The Public Service Commission will begin a rate case hearing regarding NorthWestern Energy's (NWE) requested 20% rate increase on June 9th.
NorthWestern Energy wants to increase your energy bills, again. During the upcoming hearing, the Public Service Commission (PSC), which regulates our monopoly utility companies, will analyze all available information to determine whether to grant the 20% increase or not. It is crucial that the PSC hears from Montanans across the state who will be impacted by the 20% rate increase to best inform their decision-making.
The current request includes over $2.3 billion in lifetime costs for its newly constructed Yellowstone County Generation Station (YCGS) near Laurel, 9.65% return on equity, and $11.6 million for recent investments in the Colstrip coal power plant. If approved, the average residential customer will see an increase of as much as $128.77 per year just for the costs associated with the YCGS.
In 2023, NorthWestern Energy was granted a massive (28%) rate increase. So long as NWE continues to make excessive profits with these outrageous rate requests, they will continue to be disincentivized to diversify their energy sources and invest in more wind, solar, and storage. Montanans already have the fourth highest energy costs in the country. The PSC is our greatest chance at stopping this out of control monopoly and protecting Montanans' futures. Use your voice to stop the rate increase!
This short survey provides information on two different ways to engage: Testifying, and Providing Public Comment. We hope you can join the fight!
