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From Chris

Priorities

Working to keep rates down in South Dakota

A driving force during my time on the PUC has been my desire to keep utility rates as low as possible for my fellow South Dakotans. I have been tenacious about analyzing each rate request that comes to the PUC. That involves digging into the smallest details of each case, analyzing the facts, and determining how the law applies to those facts. As a commissioner, I can’t “just say no” to a rate request. What I can do and am committed to doing is the thorough examination needed to reduce rate requests to only the amounts absolutely required by law. That dogged determination, along with my experience and knowledge, protects consumers and allows for our utility systems to remain reliable. The PUC has been successful! From my reelection day in 2016 through April of 2021, the composite electricity rate for the utilities regulated by the PUC increased 1.5% compared to general inflation which was 10.5%. Costs from the February 2021 Winter Storm Uri and heightened inflation gripping the entire economy in 2021 continue to put upward pressure on rates. I am committed to being your advocate in the arena as we work together to keep utility rates as low as possible.

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