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N.D. (AP) – Xcel Energy is proposing two natural gas-fired power plants 70 miles south of Fargo to help meet electricity needs during times of peak demand.

The plants would be built near Hankinson if they are approved by regulators because of the site’s proximity to a natural gas pipeline and an electrical transmission line. They would go into service in 2018 and 2019.

The Forum newspaper reports that the plants are planned to meet a gradual increase in power demand in Xcel’s service area, which includes Minnesota and the Dakotas.