MARION, S.D.(WNAX)- Demand for electricity and population growth is fueling expansion for many rural electric cooperatives.

Southeastern Electric, based in Marion, added about thirteen hundred new service connection last year. Manager Brad Schardin(shar-DEEN) says it was spread across their territory.

Schardin says they have to add more people and work on supplies.

Schardin says they expect that growth to continue this year.

Southeastern has over twenty thousand active meters now.