PSC approves NorthWestern Energy Rate Hike

After at least 20 commenters urged the Public Service Commission to deny an electricity and natural gas rate increase for Montana consumers, commissioners Wednesday approved a new NorthWestern Energy rate structure that will go into effect next month.

Residential customers will see a 28% increase in bills as compared to August 2022, or an 8% increase since the all-Republican commission approved an interim rate increase for Montana's largest monopoly utility last fall.

The new rate structure was unanimously approved by the five-member elected body tasked with balancing the interests of captive...