As South Dakota sees a surge in interest from data center developers, electric co-ops are finding themselves at the center of a fast-moving conversation about energy infrastructure, reliability, and long-term planning.
In a recent KELOLAND article, South Dakota Renewable Energy Association board member Chris Studer—who also serves as Chief Member and Public Relations Officer at East River Electric—offered insight into how co-ops are preparing for the rising demand. With multiple inquiries from data companies in recent months, it’s clear that South Dakota is on the radar for large-scale data center expansion.
While these developments bring exciting opportunities for economic growth, they also raise important questions about grid capacity, reliability, and long-term investment strategies.
At SoDak Renewables, we see this as a pivotal moment for the broader energy landscape in South Dakota. These conversations underscore the need to build out not just traditional infrastructure, but forward-thinking, renewable solutions that can help meet future demands sustainably.
We’ll continue tracking developments and advocating for renewable energy’s role in powering South Dakota’s next chapter.