
Xcel Energy has a project to install “smart meters” for its electric customers.
That would mean meter readers would no longer come by – and the meter instead would be read remotely.
Victor Schock is the Public Service Commission’s Director of Public Utilities. “Existing customers who just allow them to install the new meter and don’t make changes will not be billed that cot.”
Schock says there is an opt-out for people who want to continue having their meters read manually. But it comes with a cost. “The proposed charge in this case I believe is $15 dollars per month….to have it manual read.”
The PSC has issued a notice of opportunity for a hearing on this tariff proposal.


Grain Elevator Fire in Minnesota
(Photo submitted) (KNOX) - Crews battled a large fire at a grain elevator in northwestern Minnesota. Several fire departments responded to the CHS grain elevator in Warren. The Marshall County Sheriff's Office said that Highway 75 was shut down from ...
Apr 01, 2026

Grand Forks Police Respond to Crash
(File image) (KNOX) - Tuesday afternoon officers from the Grand Forks Police Department were dispatched to the intersection of 32nd Avenue South and South 31st Street for the report of a three vehicle accident involving injuries. An investigation rev...
Apr 01, 2026

North Dakota National Guard Being Sent to D.C.
(Photo courtesy of North Dakota National Guard. via the North Dakota Monitor) (North Dakota Monitor) - North Dakota will send 60 National Guard members to Washington, D.C., starting in April, for an estimated three months to help police the city. The...
Mar 30, 2026

Getting a Handle on The Utility Bill Crisis in Minnesota
(Adobe Stock via Minnesota News Connection) (By Mike Moen. Minnesota News Connection) - The home heating season will soon be over in Minnesota but it might be little comfort to utility customers behind on their bills. With unaffordability a growing c...
Mar 30, 2026





