What are the legal requirements for utility companies in regards to infrastructure?
In South Dakota, utility companies are required by law to provide safe and dependable services. They must provide infrastructure that meets safety and reliability standards and keep their infrastructure in good repair. Furthermore, utility companies must also meet certain regulations regarding the installation and maintenance of their infrastructure. This includes, but is not limited to, requirements related to the safety of the public and environment, the type of materials used during construction and upkeep, and how the utilities are managed. To ensure the safety of the public, utility companies must adhere to the guidelines set by the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission. This includes ensuring that the construction of the infrastructure meets safety codes, that the materials used are of high quality and meet all standards set by the commission, and that any repairs or maintenance are done in a timely manner. Additionally, they must also keep records of all of their infrastructure and notify the commission if any changes are made. Utility companies must also develop an emergency management plan and comply with any orders given by the commission to prevent safety and environmental hazards in the event of power outages, natural disasters, or other emergency situations. The commission also requires that utility companies provide customers with reliable customer service and respond to inquiries and complaints in a timely fashion. Overall, utility companies in South Dakota must adhere to the guidelines set by the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission in order to provide safe and reliable services to the public. This includes providing infrastructure that meets safety and reliability standards, following the regulations related to the installation and maintenance of their infrastructure, and developing a plan to respond to any emergency situations.
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