North Dakota has lowest price for electricity in U.S.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) recently released a report that indicates that the 2009 average residential retail price of electricity in North Dakota was at 6.58 cents/kwh, the lowest in the nation.

"This is very exciting news for consumers who directly benefit from low cost electricity. It also validates that North Dakotans are making solid decisions as we carefully diversify our state's energy mix. It should be noted that our energy producers are meeting all ambient air quality standards," said Commissioner Brian Kalk.

EIA has updated numbers through April 20, 2010 and North Dakota is still the price leader by almost .20 cents/kwh. The next report from EIA will be mid-May 2010.

"As regulators, we work to ensure that our utilities provide affordable, safe and reliable service to North Dakota. Energy costs are a major concern for businesses and consumers across the nation. It is nice to see that North Dakota is maintaining a competitive advantage when it comes to this important essential service," said Commissioner Clark.

Commissioner Chairman Kevin Cramer added that North Dakota's low energy costs are a major reason the state has become an attractive place to live and grow business.

"North Dakotans pay the lowest electricity rates in the nation while enjoying the fruits of a dynamic energy economy and the high paying jobs it produces. Our state's economy is the envy of the nation and I am proud of our position in the global marketplace. We keep our energy costs low without compromising our rich cultural and natural resources," said Commissioner Cramer.

Other rates around U.S (in cents/kwh)

North Dakota 6.58

South Dakota 7.63

Montana 8.46

Minnesota 9.55

Wisconsin 12.27

Alaska 17.46

Hawaii 25.76

The EIA collects, analyzes, and disseminates independent and impartial energy information to promote sound policymaking, efficient markets, and public understanding of energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment.

For more information about EIA or the PSC please visit www.eia.doe.gov or www.psc.state.nd.us.

For more information about the forum, call the PSC at 328-2400.

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