In 1999, SB 2420 reduced the PSC's authority over such cooperatives and telecommunication companies in the case of the former U.S. West company, now known as Quest. The bill allowed such companies to maintain local, member control. Warren Hight, CEO of SRT, said he was perplexed by the decision to introduce such a bill. This bill seems to be an attempt to stifle innovation and growth throughout North Dakota. There are a lot of cooperatives that are good, sound economic engines in this state that shouldn't be hampered by such controls.
Regulations only add to costs.
SB 2410 seems out of step with what we are trying to promote in North Dakota. We do a good job of policing ourselves. The co-ops in North Dakota have not abused the confidence of our customers. Bob Horne, manager of the Minot office for Verendrye Electric Cooperative, also wonders why the bill was introduced. Verendrye has a nine-member board, elected locally by the membership.