Basin Electric - Neset to Northshore

Basin Electric.

27 MI
230KV
NEW LINES
Basin Electric - Neset to Northshore

Project overview.

Basin Electric completed a new 27-mile 230kV transmission line project between the Neset Substation near Tioga, North Dakota, and the new Northshore Substation south of Ross, North Dakota in January 2023. The project aimed to provide capacity to serve increasing load growth in the region.
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Technology.

After a competitive solicitation, Basin Electric selected TS Altar M3 9.5 (1493 kcmil) conductor for this project.

Challenges.

The project team needed to balance immediate capacity needs with future requirements while optimizing structure design and quantity. They also had to contend with early winter storms that caused a two-month delay in the project timeline.

Key outcomes.

Basin Electric used standard installation methods with traditional two-die dead ends and mid-span splices. TS Conductor's patented aluminum encapsulation design allowed for installation identical to ACSR, eliminating the need for specialized training or tools.

Basin Electric - Neset to Northshore
INCREASED AMPACITY

Increased ampacity from 1270A to 2240A (76% increase)

FEWER STRUCTURES

Reduced structure height and quantity by 15% (from 183 to 155), offsetting modest conductor price premium.

FUTURE PROOF

A smaller TS conductor size could have resulted in even greater savings, but the project team opted for increased capacity for future RTO requirements, essentially future-proofing the line.

ENHANCED RELIABILITY

Improved line clearance safety and reduced galloping, enhancing reliability and performance

More details.

Engineer Interview

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Conductor Comparison

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Engineering Analysis

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Basin Electric Press Release

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