What does it take to keep the lights on? Sixteen students representing 10 electric cooperatives from across South Dakota embarked on a three-day trip to Bismarck, N.D., in July to go behind the scenes and learn about electricity generation. Sponsored by their local electric cooperatives, students toured the energy infrastructure that generates and transmits electricity into residential homes and commercial buildings, learning firsthand from industry experts.

The group kicked off the tour by visiting the Coteau Properties Co. Freedom Mine, where they watched large equipment in action and coal being mined in real time. The group followed the coal to Antelope Valley Station, a coal-fired power plant, where the coal is burned to create energy. In addition to generation, the group learned about coal byproducts, touring the one-of-a-kind Great Plains Synfuels Plant where natural gas, liquid carbon dioxide, fertilizers and fuels are produced from coal. Lastly, the group concluded their tour at Basin Electric Headquarters where most of the energy generation is facilitated and managed.

Owen Sperry, who lives within Northern Electric’s service territory, said the trip provided a new perspective on how power is generated. Sperry, a sophomore at Groton Area High School, expressed interest in becoming a lineman someday.

“My uncle used to be a lineman, so I’ve always had a passion for it,” Sperry said. “And getting to go through the shop of the Freedom Coal Mine was my favorite part of the trip. The scale of everything was just incredible.”

The trip is organized by the statewide South Dakota Rural Electric Association in Pierre, S.D., and paid for by the students’ electric cooperatives as part of the industry’s ongoing support of the fifth cooperative principle: education, training, and information.

As cooperatives, we value our communities and our youth. If you are interested in learning more about youth activities and opportunities, reach out to your local cooperative to learn more.