North Dakota Public Service Commissioner garners honor

The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) recently bestowed the Helping Hand Award upon Public Service Commissioner Brian Kroshus during the organization’s annual meeting.

The Helping Hand Award recognizes friends and supporters of North Dakota’s electric cooperatives.

“Commissioner Kroshus’ personal commitment and dedication to electric cooperatives, his understanding of rural America and his approach to balanced energy strategy makes him most deserving of this award,” Kramer said. “We appreciate his attentiveness and thoughtfulness when he approaches issues important to North Dakota’s electric cooperatives.”

Kroshus said he is honored to receive the award.

“North Dakota rural electric cooperatives exemplify one of North Dakota’s best qualities, people working together collectively to achieve a common goal,” he said. “Their commitment to serving our state’s energy needs and tireless community involvement is unparalleled.”

Kroshus, who has a background in business, agriculture, and energy, grew up on a farm and is actively involved with his farming and ranching operation in western North Dakota, which relies on an electric cooperative to provide reliable, affordable service.

The North Dakota Public Service Commission is a constitutionally created agency with authority to permit, site and regulate certain business activities, including electric and gas utilities, telecommunications companies, power plants, electric transmission lines, railroads, pipeline safety, and coal mine reclamation.