A new study shows that North Dakota is a state with a lot of generation sources and a well-operating transmission grid, but transmission constraints will be a limiting factor going forward. Currently, the grid only experiences occasional but not chronic capacity problems.

The study, which was commissioned by the North Dakota Transmission Authority, was performed by Power Systems Engineering (PSE) regarding the modeling of the electric North Dakota grid through 2038. As part of the study, PSE looked at a pricing analysis based on today’s assumptions.

Limited ability to inject generation into the MISO and SPP grids in the near term could result in generation curtailment, which would lead to lower wholesale prices from North Dakota generation sources unless additional high voltage transmission is built. A similar situation has occurred in the Bakken oilfields as crude oil was discounted because of reduced pipeline capacity to carry the oil out of state to major markets.