Fargo, ND – Susan Wefald announced she is seeking election to another six year term on the North Dakota Public Service Commission.
Wefald says it's an exciting time to be a public service commissioner.
"Telephone issues are challenging. Electricity matters require constant attention and the grain elevator
industry faces important rail-rate issues. New lignite plants are being proposed and wind development is gaining more and more attention. Many of these proposals and issues tie into Governor Hoeven's economic development programs to create new jobs with decent paychecks in North Dakota. I will certainly do my part through fair decisions of regulated industries as well as studied review and thoughtful, responsible advancement of wind and lignite energy development projects and issues."
Wefald says she's an advocate for consumers and seeks both consumer and industry perspectives on issues.
"When I consider rate cases, I consider the people who may be having trouble paying their present utility bills. I
recognize the special role I have as a public service commissioner. I pay telephone and electric bills like every other consumer and I certainly think of that as I render decisions on the commission."
Wefald says she is a fiscal conservative and she encourages the Commission to pool resources with other states on common issues. An example Wefald gave was the P-S-C's work with seven area states regarding Qwest's application to enter interstate long distance markets as well as the Commission's recent participation in a coalition of states filing electric
power transmission comments to the federal government.
Wefald has held office for nine years and is also the first woman to hold a seat on the P-S-C.