northwestern energy

Montanans want legislators to make sure the Montana Consumer Counsel looks out for families and small business customers of NorthWestern Energy as the utility asks for yet another rate increase.

Critics say the utility relies too heavily on energy sources that are both more costly to customers and more polluting, and it could use more affordable and cleaner options.

CEO Brian Bird writes, "Some statements being made this campaign season about NorthWestern Energy and Montana property taxes are flat out wrong and misleading."

Peter Burns writes, "The utility's actions dictate its reputation, and its current actions regarding public health air quality protections are reprehensible."

NorthWestern still hadn’t adequately explained its “cost of service” studies, or how it allocates costs among different types of customers, such as residential or businesses, regulators said at their meeting Tuesday.

NorthWestern Energy said in a recent letter it is “essential” for the utility to be able to close advisory meetings that are technical in nature, and it also said its technical advisors represent varying interests as required by law.

Officials with the power company have argued repeatedly that they’ve had to raise residential power rates because those rates have been subsidized by larger industrial and commercial carriers.

NorthWestern Energy said it is “under earning” and needs more money from customers, but the Montana Public Service Commission said Tuesday the materials it filed fail to meet the minimum standards to make the case.

The Montana Public Service Commission voted unanimously this week to ask NorthWestern Energy to address allegations it selected members of an advisory committee contrary to state statute and has held meetings closed to the public.

NorthWestern Energy argues that Montana needs the reliable baseload power that Colstrip provides to meet growing demand, supplemented by growing wind and solar energy on the grid.