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South Dakota Public Utilities Commission Meeting
March 10, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. CDT
Matthew Training Center, Foss Building
Pierre, South Dakota
NOTE: Docket participants who wish to join this meeting by conference call should contact the Commission at 605-773-3201 by 10:00 a.m. CDT on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, to reserve a phone line. Lines are limited and assigned on a first come, first served basis, subject to possible reassignment to accommodate persons who must appear in a proceeding. Ultimately, if you wish to participate in docket discussion at the Commission Meeting and a line is not available, you may have to appear in person.
NOTE: To listen to the Commission Meeting live please go to the PUC’s website puc.sd.gov and click on the LIVE link on the home page. The Commission requests persons who will only be listening to proceedings and not actively appearing in a case listen via the webcast to free phone lines for those who must appear. The Commission meetings are archived on the PUC’s website under the Commission Actions tab. Click on “Commission Meeting Archives,” to access the recordings.
NOTE: Notice is further given to persons with disabilities that this Commission meeting is being held in a physically accessible place. If you have special needs, please notify the Commission and we will make all necessary arrangements.
AGENDA OF COMMISSION MEETING
Administration
1. Approval of the Minutes of the Commission Meetings Held on February 12 and 23, 2026 (Staff: Janeth Merriman)
Consumer Reports
1. Status Report on Consumer Utility Inquiries (Consumer Affairs: Deb Gregg)
Electric
1. EL25-022 In the Matter of the Application of Otter Tail Power Company for Authority to Increase Its Electric Rates in South Dakota (Staff Analysts: Brittany Mehlhaff, Patrick Steffensen, Eric Paulson, Joseph Rezac; Staff Attorney: Jennie Fuerst)
On June 4, 2025, the Commission received an application by Otter Tail Power Company (Otter Tail) for approval to increase rates for electric service to customers in its South Dakota service territory. Otter Tail requested a net revenue increase of $5,719,671 annually or approximately 12.5% based on Otter Tail’s 2024 historic test year. Otter Tail stated a typical residential electric customer using 932 kWh would see a bill increase of $14.39 per month. The proposed changes may affect approximately 11,500 electric customers in Otter Tail’s South Dakota service territory. On March 2, 2026, Otter Tail and staff filed a Joint Motion for Approval of Settlement Stipulation, and a Settlement Stipulation, including Otter Tail’s Interim Rate Refund Plan, and staff filed a Staff Memorandum Supporting Settlement Stipulation.
TODAY, shall the Commission grant the Joint Motion for Approval of Settlement Stipulation and approve the rates, tariff sheets, terms and conditions stipulated therein? AND shall the Commission approve Otter Tail’s Interim Rate Refund Plan? OR how shall the Commission proceed?
2. EL26-003 In the Matter of the Application of Black Hills Power, Inc. dba Black Hills Energy for Authority to Increase Rates For its Utility Service in South Dakota (Staff Analysts: Brittany Mehlhaff, Patrick Steffensen, Eric Paulson, Joseph Rezac; Staff Attorney: Amanda Reiss)
On February 19, 2026, the Commission received an application by Black Hills Power, Inc. dba Black Hills Energy (BHP) for approval to increase rates for electric service to customers in its South Dakota service territory by approximately $50.6 million annually or approximately 25.1% based on BHP's test year ending September 30, 2025. The Company states a typical residential electric customer using 650 kWh per month would see an increase of $25.13 per month. The proposed changes may potentially affect approximately 75,000 customers in BHP's South Dakota service territory.
TODAY, shall the Commission suspend the imposition of the tariff for 180 days beyond February 19, 2026? AND shall the Commission assess a filing fee for actual expenses not to exceed $500,000? AND, shall the Commission give the Executive Director authority to enter into necessary consulting contracts?
Pipeline Safety
1. PS25-003 In the Matter of the PUC Staff’s Complaint Against
Black Hills Power, Inc. dba Black Hills Energy (Pipeline Safety Staff: Mary Zanter, Boice Hilmer; Staff Analyst: Darren Kearney; Staff Attorneys: Jennie Fuerst, Logan Schaefbauer)
On November 4, 2025, staff filed a Complaint against Black Hills Power, Inc. dba Black Hills Energy (Respondent) alleging violations of SDCL chapters 49-34B and 49-41B, as well as associated administrative rules. On November 25, 2025, Respondent filed a Motion to Dismiss and Answer to Complaint (Motion to Dismiss). The Parties agreed to a procedural schedule on the Motion and the Commission issued an Order for and Notice of Hearing on December 11, 2025. On January 2, 2026, staff filed a Brief in Opposition to the Motion to Dismiss Answer to Complaint. On January 29, 2026, the Commission issued an Order Denying Motion to Dismiss. On February 25, 2026, staff filed a Settlement Stipulation and Agreement.
TODAY, shall the Commission approve the Settlement Stipulation and Agreement? OR how shall the Commission proceed?
Public Comment
Individuals who wish to make public comments to the Commission may do so during this time. All who offer public comments are requested to sign in at the Commission meeting or let the Commission know of their wish to speak when they call in to reserve a phone line. Time limits for comments may be determined at the discretion of the Commission.
Announcements
1. The next regular commission meeting will be Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. CDT in Room 413 at the State Capitol Building, Pierre, South Dakota.
2. PUC commissioners and staff will meet with consumers at the Black Hills Home Builders Association Home Show, March 27-29, 2026, at The Monument, Rapid City, South Dakota.
3. The PUC office will be closed April 3 and 6, 2026, in observance of the Easter holiday.
4. Commission meetings are scheduled for April 7 and 23, 2026.
/s/ Travis Heasley
Travis Heasley
Operations Specialist
puc@state.sd.us
March 3, 2026
