Nelson to run for re-election to Public Utilities Commission
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 23, 2022
Chris Nelson announced today that he will be a candidate for re-election to the Public Utilities Commission in 2022. Chris made the announcement to a crowd gathered for the Hughes County Lincoln Day Dinner in Pierre.
Nelson said, “The complexities of the utility business demand commissioners who are dedicated to advocating for consumers, are able to dig into the details of cases before the commission, and have the integrity to make just and fair decisions based on law. My record as commissioner over the past eleven years highlights my commitment in each of these areas.”
While on the commission Nelson has focused on three priorities. First and foremost is listening to and advocating for utility consumers to keep rates as low as possible and service reliable. PUC regulated electricity rate changes over the last five years have been held down to half the rate of inflation.
Second has been working to expand broadband availability in rural South Dakota. With his roots in agriculture Nelson understands the importance of high speed broadband connections to the business needs of farmers and ranchers as well as education and healthcare advancements. Federal Communication Commission data show that in the last five years 25 mbps broadband has increased from availability in 58% of South Dakota’s census blocks to 94% of census blocks.
Third is a commitment to making decisions on issues before the PUC based on law and facts, not political whims or personal agendas. Chris has a reputation for digging into the details of each case to make sure consumers are protected throughout the process.
Chris will be seeking nomination for Public Utilities Commissioner at the state Republican convention held June 23-25. The nomination will place his name on the ballot in the November general election.
Nelson was appointed to a vacancy on the PUC in January 2011 by Governor Dennis Daugaard, won election in 2012 to serve the remainder of the six year term, and won reelection in 2016. He previously served two terms as Secretary of State.
Additional information is available at www.nelsonforsd.com.
Solid and intelligent for a complex job
We are lucky to have Chris willing to step up and take on a very difficult job. There was a time when the PUC was the boneyard of hacks (remember Ken Stofferhan). Chris has the kind of careful, analytical approach that we are fortunate to have in that position. Thank you