In Pennington County, South Dakota (SD). 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 Ben French?

110 MW of nameplate capacity across 9 units, as of the EIA-860M release for 2026-07.

EIA-860M names Black Hills Power, Inc. 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 Ben French LLC?

Probably, but EIA-860M does not say. The survey records a plant name and a reporting entity — Black Hills Power, Inc. 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 "Ben French LLC" usually means this site. This page shows only what EIA files, and does not assert a corporate structure it cannot see.

Is Ben French still running?

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

Ben French

Ben French is a 110 MW natural gas power plant in Pennington County, South Dakota, operated by Black Hills Power, Inc.. EIA-860M lists 9 generating units here. Its units entered service between 1965 and 1979.

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: 110 MW; 78 MW net summer
Generating units: 9
In service: 1965–1979
EIA plant ID: 3325

Where it is

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County: Pennington County, South Dakota
Coordinates: 44.0872, -103.261
Balancing authority: WACM
Sector: Electric Utility

Units, technology and status

Operator of record: Black Hills Power, Inc.
Primary energy source: Natural gas
Technologies: Natural Gas Fired Combustion Turbine, Petroleum Liquids
Status: Operating

This site runs on more than one energy source. EIA-860M capacity splits: Natural gas 100 MW, Petroleum 10 MW. It is filed here under Natural gas, the source with the most capacity.

Every plant Black Hills Power, Inc. reports to EIA →

Ben French: FAQ

Where is Ben French?: In Pennington County, South Dakota (SD). 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 Ben French?: 110 MW of nameplate capacity across 9 units, as of the EIA-860M release for 2026-07.
Who owns Ben French?: EIA-860M names Black Hills Power, Inc. 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 Ben French LLC?: Probably, but EIA-860M does not say. The survey records a plant name and a reporting entity — Black Hills Power, Inc. 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 "Ben French LLC" usually means this site. This page shows only what EIA files, and does not assert a corporate structure it cannot see.
Is Ben French still running?: EIA-860M files it as "Operating" for 2026-07. Statuses change monthly, and this page follows the monthly release.