Otter Tail Power Company wants the authority to give new or expanding industrial customers a break on their electric rates, to spur economic development.
Otter Tail has asked the North Dakota Public Service Commission for the right to offer up to a five year discount for a new customer using at least 500 kilowatt hours of electricity, and for expanding customers who would be using at least 1500 kilowatt hours
Commissioner Brian Kroshus said he likes the concept.
"It helps to incent and attract new business to our state," Kroshus said. "It's not at the expense of existing customers."
Kroshus said the state is always looking for ways to be more attractive to businesses.
"Utility rates for larger businesses come into play," Kroshus said.
The PSC has opened the subject up for anyone who wants a hearing on the request.
MDU has a similar rate, but Xcel doesn't.
