MARION, S.D.(WNAX)- Growth in electric demand is forcing suppliers to ramp up their expansion plans.

Brad Schardin, Manager of Southeastern Electric, based in Marion, says they are trying to stay ahead of that demand.

Schardin says they are working with multi year construction plans.

While there is a heavy demand for power in the summer for air conditioning and irrigation, Schardin says they still hit their peak loads in the winter.

Southeastern added over one thousand new service connections last year. They have about twenty thousand meters in their counties.