Renewable energy in Pierre

South Dakota's capitol city is above average when it comes to providing its residents with electricity generated from renewable sources.

National research finds the average supplier in the country receives about 17 percent of its power from a renewable source.

In Pierre, 72 percent of the town's electricity is provided by water, sun or wind.

Utilities Director Brad Palmer said Pierre's location provides easy access to renewable energy. The city gets about 60 percent of its electricity from the hydro-electric system at the Oahe Dam.