Cool weather and cheap land are drawing interest in data centers, and raising questions about power. The state's economy is changing fast, and its numbers tell part of the story.

Developers eye the state for its climate, land and tax structure.

What sets it apart

Large facilities require substantial and steady electricity supplies. For those who know the region well, it is a quiet point of pride.

Utilities weigh new generation against these energy-hungry projects.

Why it matters

Taken together, these threads say something about South Dakota itself — a place where the old and the new sit close together. Whether the bet pays off or not, it is helping write South Dakota's next chapter.