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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 26, 2005
CONTACT: Patricia Van Gerpen, phone (605) 773-3201

 PUC Chairman Hanson Named to National Wind Coordination Committee

 South Dakota Public Utilities Commission Chairman Gary Hanson has been appointed to represent the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners on the National Wind Coordination Committee.

 In her letter appointing Chairman Hanson, NARUC President Diane Munns remarked, "Your active service on this committee is important to the cause of strengthening effective public regulation."

"I am both honored and pleased that NARUC President Munns recognized my experience and commitment to the development of wind energy," said Chairman Hanson.  "I look forward to actively participating on the national level in the debate over the direction we must take to wisely develop our wind resources.  This appointment will also give me the opportunity to bring forth issues to the national discussions that directly affect opportunities for South Dakota."

 NARUC is a 116 year old international nonprofit corporation comprised mainly of utility commissioners from all fifty states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands engaged in the regulation of utilities and carriers.  The chief objective of NARUC is to serve the consumer interest by seeking to improve the quality and effectiveness of public regulation in America.

 Formed in 1994, NWCC is an independent organization that identifies issues affecting the use of wind, and actively pursues the development of environmentally, economically and politically sustainable commercial markets for wind power.  Membership in NWCC represents wind supporters from agricultural and economic groups to state and federal agencies.

 Additional information about wind energy development and the PUC is available via the Internet at www.puc.sd.gov.

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