BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- North Dakota regulators say that although a proposed power plant has been canceled, utilities will be asking ratepayers to foot the bill for development costs.
Otter Tail Power Co. and Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. were partners in the Big Stone II project in northeastern South Dakota. It was scrapped because it couldn't find enough investors. It cost more than $10 million to develop.
North Dakota Public Service Commission Chairman Kevin Cramer says MDU and Otter Tail are likely to ask for future electric rate increases to get their money back.
North Dakota regulators have already ruled the project was a good way to meet future electric demand. Commissioner Tony Clark says that will help the two utilities get their money.
