South Dakota commission approves MidAmerican Energy proposal to offer services to farm tap customers
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) recently accepted a proposal by MidAmerican Energy Co. to provide services to farm tap customers connected to an interstate pipeline owned by Northern Natural Gas Co.
NorthWestern Energy currently provides services to these farm tap customers under a contractual arrangement between Northern Natural Gas and NorthWestern Energy. The contract will expire at the end of this year.
MidAmerican Energy submitted a proposal to provide services similar to those provided by NorthWestern Energy including scheduling gas deliveries, emergency services, checking and filling odorizers, and billing customers.
Customers that receive farm tap service from MidAmerican will see a rate increase that will be phased in over 10 years.
“I am grateful for the amount of time, energy, creativity and dedication that have brought us to this point,” PUC Chairperson Kristie Fiegen said. “MidAmerican, along with guidance from the PUC staff, has stepped up to the plate to ensure South Dakota consumers will have the opportunity to continue to receive a critical service.”
The company will launch a customer awareness campaign about the changes and plans to implement services by Jan. 1, 2018.
