Public Outcry Grows Over Northwestern Energy’s Sneaky Rate Hike

• Montana Code Annotated 2023 allows for public utilities and carriers to raise rates without PSC approval
• The increase was implemented 2 weeks before the meeting with the Public Service Commission

Northwestern Energy Applies 17% Rate Increase Without PSC Approval

Northwestern used a Montana law to go ahead with their 17% rate hike on the 2/3 of Montanans that they serve. This is on top of a 39% rate increase on consumers and small business in 2024. JUST LAST YEAR.

Northwestern Energy Needs To Be Taken Out Back

It's official, at least to me, that Northwestern Energy is going rogue in Montana. It's about time for someone bigger than them, say the PSC, informing them that gouging consumers just because you want to is NOT ok.

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Northwestern Energy is so sure that the Public Service Commission will approve this ridiculous and downright monopoly type rate increase, that they're willing to bet interest on it.

Montana Code Annotated 2023

In essence, this law states that a public utility or carrier can raise rates WITHOUT PSC approval if it's been more than 9 months since the request and the PSC hasn't acted on the rate request.

It's also very worth noting that if the PSC does NOT approve this absurdly high rate hike that Northwestern Energy will have to pay back all of the money to consumers with interest at a rate set by the PSC.

Contact Your Elected Montanan Public Service Commissioners

District 1: Commissioner Randy Pinnocci 406-444-6150

District 2: President Brad Molnar 406-444-6150

District 3: Commissioner Jeff Welborn 406-444-6150

District 4: Vice President Jennifer Fielder 406-444-6150

District 5: Commissioner Annie Bukacek 406-444-6150

Main number of the Montana Public Service Commission: 406-444-6199

It's cute how they all have the same phone number.

Maybe we should impress upon them the importance of supporting the voter, not businesses, when occupying an elected office.

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Maybe they need to be reminded that the people they have no trouble shoving under the bus are responsible for voting them in.

Sources: Montana Free Press, Montana Public Service Commission, MEIC, Montana Code Annotated

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