In McLean County, North Dakota (ND). The map on this page is placed at the coordinates EIA files for the plant, which locate the site rather than any individual unit.

How big is Coal Creek?

1 GW of nameplate capacity across 4 units, as of the EIA-860M release for 2026-07.

EIA-860M names Rainbow Energy Center as the reporting entity. That is the operator of record on the survey, which is not always the ultimate owner.

Is this the same as Coal Creek LLC?

Probably, but EIA-860M does not say. The survey records a plant name and a reporting entity — Rainbow Energy Center here — not the project company that holds the asset. Project companies are commonly registered as an LLC carrying the plant's name, so a search for "Coal Creek LLC" usually means this site. This page shows only what EIA files, and does not assert a corporate structure it cannot see.

Is Coal Creek still running?

EIA-860M files it as "Operating" for 2026-07. Statuses change monthly, and this page follows the monthly release.

Coal Creek

Coal Creek is a 1 GW coal power plant in McLean County, North Dakota, operated by Rainbow Energy Center. EIA-860M lists 4 generating units here, inside MISO. Its units entered service between 1979 and 2016.

As of 2026-07 (inventory dated 2026-07-31) · EIA-860M Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory · eia.gov/…/july_generator2026.xlsx · eia.gov/…/eia860m

Nameplate capacity: 1,215.6 MW; 1,148.2 MW net summer
Generating units: 4
In service: 1979–2016
EIA plant ID: 6030

Where it is

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County: McLean County, North Dakota
Coordinates: 47.3777, -101.1571
Balancing authority: MISO
Sector: Electric Utility

Units, technology and status

Operator of record: Rainbow Energy Center
Primary energy source: Coal
Technologies: Conventional Steam Coal, Petroleum Liquids
Status: Operating (2) · Standby/Backup (2)

This site runs on more than one energy source. EIA-860M capacity splits: Coal 1 GW, Petroleum 6 MW. It is filed here under Coal, the source with the most capacity.

Every plant Rainbow Energy Center reports to EIA →

Coal Creek: FAQ

Where is Coal Creek?: In McLean County, North Dakota (ND). The map on this page is placed at the coordinates EIA files for the plant, which locate the site rather than any individual unit.
How big is Coal Creek?: 1 GW of nameplate capacity across 4 units, as of the EIA-860M release for 2026-07.
Who owns Coal Creek?: EIA-860M names Rainbow Energy Center as the reporting entity. That is the operator of record on the survey, which is not always the ultimate owner.
Is this the same as Coal Creek LLC?: Probably, but EIA-860M does not say. The survey records a plant name and a reporting entity — Rainbow Energy Center here — not the project company that holds the asset. Project companies are commonly registered as an LLC carrying the plant's name, so a search for "Coal Creek LLC" usually means this site. This page shows only what EIA files, and does not assert a corporate structure it cannot see.
Is Coal Creek still running?: EIA-860M files it as "Operating" for 2026-07. Statuses change monthly, and this page follows the monthly release.