Jury backs Cass County couple over utility in stray voltage fight

A Cass County couple have won a $6.4 million jury judgment against a power company for stray voltage that they say injured dairy cows and kept them from producing milk.

In January: High court hands dairy farmers a win over stray voltage

Randall and Peggy Norman sued Crow Wing Power in 2012 for negligence in maintaining electric wires near their farm. They sold their herd a few months after filing suit. The Normans contend Crow Wing Power would not fix the lines, even after the couple offered to pay.

Crow Wing Power spokeswoman Char Kinzer says the company did the upgrades and did not charge the Normans, though she could not detail the costs.

"We have spent an amazing amount of time over a two year period to test the distribution lines and equipment and we had third party people testing as well so we were making sure that our tests were correct," Kinzer said. "The allegation that we're dismissive of his complaint, that's not true."

The Cass County jury handed down the verdict on Friday. Kinzer said attorneys are considering what to do next.

Kinzer also said Crow Wing Power is pursuing legislation to protect power companies from stray voltage law suits if they follow standards. She said Brainerd, Minnesota-based Crow Wing Power follows USDA wiring standards.