FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 28, 2025                
MEDIA CONTACT: Leah Mohr, South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, (605) 773-3201 or (605) 280-4327

PUC approves construction permit with conditions for South Deuel Wind Project

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission voted today, Feb. 28, 2025, to grant a construction permit, with conditions, for the South Deuel Wind project, a wind energy conversion facility to span approximately 29,258 acres in Deuel County.

The proposed project is expected to include up to 68 wind turbines, nameplate capacity of 260 megawatts and a six-mile 345-kilovolt generator tie line. Other elements of the project include electrical collection, control and data systems, improvements to the existing Astoria switchyard, an operations and maintenance facility, up to two aircraft detection lighting system towers, up to three meteorological towers, and more.

“I really appreciate all the work parties put into this docket to get us to this point. Many of the conditions we have before us today are a result of the participation of intervenors and discussions among all parties to resolve outstanding issues. This docket is a good example of the process working as it should,” said PUC Chairman Gary Hanson.

More than 50 conditions were included with the commission’s order to grant a permit to construct. Those conditions address a wide array of issues and set out requirements the company will need to comply with while constructing, operating and maintaining the project. During their discussion, commissioners inquired about the status of the Federal Aviation Administration’s aeronautical study and determination of hazard, highlighted the importance of the company cooperating with agricultural operations and agricultural spray applicators in the area, and added a condition designating daily time limits on construction activities.

Specific conditions related to habitats of threatened or endangered species, shadow flicker, noise levels, road use, reclamation, ice detection and decommissioning were also included in the PUC decision.

“Considering all evidence in the record, South Deuel Wind Project has met the criteria in state law to receive a permit. I appreciate the additional conditions placed on this project to protect local landowners in the area,” stated Commissioner Kristie Fiegen.

All three commissioners acknowledged the contributions intervenor Deuel County resident Arla Hamann Poindexter brought to the docket process. Poindexter was actively engaged, submitting testimony, participating in the evidentiary hearing and offering a final brief before the commission made its final decision.

Deuel Harvest Wind Energy South, LLC filed an application with the commission on June 28, 2024. State law requires the PUC render a decision within nine months of receiving the initial application. A public input meeting was held in Clear Lake in August 2024. Joining Poindexter as intervenors were Matthew Holden, Jay Grabow, Josh Bekaert and the Lake Cochrane Improvement Association, Inc. An evidentiary hearing was held Jan. 21, 2025. The project is expected to be in commercial operation in December 2026.

The Deuel Harvest South Wind Project docket can be viewed on the PUC’s website at www.puc.sd.gov, Commission Actions, Electric Dockets, 2024 Electric Dockets, EL24-023 - In the Matter of the Application by Deuel Harvest Wind Energy South LLC for Energy Facility Permits of a Wind Energy Facility and a 345-kV Transmission Facility in Deuel County, South Dakota, for the South Deuel Wind Project

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