Pierre City Commission approves substation agreement with East River Electric

The Pierre City Commission has taken steps to prepare for the future growth and electrical needs of the town.

Utilities director Brad Palmer asked the commission to approve an agreement with D-G-R Engineering. He says East River Electric Power Cooperative wants to partner with the City to build a substation north of Pierre.

Pierre’s power comes from the Western Area Power Administration, but there’s no buffer between the two systems.

Palmer says the project would put Pierre in a better position to handle future electrical needs.

Palmer says East River would like to begin construction on the substation this fall so it’s ready for peak summer use next year.