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.  Because of ever increasing federal environmental regulations, there is tremendous upward pressure on utility rates.  I have been tenacious about analyzing each rate request that comes to the PUC.  That involves digging into the minute 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.  I am committed to being your advocate in the arena as we work together to keep utility rates as low as possible.