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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 1, 2006                      
CONTACT: Leah Mohr, South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, (605) 773-3201

PUC to hold wind energy meeting in Gary

PIERRE, S.D. -- The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission will hold a public meeting in Gary on Tuesday, June 13, 2006, to discuss wind energy development. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Energy Maintenance Service (EMS) office.

PUC Commissioners Bob Sahr, Dusty Johnson and Gary Hanson will present information regarding the opportunities and obstacles of wind energy development. They will be available to answer questions regarding landowners' responsibilities, liabilities and other issues.

The PUC is currently considering an application submitted by Otter Tail Power Company to construct new transmission lines, one of which is proposed to run through a portion of Deuel County near Gary. The line is planned to accommodate future generation that may include wind projects. Tim Rogelstad, manager of transmission planning for Otter Tail Power Company, will attend the meeting to answer questions about this proposed line.

The Wind Resource Assessment Network (WRAN) is a network of instrument stations across South Dakota that collect data about the quality of South Dakota wind. This information is of value to citizens and developers and puts into real terms South Dakota's wind power potential.

Dr. Michael Ropp, WRAN project leader and SDSU professor of engineering, will also attend the meeting to help answer questions.

Those interested in wind development are encouraged to attend and provide input to the commissioners. The meeting is being organized in cooperation with the staff of EMS.

The EMS office is located at 129 W. Main Ave. in Gary.

For additional information, contact the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission at 1-800-332-1782 or puc@state.sd.us.

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