PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- Long time South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioner Gary Hanson says he is concerned about the direction of utility regulation. He says political maneuvering has become more apparent.

Hanson says working state to state has become more difficult even as the need for more energy rises.

Hanson says they are dealing with more multi state utilities.

Xcel Energy just announced a plan to raise electric rates in Minnesota by about twenty percent over the next three years.

Hanson, who was reelected last year to another six-year term on the Commission has said it will be his last term in public service.