This bill amends South Dakota law to include "hybrid facilities" as entities regulated by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). A hybrid facility is defined as a new facility or an expansion that incorporates multiple types of generation sources and connects to the distribution or transmission system at a single point. The bill also clarifies that hybrid facilities capable of injecting 100 megawatts or more of electricity into the grid will fall under the same regulatory framework as other energy conversion facilities, which are defined as those generating 100 megawatts or more, excluding wind and solar facilities of the same capacity.

Additionally, the bill makes several amendments to existing statutes regarding the acquisition of land for trans-state transmission facilities and the financial security required for the decommissioning of hybrid, wind, and solar facilities. It stipulates that property owners can require utilities to take a fee interest in contiguous land outside designated right-of-way areas, and it outlines the commission's authority over financial securities related to decommissioning, ensuring that such securities are controlled by the commission until released by order. The bill emphasizes the commission's role in overseeing the financial security agreements and protecting the interests of landowners in the decommissioning process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 12/27/2024: 49-41B-2, 49-41B-4.4, 49-41B-39
House Commerce and Energy Engrossed, 01/24/2025: 49-41B-2, 49-41B-4.4, 49-41B-39
Enrolled, 03/06/2025: 49-41B-2, 49-41B-4.4, 49-41B-39