Affordable

Low-cost electricity helps farmers and businesses because it lowers their operational expenses and allows them to be competitive on an international level. It also promotes industrial and economic development, since low electricity costs attract new business and help retain our existing companies. Low-cost electricity is particularly beneficial to our region as we consume high amounts of energy because of our weather extremes while enjoying some of the lowest electric rates in the nation.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration and Global Energy Decisions, Inc., the average price of electricity in 2007 from North Dakota lignite-based power plants was 20 percent lower than electricity from all U.S. coal-based power plants and 70 percent lower than electricity from all U.S. natural gas-based plants.

North Dakota’s lignite-based electricity generates substantial economic benefits for our region’s economy, and will continue to do so for years to come.