Northeast Radio SD News – Milbank, SD - The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission has begun formal review of Otter Tail Power Company’s application to build a major new 345‑kilovolt transmission line across Grant and Roberts counties, a project that would span roughly 71 miles from the Big Stone South Substation west of Big Stone City to the North Dakota border northeast of New Effington.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A grassroots landowner group in Deuel County is organizing a public rally Sunday, Aug. 30, to discuss concerns surrounding a proposed 765‑kilovolt transmission line planned for the region. The event begins at 1 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Gary.

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)

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.

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

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.

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.

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.