BISMARCK, N.D., Feb. 14,
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MDU Resources Group, Inc.
(NYSE: MDU) is pleased to announce that its subsidiary,
Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. (MDU), has signed a purchase agreement
to acquire a 49% ownership interest in the Badger Wind Farm. This
acquisition represents 122.5 MW of the project's total 250 MW
generation capacity. The purchase agreement is contingent on
regulatory approval from the North Dakota Public Service Commission
(NDPSC).
MDU's 2024 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) identified the need
for additional generation capacity to meet future energy demands.
The investment in the Badger Wind Farm was selected as the
least-cost option for MDU's customers, aligning with the company's
commitment to providing reliable and affordable energy.
Construction is currently underway near Wishek, ND.
This strategic investment is part of MDU Resources' five-year
capital expenditure plan. The estimated cost for MDU to purchase
this stake is $294 million.
MDU previously executed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for 150
MW of the Badger Wind Farm's output last November, which included
the 49% purchase option MDU has now exercised under the purchase
agreement. With this ownership purchase, the capacity under the PPA
will be reduced to 27.5 MW upon closing.
"This investment enhances our diversified portfolio of assets,
allowing MDU to meet customer demand with a mix of generation
assets that includes coal as well as wind backed by natural gas
peakers to effectively serve our customers' needs," said
Nicole Kivisto, president and CEO of
MDU Resources.
The addition of the Badger Wind Farm is estimated to have the
following impact to MDU's nameplate generation mix:
|
Current
|
With Badger
Wind
|
Renewables
|
29 %
|
39 %
|
Coal
|
31 %
|
26 %
|
Gas
|
40 %
|
35 %
|
To ensure the prudence of this investment, MDU has filed an
Advance Determination of Prudence (ADP) with the NDPSC. An ADP
request asks the NDPSC to determine whether a generation project is
reasonable and prudent for providing electric service to the
public.
About MDU Resources Group, Inc.
MDU Resources
Group, Inc., a member of the S&P SmallCap 600 index, provides
essential products and services through its regulated electric and
natural gas distribution and pipeline segments. Founded in 1924 as
a small electric utility, MDU Resources has grown to serve more
than 1.2 million customers across eight states and is celebrating
its 100th anniversary. Learn more at www.mdu.com/100th-anniversary.
The Company operates in the Pacific Northwest and Midwest,
constructing and operating infrastructure that delivers natural gas
and electricity that energizes homes and businesses. For more
information about MDU Resources, visit www.mdu.com or contact the
Investor Relations Department at investor@mduresources.com.
Investor Contact: Brent
Miller, treasurer, 701-530-1730
Media Contact: Byron Pfordte,
director of integrated communications, 208-377-6050
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SOURCE MDU Resources Group, Inc.