As part of an electric rate case settlement, Xcel Energy has to meet some new reliability standards.
Under the plan, approved by the North Dakota Public Service Commission, if Xcel customers experience more than three non-weather related power outages in a year, Xcel must give them $50 credit. The plan will be in effect for the next three years.
The PSC says the number of outages in the Fargo area has been a concern over the past several years.
"We had a lot of discussion -- is $50 the right amount," said PSC Chairman Brian Kalk. "Is more than 3 the right amount. But this is a very good start, to see how it plays out. At the end of the day, we want Fargo to have reliable power."
Commissioner Kevin Cramer says the PSC is also concerned about how fast power is being restored to customers.
"There have been a lot of great savings the utilities have found through aggregation, and buying other companies," said Cramer. "That creates efficiencies. But sometimes with efficiencuy comes a lack of servce. And finding that balance, that both keeps rates low and reliability strong -- sometimes that balance is tough to strike."
Xcel has also added equipment and people in Fargo to more quickly take care of outages.
