Large electric loads and system planning

Across North Dakota, there has been growing interest in large electric loads, including data centers and other high‑demand facilities. Mor-Gran-Sou Electric Cooperative is prepared to serve additional electric load — including large industrial and commercial users — should county commissioners and the public choose to move forward with large‑load development in the area.

The cooperative takes seriously its responsibility to plan, build and operate a reliable electric system that supports economic growth while protecting the interests of existing members. Proposals involving large electric loads require careful, transparent evaluation with a focus on long‑term impacts to the system and the membership.

Data Center

Large‑scale developments consider locating in North Dakota for several reasons, including the state’s cooler climate, which can help reduce cooling needs and its competitive energy costs. Communities also evaluate large‑load projects because of their potential to expand the local tax base and support job creation.

Protecting our existing members

Mor-Gran-Sou Electric works closely with our wholesale power provider, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, which has a large load program designed to protect existing cooperative members. Under this program:

  • Large‑load customers are required to pay for all infrastructure needed to serve their facilities, this can include generation and transmission. 
  • Costs are not shifted to Basin Electric’s current members
  • Costs are not passed on to local cooperative members
  • This ensures that new development pays its own way.

By requiring cost responsibility from large‑load customers, Mor-Gran-Sou Electric and Basin Electric ensure that:

  • Current members are protected from higher rates
  • System reliability is preserved
  • Local investments remain secure
  • Rates stay fair and predictable

This framework allows growth to occur responsibly and sustainably, without creating unintended financial burdens for the communities we already serve. To learn more about Basin Electric’s Large Load Program, you can visit: https://www.basinelectric.com/about-us/Large-Load-Commercial-Program/index

Data centers can provide several advantages for electrical cooperatives, including the opportunity to serve large, stable, and long-term loads that support consistent revenue growth. Their high energy demand improves load diversity and helps cooperatives better utilize existing infrastructure, spreading fixed system costs across more kilowatt-hours. 

Mor-Gran-Sou Electric stands ready to serve any load in our service area, provided our members are in favor. Our members have a voice through county and city commission meetings, and when they support a large load, we are prepared to serve it.