Partners
Partners in the South Dakota Energy Smart initiative include the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission and energy providers within the
state. Each entity has pledged their support to improving energy efficiency in South Dakota.
South Dakota Energy Smart Partners
Black Hills Power
Black Hills Power offers a number of energy efficiency programs to its customers, primarily located in western South Dakota. Customers may apply for rebates on certain energy efficient purchases and receive reduced rates by joining a demand controller program. BHP also partners with industry professionals, such as builders and architects, to educate consumers about energy efficiency.
Contact Black Hills Power for more information about the company's commitment to energy efficiency.
Heartland Consumers Power District
Heartland Consumers Power District has established its commitment to supporting green energy where
economically feasible. Heartland will launch energy efficiency initiatives for its customers beginning in early 2008. This will include
direct assistance and program opportunities.
An example of Heartland's commitment to clean energy is a Renewable Energy Purchase Agreement with Babcock & Brown, a firm with nearly 20 years experience in the wind energy sector.
By 2009, 34 1.5 MW wind turbines at the Wessington Springs Wind Project are expected to produce 200,000 MWhr annually. Heartland has committed to purchase the entire output of the project which will supply renewable wind power to the Western Area Power Administration transmission grid and be used as a network resource for Heartland customers.
MidAmerican Energy Company
MidAmerican Energy Company has more than 15 years of experience offering comprehensive energy efficiency programs to its electric and natural gas customers in Iowa. MidAmerican has filed a plan with the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission to offer similar energy efficiency programs to its customers in South Dakota. Subject to approval of this plan and associated funding mechanism, MidAmerican hopes to begin offering energy efficiency programs in South Dakota in 2008. In the meantime, MidAmerican encourages its South Dakota customers to visit the company's Web site where there are many energy-saving ideas and tips that can help customers reduce energy usage.
Missouri River Energy Services
Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) offers several Bright Energy Solutions(SM) programs to the company's member municipal utilities in
South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa and to their commercial and industrial customers. The Bright Energy Solutions(SM) programs
offer incentives for the installation of high efficiency equipment in the areas of lighting, cooling, motors, pumps, drives and process
equipment. Commercial and industrial customers may also receive incentives to participate in an interruptible service program that helps
to reduce the demand for electricity during peak times.
Contact MRES for more information about any of the Bright Energy Solutions(SM) programs. It's money in your pocket.
Montana-Dakota Utilities Co.
Montana-Dakota offers a number of energy efficiency programs for its natural gas and electric customers
located in western and north-central South Dakota. Customers may apply for rebates on ENERGY STAR®-rated equipment such as furnaces, air
conditioners, and programmable thermostats. Montana-Dakota is an ENERGY STAR® Partner Utility that is committed to promoting and educating
consumers on energy conservation. Montana-Dakota also partners with local builders, architects, and equipment dealers to promote and educate
consumers about energy efficiency.
Contact Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. for more information about the company's commitment to energy efficiency.
NorthWestern Energy
NorthWestern Energy is dedicated to helping all customers control their energy costs. Energy Management Solutions (EMS) is a free technical assistance service that provides technical, business research and information assistance. EMS is provided at no-cost to NorthWestern Energy's commercial or industrial customers.
Residential customers can find energy saving tips on the company's Web site or at any local NorthWestern Energy office. NorthWestern Energy holds annual weatherization events to educate customers about cost saving products and do-it-yourself projects.
NorthWestern Energy is one of the largest providers of electricity and natural gas in the Upper Midwest and Northwest, serving approximately 640,000 customers in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. Call 1-800-245-6977 for customer service.
Otter Tail Power Company
Otter Tail Power Company has proposed and is awaiting approval from the Public Utilities Commission to launch energy-efficiency programs
in South Dakota. The plan as proposed provides for a public utility cost recovery mechanism and strives to improve energy efficiency where
realistic and cost-effective.
The proposed portfolio includes:
- Residential and farm programs that promote efficient heating, cooling, lighting, and electric water heating; whole-house energy management; and cooling systems demand management.
- Commercial and industrial programs that promote efficient motors, lighting, heating, and cooling. Grants also are proposed for other energy-efficiency uses.
- All customers will have access to financing and education resources.
Find energy-saving tips and ideas including an online energy audit for homes, simple reminders for kids, and help for businesses trying to reduce energy costs. Review details about Otter Tail Power Company's proposed energy efficiency plan.
Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy is committed to helping customers save energy and money. The company offers a number of programs and resources to increase energy efficiency, reduce operating costs and manage energy demand. From rebates for energy-saving equipment to energy assessment studies, new-construction programs and building tune-ups, Xcel Energy programs will help customers save money on their annual energy bills. Xcel Energy also offers electric rate savings programs for customers who agree to reduce their electric load during periods of peak demand. The company has several programs and resources for residential customers and commercial customers.
Request more information from Xcel Energy or call 1-800-895-4999.
South Dakota Municipal Electrical Association
South Dakota Municipal Electric Utilities distribute electricity exclusively within the state to 100,000 residents and 56,000 total
meters for all customer classes.
Municipal utility personnel routinely attend workshops and conferences on energy efficient applications and equipment for electric distribution systems.
Municipal power supply sources average 42 percent from hydropower, with the balance coming from public power providers.
Municipal electric utilities work in cooperation with their public power providers to improve energy efficiency through:
- Load management controls
- Uniform residential rate design
- Wind energy block sales
- Interruptible rate design
- Load factor rate design
- Line loss testing
- Demand side management
- Street light conversions
Find more information on the South Dakota Municipal League's Web site under "Affiliate Organizations."
South Dakota Rural Electric Association
Promotion of energy efficiency is nothing new; electric cooperatives have been involved in helping their members with energy efficiency and conservation programs for many years. Members learn about energy efficiency, conservation and other cost cutting measures, as well as what co-ops are doing to control costs, incorporate renewables and plan for the future. Cooperatives offer a variety of energy efficiency programs to assist their members such as:
- Incentives for energy-efficient heat sources
- Free or low cost energy analysis/energy audits
- Meters for members to see energy usage on individual appliances
- Electric motor efficiency analysis
Find details about these and many other programs available from South Dakota Rural Electric Cooperatives. You'll also find a wealth of information about energy efficiency.
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