South Dakota Utilities Election to Determine Future Rates
The winner of the commission seat will set electricity and natural gas rates for businesses for the next six years.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Utilities
Live Poll
Should the public utilities commission prioritize lower energy costs for consumers over utility company interests?
South Dakota voters will choose a new member of the state Public Utilities Commission on Election Day. The election outcome determines who will regulate utility rates for the next six years, affecting major providers such as Xcel Energy and NorthWestern Energy.
Why it matters
The commissioner seat carries significant weight for business owners as the commission sets electricity and natural gas rates for investor-owned utilities statewide. These regulatory decisions directly influence operating expenses for every business that relies on commercial power and gas services.
The commission manages three seats in total, with the upcoming victor serving a six-year term. The winner will hold authority over rate structures for major providers including Xcel Energy, NorthWestern Energy, MidAmerican Energy, and Black Hills Energy.
The players
Don Haggar
Republican candidate for the commission who previously served in the South Dakota state legislature.
Frank Kloucek
Democratic candidate for the commission who previously served in the South Dakota state legislature.
South Dakota Public Utilities Commission
The state regulatory body that sets electricity and natural gas rates for investor-owned utilities.
The details
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission serves as the primary regulatory body that reviews and approves rate adjustments for investor-owned utilities. Commissioners oversee the cost of utility services, which forces businesses to account for shifting energy prices in their long-term operational budgets. Both candidates in this race, Don Haggar and Frank Kloucek, previously served in the state legislature, where they gained experience with state-level governance.
Timeline
Wednesday: Candidates shared feedback from South Dakota citizens regarding energy concerns.
Election Day: Voters will elect the new commissioner.
Market Landscape
This election determines the makeup of the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, which holds the legal authority to set utility rates. It follows a established pattern where commissioners wield significant control over the operational costs of local businesses.
Business owners should monitor commission rate decisions, as these directly impact the utility overhead expenses that affect bottom-line margins. Review upcoming commission dockets and public filings once the new commissioner takes office to anticipate potential changes in regional energy costs.
The takeaway
The election of a commissioner is a pivotal signal for statewide commercial energy costs over the next six years. Operators should track the new commissioner's public stance on rate adjustments and utility cost-recovery policies starting in the next session.
What happens next
Voters will cast ballots to determine the new commissioner on Election Day.
Further reading
Learn more about the energy market regulatory environment in South Dakota Utilities.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KELO-LAND TV.
Live Poll
Should the public utilities commission prioritize lower energy costs for consumers over utility company interests?
