PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – A legislative proposal would set up the Public Utilities Commission as the mediator in disputes between rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities.

The two sides have been sparring over service territories. The rurals don’t like it when a city annexes land and then takes over electric service.

Commissioner Chris Nelson says there are still a lot of details to work out.

Nelson says they need clear authority from the legislature.

Nelson says the PUC will not play favorites.

There will be another meeting between the two sides and legislators this week in an attempt to find a workable bill.