It's been quite apparent with the last couple of storms and bouts of weather that the entire metropolitan area is very susceptible to widespread power outages. This last storm knocked out 39,000 people's power. A couple months earlier, a majority of West Fargo and the West Acres lost power for several days. A few years earlier, a majority of the south side lost power during an ice storm and power took several hours to come back on, even though it was well below 0 outside (very dangerous conditions to not have power). Just recently several thousand lost power downtown Fargo.

Xcel and Cass County Electric need to have some fiscal muscle applied against them from the city to convince them to upgrade their ailing equipment and distribution network. Powerlines should be put underground and power stations need to be beefed up.

If the power companies refuse, start fining them HEFTY amounts per hour, per person that the powers out...