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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Updated Friday, April 13, 2007                      
CONTACT: Leah Mohr, South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, (605) 773-3201

PUC promotes Earth Day with conservation message

PIERRE, S.D. – Conserving energy and saving money are the main points South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioners will discuss at presentations throughout the state leading up to Earth Day on April 22. The commissioners will meet with AARP members and elementary school students April 16-21 in Aberdeen, Mitchell, Pierre, Freeman, Rapid City, Yankton and Sioux Falls.

"Consumers are being bombarded by messages about rising energy prices and the environment," said PUC Chairman Johnson. "We want South Dakotans to address both of these issues. By paying closer attention to the amount of energy they use and implementing conservation measures, consumers can experience cost savings and help the environment," he explained.

 "The concept of saving energy can be easily understood by consumers of all ages," said PUC Vice Chairman Hanson. "It comes down to a basic equation: saving energy equals saving money. It is neat to see the interest that students show at these presentations. They are excited to help their families save money," he concluded.

"With Earth Day coming up on April 22, now is the perfect time to spread the message about energy conservation," said PUC Commissioner Kolbeck. "Many homeowners are beginning to work on springtime spruce-up projects and should consider integrating energy-efficient improvements, like switching to compact fluorescent lighting, into their plans," he said.

PUC commissioners and staff will attend the following events.

South Dakota Public Utilities Commission
Upcoming Events

Aberdeen         April 16            Exhibit at AARP's Financial Management

                                                    Seminar, Ramada Inn, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and

                                                    6-7 p.m. PUC presentations at 11 a.m., 1

                                                    and 7 p.m.

Mitchell            April 16            PUC presentations at Mitchell Public Elementary

                                                   Schools

Pierre               April 17            Exhibit at the Senior Resource Fair, Senior Citizens

                                                   Center, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Freeman           April 17           PUC presentations at Freeman Public Elementary

                                                    School

Rapid City        April 17-18      PUC presentations at Rapid City Public Elementary
                                                    Schools

Rapid City        April 18            Exhibit at AARP's Financial Management Seminar,

                                                    Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

                                                    PUC presentations at noon, 1 and 6 p.m.

Yankton           April 18            PUC presentations at Yankton Public Elementary
                                                   Schools

Sioux Falls        April 20          PUC presentations at Sioux Falls Public Elementary
                                                   Schools

Sioux Falls        April 21          Exhibit at AARP's Financial Management Seminar,

                                                    Southeast Technical Institute, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

                                                    PUC presentations at noon and 1 p.m.

See www.PUC.sd.gov for more information about energy conservation.

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