HELENA, Mont. — A hearing before the Public Service Commission in Helena over a proposed NorthWestern Energy rate increase is moving to the next stage.
After eight days of public comment plus witness testimony and questioning, the hearing is moving to opening briefs.
“This proposed rate increase is a necessary step to address the rising cost of maintaining and upgrading our utility systems,” said Michelle Harris, Rocky Mountain Contractors representative.
NorthWestern Energy is proposing to increase the electric rate by $4.63, a 4.21% increase compared to rates from last July. The natural gas rate would increase $4.74, a 9.13% increase.
“I know a lot of people are struggling to pay their bills as it is. So, this rate increase would really make it difficult for a lot of the people that I know around here and for me as well,” said David Nuerk, Hamilton resident.
NorthWestern Energy’s opening brief is due July 21. Response briefs will be due Aug. 11. NorthWestern will need to return a reply brief Aug. 26.
The PSC told us, “Following these proceedings, the Commission will issue a final order on the rate case, which typically takes a few months.”
NBC Montana reached out to the Public Service Commission and NorthWestern Energy to find out what their takeaways are as the case moves forward.
We received a response from NorthWestern’s public relations specialist saying, “The recent public hearing marked an important milestone in the regulatory review process. It provided NorthWestern Energy with a valuable opportunity to present our case and respond directly to questions from the Montana Public Service Commission and its staff. As the rate case moves into the next stage, we will continue to advocate for solutions that balance affordability, reliability, and the long-term energy needs of our Montana customers.”
“The mission of the PSC is to ensure that ratepayers continue to have access to utility services that are affordable, reliable, and sustainable. To achieve this, the Commission must carefully evaluate a utility’s ability to deliver these essential services while balancing the need for fair profitability with just and reasonable rates for the citizens of Montana. We were encouraged by the high level of engagement throughout this hearing, including thoughtful input from individual ratepayers across the state—both online and in person—as well as participation from special interest groups, the utility, and other intervenors. Our goal was to ensure a transparent and equitable process, providing every party with a fair opportunity to present data and evidence. The Commission extends its sincere thanks to all who contributed and looks forward to continuing its work in service to the people of Montana,” PSC executive director Alana Lake said.
NorthWestern Energy implemented a temporary rate hike last month. According to the PSC, “Temporary rate increases will remain in effect unless NWE files tariffs to revise its self-implemented rates prior to a final decision by the Commission.”
NorthWestern said they recognize the challenges increasing energy bills pose for Montana families, saying, “We’ve worked diligently to minimize the impact of this rate adjustment while continuing to make the critical investments necessary to ensure reliable service and long-term energy security.”