The Short Version
Planning began before most nearby residents knew about the project. Black Hills Energy reportedly estimated that construction could begin roughly two years after its June 2026 neighborhood meeting if the necessary permits are approved, but no complete public schedule has been released.
Why It Matters
Once equipment, routes and construction contracts are finalized, meaningful changes may become harder to obtain. Residents need time to understand the project before short public-comment periods begin.
What We Know So Far
The land purchase was completed earlier in 2026.
County Planning provided project-specific regulatory direction to Black Hills Energy on April 24, 2026.
A limited meeting for neighboring landowners occurred shortly before the June 10 news article.
Black Hills Energy discussed future public meetings and an estimated two-year path to construction if approvals were received.
Those statements were preliminary and were not a final construction schedule.
What We Still Need to Know
When will Black Hills formally announce the project?
When will each application be filed?
When will public meetings and comment periods occur?
When will the final site plan be released?
When could surveying, grading or road work begin?
How long would construction last?
When could the plant begin operating?
Key Documents
Laramie County Regulatory Direction to Black Hills Energy — April 24, 2026 — Confirms early regulatory discussions.
Cowboy State Daily: Rural Cheyenne Residents Raise Concerns Over Proposed Horse Creek Gas Plant — Reports Black Hills Energy’s preliminary timeline.
County Correspondence on Horse Creek Essential-Service Status and Project Review — Documents later County responses.
2026 Cheyenne Light, Fuel & Power Integrated Resource Plan — PSC Public Notice — Shows related utility planning underway in 2026.
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