Flip a switch and the lights come on. Behind this simple action is a complex network of people, power plants and transmission lines that work around the clock.
Your electric cooperative, through East River Electric Power Cooperative, is a member of Basin Electric Power Cooperative’s power supply system. This regional wholesale power supply cooperative has nearly 7,000 megawatts of generating capacity and 2,500 miles of high-voltage transmission lines - all managed with you, the member-owner, in mind.
Members of Central Electric Cooperative have an exclusive opportunity to experience the “story behind the switch” first-hand and attend the Basin Electric Bus Tour for only $25 per person! The three-day tour will be held July 15-17, 2020.
Patrick Soukup, Manager of Member Services/Marketing and the tour guide, of Central Electric encourages members to get the inside story of how electricity is made.
“Learning about the big energy picture helps us all make smart choices from our households and businesses to the public policy arena,” Soukup says.
The trip includes stops at the following:
OAHE DAM
The Missouri River provides a series of powerhouse hydroelectric dams across the state. Members will tour the Oahe Dam near Pierre, SD and stop by the Capitol Visitor’s Center for brunch.
ANTELOPE VALLEY STATION
The tour includes an overview in the model room as well as a guided walking tour of the power plant. The walking tour includes stops at the turbine deck, control room, boiler and observation deck on the 17th floor.
GREAT PLAINS SYNFUELS PLANT
Learn how coal can be refined into natural gas and a variety of other products. The visitor center tour includes a model room tour where a guide walks participants through each step in the coal gasification process and describes the various products that result.
THE COTEAU PROPERTIES COMPANY FREEDOM MINE
Learn how lignite coal is produced at a surface mine and how the land is returned to its original state at the largest lignite mine in the country. A guided drive-through tour will bring you to active mining areas where you can see giant earthmoving equipment in action.
CATHEDRAL ON THE PRAIRIE
The bus makes a stop at Hoven’s “Cathedral on the Prairie,” a stunning replica of Bavarian (German state) cathedral and declared a worldwide destination for Catholic pilgrims.
MYSTERY TOUR
While the bus tour is educational, there is plenty of fun, food, games and socializing to entertain attendees as well! One evening includes a “mystery tour” to be arranged by Soukup. Past mystery tours have included the Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park and historical buildings at Buckstop Junction.
To register or inquire about the tour, contact Soukup at 800-477-2892 or 605-996-7516 or visit www.centralec.coop.