northwestern energy

NorthWestern Energy wants the Public Service Commission to throw out a complaint by a coalition of advocacy groups asking regulators to investigate the utility’s plans for data centers.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said a NorthWestern Energy subsidiary’s application to sell power from its soon-to-be-acquired Puget Sound Energy shares is “deficient” and called for more details about the deal.

NorthWestern Energy said a portion of the new Colstrip shares it will acquire on Jan. 1, 2026, will be transferred to a new subsidiary — one the utility said is not under the authority of the Public Service Commission.

NorthWestern Energy, the state’s largest public utility, is asking regulators to allow it to temporarily tap a credit for customers to help pay for an additional $18 million associated with buying more of the Colstrip plant.

Karen Kirk writes, "It’s time for Montana’s regulators to hold NWE accountable, restore the balance of power, and stop rewarding bad behavior."

Montana’s largest utility defended their request to raise electric and gas rates Monday, as the state’s utility regulators consider whether to sign off on the proposal.

NorthWestern said delays by regulators are hurting company, Public Service Commission president said utility to blame.

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."