South Dakota regulators on Tuesday set a timeline to consider a proposed rate increase by Black Hills Energy that could raise electricity costs for customers in the western part of the state.
The Public Utilities Commission approved a schedule that includes a three-day evidentiary hearing set for Dec. 8–10, when the utility will present its case for a 25.1% increase in total revenue.
Under the proposal, a typical residential customer using about 650 kilowatt-hours per month would see bills rise by about $25, or roughly 25%, if the request is fully approved.
Commissioners also rejected a request from Black Hills Energy to allow a key company official to testify remotely during the hearing, citing a rule requiring such requests to be filed at least 24 hours in advance.
Commissioners said the late filing did not give staff or other parties enough time to respond. They emphasized the importance of in-person testimony, particularly for major rate cases, though they left open the possibility of revisiting the issue later.
The commission aims to resolve the case before Commissioner Gary Hanson leaves office in early January, noting the complexity of the proposal and the challenge it would pose for a new member to quickly take over.
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