FARGO - The Public Service Commission gave utility companies high marks after watching a show-and-tell on the late November ice storm that knocked out power to North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.

The storm left thousands without electricity, some for more than a week, but could have worse, Commissioner Kevin Cramer said after Monday's meeting at Otter Tail Power Corp.

"The fact that they were able to avoid rolling blackouts, the fact that the system has the capacity as well as the management to be able to shift and adjust is very reassuring," Cramer said.

An unusual mix of rain, snow and wind left power lines, fences, traffic signs and vegetation covered with a thick layer of ice. One Fairmount resident said the storm brought down so many trees that it reminded him of a 1964 tornado that tore through the area.

"In my present experiences I haven't seen anything at that level," said Scott Herbst, a spokesman for Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, which handles energy flows on transmission lines in several states.

Several large energy users agreed to cut back on electricity, especially when a major transmission line went down for about 36 hours. Linemen from around the area were brought in to help restore power.

Through it all, Cramer heard of few complaints from customers.

"It's like disaster brings out the absolute best in people, as opposed to the worst," Cramer said. "I shouldn't be surprised by it, but it was a refreshing reminder."

The storm did show a need to upgrade some major transmission lines, especially in the eastern part of the region, said Tony Clark, Public Service Commission president.

"You can see pretty graphically the need for probably some updating of lines in Minnesota," Clark said. "It's a regional issue, so to the extent any of our companies are investing, we're going to be asked to chip in for it."

Commissioners said expanding transmission routes would help guard against one major event taking out a large area. But it can be difficult to justify the expense in rural districts.

"You are never going to stop weather events like this from happening," Clark said. "From a public policy perspective, really what I care about is that utility companies have a plan in place to deal with it."