ALLETE CEO stays committed to new gas plant despite Minn. judge's opinion

ALLETE Inc. Chairman, President and CEO Al Hodnik remains committed to owning half of a new gas plant, the Nemadji Trail Energy Center, despite a Minnesota administrative law judge's opposition to the project.

"We strongly disagree on a number of points in the ALJ report," Hodnik said Aug. 2 during the company's second-quarter earnings call, referring to a July 2 recommendation from state Administrative Law Judge Jeanne Cohran to Minnesota regulators that the plant is not needed.

Hodnik reminded analysts that while important, the administrative law judge's recommendation is not binding on the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission's ultimate decision. He expects the PUC to hold a hearing in the fourth quarter on its proposal. (Minnesota PUC Docket No. 17-568)