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Recent posts by Lucas Nelsen

New transmission connects renewable energy

By Lucas Nelsen on July 14, 2017 - 10:50am

Midwestern states have great potential to generate energy from renewable sources. Renewable energy provides these states with clean power as well as several other benefits in the form of new sources of income for landowners that host projects or job opportunities stemming from construction, operation, and manufacturing. But, these new power generators require connections to the larger electric grid, which allow the renewable energy to be shipped across the region where it can be used by homes and businesses.

Wind energy setbacks are important to consider

By Lucas Nelsen on July 10, 2017 - 2:48pm

South Dakota is fifth in the U.S. for wind energy potential. That’s enough potential to allow residents to meet their energy needs 300 times over. In fact, the state has already started down the path to realizing this possibility by producing more than 26 percent of its energy from wind.

South Dakota can lead in renewable energy

By Lucas Nelsen on April 26, 2017 - 5:24pm

The Great Plains has a bright future in renewable energy, especially in rural areas where there is abundant space and resources are plentiful.

South Dakota ranks fifth in the U.S. for wind energy potential, capable of producing enough energy from wind to meet the state’s energy needs 300 times over. While South Dakota currently produces more than 26 percent of its energy from wind, there is still room for growth in the state.

Energy efficiency can help rural families save money

By Lucas Nelsen on March 23, 2017 - 5:52pm

Families below the poverty line spend 8 percent of their income on electricity, a much larger proportion than higher income families, according to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.

And in rural areas, 17.7 percent of families live below the poverty line, as noted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Energy efficiency provides an affordable way to decrease power consumption and electric bills. Developing local renewable energy generation also keeps hard-earned dollars in the state and brings new economic development to rural communities.

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