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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
South Dakota Public Utilities Commission 
Contact: Pamela A. Bonrud, Executive Director 
Phone Number: 605-773-3201 
Date: July 22, 2003

HANSON NAMED TO REGIONAL ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION ORGANIZATION

Gary Hanson, Vice Chairman of the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, has been selected to serve on a regional, state based organization that will provide key advice on electrical transmission issues relating to pricing, market monitoring, generation, transmission needs, and coordination with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

"This is an exciting opportunity to serve as an advocate for affordable electricity and reliable electrical transmission and to influence crucial national policies," Commissioner Hanson said.

Commissioner Hanson will represent South Dakota on the Organization of MISO states (OMS). The OMS membership is comprised of one public utility commissioner from each state in a 15-state region. Midwest Independent System Operator, Inc. (MISO) is an organization that is comprised of independently owned electricity providers that collectively operates and maintains the transmission system for those utilities on a region-wide basis. MISO is approved by FERC as a regional transmission organization.

"South Dakota has a great advocate in Gary Hanson," said PUC Chairman Bob Sahr. "He's committed to protecting consumers and promoting renewable energy opportunities in South Dakota."

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