Utility reports preview South Dakota’s future, if anybody’s paying attention

By: Brad Johnson

Outlets: South Dakota Searchlight

Published: August 6, 2026

Words: 792

Last Updated: 1 week, 5 days ago

Five utility planning reports landed at the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission on July 1.

At first glance, they looked like ideal reading for anyone struggling with insomnia.

Load forecasts. Transmission studies. Generation plans. Enough utility jargon to make the owner’s manual for a new grain dryer seem almost exciting.

Stay awake long enough to read all five, though, and a much larger story comes into view.

The filings outline more than $1 billion …

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