Economic expansion in many areas of South Dakota could be dependent on a supply of natural gas.

Northwestern Energy is looking into the possibility of expanding their service into more rural areas.

Spokesman Tom Glanzer says it will depend on the business that may develop…

Glanzer says pipeline expansion is regulated, and expensive….

Glanzer says many areas in the central and southern parts of the state are a long ways from their main pipeline…

Glanzer says they are working with the Public Utilities Commission to develop expansion plans that make economic sense.