NorthWestern Energy applies for permit to build another natural gas power plant near Aberdeen

ABERDEEN, S.D. (South Dakota Searchlight) NorthWestern Energy wants to build another natural gas power plant just south of Aberdeen. The proposed Hub City Energy Park would generate up to 131 megawatts of electricity at peak capacity, and is expected to operate at 15% to 25% of capacity annually, generating enough power for about 26,000 homes. The company’s 2025 annual report says the project is expected to cost $300 million. The utility company applied to the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission for a construction permit on Oct. 1. On Tuesday, the commission approved hiring outside consultants and appointing a local committee to help review NorthWestern’s proposal. The plant would sit on 176 acres owned by the company, which has 65,600 electric customers in South Dakota. The site is near its existing natural gas plant, the Aberdeen Generating Station. The new facility would use three natural-gas-fired turbines to generate electricity. The company says the project would help prev