Group Seeks Fair Price for Power Sold to Utilities

BROOKINGS, S.D. (AP) — Dakota Rural Action says South Dakotans who produce electricity from small solar and wind installations should get a fair price when they sell that power to utility companies.

The grassroots agriculture and conservation group says small wind and solar installations represent the future of energy production. Members of the group say homeowners, farmers, ranchers and business owners who supply their own energy and sell it back to a utility company or rural election association should get a fair price.

They say excess electricity generated by South Dakotans is purchased by utilities at a very low rate, which makes it difficult for people to afford to buy generating equipment.

The group will hold a series of meeting across the state to discuss the issue.

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