Clay-Union Electric Corporation

06/09/2026

Starting the morning at Great Plains Synfuels Dakota Gasification Co.

06/08/2026

Thank you to the East River Electric staff for the tours, and the information provided to our members to learn more about where the power comes from and what it takes to get it to their homes and businesses.

06/08/2026

The Clay-Union, B-Y and Union County Electric Basin Bus Tour made its first stop at East River Electric in Madison, where Chris Studer, Chief Member and Public Relations Officer, discussed the cooperative's relationship with its member systems and the vital role cooperatives play in serving local communities.

05/26/2026

In May, we recognize National Electrical Safety Month to raise awareness about reducing electrically related fires, injuries and fatalities. Here are a few important safety tips to keep in mind:
• Never use electrical equipment near water.
• Check all light bulbs to ensure the wattage is safe and suitable for the fixture.
• Extension cords are for temporary use only; never run them under rugs, through walls or across doorways.
• Do not plug too many devices into a single outlet or power strip.

05/17/2026

In observance of the holiday, our office will be closed Monday, May 25th. If you have an emergency please call 605-624-2673 for our 24/7 service.

05/11/2026

It is always important to be aware of your surroundings. Know what your clearance is when passing underneath power lines with equipment in tow — seriously, this isn’t the time to eyeball it — and pay particularly close attention when backing up. If you don’t know the height of a power line in question, contact your local energy provider to clear up any uncertainty before proceeding.

05/10/2026

Today we celebrate all the moms, grandmothers and mother figures who help keep our homes and communities running strong. Mothers bring the care, support and energy that brighten our lives every day. Thank you for all that you do. Happy Mother’s Day!

05/05/2026

Happy Teacher Appreciation Day! Today, we recognize the educators who inspire curiosity, spark new ideas and help power the future of our community. Thank you for the dedication and passion you bring to the classroom every day!

04/29/2026

The Lignite Energy Council (LEC) is conducting the 2026 Teacher Seminar, “Energy, Economics and Environment,” at the Bismarck State College in Bismarck, ND, June 8-11, 2026. Basin Electric will pay travel costs for teachers from South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Wyoming and Iowa, and LEC will cover the rest.

Basin Electric encourages member cooperatives and statewide organizations to communicate this seminar to area teachers. “It's a great opportunity for educators to take a deep dive into the lignite coal-powered sector of the energy industry," said Erin Laverdure, project coordination representative for Basin Electric. "We would like to get as many educators involved as possible." In 2025, Basin Electric sponsored three teachers.

This seminar will provide teachers with the information and educational materials they need to teach their students about how lignite is mined and used to produce electricity for homes, farms and businesses in the Upper Midwest. In addition, the seminar covers lignite’s economic impact on the region, as well as important environmental issues affecting the lignite industry.

Two graduate professional development credits are available through the Center for Economic Education at the University of North Dakota, North Dakota State University, or Minot State University.

Teachers can learn more and apply online: www.lignite.com/teachers

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, until the seminar is full at approximately 75 registrants. A $60 deposit is required to reserve each teacher’s spot, and can be submitted online. This deposit will be returned when they check in at the seminar.

Teachers must track their mileage and individual meal expenses (up to two each way) from home to the seminar and back. Receipts for meals are required. Packets with travel expense reimbursement forms will be given to the teachers at the seminar. Reimbursement forms are due July 10, 2026.

Retha Mattern at the Lignite Energy Council can answer questions related to the teacher seminar: [email protected] or 800-932-7117.

Erin Laverdure can answer questions regarding Basin Electric’s sponsorship of teachers from SD, MN, MT, WY and IA: [email protected] or 701-557-5625.

On June 8 – 11, 2026 the Lignite Energy Council will conduct an education seminar for elementary and secondary teachers from Minnesota, Montana, South Dakota and North Dakota.

04/27/2026

Farm safety should be a priority year-round, but large equipment (folding planters, combines, augers and more) used during planting and harvest activities present additional challenges to your safety and well-being when power lines are involved.
It is always important to be aware of your surroundings. Know what your clearance is when passing underneath power lines with equipment in tow — seriously, this isn’t the time to eyeball it — and pay particularly close attention when backing up. If you don’t know the height of a power line in question, contact your local energy provider to clear up any uncertainty before proceeding.