Montana Public Service Commission

Montanans could see their power bills spike this year, but by how much is still up for debate. Utility regulators Tuesday heard public comment on NorthWestern Energy's latest request to hike electricity rates. The hearings are scheduled to run through June 20.

The state's largest utility company is now charging customers 17 percent more for electricity. It made that price bump without the approval of state regulators. Montana Free Press' Amanda Eggert sat down with MTPR's Ellis Juhlin to talk about her reporting on the change.

A judge has found the election district map for state utility regulators to be constitutional, despite being drawn in a way that favors Republican candidates.

The Montana Public Service Commission elected new leadership this week.

An advisory jury last week found that districts to elect utility regulators were not drawn in a way that favored one political party over another. This is the latest in an ongoing legal fight over the maps

Customers of the state’s largest utility will see a temporary seven percent decrease in their electricity bill costs starting this month.

In the coming days, Montanans will elect a new majority to the Public Service Commission. Those three new commissioners will regulate utility companies that provide homes with electricity, gas, and trash services.

Q&A: Elena Evans, Independent Candidate for PSC District 4

State utility regulators have denied an eastern Montana utility’s request to temporarily charge customers more for gas. But long term gas costs will depend on a larger rate case.

Climate groups and members of the public are calling on a consumer advocacy group led by the Legislature to oppose increases to their power bills.