A Natural Gas Solution

Under current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, it is nearly impossible and cost prohibitive to build a new coal-fired plant. A natural gas-fired power plant is the most cost effective alternative. The Cheyenne Prairie Generating Station will have relatively low air emissions and is an effective solution to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s increasingly strict standards.

The Cheyenne Prairie Generating Station is a natural gas-fired power plant. Cheyenne is a major natural gas hub that will ensure a reliable source of fuel for the plant for decades to come. Other areas were considered, such as Rapid City, but do not have a sufficient gas supply.

Why not build wind?

We already purchase some wind power to serve you. We will continue to consider renewable sources such as wind when building new generation, but will only do so when it’s cost effective and reliable.

And it’s also important to remember that wind alone can’t keep your lights on. Renewable energy sources – whether you’re talking wind or solar – need a backup generation source for those days when the wind isn’t blowing or the sun’s not shining.