NorthWestern Energy

Senate Bill 188 would have established a voluntary, subscription-style option for businesses or individual homeowners to purchase shares of a solar array. They could then be credited on their monthly bill for the electricity generated by the solar panels.

BLM to begin speedy review of central Montana gas pipeline plan. Flathead Lake dam operators aim to preserve water levels. Ag irrigation ends early on the Milk River.

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 bill in the Montana Legislature that would limit state officials' ability to regulate air quality standards has advanced to the Senate floor. This comes amid ongoing changes at the federal level to loosen regulations.

Legislators have voted forward bills on property tax relief, Medicaid expansion, judicial oversight and more.

Individually installing solar panels isn't an option for everyone. Senate Bill 188 would create a subscription option where consumers can purchase shares of a solar array for a credit on their utility bill for the energy generated by that system.

Montana's largest utility company wants less liability if its equipment, like power lines, starts a wildfire. The State Legislature is considering a bill to protect utilities from those costs.

A landmark Montana Supreme Court decision last year struck down laws passed by Republicans that would have changed Montana's bedrock environmental policy. Now, GOP lawmakers have introduced a suite of bills to undo the court's ruling.

A fire at the University of Montana’s heat and power plant prompted a brief evacuation at the building Monday afternoon.