The proposed Big Stone II coal-fired power plant lost its lead partner last Friday. Otter Tail Power Company announced that it was withdrawing both as a participant and the lead developer in the project citing the economic downturn and the uncertainty of future environmental regulation.

The remaining partners (Montana Dakota Utility, Missouri River Energy Systems, and Central Minnesota Municipal Power Agency) appear to be looking for a partner or partners to replace Otter Tail. But potential partners are difficult to come by since the two most likely entities, Great River Energy and Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, withdrew a number of years ago and the economics of the proposed plant are likely as difficult for others as for Otter Tail Power.

Otter Tail's decision will save its ratepayers millions, reduce the exposure of its shareholders to unexpected costs, and (when the remainder of the partners withdraw) will forestall 4,000,000 tons of carbon pollution each year. With this decision, no Minnesota electric utility is planning to participate in the ownership of any new coal-fired power plant.