(The Associated Press circulated the following article on March 15.)
YANKTON, S.D. — A railroad dispute in Wyoming could cause higher electrical rates for consumers across the region.
According to utility officials, a coal-hauling contract with BNSF expired two years ago and the railroad has doubled its coal shipping rates. BNSF has said its rates are reasonable.
Tom Heller of Missouri River Energy Services in Sioux Falls said his utility might have to buy power elsewhere to replace shortages from a coal plant caused by the rail trouble.