N.D. Cent. Code § 49-05-19: Reliable service obligation

An electric public utility is responsible for ensuring reliable service. If an electric public utility fails to meet its obligation to provide reliable service to customers within the state, the commission may require action, assess disallowances or fines, or provide a penalty. The commission shall adopt rules and establish guidelines for assessment of penalties, fines, or disallowances which must take into consideration the nature, circumstances, and gravity of the violation, degree of culpability, history of prior outages, and good-faith attempts to ensure reliability.