MPSC ANNOUNCES PUBLIC LISTENING SESSIONS ON NORTHWESTERN ENERGY’S 2026 RESOURCE PLAN

MPSC ANNOUNCES PUBLIC LISTENING SESSIONS ON NORTHWESTERN ENERGY’S 2026 RESOURCE PLAN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HELENA, MT – The Montana Public Service Commission (MPSC) invites the public to two Listening Sessions on NorthWestern Energy’s 2026 Integrated Resource Plan, filed May 4, 2026 (Docket 2026.04.026 consolidated with Docket 2025.05.038).

The plan looks at how NorthWestern will meet Montana electric customers’ needs over the next 20 years. NorthWestern says it has enough power today, but a shortage could begin in winter 2027 as contracts expire and demand grows. The plan does not yet name specific new power sources.

Listening Sessions will be held Tuesday, July 21, and Thursday, July 23, both at 6 p.m., in the Commission’s Bollinger Room, 1701 Prospect Avenue, Helena, and livestreamed at www.psc.mt.gov/livestream.

The Commission wants to hear public comments on the plan. These sessions are for comments only, not questions and answers. Speaking time may be limited depending on turnout. Those wishing to comment by telephone or videoconference must contact the Commission at 1‑800‑646‑6150 or pschelp@mt.gov by 5:00 p.m. on the day before the session at which they intend to comment, in order to receive remote participation instructions. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation to attend or participate in a Listening Session or to make public comment should contact the Commission. The full plan is on the Commission’s REDDI portal.

The Commission will continue to accept public comment on this docket through the July 28, 2026 public comment deadline. All comments received become part of the public record, and commenters are advised not to include personal or private information in their submissions.

A copy of NorthWestern Energy’s 2026 IRP is publicly available on the Commission’s online REDDI portal under Docket 2026.04.026, and interested persons may register on the Commission’s website to receive notice of filings in this docket (see psc.mt.gov/reddi-help and select “Join a Docket Watchlist”).NWE-IRP-Notice-Listening-Sessions.pdf