Demand For Electricity In The Williston Basin Will More Than Triple In Less Than Two Decades; Your Daughter Born Today May Some Day Be Working For MDU As A Summer Job

The Dickinson Press is reporting:

A study last year predicted that the 43-county Williston Basin, encompassing much of western North Dakota, eastern Montana and northwestern South Dakota, will see demand for electricity grow by more than 2,500 megawatts by 2032, from 1,209 megawatts in 2012 to 3,721 megawatts.

Utilities are responding by building more peaking plants (5-megawatt natural gas peaking plants) and large power-producing plants:

Montana-Dakota Utilities is adding an 88-megawatt natural gas unit to its Heskitt power station near Mandan, and has told regulators it likely will further expand the plant, with an application expected later this year or early next year.

Now, going back to the lead, the data points:

• current demand: 1,200 MW
• demand in 2032: 3,721 MW

Two thoughts:

• huge growth
• look how far out they are going: 2032 -- the tea leaves suggest the Bakken will be around for awhile