Black Hills Power to Suspend Operations at 62-Year-Old Osage Power Plant
Reduction in regional demand for electricity
OSAGE, Wyo., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) subsidiary Black Hills Power today announced suspension of operations at its 62-year-old, 34.5-megawatt coal-fired Osage Power Plant in Osage, Wyo., beginning Oct. 1, 2010.
"Considering the slow economic recovery that continues to impact the demand for electricity in the Western region, Black Hills Power has elected to suspend operations at Osage. We now have other generation alternatives available to us that are more economical as we continue to provide low-cost, reliable energy for our customers," said Chuck Loomis, vice president of operations for Black Hills Power. "The Osage Power Plant will remain an asset in our generation portfolio, and all operating permits will be retained so we can resume full operations when needed."
BHP employs 18 people at the Osage plant. After the generation is suspended on Oct. 1, the employees will continue working until about Oct. 15, 2010, to prepare the equipment at the plant for the suspension. Black Hills Power is evaluating each Osage employee's individual situation and discussing alternative employment options available within the company. In addition, outplacement services will be available if needed. No other suspensions of operations at Black Hills Power facilities are planned.
Black Hills Power, Inc.
Black Hills Power is the legacy utility business of Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) and has been delivering energy for more than 125 years. The electric utility serves 66,900 customers in 25 communities in western South Dakota, northeastern Wyoming, and southeastern Montana.
Black Hills Corporation
Black Hills Corp. — a diversified energy company with a tradition of exemplary service and a vision to be the energy partner of choice — is based in Rapid City, S.D., with corporate offices in Denver and Omaha, Neb. The company serves 763,300 natural gas and electric utility customers in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. The company's non-regulated businesses generate wholesale electricity, produce natural gas, oil and coal, and market energy. Black Hills' 2,200 employees partner to produce results that improve life with energy. More information is available at www.blackhillscorp.com.
SOURCE Black Hills Corp.
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