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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 27, 2005
CONTACT: Patricia Van Gerpen, (605) 773-3201 

PUC to hold hearing on Dakota Turkey Growers petition in Huron

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission will hold a public hearing beginning at 10 a.m.  on Feb. 17 at the Crossroads Hotel and Convention Center in Huron regarding Dakota Turkey Growers, LLC's request for Dakota Energy Cooperative, Inc. to provide its electrical service.

Dakota Turkey Growers is constructing a turkey processing plant at a site in Beadle County about one and one-half miles east of Huron, on the south side of Highway 14. The site is within the assigned service area of NorthWestern Corporation. The plant will require service of more than 2,000 kilowatts. The PUC received a petition to intervene in this case from NorthWestern. The purpose of the hearing is for the Commission to receive evidence from the parties involved before determining whether or not to allow Dakota Energy Cooperative to provide this electric service. PUC Chair Gary Hanson, Vice Chair Bob Sahr and Commissioner Dusty Johnson will conduct the hearing.

Issues to be considered by the Commission will include the electric service requirements, the utility provider's capabilities, the customer's preference, and any other factors regarding the utility's ability to furnish electric service to meet the customer's requirements.