SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The estimated cost of the Big Stone II coal-fired power plant in northeast South Dakota has increased by $600 million, to an estimated $1.6 billion.
Big Stone II recently received a siting permit from the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission but still needs a permit for a $200 million transmission line project from the Minnesota PUC.
The increase in cost is largely due to higher costs for construction materials and labor, said Steve Schultz, spokesman for the seven companies proposing to build Big Stone II.
His utility is part of Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency.
Otter Tail Power Co. is the lead developer of the proposed power plant.
