South Dakota PUC News and Appointments

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission has released several news items and updates. These include leadership appointments, approval of a wind project permit, advisories on safe digging and natural gas safety, and recommendations for grain producers and buyers.

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What changed

This document compiles various news updates from the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) throughout 2025. Key events include the election of Gary Hanson as chairman and Chris Nelson as vice chairman, the approval of a construction permit for the South Deuel Wind Project with conditions, and the appointment of Leah Mohr as executive director. The PUC also issued advisories on safe digging practices for National Safe Digging Month and natural gas safety for winter, and recommended that grain producers, buyers, and warehouses review state laws and rules.

These updates are primarily informational and do not impose new regulatory obligations or deadlines on regulated entities. Compliance officers should note the specific dates of these announcements for record-keeping and awareness of the PUC's activities and priorities. The news items highlight the commission's ongoing oversight of energy projects, utility safety, and agricultural commerce within South Dakota.

Source document (simplified)

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News | previous page 2025 South Dakota PUC News

Jan. 14, 2025 - Hanson elected chairman of South Dakota Public Utilities Commission; Fiegen takes oath for new term

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioners selected Commissioner Gary Hanson to serve as the PUC’s chairman and Commissioner Chris Nelson was elected as vice chairman at the PUC’s regular meeting today, Jan. 14, 2025... (read more)

Feb. 28, 2025 - 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... (read more)

April 3, 2025 - PUC advises to Call Before You Dig

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission recognizes April as National Safe Digging Month and encourages South Dakotans to call 811 before any excavation or other digging project. Doing so safeguards underground utilities, preserves vital services and protects against harm that may result from hitting buried facilities...
(read more)

June 30, 2025 - PUC commissioners appoint Mohr as executive director

South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioners Gary Hanson, Chris Nelson and Kristie Fiegen have appointed Leah Mohr as the agency’s executive director... (read more)

Oct. 29, 2025 - PUC recommends grain producers, buyers and warehouses brush up on state laws and rules this harvest season

With harvest season in full swing, the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission urges grain producers, buyers and warehouses to review state laws and rules regarding the purchase and storage of grain... (read more)

Oct. 30, 2025 - PUC schedules leadership elections Nov. 6

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission will elect new leadership at their regular meeting on Nov. 6, 2025, at the request of Chairman Gary Hanson... (read more)

Nov. 4, 2025 - PUC reminds South Dakotans to follow natural gas safety best practices this winter

With winter right around the corner, the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission is highlighting the importance of following natural gas safety recommendations, including keeping natural gas meters and vents clear of snow and ice, all season long...
(read more)

Nov. 7, 2025 - South Dakota PUC elects new leadership

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission selected new leadership at their regular meeting on Nov. 6, 2025, in Pierre, South Dakota... (read more)

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