A Denver-based company that supplies power for rural utilities in Wyoming and other Western states is considering building a coal-fired power plant along Colorado's Front Range to help meet growing demand.

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association wants to be able to provide another 1,000 megawatts to its customers. One megawatt is enough to supply power to about 1,000 thousand homes.

Last week, the company asked for bids to build the plant.

A decision is expected early next year whether to pursue the new facility.

In Wyoming, Tri-State Generation supplies rural cooperatives in Basin, Powell, Riverton, Saratoga, Lusk, Wheatland, Lingle and Pine Bluffs.