Amid internal strife at the Montana Public Service Commission, a legislative committee will study reshaping the state’s utility oversight board.
The bipartisan proposal would have state officials appoint commissioners to the Public Service Commission in lieu of holding elections for the five seats.
Rep. Bob Carter, a Missoula Democrat, and Sen. Gayle Lammers, a Hardin Republican, pitched the idea to the Energy and Technology Interim Committee.
Carter said an appointment process would allow the state to set requirements for candidates, while removing their need to campaign.
“Right now, the commissioners have no professional requirements, and in my view, it creates an atmosphere that’s driven by politics,” said Carter.
Carter noted the commission’s structure hasn’t changed in a century. A draft framework would have the state House of Representatives choose a slate of candidates. The governor would then select five finalists to advance, who would need the state Senate’s confirmation.
Montana is one of only 10 states that elects its public service commissioners.
The proposal drew support from the Montana Chamber of Commerce and a few industry groups, who said they want more energy expertise on the commission.
Sitting Commissioner Brad Molnar voiced opposition, saying it’s important for voters to have a say in the board’s composition. Molnar is at the center of a clash among commissioners. He’s being investigated for alleged harassment, which he maintains is unfounded and politically motivated.
The interim energy committee agreed to work on drafting the bill. Members will decide later if they want to advance it as a committee next legislative session.
-
Democratic House candidates try to separate from the pack. Senate Republican candidate Kurt Alme tries to downplay the last-minute maneuver that put him into the race. Senate Democratic candidate Reilly Neill promises to hold President Trump accountable if she's elected. And this may be the last time voters elect members of the state Public Service Commission. -
The state’s largest utility is signing agreements to power data centers. But, the details of those agreements have remained unavailable to the public. Now a coalition of climate and energy groups is demanding state regulators release that information. -
Gov. Greg Gianforte declined to suspend a state public service commissioner from office, but encouraged an internal investigation to continue. Molnar has been accused of harassment and is under investigation by an internal response team. -
Environmental groups and other nonprofits have filed a formal complaint about data centers with state utility regulators. The groups are asking the Public Service Commission to ensure NorthWestern Energy customers do not subsidize the cost of powering data centers. -
Montana's largest utility this year struck deals to power three data centers — and counting. NorthWestern Energy has promised them at least twice the amount of electricity used to power all homes and businesses in the state. As data centers look to break ground in Montana, some worry ratepayers will have to subsidize their colossal power needs.
