Committee hears mixed testimony on bill to allow PSC exemptions for certain electric generators and projects

The North Dakota House Energy and Natural Resources Committee heard hours of testimony on House Bill 1111, a proposal that would allow the North Dakota Public Service Commission to exempt certain electric public utilities from specified regulations if the commission finds an exemption is in the public interest. Supporters said the change would provide regulatory clarity for unique projects; opponents said it could threaten reliability, territorial integrity, and impose uncertainty for existing utilities.

Commissioner Dave Christmann of the North Dakota Public Service Commission testified that the proposal is intended to provide limited flexibility for unusual or one‑off commercial arrangements. "To be clear, this bill is not about deregulation, which the commission strongly opposes," Christmann said, adding that the commission could enforce conditions on any exemption and retain jurisdiction to reinstate regulation if needed.

Christmann described inquiries…