Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. Continues to Invest in Its Communities

Bismarck-Mandan is served by multiple quality utility providers, and Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. is a leader among them. The company continues to expand its services while improving infrastructure and providing safe and reliable electric and natural gas service to customers across four states. 

“Community partnership is who we are, our motto is ‘In the Community to Serve,’” says Jamie Tescher, Senior Public Relations Representative at Montana-Dakota. “We work with our communities through cost-effective capital investments and are committed to being a reliable partner to everyone we serve.” 

MDU has more than 146,000 electric and nearly 319,000 natural gas customers across 273 communities. It has completed an impressive number of needed infrastructure projects in recent years and continues to make sound investments to meet the growing needs of our communities. Keep reading to understand what an asset this utility is to businesses operating in the Bismarck-Mandan community. 

Montana-Dakota is Increasing Its Customer Base and Capacity

In the past year, MDU increased its utility rate base by 16%, with the purchase of Badger Wind, reaching new customers and partnering with businesses across the West. It also took steps to increase its capacity, enabling the utility provider to support large projects entering the region, such as data centers or major manufacturing facilities.

Mentioned earlier, one major investment was the Badger Wind Farm, which will provide power to about 110,000 homes per year over the next 30 years. MDU purchased a 49% ownership interest in Badger Wind Farm, representing about a 122.5 MW stake in the net 250 MW wind farm. Another 27.5 MW of energy will remain under a purchase power agreement.

Another major infrastructure investment is the Jamestown to Ellendale Transmission Line (JETx) project. This project is expected to increase electric reliability and resiliency against major weather events. It will strengthen the grid while taking pressure off the current transmission infrastructure. 

Montana-Dakota Works Closely With Other Utilities

Supporting the community is a team effort, which is why MDU partners with other electricity providers to invest in infrastructure and increase capacity in the states it serves. The JETx partnership, for example, is a collaboration with Otter Tail Power Company.

Beyond cross-utility collaboration, MDU is also involved in various public affairs committees and has representatives on the Lignite Energy Council. This helps the utility understand the region's needs while providing insight into its capabilities and solutions. 

“North Dakota has a great business community,” says Tescher. “We’re really proud and grateful to serve this region and are planning ahead for the future.”

Modernizing Today for a Better Tomorrow

MDU’s connection to its customers is much more than transactional. The company seeks to be a foundational resource for thriving communities.

Each infrastructure project is designed to increase the safety and reliability of its services, so customers have fewer disruptions and barriers to getting the energy they need. The leaders and employees at MDU are guided by the company’s CORE strategy, which includes supporting Customers & Communities and driving toward Operational Excellence.

For example, in 2025, MDU replaced its Encoder Receiver Transmitters (ERTs) in-house. This provides faster, safer, and more accurate readings (with fewer technicians in your yard). Every technology investment or infrastructure improvement makes a difference and strengthens the region's utility infrastructure. 

Choose a Community With Strong Utility Partners

Bismarck-Mandan has a robust utility infrastructure and multiple partners, making it easier to bring your operations here. MDU is a shining example of an energy provider that is preparing for future demand while strengthening its existing services.

Learn more about the location advantages of Bismarck-Mandan beyond its utilities. See why North Dakota, and this community in particular, is such a strong choice.