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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 10, 2005
CONTACT: PAMELA A. BONRUD, Executive Director, (605) 773-3201

GARY HANSON ELECTED PUC CHAIRMAN

Today, during an Ad Hoc meeting of the Public Utilities Commission, Commissioner Gary Hanson was unanimously elected to lead the group as its Chairman.

"I sincerely value the confidence shown in me today with my fellow commissioners' decision to select me as the Chairman of the PUC," said Chairman Gary Hanson. "I look forward to working with them to ensure safe, reliable and affordable utilities for South Dakota ratepayers."

"I appreciate Gary's commitment to South Dakota and his ability to navigate difficult positions while keeping the proper perspective," added Vice Chairman Bob Sahr. "Gary is a staunch supporter of protecting consumers."

"Gary brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to being chairman of the PUC," said newly-elected Commissioner Dusty Johnson. "His experience in running South Dakota's largest community and resolving the numerous challenges that go with that position will serve the PUC well as he assumes the chairmanship."

Prior to being elected to the PUC, Hanson served two-terms as mayor of Sioux Falls, S.D. and three terms as Sioux Falls' utilities commissioner. Hanson also served three terms as a state senator where he was chairman of the Government Audit and Operations Committee and vice chairman of the Senate Taxation Committee. He is a third generation South Dakotan. He and his wife Sandy have three grown children and four grandchildren.