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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, April 16, 2009
CONTACT: Leah Mohr, Communications Manager, South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, (605) 773-3201

PUC to host energy conference May 11-13 in Sioux Falls

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission will host a comprehensive conference in May that examines all aspects of energy production and development. Titled "Crisis or Renaissance, The State of America's Energy," the conference will be held May 11-13 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Conference activities include a welcome reception May 11 and general sessions and luncheons May 12-13. Complete information is available online at www.puc.sd.gov/energyconf.

Commissioner Marc Spitzer of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will offer a keynote presentation at a luncheon on Tuesday, May 12. FERC is an independent agency that regulates the interstate transmission of natural gas, oil and electricity. FERC also regulates natural gas and hydropower projects.

Other industry experts will give presentations about traditional as well as renewable energy resources including coal, wind, solar, nuclear, natural gas, hydro, geothermal, biodiesel, hydrogen, anaerobic digestion and ethanol. Sessions about transmission, siting energy facilities, the Midwest Renewable Energy Tracking System and energy efficiency are part of the agenda as well. Global outlooks for energy development, environmental issues and climate change will also be addressed.

South Dakota's Lieutenant Governor Dennis Daugaard will offer welcoming remarks Tuesday morning. Members of the state's congressional delegation have been invited to deliver comments via prerecorded video.

The multi-day conference is affordably-priced at less than $100 per attendee with a special rate for students. The fee includes the reception and two luncheons. Preregistration is due to the PUC by May 4. For more information, visit the conference Web site at www.puc.sd.gov/energyconf or call the PUC at (605) 773-3201.

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