Sheridan Electric Breaks Ground On Substation Project
Sheridan Electric Cooperative is investing in the future of northeast Montana’s energy infrastructure with the construction of a new substation and transmission line project near Bainville. The approximately $12 million project, 100 percent funded by Aid to Construction monies, is designed to support growing electrical demand in the region while strengthening the cooperative’s overall system reliability.
Located approximately two miles southeast of Lanark, the new Bainville Substation will help meet the increasing power needs associated with continued development in the area’s oil industry. As energy demands continue to expand, SEC is proactively building the infrastructure necessary to ensure reliable service for both current and future loads.
The project will be supplied by SEC’s own transmission system and will feature a 115,000-volt transmission source feeding a 21 MVA substation with 12,470/7,200volt distribution service. The facility is comparable in size to the last three substations constructed by the cooperative and reflects SEC’s ongoing commitment to building infrastructure that supports long-term growth.
Construction includes approximately 10 miles of new 115 kV transmission line and an impressive amount of materials. The project will utilize 149 wood poles, 15 laminated poles, and three steel poles, along with approximately 178,000 feet of conductor and a new power transformer. Once complete, the substation will serve as a critical piece of infrastructure in the region’s electrical network.
The entire project is being constructed by Red Rock Power, which will oversee the work from start to finish. SEC personnel will continue to coordinate and monitor the project to ensure it meets the cooperative’s standards for safety, reliability, and quality.
Construction is currently under way, with completion anticipated by the end of 2026.
“Investments like the Bainville Substation are about preparing for the future,” said SEC Chief Operating O_cer, Josh Johnson. “As our service territory continues to evolve, it’s important that we build the infrastructure necessary to meet growing demand while maintaining the reliable electric service our members expect. This project positions us to do exactly that.”
While substantial in size and scope, the Bainville Substation project reflects a familiar cooperative principle: planning ahead to ensure the electrical system remains strong, reliable, and ready to
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serve the needs of the communities that depend on it.
