Public Service Commission

NorthWestern Energy Proposes Another Rate Hike

NorthWestern Energy (NWE) is asking the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) to approve another steep energy rate hike – this time  26%, on top of the 28% increase  approved in 2023. If granted, this would place even more strain on Montanans already grappling with some of the highest energy costs in the country.​ The PSC will hold a public hearing starting June 9 to consider the proposal. The proceedings could last up to two weeks, followed by additional time for the Commissioners to deliberate before making a final decision. 

ACT NOW: Submit Your Public Comment to the PSC

What Is the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC)?

The Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) is a five-member elected body that regulates monopoly utilities like NWE Because most Montanans can’t choose another electricity provider, the PSC plays a critical role in protecting the public interest. 

What Does the PSC Do? 

The PSC has the authority to:

• Approve or reject rate increases

• Decide whether utilities can invest in major projects — like gas or coal plants — and pass those costs onto customers 
• Shape the Montana’s energy future — including our reliance on fossil fuels vs. renewables

Why It Matters:

NorthWestern Energy operates as a regulated monopoly — meaning most Montanans have no alternative for electricity service. The PSC exists to ensure: 

• Fair and reasonable rates
• Reliable energy service
• Public accountability from utility companies

Each of Montana’s five PSC commissioners is elected from one of the state’s geographic districts. 👉Learn more about the PSC and its responsibilities

What’s Behind NorthWestern Energy’s Rate Hike?

NorthWestern Energy is asking the PSC to approve a 26% electricity rate increase, just one year after a 28% hike. If approved, this increase would fund expensive, fossil fuel-based infrastructure — while ignoring more affordable, clean energy alternatives. 

Projects Tied to the Rate Hike: 

⚠️ Yellowstone County Generating Station 

• A new methane gas plant near Laurel

Projected lifetime  cost: over $2.3 billion⚠️Colstrip Coal-Fired Plant ‘

• Ongoing investments in an aging, unreliable facility
• Has operated at a reduced capacity during peak demand, forcing NWE to buy costly energy on the market

Reliability Issues: Methane Gas & Colstrip

Fossil fuel infrastructure isn’t just expensive — it’s unreliable.

• During Winter Storm Uri (2021) in Texas, gas plants failed en masse, cassing widespread blackouts.. 
• Winter Storm Elliott (2022) brought similar outages along the East Coast — again, due largely to gas plant failures. 
• Colstrip underperformed during Montana’s peak demand periods in January and July 2023, increasing costs for customers. 

Montana’s Renewable Energy Potential

Montana is rich in clean energy resources — yet NWE continues to invest in outdated fossil fuel projects. 

• #2 in U.S. for wind energy potential
• #4 in solar energy potential

Despite this, the utility ignores cheaper, cleaner options like wind, solar and energy storage – putting profits over people. 

The Financial Burden on Montanans

Montanans already pay:

• Some of the highest electricity rates in the region
• The fourth-highest overall energy costs in the nation

Another major rate hike — paired with billions in fossil fuel spending — will only deepen the financial strain on families and small businesses.

Take Action

Your voice is powerful. Here’s how you can help stop the rate hike:

📝 Submit a Public Comment

Sign our Petition: Click HERE

🎤 Attend the Rate Case Hearing on June 9

When the hearing is rescheduled, you can join in person or via Zoom. To testify, contact the PSC by 5:00 p.m. the day before you want to speak: email pschelp@mt.gov or call (800) 646-6150

📣 Join the “Pack the PSC” Rally (Date TBD)

We will have more information soon on a date for the rescheduled rally. Check this page, our social media, and join our email list to stay up-to-date.

By speaking out, you’re helping to demand a cleaner, more affordable, and more reliable energy future for Montana.​ Thank you in advance for making your voice heard!