PSC votes to lower NorthWestern Energy's electricity rates

The typical NorthWestern Energy residential customer will see a $7.96 decrease in their monthly electricity bill following the Montana Public Service Commission's decision to adopt a temporary rate structure.

Last week, commissioners authorized the 7.2% rate decrease at the recommendation of PSC staff, who determined that falling natural gas prices and a shifting regional energy market are working in electricity consumers' favor.

The PSC is the elected utility board tasked with balancing the financial health of monopoly utilities with the concerns of their customers, who cannot shop around for...