Public Service Commission incumbent prioritizes utility reliability, efficiency

As the countdown to Nov. 5 election day begins, Randy Christmann, chair of the North Dakota Public Service Commission, touts his experience ensuring affordable utilities and telecommunications. He said that reliability of services is important statewide, especially for tribal communities in the remote areas of reservation land.

“I have a proven record of looking out for all North Dakotans,” Christmann told Buffalo’s Fire on Tuesday.

The commission is the top state regulator of utilities and other industrial activity, setting fair rates for electricity, telecommunications and railroads. It approves permits for energy projects, like pipelines, as well as standardizing weights and measures.

Throughout this election season, Christmann’s opponent, Tracey Wilkie, has highlighted the proposed electric and natural gas rate increases currently in front of the commission. Christmann said he understands residents’ desire to hold down electricity costs and the disproportionate financial burden for low-income residents, sharing he did not grow up wealthy. Noting that in 2023 North Dakota had the lowest overall electricity price in the nation, he said low rates also incentivize companies to work in the state.

Another focus throughout the campaign for a seat at the utilities commission table has been the Summit Carbon Solutions’ permit application for a carbon dioxide pipeline through central North Dakota. The project would transport carbon dioxide waste from 57 ethanol plants in Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska to belowground storage space north of Bismarck. Tharaldson Energy is the only North Dakota plant in the project considering using greenhouse gas emissions for advanced oil extraction technologies.

Christmann said he cannot comment because it is an open case, “but everything is open to the public.” North Dakota’s Administrative Agencies Practice Act in the Century Code prohibits commissioners from discussing open cases to maintain impartiality. He added that the Public Service Commission went “to great expense” in moving hearings and meetings to larger rooms to accommodate every resident who wanted to attend.

Christmann recognized the importance of hearings’ including the interests and perspectives of North Dakota’s Indigenous community alongside other residents and landowners. In his position he collaborates with the state’s Indian Affairs Commission to maintain a permanent channel of communication to representatives of each tribal community in North Dakota.

In the last six months, Christmann said the commission has approved several phone and internet providers in the state to participate in the 1985 federal Lifeline Assistance Program offering low-cost or free phone and internet services. Many tribal community and reservation residents in North Dakota are eligible.