MARION, S.D. (WNAX) – Many electricity providers, including those for rural cooperatives are moving away from coal-fired power plants.

Brad Schardin (shar-DEEN), Manager of Southeastern Electric based in Marion, says their supplier, Basin Electric is also in that process.

Schardin says they still need enough generation for current and future loads.

Schardin says they are part of a much wider power generation and distribution network.

Basin Electric currently has four large coal powered plants in Wyoming and North Dakota.