PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission approved an electric rate hike for Otter Tail Power Company but was less than the company requested.

Commissioner Kristie Fiegen says they weren’t convinced with what the company wanted.

Fiegen says they don’t just average between the company request and the staff suggestions.

Fiegen says the legislature changed the laws to give investor owned utilities more financial lee way.

Otter Tail had their last general rate increase approved in 2011.