For more information: Joan Dietz – 701-557-5070
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bismarck, N.D. – A new solar project in Montana will provide another 150 megawatts (MW) of
affordable, renewable power to Basin Electric customers.
Basin Electric Power Cooperative (Basin Electric) and Clēnera Renewable Energy, announced today
the execution of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the Cabin Creek Solar Project. Cabin Creek
is Basin Electric’s second solar PPA, and the result of the cooperative’s continuing goal of providing a
diverse mix of cost-effective energy for its members.
When completed, Cabin Creek will consist of two, 75-MW projects in southeastern Montana, five miles
west of Baker. According to Clēnera, the project will eliminate 265,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year
and power 30,000 homes.
“Renewable technology has advanced dramatically in recent years, which means even more
affordable power for Basin Electric’s customers,” said Paul Sukut, CEO and general manager of Basin
Electric. “Basin Electric is excited to purchase the output from this project to help serve our members’
growing energy needs. Adding solar further promotes our all-of-the-above energy solution as we
generate energy using a diverse resource portfolio including coal, natural gas, and other renewable
resources to provide reliable, affordable, and environmentally safe generation.
“Clēnera is proud to partner with Basin Electric Power Cooperative to support the construction of the
Cabin Creek Solar projects in Montana,” said Jared McKee, Clēnera’s director of Business
Development. “We truly believe that Basin Electric will be a valuable partner as we aim to deliver
today’s new era of reliable, affordable, and clean energy.”
“We’re pleased that Southeast Electric will be home to the Cabin Creek Solar Project,” said Jack
Hamblin, manager of Southeast Electric Cooperative, a Basin Electric Class C member headquartered
in Ekalaka, Montana. “This project is one more example of cooperatives working together to use
economies of scale to add affordable generation for all their members – similar to what was done 70
years ago when cooperatives were first built.”
Basin Electric Class A member Upper Missouri Power Cooperative, headquartered in Sidney,
Montana, provides wholesale power to Southeast Electric and 10 other distribution cooperatives in
western North Dakota and eastern Montana. “It is encouraging to witness the development of cost competitive
energy like the Cabin Creek Solar Project, which will be part of the energy mix we purchase from Basin Electric for our member systems, said Claire Vigesaa, Upper Missouri’s general manager. “The energy needs in our region are growing and this project will help us serve both our members, and our communities as a whole.”
Cabin Creek will bring significant economic benefits to the local area. According to Clēnera, the project
will contribute $8 million in property taxes to Fallon County and $5 million for the state of Montana over
35 years. They say it will also create approximately 300 construction jobs and two to three full-time
jobs.
“This project underscores the efforts by Montana’s electric cooperatives to continue to embrace more
carbon-free technology,” said Gary Wiens, CEO of Montana Electric Cooperatives’ Association. “It also
demonstrates Basin Electric’s commitment to seek development of renewable energy projects in our
state. It’s exciting that these two projects combined are 50 times larger than our current largest solar
array in Montana.”
Cabin Creek is anticipated to begin operations in late 2023.
About Basin Electric Power Cooperative
Basin Electric is a consumer-owned, regional cooperative headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota. It
generates and transmits electricity to 141 member rural electric systems in nine states: Colorado,
Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
These member systems distribute electricity to about 3 million consumers. Learn more at
www.basinelectric.com.
About Clēnera, LLC
Clenēra, LLC (“Clēnera”) is a privately-held renewable energy company headquartered in Boise, Idaho.
Clēnera acquires, develops, builds and manages utility-scale solar farms and energy storage facilities
throughout the United States. Combining breakthrough technology with a deeply integrated team
approach, Clēnera provides reliable, affordable energy systems and helps its utility partners become
clean energy leaders in their communities. Clēnera’s current operating portfolio exceeds 1.3 GW, with
more than 14 GW of solar and storage assets in development. Learn more at www.Clēnera.com.