Keila Szpaller

(Daily Montanan) NorthWestern Energy electric customers will pay another $17.07 a month on average on their electric bills compared to their current payments with a rate increase the utility instated without regulatory approval.

The increase is legal, but it’s also the first time the monopoly has taken advantage of a statute that allows it to impose a new rate after an application has been pending, said Public Service Commission President Brad Molnar.

“We’re not allowed to stop it,” Molnar said this week.

The Public Service Commission regulates monopoly utilities, and in July 2024, NorthWestern Energy filed an application with the agency requesting rate increases. A hearing will start on Monday, June 9.

However, Molnar said a statute adopted nearly 50 years ago gives No

See Full Page