top of page



Otter Tail Power Seeks South Dakota Approval for New Data Center Electric Rates to Protect Local Customers
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - On July 27, 2026, Otter Tail Power Company (OTP) submitted a formal petition to the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (SD PUC) requesting the approval of new electric rate schedules tailored specifically for very large customers. The proposed changes, slated to take effect on January 1, 2027, introduce a specialized rate class for high power compute (HPC) loads, such as large-scale data centers and artificial intelligence (AI)

Steve Jurrens
1 day ago3 min read


South Dakota PUC Approves Lower-Than-Requested Rate Increase for Xcel Energy; Refunds Coming for Customers
Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - South Dakota electricity customers will see a smaller rate hike than originally proposed following a vote by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on Friday.

Steve Jurrens
May 102 min read


South Dakota PUC Issues State-Wide Alert Against Phone Scams During National Consumer Protection Week
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - In recognition of National Consumer Protection Week, the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is urging residents to remain vigilant against increasing phone scams designed to steal money and personal information. As part of an ongoing educational effort, the commission is highlighting its “Don’t Know? Don’t Answer.” campaign, which promotes a simple first line of defense: if you do not recognize the incoming phone number, d

Steve Jurrens
Mar 62 min read


State Commission Considers Action Against 20 Telecommunications Companies for Delinquent Tax Payments
Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - A state regulatory commission is moving to address the failure of 20 telecommunications companies to pay their required gross receipts tax on time. The commission reviewed a proposal to issue an Order to Show Cause, which could result in fines, suspension, or revocation of the companies' Certificates of Authority.

Steve Jurrens
Nov 12, 20252 min read


South Dakota PUC to Elect New Leadership as Chairman Hanson Begins Cancer Treatment
Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is set to elect new leadership at its regular meeting on November 6, 2025, following a request by current Chairman Gary Hanson. The leadership change comes as Hanson announced he is beginning cancer treatment.

Steve Jurrens
Oct 31, 20252 min read


$174 million South Dakota battery project signals intent to begin permitting process
Last month, utilities regulators voted 2-1 to tell a company that wants to put industrial scale batteries near Watertown that they’ll need a permit before they build.
Last week, lawyers for the company behind the $174 million project signaled plans to do just that.

Steve Jurrens
Oct 21, 20252 min read



bottom of page


