BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- North Dakota regulators want a study of the effectiveness of a state law that's intended to help utilities get cheaper financing for energy projects.
The law allows utilities to ask the Public Service Commission about whether a project is prudent. If the answer is yes, it's easier afterward for utilities to get rate increases to pay for a project.
Utilities used the law to get preapproval to build the Big Stone II electric power plant in South Dakota before they decided to abandon the project.
North Dakota Public Service Commissioner Tony Clark says the premise of the law sounds logical. But he says there isn't any proof yet that it does help utilities with their project financing costs.
