MARION, S.D. (WNAX) – The pandemic has changed services for utilities with more people working from home and some businesses cutting back or shutting down.

Brad Schardin, Manager of Southeastern Electric Cooperative based in Marion, says they have seen the shifts.

Schardin says while some of their big electric users have cut back, they are still adding new customers.

Schardin says energy efficiency is also playing a part in their load growth.

Southeastern serves over 15,000 customers from southern Sioux Falls to west of Parkston and into the Alcester area.