PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – Eight new wind power production projects have been approved by the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission in the last 13 months, which will raise total electricity from wind to 3,600 megawatts.

Commissioner Chris Nelson says because of that, utilities are starting to shut down some older power plants.

Nelson says there still needs to be some full time power production units available.

Nelson says the Commission is always aware of the need for base load production.

Just over 30 percent of power used in the state now comes from the wind.