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Sen Johnson Meets With East River Management

U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) met with East River’s senior staff and toured the Madison Service Center on Monday, April 5. Joining Johnson at the event were Jeff Nelson, General Manager; Scott Parsley, Assistant General Manager for Member Services; Jim Edwards, Assistant General Manager for Operations; and Greg Hollister, Assistant General Manager for Administration.

Johnson and East River staff discussed East River’s existing Smart Grid resources, and plans for expanding these technologies, renewable energy as well as the Consumer Energy Efficiency Programs.

Staff also discussed East River and its member systems’ renewable energy efforts, including the 99 MW Day County Wind Farm.

“The work being done by the folks at East River Electric is crucial to helping South Dakota become a leader in the renewable energy field,” said Johnson, a member of the Energy Committee. “I am proud of the work being done to make South Dakota a major player in renewable energy development while creating high-paying jobs for our state.”

Last year, Johnson announced that East River would receive a $100,000 Renewable Energy For America Program Grant from the Department of Agriculture. The funding will provide support for conducting energy audits and assist those looking to develop renewable energy. The Renewable Energy For America Program, authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill, is designed to assist ranchers, farmers and rural small businesses.

During the meeting, Nelson asked Johnson for his support of federal tax credits to support development of local-owned wind projects.

“I think there will be support in the Senate when we show that they are cost-effective and would encourage energy production,” Johnson said.