURPOSE SSROOTS CAMPAIGN STANDS OUT
Youth Tour alumni make up a new, active segment of the Iowa Rural Power advocates. On pg. 12, learn more about Emily Schwickerath, Rebecca Boyer and Jordan Pope, all Simpson College political science majors. Watch videos with the advocates. http://bit.ly/OneBigQuestion
Lensmeyer says asking that question also strikes that we are leaders in the communities that we serve,” a very human need – repetition. “The candidates get Coonan says. “So if you are able to make the case that asked thousands of questions. If we are always asking that person in the green t-shirt is who will caucus, then the same question, it increases the likelihood of them that is a value-add. Every vote truly counts.” remembering us and what’s important to us,” she says. Youth Tour alumni make up an especially active The combination of friendly segment of the advocates. faces, green shirts and a good quesCoonan says engaging that I think it’s important for the tion has proven its success. Coonan group should prove to benefit rural electric cooperatives says campaign managers ask before cooperatives for years. “Youth to make sure these candidates events if there will be green t-shirts Tour students are the best and know what’s important to our member-consumers. in the crowd. “You know it’s working the brightest of the communities when the candidates reach out to the we serve. They will remember Tim Coonan advocates. The candidate says, ‘I see the summer or the fall that they the green t-shirts in the crowd. I’d like spent in green t-shirts, visiting to start with the energy question.’ That with presidential candidates,” means they know who we are, and we’re someone with he says. “Who knows what that will mean for rural whom they want to engage and address,” he says. electric co-ops in the future, to have all these young advocates make their way through life with this Work it positive experience, advocating through life for their Started in 2011, the Iowa Rural Power program rural electric cooperative.” builds off a grassroots program that is a decade in Beyond Iowa and the caucus the making. Cooperative employees and directors wearing The advocates know their time and energy is the shirts are well-respected in their communities. never wasted, even when attending the rallies of “There’s an acknowledgement amongst the candidates candidates who are not front runners.
JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2016 | 11
Youth Tour leads to more opportunity The Iowa Rural Power campaign gets a boost from the investment it’s been making in the Youth Tour trip to Washington, D.C. Several of those students, already vetted by their local electric cooperatives, are serving a vital role by wearing green shirts and asking questions at rallies.
If you’re not in a state like Iowa that has candidates coming through, it pays off to get involved with your local public officials. Electricity is bipartisan. It affects the whole spectrum. Rebecca Boyer Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, Estherville
The feeling my friends get when they go to concerts, that’s what I get when I come to these events. I realized this is something that gives me a rush when I attended Youth Tour in 2013 and got to meet our delegation. … I want to make sure the world tomorrow is the world I want to live in. Doing this, I can give back to the rural electric cooperatives after so much they’ve given to me. Emily Schwickerath Hawkeye REC, Cresco
I care about what rural power stands for. It’s about making sure everyone has what they need. And when everyone has power, everyone has the chance to advance themselves. … No one likes a jerk. We don’t go for a gotcha moment. The candidates know what we will ask, they know what we’re about, and they’re happy to call on us. Jordan Pope Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative, Albia
“All the candidates who don’t get to be president, they’re going somewhere. They’re going back to being senators and governors and reality TV stars,” Coonan says. “These are people with public profiles who maybe didn’t have an understanding of the co-ops before they got to Iowa, but I love the impression they have of the rural electric cooperatives after they leave Iowa.” Lensmeyer says electric cooperatives in other states can support the Iowa Rural Power effort online by following, sharing and commenting on the group’s Twitter, Facebook and YouTube accounts (see sidebar). “All candidates go to social media. So it’s important we engage them at that level. Most of the time you’re getting their staff person who manages their Twitter and Facebook accounts, but they’re always watching that,” she says. Iowa Rural Power assembles a voters guide, available now on their website, showing how each candidate has answered the advocates’ question. The group does not endorse any candidate. Lensmeyer says the Iowa Rural Power program won’t end after the caucus. “We’re always advocating for something, whether it’s at the state level or federal level. Iowa Rural Power is a year-long campaign,” she says. “The caucus project will hopefully be carried on in other states, and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is helping with that. So as the caucuses move on to other states, we hope to see them engage with this as well.” Coonan says you can help make a “green shirt” impression of your own as well. If you’ll be at an event where you’ll see a presidential candidate, wear a green shirt and ask the question. “They’ll say, ‘Oh, you guys are here too.’ If you ever have the chance to shake the hand of a presidential candidate, tell them you are from the rural electric cooperatives. They will know who you are.”
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PAW-FECT TIMING BASIN ELECTRIC: LIVE WIRE BLOG POST SHARES RARE PHOTO By Tracie Bettenhausen Basin Electric’s blog, Live Wire, was started in 2008 by communications staff just before that year’s annual meeting in November, to share videos from the event. Since then, at the close of each year, Tracie Bettenhausen, senior staff writer/editor, reports on the most popular posts from that year. For 2016, there’s already a post that’s gotten viral attention and has a good chance of topping this year’s list. “Mountain lion takes shelter at Basin Electric transmission line construction site” gathered more than 7,500 views in one day, and has gathered more than 12,000 views so far. To put that in perspective, there’s been more views at Basin Electric: Live Wire so far this year than we had in all of 2009. The post was shared statewide on media outlets, and out of state on Facebook and Twitter. Chris Gessele, Basin Electric staff writer, says the post was getting 200 views every 15 minutes at one point. “People usually like stories about animals, especially animals a little out of the ordinary like mountain lions,” Gessele says. “The thought of workers unexpectedly encountering a mountain lion in a dark cavern was intriguing to a lot of people.”
Other popular posts In 2015, the top blog post was a story from Kim Kranz, Basin Electric program communication coordinator II, who travels to schools in Basin Electric’s service area sharing the Story Behind the Switch. Kranz met up with a girl who introduced herself as the granddaughter of Roberta Rohrer, a Basin Electric director from District 6. Some other popular blog posts are awardwinning. The series titled “Why Basin?” is written by Dain Sullivan, Basin Electric staff writer. “Why Basin?” earned a 2015 International Association of Business Communicators Pacific Plains Region Silver Quill Award of Merit in the communication skills/writing category.
Check out these blog posts and others at Basin Electric: Live Wire. Subscribe to the blog, or follow Basin Electric’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. facebook.com/basinelectric
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JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2016 | 13
M E M B E R F OCUS
ANNIE’S HOUSE North Central helps community with adaptive ski facility By Dain Robert Sullivan
A dream is a curious thing. worked on the 104th floor as a bond broker for Cantor It’s born and it grows, it travels and it inspires. Fitzgerald, a capital market investment bank. It can be found in the most unexpected place – and Thirty-six bullet points, some involving Nelson’s create the most unanticipated beauty. love for skiing, line the rafters. No. 37 is left blank, That beauty is something people experience representing a dream she was never able to write every time they visit Annie’s down. House in Bottineau, ND. It’s an “Volunteer for a charadaptive ski facility at Bottinity. ... Spend more time eau Winter Park that allows with family. ... Learn about individuals with special needs other cultures.” and veterans with disabilities The list is inspiring, to enjoy outdoor recreation. to say the least. But No. 7 Electric cooperatives, is special. “Buy a home in countless volunteers and the North Dakota.” New York Says Thank You For nearly five years Foundation helped make the following Nelson’s death, project possible. her parents couldn’t bring Upon visiting Annie’s themselves to open an old House, a fleet of electric snowlaptop that was among her track wheelchairs can be seen remaining possessions. But dreams of Ann Nicole Nelson line the rafters of throughout the 12,000-square- The when Gary and Jenette Annie’s House, an adaptive ski facility at Bottineau foot facility. One might brush Winter Park in Bottineau, ND. Nelson eventually decided shoulders with the friendly to turn the computer on, they volunteer instructing staff, or share a smile and highcame across the bucket list in a stored file. five with a Special Olympics North Dakota champion. They shared the file with the New York Says But perhaps the building’s most notable feature Thank You Foundation, an organization that engages is the written-out bucket list of Ann Nicole Nelson, in nationwide volunteer projects every year, as a way the only North Dakota native to pass away in the of paying forward the kindness the entire country 9/11 terror attacks on the World Trade Center. Nelson showed New Yorkers following 9/11.
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A woman with many interests, Ann Nicole Nelson loved the outdoor activities at Bottineau Winter Park. Thanks to Annie’s House, many people can enjoy the outdoors in a similar way.
Nelson, the only North Dakota native to perish in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, loved winter sports and dreamt of building a home in North Dakota. Annie’s House is the home she never saw.
Gary and Jenette had been involved with “Annie’s story is so tragic,” he says. “But good Bottineau Winter Park throughout their daughter’s can come from bad situations sometimes.” life. The family is from Stanley, ND, but has visited Cedric Jacobson, former general manager of their Lake Metigoshe cabin, about 15 miles northeast North Central, was on Bottineau Winter Park’s board of Bottineau, for years. of directors when they decided to go through with With Gary still volunteering at the winter park to building Annie’s House. this day, and Nelson’s love for skiing, New York Says “It all just kind of fell together, and I knew what Thank You suggested building an adaptive ski facility North Central could bring to the table when the for their fall 2012 project. decision was made to go ahead with construction,” Thus, the idea for Annie’s House – the home Jacobson says. “I’m 64 years old, and this is without she was never able to see – was a doubt the most rewarding thing born. The new building would I’ve ever been involved in.” Somebody has to step up to replace a temporary lodge built Annie’s House serves indithe plate when these opportunities in 1969, and it didn’t take long for viduals year-round. Visitors can come up. That’s where the co-ops North Central Electric and other enjoy such activities as hiking, come in. volunteers to show their support. geocaching and animal watching. Pete Erickson North Central, a Class C A special needs ice fishing house member of Basin Electric, was recently added. provided electrical materials at The amenities that have cost, wired the facility, installed come with Annie’s House are a special heating system, and secured a $150,000 incredible, says Pete Erickson, North Central member loan for the project. The cooperative also donated services manager. $4,000 toward Annie’s House, which Basin Electric “Somebody has to step up to the plate when matched. Basin Electric has since raised additional these opportunities come up. That’s where the co-ops money through Jeans Day donations. come in,” he says. “Our electricians, as well as other The facility, the first of its kind in the state, went employee volunteers, were very dedicated.” from serving 7,000 visitors annually to 16,000 when More than 25,000 volunteer hours have been Annie’s House was ready for public use in fall 2013, put into Annie’s House, Jacobson says. It’s a feat that says Brad Knudson, Bottineau Winter Park manager. couldn’t have been accomplished without community The new building is also more energy efficient. teamwork. Knudson has been happy to see so many people “Anything a cooperative can do for its members thrive in memory of Nelson. is a neat way to do business,” he says.
JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2016 | 15
F E AT URE SE RIES
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF … WAREHOUSEPERSON
DUSTY SIMMONS By Tammy Langerud
“I just like to help people,” Dusty Simmons, plant warehouseperson, says with a smile. If that’s the case, her job in the warehouse of the Leland Olds Station is the right match. Walk into the warehouse, and some may notice the shelves of materials waiting for future use. But it’s much more than a storage area, and Simmons understands its role in the successful operation of the facility. “I think we (the warehouse staff) are a critical element to keep this place running,” she says. “How will people get the parts they need if we’re not around and on some days running our butt off to get the parts to them? We’re a very good asset. The smoother we can run, the happier everyone is – Basin as a whole – even to the members at the end of the line.” As one of four people who work in the warehouse, her main responsibilities change weekly, which is one thing she likes about her job. “It’s not the same thing all the time,” Simmons says, “and I love that aspect of it because otherwise you could get complacent.” The four rotations include a week unloading new freight, which involves cataloguing new and stocked inventory, delivering freight to employees, and shipping materials; one week providing customer service at the warehouse window; and two weeks serving as an extra, floating between the two areas to help in times of need and doing other tasks. Ask which role Simmons likes best, and it’s like asking her to choose which child she loves the most. “I like them all,” she says, after rattling off each role’s unique benefits. But when working the window, which is her team’s priority, it’s when employees use the plant’s unique tool check-out system that really makes her day.
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“Yes, I got brass!” she says with excitement, as employees exchange their brass tags imprinted with their employee ID for use of a tool like a wrench, pencil grinder or ladder. She then hangs the brass tag on the peg board, signifying the tool has been checked out. According to Simmons, only a few employees use this system and a lot of the newer employees don’t, preferring to write their information into a log book.
inspections. “If our team can make just a tiny difference, we’ve accomplished our goal,” she says. Simmons’ team lead role is like a second job. In between her normal daily warehouse tasks, she coordinates, preps, attends and presents at OPMS meetings with managers and her team. She sometimes works through lunch break to address OPMS tasks. What she doesn’t get done she takes home with her. Simmons has gained so much more than safety Putting safety to work awareness from serving as the CI team lead. She’s Simmons’ desire to help people crosses over to met new people from across the co-op, visited all of her role as team leader of the Our Power, My Safety Basin Electric’s facilities, and even learned meeting (OPMS) Continuous Improvement (CI) Team 2. protocols and expectations – like having an agenda Simmons was asked to be on the CI team and – can differ between the facilities. assumed the role in September 2014, the same time “Before this (OPMS CI Team), LOS was all that she transitioned to the warehouse after serving as a existed to me,” Simmons says. “So I didn’t really think boiler attendant. After a year-and-a-half on CI Team 2, outside of the box. Now I think of us as a whole.” Simmons is a self-declared “safety geek.” While striving to enhance Basin Electric’s safety “It amazes me how much culture, perhaps the biggest more I think about safety as change has been Simmons Me being team lead is nothing compared to before,” she says. herself. “It’s helped me a lot, quite compared to how we work together as “Before I thought ‘I’m a very safe a bit,” Simmons says. “People a team. We’ve all grown as leaders. worker.’ But now I really think my on my team have told me I’ve You don’t have to be a team lead to job through.” changed tremendously from day grow. It’s everybody. Simmons also notes that one until now. They’ve seen a Dusty Simmons the biggest change in her safety positive change in me. A year ago mindset has been at home, you would have never caught me where she’s now more aware at a podium, presenting to senior of potential safety incidents, like when her husband management – EVER. But I did it, and it’s another was hanging Christmas lights. “The whole time I was accomplishment I made.” like, ‘Please don’t fall off the ladder.’ Whereas, before Simmons is very quick to point out the team effort I would have been like ‘Ah, he’s just hanging lights,’” involved in CI Team 2. “Me being team lead is nothing Simmons says. compared to how we work together as a team,” she CI Team 2 focuses on safety communications, says. “We’ve all grown as leaders. You don’t have to which helps reinforce CI Team 1’s focus on safety be a team lead to grow. It’s everybody.”
JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2016 | 17
IT’S FOR THE KIDS By Lindsey DeKrey Kids. They deserve the world. They deserve to grow up healthy and strong. They deserve to celebrate birthdays, enjoy family vacations, and look forward to the first day of school. But sadly, for some kids, cancer gets in the way. When families are struck with the tragic and devastating diagnosis, these opportunities are taken away. Vacations are no longer possible, attending school gets put on hold and celebrating birthday parties becomes extra special. Doctor visits, chemotherapy and long stays in the hospital take its place. Between the financial stresses families are faced with and the excruciating treatments the kids go through, their cancer journeys can be long and often dark. Nine years ago, Basin Electric started the Brave the Shave campaign in an effort to be a beacon of hope for these kids and their families. The cooperative family went into fight mode with them and several communities joined in. The determination, passion, and kindness from area organizations, schools, citizens and kids has grown this event. Since its beginning, more than 1,900 people have gone bald in solidarity of kids with cancer and the campaign has raised nearly $2 million for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a charity committed to funding research to prevent childhood cancer.
As Basin Electric has worked on Brave the Shave events throughout the years, staff has had the honor of meeting many beautiful kids from the region battling cancer, and that list is growing. They’ve seen success stories and witnessed heartbreaking news. Realizing the immediate need in the region, the scope of this year’s campaign has been broadened to include opportunities to not only continue to support the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, but also the Bismarck Cancer Center, Sanford Medical Center, CHI St. Alexius Health and the Brave the Shave Family Fund. Now donors and participants can choose where they want their money to go. Whether it’s to support local families battling cancer, give back to local health care facilities that help advance children’s health, or help fund childhood cancer research at the international level, all five organizations are working to help kids grow and live healthy lives. They can’t do it alone. Because they have to be brave, Basin Electric will do its part to help them. Join in the commitment to beat childhood cancer. Your support makes a difference. Do it for the kids.
NEARLY
$2 MILLION RAISED
18 | BASIN TODAY
Sign up to participate today:
bravetheshave.coop
LELAND OLDS STATION:
WORKHORSE
OF THE BASIN ELECTRIC FLEET By Tracie Bettenhausen When Leland Olds Station, located near Stanton, ND, went commercial in 1966, it was the largest lignite coal-based power plant in the entire Western Hemisphere. The plant was Basin Electric’s first generating unit, built to supply electricity to a growing membership. The coal plant’s generation supplemented the electricity generated at the hydroelectric dams along the Missouri River. Since then, the plant has been the site of several projects, additions and changes, to improve availability and environmental performance.
Early 1970s
1993 In anticipation of stricter nitrogen-oxide (NOx ) regulations, four low-NOx burners were installed in Unit 1 as a test project. The cooperative replaced the remaining 16 burners with low-NO x burners by 1996. Also, new continuous emissions monitoring systems were installed in the flues.
1995 A new plant control system and new low-NOx burners were installed during a 12-week outage, advancing the plant more than 30 years, according to the 1995 Basin Electric Annual Report. Fred Stern, then-plant manager, said, “This outage, one of the longest in the unit’s history, was a technology culture shock.”
2007 The control system for Unit 1 was changed to the Emerson Ovation system. Unit 1 was the first Basin Electric unit to receive a distributive control system in 1995. The new Emerson system was similar to what was already in use at Unit 2.
As construction on Leland Olds Station Unit 2 began, work to build a second stack and install an electrostatic precipitator to Unit 1 was under way. An electrostatic precipitator filters solid particles, such as fly ash, from a plant’s flue gas. The design of the chosen precipitator was based on the findings of a year-long research project conducted at Leland Olds Station with a pilot precipitator in 1970-1971, according to the 1972 Basin Electric Annual Report.
1994 Leland Olds Station began taking coal from The Coteau Properties Company’s Freedom Mine when the Glenharold Mine was closed. A rail unloading facility was completed in 1993 so Leland Olds Station could receive lignite by rail.
2003 A new turbine control system installed during an 11-week outage allowed for one of the smoothest startups ever, according to then-Plant Manager Curt Melland. In other news of note, the generator rotor was reinstalled after being sent to Virginia on one of the world’s largest airplanes.
2013 The Leland Olds Station put $410-million wet limestone scrubbers into service. The new scrubbers removed sulfur dioxide emissions. By adding the scrubbers, “we can be sure that Leland Olds can operate for an additional 20 to 30 years providing jobs and economic benefits to the area long into the future,” said Mark Nygard, then-construction supervisor. JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2016 | 19
E M P L OY E E HIG HL IG H T S
CELEBRATING THE POWER BEHIND LELAND OLDS STATION:
THE EMPLOYEES By Tammy Langerud Fifty years; 68 million megawatts. Those are impressive numbers. What’s even more impressive is the numerous employees who chose to spend their career working at Leland Olds Station. From the original 50 employees who dared to do what had never
The control room at Leland Olds Station in 1967.
been done before to the hundreds of employees since who’ve shared their time and talents working at the facility. It’s their ingenuity, hard work and dedication that have helped power rural America. Thank you to all former and current employees at Leland Olds Station.
Curt Melland (left) and Vern Laning, former Leland Olds Station plant managers, during the employees’ 50th anniversary gathering Jan. 11, 2016. Former Plant Manager Vern Laning shares a story with current employees and retirees, including some of the original employees, who gathered Jan. 11 at the facility.
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Mary Albrecht in 1976 (left) and in 2011 as she works in the control room as a shift supervisor.
A few of the first operators at Leland Olds Station. (From left) Billy Griffith, John Bubel, Vernon Fruit, Louis Stolberg and Jerome Ketterling.
William Lutovsky (far left), Lib Gustin, Orville Grosz and Woodrow Reirson were also first operators at Leland Olds Station. In 1995, employees of Leland Olds Station celebrate 1 million workhours without a lost workday case. Overall, employees have reached the 1-million workhour milestone twice.
JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2016 | 21
E M P L OY E E HIG HL IG H T S
Schafer honored with North Dakota Water Wheel award Jean Schafer, legislative representative at Basin Electric Headquarters, has received the North Dakota Water Wheel award from the North Dakota Water Users Association and North Dakota Water Resource Districts Association. The award recognizes her leadership and perseverance in motivating the development of the state’s water resources during her time at the North Dakota Water Coalition and the North Dakota Water Education Foundation. Schafer served as the executive director for the North Dakota Water Coalition from 2001 until she joined Basin Electric in 2014. During her time with the coalition, Schafer coordinated a variety of statewide water projects and agencies, helping create a unified voice for water development and water management priorities across the state. Her work with the North Dakota Water Education Foundation included overseeing the activities of several statewide water organizations. She educated North Dakota’s rural water system boards on how to use the North Dakota Water magazine as a tool for regular interaction with member consumers. She also coordinated programs such as the Summer Water Tours, Water Day at the State Fair and the Annual Executive Briefing. On a regional basis, she worked with the Upper Missouri Water Association.
New employees Ryan Wagner began work at the Great Plains Synfuels Plant Nov. 30 as a process operations field technician. The Glen Ullin, ND, native has an associate degree in power plant technology from Bismarck (ND) State College. Jacob Scott, environmental engineer, began work at the Great Plains Synfuels Plant Nov. 30. Originally from California, Scott previously worked for the Department of Water Resources, Bakersfield, CA, and has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Chadwick Hashiaki, business coordinator, started work Dec. 2 at Montana Limestone Company. The Joliet, MT, native previously worked as an operations manager at Timothy Hay Farm in Wasilla, AK. Hashiaki has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Montana State University in Billings, MT. Nathan Miller, electrical engineer III, started work Dec. 28 at Headquarters. He has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from North Dakota State University, Fargo, and previously worked for Barr Engineering in Bismarck, ND, and Zachry Group in Omaha, NE. Rocky Evans began work at the Great Plains Synfuels Plant Dec. 28 as a process operations field technician. The Pascagoula, MS, native previously worked at the Chevron Refinery in Pascagoula. He has a process operations technology degree from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Perkinston, MS.
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Mariah Perbix, multimedia specialist I/graphic designer, started work Sept. 14 at Headquarters. She has an associate degree in graphic design and communications from Bismarck (ND) State College. Prior to joining Basin Electric, she was an operations supervisor at Dakota Community Bank & Trust in Dickinson, ND. Cole Berger began work at the Great Plains Synfuels Plant Dec. 28 as a process operations field technician. Originally from Mandan, ND, Berger has an associate degree in power plant technology from Bismarck (ND) State College. Tony Goodale, process operations field technician, started work at the Great Plains Synfuels Plant Dec. 28. The Farmington, MN, native has a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, and an associate degree in power plant and process plant technology from Bismarck State (ND) College. Travis Creighton began work at the Great Plains Synfuels Plant Jan. 11 as a process operations field technician. The Poca, WV, native served in the United States Air Force and has an associate degree in process plant technology from Bismarck (ND) State College.
Dustin DuToit, process operations field technician, began work at the Great Plains Synfuels Plant Jan. 11. He is originally from Hazen, ND, and has an associate degree in process plant technology from Bismarck (ND) State College.
Arnold Kraft started work Dec. 14 as an electrician II at Leland Olds Station. Kraft is originally from Mandan, ND, and previously worked at Industrial Contractors, Inc. Travis Lockman started work Nov. 16 as a lab technician II at Laramie River Station in Wheatland, WY. He previously worked at Platte County Memorial Hospital in Wheatland, and has a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from the University of Wyoming in Laramie. John Neuberger began working at the Great Plains Synfuels Plant Nov. 30 as a fixed equipment engineer. The Beulah, ND, native worked at Dakota Prairie Refinery in Dickinson, ND, as a mechanical engineer and also previously with Dakota Gasification Company. Justin Romero started work Nov. 30 as a mechanic/welder II at Laramie River Station in Wheatland, WY.
Tyler Wasem began work at the Great Plains Synfuels Plant Dec. 28 as a process operations field technician. The Hazen, ND, native previously worked for Pepsi in Mandan, ND, and has an associate degree in power plant technology from Bismarck (ND) State College. Katrina Wald, business analyst II, started work Jan. 4 at Headquarters. She previously worked for WBI Energy, Inc., as a senior business development analyst.
JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2016 | 23
E M P L OY E E HIG HL IG H T S
New employees Kevin Kalvoda began work at the Great Plains Synfuels Plant Jan. 11 as a process operations field technician. The Bismarck, ND, native previously worked for Ottertail Power at the Coyote Station in Beulah, ND, and has an associate degree in process plant technology from Bismarck State College. Garrett Sayler began working as a control systems engineer on Jan. 11 at the Great Plains Synfuels Plant. The Beulah, ND, native has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Athmaram (Ram) Shankaranarayana, business intelligence architect, started work at Headquarters Jan. 18. He was previously employed at Cognizant as a senior architect and United Health Group as a project manager. He has a bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering from University of Mysore in India. Alex Zastoupil began work at the Great Plains Synfuels Plant Dec. 28 as a process operations field technician. The Bismarck, ND, native previously worked at Lowe’s and has an associate degree in power plant technology from Bismarck State College. Sheridan Cahoon, started Jan. 11 as an apprentice system protection technician at Transmission System Maintenance-Williston, ND. He has an associate degree in electronics from Bismarck (ND) State College.
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Service awards
Douglas Bjornson
John Ciz
Kathleen Vetter
mechanic I
manager, mechanical engineering
record litigation coordinator
45 years
Antelope Valley Station
35 years
Headquarters
35 years
Headquarters
Judy Hoijan
Ray Juarez
Robert McEwen
senior purchasing agent
shift supervisor
water treatment operator
35 years
Headquarters
35 years
Laramie River Station
35 years
Laramie River Station
Richard Redding
David Soma
Blaine Fischer
operator supervisor
mechanical supervisor
turbine electrical operator
35 years
Laramie River Station
35 years
Leland Olds Station
30 years
Antelope Valley Station
Mikel Setterlund
Leslie Hintz
Rose Thompson
turbine electrical operator
E&I specialist II
senior designer
30 years
Antelope Valley Station
30 years
Dakota Gasification Company
30 years
Headquarters
Service awards
Kelvin Lower
Linda Klein
maintenance planner/scheduler
lead lab technician
30 years
Laramie River Station
30 years
Leland Olds Station
Wayne Mattheis
Mark Winn
supervisor, maintenance planner/scheduler
construction coordinator II
30 years
30 years
Pioneer Generation Station
Leland Olds Station
Brian Repnow 35 years
scrubber operator
Antelope Valley Station
Sindee Berger 25 years
administrative assistant III Dakota Gasification Company
Retirees Editor’s note: Expanded retirement stories were written only for those who returned their questionnaire to Basin Today staff.
Robin Graves, water treatment operator, retired from Laramie River Station Jan. 6 after nearly 37 years of service. Graves started at Laramie River Station in 1979 as a utility operator. His other positions while at Laramie River Station included assistant yard equipment operator, yard equipment operator, lead yard equipment operator. In 2006, he was promoted to water treatment operator, the position held until his retirement. Graves said Basin Electric was a great place to work. “Working for Basin Electric has been a great
experience, full of lots of opportunity and training,” he said. “Robin was one of the more experienced water treatment plant operators,” said Dave Patterson, water treatment plant supervisor. “His knowledge of the water treatment plant and the ‘why we do this a certain way’ will be missed.” Patterson said Graves was always easy going and in a good mood. “I could always tell when he was coming down the hallway because he whistled,” Patterson said. “When I was a utility operator in the coal yard, Robin was my lead yard equipment operator, and hardly anything phased him.” Tony Cof field, water treatment operator, retired from Laramie River Station Dec. 30 after 33 years of service. He started working at Laramie River Station in 1982 as a mobile equipment mechanic. In 2006, he was promoted to auxiliary operator before assuming the role as water treatment operator. Dave Patterson, water treatment plant supervisor, said Coffield was very methodical in his work. “He was very conscious about the lime slakers, making sure he checked them often.” In retirement, Coffield plans to travel, play with his grandkids, hunt and fish. Nick Cancino, retired from Laramie River Station on Dec. 31, after 33 years of service. He started work in 1982 as a laborer and was later promoted to utility operator, followed by auxiliary equipment operator, assistant plant operator, plant operator and then control room operator. Richard Redding, operations supervisor at Laramie River Station, said Cancino was passionate about everything he did and strived to do his best. “He could tell a good story, none of which I can repeat without editing,” Redding said. “Nick ended his career training other operators and took this job very seriously. He took with him 34 years of experience, which will be hard to replace. The DETRO DOG will be missed.”
JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2016 | 25
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