BISMARCK, N.D. – Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. and WBI Energy, Inc., both subsidiaries of MDU Resources Group, Inc., has announced plans for a natural gas pipeline expansion project in eastern North Dakota that will provide more natural gas to customers in Wahpeton, North Dakota, and extend natural gas service to Kindred, North Dakota.
“We are excited to provide additional natural gas to the cities of Wahpeton and Kindred,” said David L. Goodin, president and CEO of MDU Resources. “Natural gas is an abundant resource in North Dakota, and we are proud to be able to help residential and commercial customers take advantage of this low-cost fuel option.”
Montana-Dakota Utilities has secured utility customer contracts that require approximately 10 million cubic feet of firm natural gas service per day in Wahpeton, which exceeds the volume of gas that can be delivered on an uninterruptible basis to the city through the existing transmission pipeline.
To fulfill the additional customer demand, WBI Energy plans to construct a 60-mile, 12-inch natural gas pipeline expansion and ancillary facilities to Wahpeton. The expansion will have capacity of 20 million cubic feet of natural gas per day and is expected to cost approximately $75 million. Upon receipt of all regulatory approvals, WBI Energy expects to begin construction in early 2024 and have the pipeline in service in late 2024.
“Wahpeton has been working diligently to bring this additional capacity to our region to mitigate interruptions in service and provide for future opportunities,” said Wahpeton Mayor Steven Dale. “Wahpeton has been, and will continue to be, a location of choice for value-added ag processors. Additional firm natural gas supply is vital to keeping Wahpeton at the forefront of those businesses.”
As part of this project, Montana-Dakota Utilities also will extend natural gas utility service to the city of Kindred, at the request of city officials and residents.
“We have new housing developments and commercial properties interested in building in Kindred,” said Kindred Mayor Jason DuBord. “Many city residents, businesses, ag processors and surrounding property owners will benefit greatly from access to a firm natural gas supply.”
