Big Stone II

By Jesse Emspak

Renewable energy could get a boost on the Northern Plains after the utilities behind the controversial Big Stone II coal-fired power plant dropped the project this week.

The proposed plant near Milbank, S.D., would have generated 500-580 megawatts. It had been backed by Montana-Dakota Utilities Co., Missouri River Energy Services, Heartland Consumers Power District, Central Minnesota Municipal Power Agency and Otter Tail Power Co., but Otter Tail pulled out in September citing cost and an uncertain regulatory climate.

The remaining four utilities announced on Monday that, because of the lack of a fifth, the $1.6 billion project had to be scrapped. Four utilities, they say, is not enough to make efficient use of the power generated.

Michelle Rosier, senior regional organizing manager at the Sierra Club’s Minnesota chapter, says the success of the campaign to stop the coal plant is another step toward making wind power competitive.