PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission approved an agreement between Black Hills Power and some customers who are generating their own electricity.

The utility had wanted to charge those customers more to maintain lines to their locations. The users want to be able to sell excess power back to the utility under a “net metering” policy.

Commission Chairman Chris Nelson says the issue generated a lot of public interest.

Nelson says the two sides have a good agreement.

Commissioner Gary Hanson says he was looking forward to the debate.

The two sides will attempt to reach an agreement over the next couple of years.