Fedorchak Introduces North Dakota Basin Electric CEO at Energy and Commerce Hearing

“I'm honored to introduce Mr. Todd Brickhouse, who embodies the values of hard work, innovation, and community service. As CEO and General Manager of Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Todd leads one of our state's largest and most prominent businesses. It's an organization that delivers reliable, affordable power to millions of people throughout the Great Plains. With over 25 years of experience, Todd has dedicated his career to ensuring that rural America, and America as a whole, has the energy it needs to grow and thrive. Like most in this industry, Todd's work isn't about politics. It's about problem solving. That's what I appreciate most about working with folks in this industry. It's about powering everything from farms and small businesses to emerging industries like carbon capture and data centers. Todd's leadership is doing just that, as are others on this panel today. Todd brings Dakota common sense to D.C. and I'm proud to welcome him and his amazing team who are behind him before our committee today,” Fedorchak stated. 

Rep. Fedorchak began her questioning by asking the witnesses if they’re able to support both renewables and the urgent need for more dispatchable, fuel-secure resources. Every witness answered “yes.” She followed up asking if the call for more dispatchable, fuel-secure power generation is driven by partisan politics or grid physics and mechanics. Every witness answered that the call for increased demand is driven by physics—by legitimate need, not politics. Watch: 

Rep. Fedorchak also asked witnesses about what is included in customer bills if the cost per kilowatt doesn’t cover the full cost of a generation source. Mr. Brickhouse highlighted that his company is forced to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on environmental compliance. These are burdensome government regulations that are directly driving up the cost of what customers pay to heat their homes and keep the lights on. Mr. Black highlighted both capital and variable aspects of fuel, including the cost of wires in transmission distribution, the capital required in running plants, and maintaining compliance with EPA requirements. Watch:  

Rep. Fedorchak highlighted how partisan politics shouldn’t affect grid management, and asked Mr. Haque what he wishes federal and state policymakers understood better before creating energy policy. Mr. Haque emphasized how policy choices that impact supply and demand have a direct impact on the cost American families pay. He also noted the importance of balancing affordable and reliable energy alongside environmental stewardship. Watch: 

Rep. Fedorchak concluded by asking each witness if it is possible to meet increasing energy demand through renewables alone. Every witness answered “no.” Watch: