Center for Power Systems Studies

Welcome to the Center for Power Systems Studies

Center for Power Systems Stuides Logo

Established in 1968 and approved by the South Dakota Board of Regents.

A partnership with the regional power industry dedicated to promoting student education through direct industry involvement.

Explore the Center for Power Systems Studies
Dr. Steven Hietpas
About the Center for Power Systems Studies Coordinator

Steve Hietpas, Ph.D., coordinator since 1997, draws on four decades in NASA programs, power systems engineering and academia to guide the center鈥檚 mission and mentor future engineers.
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Industry Partners

Nine member utilities and 16 associates contribute over $42,500 yearly, gaining access to research collaborations, conferences, networking and the Wayne E. Knabach Award for Excellence in Power.
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Student Resources

The center channels about $17,000 in annual scholarships including a flagship $6,000 senior award along with internships, field trips and career-building experiences.
About CPSS - Center for Power Systems Studies - AI generated Image by ChatGpt
About the Center for Power Systems Studies

Founded in 1968, the Center for Power Systems Studies unites South Dakota State University with regional utilities, producing more than 350 power industry-ready engineering graduates.

Our Industry Partners

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Logos - Basin Electric Power Cooperative, East River Electric, Heartland Energy, OtterTail Power Company, MN Power, Xcel Energy, NorthWestern Energy, MidAmerican Energy, Missouri River Energy Service
Logos - Nebraska Public Power District, Marshall Municipal Utilities, Municipal Utilities, Ulteig, DGR Engineering, Stearns Electric Assoc., West Plains Engineering, Brookings Municipal Utilities, Pro-tech Power, Electrical Consultants, Interstates, Burns McDonnell, Sioux Valley Energy, Power Engineers, Power System, Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative

What We Offer

The center offers scholarships, power technology-oriented tours and power seminars, brings guest speakers to campus and coordinates regional conferences and workshops. Through active participation by its members, the Center for Power Systems Studies provides students numerous opportunities by offering three- and nine-month internship positions.

The Center for Power Systems Studies is not only for electrical engineers, but is an excellent resource for mechanical and civil engineers who may be interested in the power generation, transmission and distribution fields.