N.D. regulators review Xcel Energy billing

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota regulators plan to review an outside examination of Xcel Energy's billing procedures, and they say they may demand changes.

The Public Service Commission is meeting with Xcel Energy officials in Bismarck to go over the consultant's review.

It was prompted by natural gas billing problems in Fargo, West Fargo, Grand Forks and the rural Grand Forks County community of Thompson. The problems were linked to faulty equipment and harsh winter weather.

Regulators say they got a raft of complaints when customers got unusually large bills. Xcel says in some cases, it estimated what customers owed.

Commissioner Brian Kalk says he's heard dozens of complaints since he took office in January, and he says the trend can't continue.

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