South Dakota

Connecting small electricity producers to the grid

South Dakota’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved new state rules on May 28, 2009 to simplify interconnection standards for the state. ELPC staff worked closely with PUC and provided technical expertise and advice to create the new standards. These standards will help small generators-such as small wind projects-connect to the electric grid and create a consistent statewide process for renewable energy regulations.

The new rules must still be approved by a legislative committee before becoming final. Read press coverage about the new rules here.

ELPC also continues to work with South Dakota allies to implement and promote the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). South Dakota has terrific wind and biomass resources and tremendous opportunity to develop exciting new projects on farms and ranches and in rural communities across the state.

Wind Power Development in South Dakota

Wind energy is the fastest growing source of electricity generation in the United States. According to a recent ELPC report, South Dakota’s available wind resources are among the best in the country. South Dakota officials have expressed strong interest in promoting wind energy, but, thus far, little of this potential has been realized. As of January 2008, there are about 4,000 megawatts of wind power under development in South Dakota, but only 188 megawatts of wind energy have been installed. ELPC’s report explains that South Dakota can become a renewable energy powerhouse and identifies important policy drivers that can help to more fully tap these clean energy resources. Download the report here [large pdf file].

Our South Dakota Wind Energy booklet will be out this fall.  If you are interested in receiving a copy, please contact us.  ELPC will also be working with a diverse group on improving renewable energy in the next Farm Bill, and ELPC’s South Dakota Policy Advocate Matt McLarty serves on the board of directors of the South Dakota Wind Energy Association which is looking at how to develop South Dakota’s home grown power source.

News

New Storage Batteries Can Expand Wind Power’s Potential

On a Minnesota wind farm, developers have successfully completed tests of a one megawatt storage battery that can harness excess energy produced by strong winds and send it back into the grid when wind speeds slow down. The 80 ton battery could supply power to 500 homes for 7 hours. Currently, when wind turbines produce more power than the grid needs, they have to be shut down. This type of storage technology “represents a huge leap forward,” said ELPC Policy Advocate Matt McLarty, capturing more of the wind’s energy and offering a more consistent supply of electricity from clean, renewable sources.

Read More in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader