Dakota Electric ASSOCIATION
PROJECT TIMELINE
Explore the project timeline of assessing our current facility. Information will be shared as the project progresses and decisions are made by Dakota Electric’s Board of Directors. Have questions? Please visit our FAQ page.
October 2019
The co-op proposed a Facility Planning Study Charter to address future needs and membership growth. However, delays occurred due to the ongoing advanced meter installation project and challenges posed by COVID-19.
September 2022
Three years later, the board granted approval for the co-op to conduct a Facility Assessment and Business Plan Charter with a local engineering consulting firm, ISG. This assessment aimed to identify the operational deficiencies and establish the need for investment. This included an evaluation of the condition and functionality of the co-op’s current headquarters.
October 2023
The year-long assessment confirmed an urgent need for investment, highlighting inefficiencies in the building and yard, requirements for retention ponds, and challenges related to equipment and vehicle storage. The board considered four strategic options, from enhancing current facilities to constructing a new facility elsewhere. However, needing more information, the board authorized the co-op to conduct a comprehensive Facility Planning Study.
MArch 2024
At the March board meeting, Cooperative Building Solutions, a construction firm that collaborates closely with electric cooperatives nationwide, presented the results of the Facility Planning Study. The study focused on establishing short and long-term goals, conducting a needs assessment, proposing conceptual facility designs, providing summary cost estimates and schedules, and detailing next steps.
April–June 2024
At subsequent board meetings, the board and management had more detailed discussions on the facility planning study to ensure that future facility investments align with the co-op’s strategic vision. Topics included investment options, potential impacts on residential rates, strategies for member communication, and negotiations for potential land acquisitions.
July 2024
At the July board meeting, the board of directors approved a letter of intent to move forward with the land acquisition process for a future new facility.
Next Steps
Information will be shared as the project progresses and decisions are made by Dakota Electric’s Board of Directors. If you have questions, please submit them using the provided form. Questions will be categorized and added to the FAQ page each month to keep members informed about the progress.
Project Schedule
Phase 1: Facility Planning Study
Phase 2: Land Acquisition
Phase 3: Facility Design
Timeframe
November 2024 -Spring 2025
Board Action
N/A
Status
Not started
More Information
The board of directors will approve Phases 3A – 3C separately before moving to Phase 4.
Timeframe
November 2024
Board Action
N/A
Status
Not started
More Information
Phase 3A of the facility design will be completed and approved by the board of directors to move to Phase 3B.
Timeframe
November 2024 – January 2025
Board Action
N/A
Status
Not started
More Information
Phase 3B of the facility design will be completed and approved by the board of directors to move to Phase 3C.
Timeframe
January – Spring 2025
Status
Not started
More Information
Phase 3C of the facility design will be completed and approved by the board of directors to move to Phase 4.