The $3 Billion Secret: 5 Crucial Updates On Cass County Electric Cooperative Powering Fargo's Future

Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC), a cornerstone of energy delivery in the Fargo-Moorhead metro and surrounding rural North Dakota, is currently at the epicenter of a massive technological and infrastructural transformation. As of late 2025, the cooperative is not only tackling the immense power demands of a new, multi-billion dollar AI data center but is also celebrating high member satisfaction scores and navigating a leadership transition, making it a critical entity for the region's economic future. The energy landscape in Cass County is evolving rapidly, driven by unprecedented industrial growth and a commitment to member-focused service. From major storm recovery efforts—like the challenging restoration work following the Christmas Day ice storm—to the implementation of new, member-friendly rate structures, CCEC’s recent activities underscore its vital role in providing reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy to its vast service area.

The New Leadership and CCEC's Core Identity

The cooperative recently welcomed its eighth President and CEO, Paul Matthys, marking a new era of leadership focused on maintaining the co-op's strong connection to its rural roots while embracing the future of energy technology. Matthys's background and the cooperative's foundational principles are key to understanding its current operations and future direction.

Paul Matthys: President and CEO Profile

• Name: Paul Matthys
• Current Title: President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• Appointment Date: Selected in March 2024
• Prior Role: Former Vice President of Member and Energy Services at CCEC
• Background: Grew up on a farm in rural North Dakota, giving him a deep understanding of the cooperative's primarily rural membership base.
• Leadership Milestone: His initial tenure has coincided with CCEC achieving a cooperative record on a recent member survey, gauging public perception and satisfaction.
• Focus: Reflects a journey from tradesman to CEO, emphasizing service to the membership and grid reliability.

As a member-owned utility, CCEC operates under the fundamental cooperative values. This structure, which is different from investor-owned utilities, means that all operational decisions, from rate setting to infrastructure investment, are theoretically driven by the benefit to the members it serves across cities like Fargo, Casselton, and the many rural communities in between, including Amenia, Arthur, and Briarwood.

The $3 Billion Project: Powering the AI Future in North Dakota

The single most significant, high-impact development for Cass County Electric Cooperative is its role in powering a massive new technology investment in the region. This project is set to fundamentally change the economic and energy landscape.

The Applied Digital Polaris Forge 2 AI Campus

A major data center project, the Polaris Forge 2 AI Campus by Applied Digital, is currently in development within CCEC’s service territory. This is not a small venture; the project involves a total investment of approximately $3 billion and covers over 900 acres of land. The sheer scale of this AI and High-Performance Compute (HPC) campus requires a monumental power commitment, which CCEC has secured. The cooperative distributes the power, which is generated wholesale by its partner, Minnkota Power Cooperative. The benefits of this project extend far beyond the energy grid:

• Economic Impact: The data center is expected to generate significant property and business taxes, providing substantial funding for local schools, public safety, and community services.
• Job Creation: It will result in new construction jobs and permanent, high-tech employment opportunities.
• Technological Hub: The investment positions the Fargo-Cass County region as a critical hub for technology and innovation, attracting further investment and development.

This transformative project highlights CCEC’s ability to handle massive, modern energy demands while supporting the region's economic development advisory committee goals.

5 Key Updates on CCEC Rates and Member Programs (2025)

For members, understanding their bill and the available programs is crucial. CCEC, as a cooperative, is focused on providing reliable service while managing the costs associated with purchased power and infrastructure maintenance.

1. Residential Electricity Price and Cost Factors

The average residential electricity price for CCEC consumers is approximately 12.42 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This rate is slightly above the state average for North Dakota. A key factor influencing the monthly bill is the Power Purchased Adjustment (PPA), a separate line item that reflects the increases or decreases in the co-op's cost of power purchased from Minnkota Power Cooperative.

2. The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) Award

In a major win for the cooperative, CCEC earned an award based on data modeled by the ACSI® in 2025. This recognition is based on customer surveys and indicates a high level of member satisfaction, contrasting favorably with many publicly measured energy utilities.

3. Time of Day Rate

CCEC offers a Time of Day Rate program, which encourages members to shift their electricity usage to off-peak hours. By utilizing less energy during periods of high demand, members can save on their monthly bills and help the cooperative manage the overall load on the grid.

4. Off-Peak Program Incentives

The cooperative actively promotes its Off-Peak Program, which offers substantial incentives for energy-efficient upgrades. For instance, members currently on the off-peak system who replace their backup heating system with propane or fuel oil can receive a $250 energy credit. This program encourages energy conservation and helps manage peak usage.

5. Operation Round Up Foundation

CCEC’s commitment to the community is formalized through its Operation Round Up Foundation. This voluntary program allows members to have their monthly electric bill "rounded up" to the nearest dollar, with the difference going into a fund for local grants. The foundation regularly awards grants to local non-profits, such as a recent grant provided to Big Brothers Big Sisters of The Village Family Service. This initiative is a powerful example of the cooperative principle in action, supporting rural communities and essential services.

Navigating Challenges: Storms and Reliability

Reliability remains a top priority, especially given the harsh weather conditions common to the region. CCEC and Minnkota Power Cooperative frequently battle severe weather, such as the rare and damaging Christmas Day ice storm that caused widespread damage across southeastern North Dakota. Restoring power after such events requires significant effort and coordination, reinforcing the importance of robust infrastructure and dedicated line crews. CCEC's regular publications, such as Highline Notes, keep members informed about these challenges, new policies, and energy industry news.

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