By Stan Stelter
Bismarck, ND – MDU Resource Group CEO Martin White says he doesn't see deregulation of the electric industry in this region, given the low price for consumers here.
Montana did deregulate, but White says he expects that state wouldn't do it again -- and for good reason. "If you're one of the low-cost suppliers in the country, how in God's name do you hope to reduce the cost to your customers by deregulating. And my guess is the commissions in the states we serve will maintain that position until they see it would be beneficial to their customers."
It's expected the issue over the state's Territorial Integrity Act to reappear in the 2003 Legislature. MDU and other companies tried -- and failed -- to change the 1965 law that sets aside areas for the state's investor-owned utilities and rural electric cooperatives. White says -- given the political clout of the co-ops -- the issue would be challenging. But he says there may be room for compromise in the next session.
"I do believe a lot of the legislators understand the issue now better than they did before, and I think that understanding may helps our position."