The House Energy and Natural Resources Committee convened on January 9, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding energy reliability and infrastructure in North Dakota. The meeting highlighted urgent concerns regarding the state's electrical grid and the potential for blackouts if necessary actions are not taken.

Chairman Porter opened the discussion by emphasizing the importance of recent comments from industry representatives, warning that the situation is approaching a crisis point. He noted that the risk of blackouts and regional reliability problems is becoming increasingly imminent, urging committee members to prioritize these concerns. "Your constituents will not like the fact that they walk home and flip the switch and it's dark," he stated, underscoring the real-world implications of inaction.

Senator Boehm contributed to the discussion by stressing the long timeline required to build baseload generation, indicating that such projects cannot be completed in just three years. This point was echoed by Senator Pat, who highlighted the significant capital investments needed by utilities over the next decade to address both generation and transmission challenges. He pointed out that the electrification of the oil and gas industry is driving a substantial increase in load growth, with some utilities experiencing annual growth rates of 10% or more.

Senator Pat provided specific examples, noting that McKinsey Electric, which serves a relatively small population, is facing demands equivalent to that of 445,000 homes. He emphasized the importance of managing the grid effectively to meet these rising demands, acknowledging both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the pressing need for strategic planning and investment in energy infrastructure to ensure reliability and meet future demands. The committee's discussions set the stage for ongoing deliberations on how to address these critical energy issues in North Dakota.