USA, Washington D.C.: The US Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity has issued a Presidential Permit to Basin Electric Power Cooperative to build, operate, and maintain two new 230-kV transmission lines connecting existing substations in North Dakota to the Canadian border.
The project is expected to add up to 650 MW of transfer capacity between the United States and Canada, strengthening cross-border grid reliability and supporting a more efficient and modern electricity system across North America.
Officials said the approval is part of broader efforts to enhance electric infrastructure and improve affordability and reliability by expanding transmission links between the two countries. The increased capacity is also expected to support electricity exports and improve access to regional power markets.
According to the Department of Energy, the expansion will allow surplus US electricity generation to reach external markets, helping reduce overall costs for consumers while improving system flexibility and energy security.
The permit aligns with recent federal efforts aimed at accelerating infrastructure development by streamlining regulatory processes, shortening review timelines, and removing certain application fees. These measures are intended to speed up the development of key energy projects and reduce administrative delays.
The transmission project is part of ongoing initiatives to strengthen North America’s integrated electricity network and improve long-term grid resilience through expanded cross-border cooperation.
Source: US Department of Energy
