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.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. CST in Room 413 at the State Capitol in Pierre.

Proposed Leadership Transition

Current Vice Chairman Chris Nelson is expected to be nominated for the role of chairman, a position he has held on several previous occasions. Commissioner Kristie Fiegen is expected to be nominated for the vice chairperson position.

Hanson, who has served in the commission's top leadership spot numerous times since his initial election to the PUC in 2002, proposed the shift in roles earlier this month after his cancer diagnosis.

“It is sensible to turn the leadership reins of the commission to my competent fellow commissioners as I enter this new phase,” Hanson said in a statement. He expressed his determination to remain active, adding, “I expect to be fully engaged and fulfill my duties as a public utilities commissioner during this time.”

Hanson’s Treatment and Outlook

Hanson's medical treatment will be managed by a team of professionals in his hometown of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Speaking optimistically about the journey ahead, Hanson stated, “I am encouraged and impressed by the many doctors and medical staff I have met during this journey so far. Their knowledge and skills, combined with my own determination and the support of my family and friends, will result in what I expect to be a positive outcome.”

Hanson’s past terms as chairman include 2005, 2008, 2013, 2014, 2019, and 2020.

Incoming Leadership Experience

If elected, the new leaders would bring extensive regulatory and public service experience to their respective roles:

·         Chris Nelson has served on the PUC since January 2011. He has previously carried the gavel as chairman in 2012, 2015, 2016, 2021, and 2022. Nelson is a board member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and the Organization of MISO States. He also serves on the Electric Power Research Institute Advisory Council and the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service. Before his time on the PUC, he served for 8 years as South Dakota's Secretary of State.

·         Kristie Fiegen began her tenure with the commission in August 2011. She holds leadership positions in several energy-related organizations, including the Southwest Power Pool, the Gas Technology Institute’s Public Interest Advisory Committee, and the NARUC Committee on Gas. Before her work on the PUC, Fiegen was a public servant, completing four terms in the South Dakota House of Representatives.

For additional information about the Public Utilities Commission and its work, the public is encouraged to visit the agency’s website at www.puc.sd.gov.