North Dakota Public Service Commission concludes lengthy Integrated Resource Plan proceeding

On December 4, 2024, the North Dakota Public Service Commission (NDPSC) determined it sees no need for us to serve our North Dakota customers with new renewable or battery resources. Therefore, none of the costs or benefits of the carbon-free projects we’ve identified in our 2022-2036 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) will be assigned to North Dakota customers, including those sited in North Dakota between now and 2030. This decision concludes a long IRP proceeding.

“This is a milestone for the North Dakota Public Service Commission,” said President Tim Rogelstad. “It’s the first time the Commission has applied the state statute that grants them authority to approve or deny, in part or in whole, regulated utilities’ Integrated Resource Plans. Our IRP outlines the combination of resources we’ll use to meet our customers’ needs for reliable, economical service during the next 15 years, so the NDPSC decision is an important milestone for us too.” 

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved our developing plans for 200 to 300 megawatts (MW) of solar resources, 150 to 200 MW of wind resources, and 20 to 75 MW of battery storage to be commercially operational between now and the end of 2029.  

“We'll continue to navigate our jurisdiction’s policy differences and plan for their unique interests,” said Rogelstad. “Our world, and the magnitude and complexity of the role energy plays in it, is changing. We’ll continue working to address the direction and speed of that change in future IRP processes.” 

We'll file our next IRP in North Dakota in 2027.