BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – The Public Service Commission has drafted “standards of service” rules for the electric utilities it regulates.

PSC member Brian Kroshus says this comes after the legislature passed Senate Bill 2313. He says as a part of that bill, the Commission was tasked with developing specifics on reliability and continuity of electric service.

He says what triggered this was the February cold snap and how it affected North Dakota’s power customers.

Kroshus does say those affected were North Dakota electric co-ops – and the PSC has no authority over them. He says these rules clarify the PSC’s authority over the investor-owned public utilities.

But Kroshus points out that North Dakota is among the best in the nation when it comes to reliability.

The rules are now being reviewed by the Attorney General’s office and will eventually be reviewed by the Legislature’s Administrative Rules Committee.