FEM has the perfect vacation for co-op members. Each summer, we offer a consumer tour to see the power generation and transmission facilities of Basin Electric Power Cooperative (one of FEM's power supply partners). As a cooperative member of Basin, FEM Electric members own a share of these generation assets. This is an all-expense paid tour, and is only open to members of FEM Electric.
The trip will include a tour of Basin Headquarters, and a drive through tour of the Wilton Wind Farm on the first day. That evening, the group will enjoy a dinner cruise on the Lewis and Clark Riverboat. The following mornings tours consist of the synfuels plant, Antelope Valley station, and Freedom mine. Each station provides an essential piece of the power generation puzzle, and you'll be amazed at how they achieve it in a clean manner.
Reservations are limited on a first-come first-serve basis. The March Cooperative Connections newsletter included an application form that can be returned to the FEM office.
An application form will be available when a tour is scheduled. Check back in 2025.
Please not the following tour guidelines from Basin Electric:
To be able to fully participate in these tours, guests should be able to:
- Stand up for 30 minutes
- Navigate stairs and steel grating without canes, walkers, crutches, walking boots, etc.
- Withstand temperatures in excess of 100 degrees for 10 minutes
- Ride in bumpy, off-road conditions for up to 90 minutes
- Wear closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops or high heels allowed)
- Must have photo ID
- Field tours at the coal mine are contingent on road conditions at the mine site
Tour guests who cannot fully participate will be given opportunities to stay behind in a seating area.
Questions? Call Sonje at 605-426-6891 or toll free at 1-800-587-5880.