Enderlin Man Announces Bid for North Dakota Public Service Commission

Deven Styczynski vows to bring tougher scrutiny of utility rate hikes and greater consumer protection.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Deven Styczynski, a resident of Enderlin, North Dakota, has announced his candidacy for a six-year term on the state's Public Service Commission. Styczynski aims to bring a fresh perspective and stronger oversight of utility companies amid rising energy costs, promising to focus on preventing unnecessary rate hikes, ensuring reliable service, and increasing transparency in major regulatory decisions.

Why it matters

The Public Service Commission plays a crucial role in regulating utility companies and protecting consumers in North Dakota. Styczynski's campaign promises to challenge the current approach, which he believes has allowed for excessive rate increases and insufficient consideration of the impact on families, farmers, and small businesses.

The details

Styczynski announced his campaign on Monday, stating that North Dakotans deserve affordable and reliable energy without constant rate hikes. He cited the recent Xcel Energy increase, which many called excessive, as an example of the need for tougher scrutiny of utility requests and a greater focus on protecting consumers. Styczynski's key priorities include stronger scrutiny of utility rate increase requests, ensuring reliable service and responsible infrastructure investment, and greater transparency and public input in major regulatory decisions.

  • Styczynski announced his candidacy on Monday, March 10, 2026.
  • The six-year term on the North Dakota Public Service Commission that Styczynski is running for is currently held by Sheri Haugen-Hoffart.

The players

Deven Styczynski

A resident of Enderlin, North Dakota, who has announced his candidacy for a six-year term on the state's Public Service Commission.

Sheri Haugen-Hoffart

The current holder of the six-year term on the North Dakota Public Service Commission that Styczynski is running for.

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What they’re saying

“North Dakotans deserve affordable, reliable energy without constant rate hikes that burden families, farmers, and small businesses.”

— Deven Styczynski, Candidate for North Dakota Public Service Commission (am1100theflag.com)

“Recent approvals, like the Xcel Energy increase that many called excessive, show the need for tougher scrutiny of utility requests and a greater focus on protecting consumers.”

— Deven Styczynski, Candidate for North Dakota Public Service Commission (am1100theflag.com)

What’s next

Styczynski will continue his campaign for the North Dakota Public Service Commission, with the election scheduled for November 2026.

The takeaway

Styczynski's campaign promises to bring a more consumer-focused approach to the North Dakota Public Service Commission, challenging the current practices that he believes have allowed for excessive utility rate increases and insufficient consideration of the impact on residents and businesses.