BILLINGS – NorthWestern Energy says it is breaking ground this week on a $200 million natural gas-fired power plant near Anaconda.
The 150-megawatt Mill Creek Generating Station is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2010. Officials with the South Dakota-based company say an additional 50 megawatts could be added later, depending on need.
Spokeswoman Claudia Rapkoch says electricity from the plant will be used to maintain consistent loads on the utility’s transmission system, which is now achieved by buying power from out of state.
Rapkoch says the plant also would help balance future power grid volatility that could result from several wind power project slated for central Montana.
Northwestern serves customers in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska.