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Electricity Suppliers Studying Feasibility Of Developing New Transmission Line

A group of electricity suppliers will study the feasibility of generating more than 2,000 megawatts of electrical energy in North Dakota and then moving that energy to market over a new direct current transmission line.

Energy Unlimited, Inc. / Renewable Energy Systems USA, Great Northern Power Development L.P., Great River Energy and Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. / Westmoreland Energy have joined together and retained ABB, Inc., as the study contractor. The study is expected to be completed by October 2002.

The study will focus on two of North Dakota's tremendous generation resources - coal and wind. The coal interests and the wind development firms share a common hurdle - the need for additional transmission capacity southeastward from North Dakota. It is hoped this study will lead to a feasible resolution to the transmission issue.

Energy Unlimited and Renewable Energy Systems are jointly working on the development of windparks in the Dakotas. Great Northern Power Development L.P., Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. / Westmoreland Energy and Great River Energy are planning new coal-based generation in North Dakota.