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PUC sets gross‑receipts levy, approves transmission and tariff filings and Excel Energy budget
Summary
At its April 23 meeting the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission set a gross‑receipts tax levy, approved Montana Dakota's transmission cost recovery rider, approved Excel Energy's economic development budget, and approved Northwestern Energy's natural gas tariff revisions; staff recommended approval on each item and motions carried.
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission on April 23 approved several utility filings and set a gross‑receipts tax levy for fiscal year 2027.
In docket AA26-00001 the commission adopted staff’s recommendation to establish the gross receipts tax levy at 0.0015 or $250 per company (whichever is greater), as authorized under SDCL 49‑1A‑3. Cindy Kenance of staff presented the request; commissioners voted to adopt the levy with affirmative votes from Commissioner Hansen, Commissioner Fegan and Chairman Nelson.
Montana Dakota Utilities filed EL26-005 to update its transmission cost recovery rider (TCRR). Company regulatory analyst Lisa Morstead told the commission the proposed TCRR rate is 0.114 cents per kilowatt hour, effective May 1, 2026, and said the change would increase the bill for a 900 kWh residential customer by about $2.17 per month. Staff reviewer Eric Pollson said the company had responded to data requests and recommended approval. Commissioners approved the revised TCRR rate and tariff sheet.
In EL26-007 Excel Energy presented its 2025 economic development report and 2026 budget. Eric Paulie, Excel’s community relations manager, said the company adjusted its grants to better include small communities; staff recommended approval and the commission voted to approve the report and budget.
Northwestern Public Service Corporation (doing business as Northwestern Energy) sought approval of natural gas tariff revisions in NG26-002, including changes to rate 86. Jeff Decker of Northwestern explained adjustments intended to streamline contracts and clean up tariff language. Commissioners asked whether customers removed from rate 86 for not contracting for two consecutive winters could return; Decker said customers can reapply, likely after a 12‑month stay‑out period. The commission approved the tariff revisions effective May 1, 2026.
Votes at a glance: - AA26-00001 (gross receipts tax levy): approved; vote recorded as Hansen, Fegan and Nelson in favor. - EL26-005 (Montana Dakota TCRR): approved; staff recommended approval; vote recorded as Hansen, Fegan and Nelson in favor. - EL26-007 (Excel Energy economic development report and budget): approved; vote recorded as Hansen, Fegan and Nelson in favor. - NG26-002 (Northwestern Energy tariff revisions): approved; vote recorded as Hansen, Fegan and Nelson in favor.
The commission announced its next regular meeting for Friday, May 8 at 8:30 a.m. in Room 413 of the State Capitol and adjourned.
