Cramer, Crabtree offer stark contrast for PSC

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Republican North Dakota Public Service Commissioner Kevin Cramer and Democratic rival Brad Crabtree agree their ideas on what the commission should do are starkly different.

Crabtree favors requiring utilities to use wind, biomass fuel and other renewable sources to generate some of their electricity. Cramer says the use of renewables shouldn't be mandated.

Crabtree wants the Public Service Commission to push utilities toward more emphasis on energy conservation. Cramer says consumers will take the approach themselves if it saves them money.

Cramer has been on the commission for seven years. Crabtree is making his first statewide race. He's the policy director for a Minneapolis nonprofit group that encourages alternative energy use.

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