Xcel Wants To Increase Electric Rate In North Dakota

The Minot Daily News is reporting:

Xcel's senior regulatory consultant David Sederquist delivered his presentation from Fargo's North Dakota State University, stressing the need for the increase. Citing infrastructural improvements, increases in energy consumption and various regulatory complainces, Sederquist also pointed out that North Dakota enjoys the third-lowest energy rates in the nation trailing behind hydroelectric-heavy and thus cheaper infrastructures in Oregon and Idaho.

The first question I would ask is a detailed breakdown of increased costs due to Minnesota's mandate for green energy. How much of the rate increase placed on North Dakota consumers is paying for Minnesota's legislative mandates. If the response was "we'll get back to you," I would table the meeting to reconvene once Xcel provides the document -- in English.

Somehow the argument that North Dakotans enjoy some of the best electric rates in the country does not seem to be a reason it's time to raise them. Maybe if we got rid of politically-correct mandates, rates could actually come down.