Coal

We create electricity from coal, hydroelectric, natural gas, oil, solar, and wind facilities. We also purchase electricity from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, or MISO, energy market when buying it is more economical than generating it ourselves. This mix ensures reliable, low-cost, and increasingly clean electricity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Big Stone Plant

Big Stone Plant is a 475-megawatt (MW) sub-bituminous coal-fired plant. Located near Big Stone City, South Dakota, it’s jointly owned by Otter Tail Power (53.9%), Northwestern Energy (23.4%), and Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. (22.7%). We operate and maintain the plant on behalf of the co-owners.

Big Stone Plant began commercial operations on May 1, 1975. Approximately 85 employees operate and maintain the plant.

Coyote Station

Coyote Station is a 427-megawatt lignite coal-fired plant. Located near Beulah, North Dakota, it’s jointly owned by Otter Tail Power Company (35%), Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. (25%), Northern Municipal Power Agency (30%), and NorthWestern Energy (10%). We operate and maintain the plant on behalf of the co-owners.

Coyote Station began producing electricity in 1981. Approximately 80 employees operate and maintain the plant.