Iron Range energy project dealt another setback
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has dealt an Iron Range power project a setback. The PUC ruling means Excelsior Energy still lacks a customer for the electricity it would produce.
The commission has determined that Excelsior Energy is unlikely to produce low-cost electricity from its proposed Mesaba Energy project.
The coal gasification project would be built in two phases on the Iron Range. Thursday's ruling affects the second phase, although the commission made the same determination a year ago about the first phase.
The PUC's ruling means the project does not qualify under state law to force Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy to purchase a portion of the plant's electric power.
The commission left Excelsior one lifeline, which will allow it to continue negotiating a potential power purchase agreement with Xcel. A deadline on those negotiations is set for May 2009.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.
Dear reader,
Political debates with family or friends can get heated. But what if there was a way to handle them better?
You can learn how to have civil political conversations with our new e-book!
Download our free e-book, Talking Sense: Have Hard Political Conversations, Better, and learn how to talk without the tension.
