The company is expected to commence the construction of the $393m, 300MW Deer Creek project in 2010 following the approvals of a siting permit from the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission along with a gas pipeline permit. The company has not planned what to do with the proposed 700MW coal-fired power plant.
The Deer Creek proposal followed 18 months after Basin Electric filed plans for its 700MW NextGen coal-fired plant. The company requires federal, state and local clearances on environmental, wildlife and social effects. A public hearing regarding this is to be held on September 16, 2009.
Chief executive officer of Basin Electric stated that coal will be the preferred fuel option.
