PSC to Hold Hearing on NorthWestern Energy Rate Case
HELENA, Montana — The Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold an evidentiary hearing starting on June 9, 2025 at the Commission’s offices in Helena, to consider NorthWestern Energy’s request to increase electric and natural gas rates for Montana customers.
The hearing is a key step in a rate case that has garnered significant public interest and participation from numerous intervening parties, including the Montana Consumer Counsel, Montana Large Customer Group, University of Montana, Northern Cheyenne Tribe, Walmart, Montana Environmental Information Center, Renewable Northwest, Northwest Energy Coalition, Natural Resources Defense Council, and District XI Human Resource Council. The hearing will continue day-to-day, as necessary, and could take up to 10 business days.
At the outset of the case, intervenors raised concerns about the way NorthWestern and other parties had submitted settlement agreements in past cases, without accompanying written testimony or the opportunity for other non-settling parties to pose written questions. In response, the Commission issued a procedural order in the current case requiring a more rigorous process around settlements. This includes the submission of written testimony from settling parties and a chance for other intervenors to submit questions and testimony of their own. While this added process ensured transparency and fairness, it also extended the timeline of the case.
To allow adequate time to review settlements, the Commission set March 24, 2025, as the deadline for settlement filings. NorthWestern and four other parties, including the Montana Consumer Counsel, filed a timely settlement regarding NorthWestern’s natural gas rates. However, those parties also filed a late settlement regarding NorthWestern’s electric rates on April 14, 2025, more than three weeks past the deadline. As a result, the Commission postponed the originally scheduled April 22 hearing and rescheduled it to June 9, the earliest date all parties could reconvene.
Under Montana law (MCA § 69-3-302), if the PSC has not issued a final decision in a rate case after nine months, the utility may implement its originally requested rates on a temporary basis. In this case, NorthWestern self-implemented temporary rates on May 23, 2025.
The Commission is committed to thoroughly investigating NorthWestern’s original request and all settlement agreements. After a full review of the evidence and legal arguments, the Commission will determine just and reasonable rates for customers. If the final approved rates are lower than the temporary rates currently in effect, customers will receive refunds for any overcharges, including interest.
Event Details:
What: Montana PSC Hearing on NorthWestern Energy Rate Case
When: June 9, 2025, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The hearing will continue day-to-day, as necessary, through June 20, 2025.
Where: Montana Public Service Commission (Bollinger Hearing Room) 1701 Prospect Avenue, Helena, MT 59601
Public Participation: The PSC welcomes public comment. Public commenters are encouraged to sign up for comments in advance by emailing pschelp@mt.gov or by calling (800) 646-6150. Written comments may be sent via mail to 1701 Prospect Avenue, P.O. Box 202601, Helena, MT 59620, submitted electronically to pschelp@mt.gov, or registered through our REDDI portal. Instructions for submitting public comments in REDDI are available at psc.mt.gov/reddi-help (select “Submit a Public Comment”).
Media Inquiry: For media inquiries, please contact pscmedia@mt.gov.
About the Montana Public Service Commission
The Commission regulates private investor-owned natural gas, electric, telephone, water, and sewer companies, certain motor carriers, and oversees natural gas pipeline safety and intrastate railroad safety. The Commission works to ensure that Montanans receive safe and reliable service from regulated public utilities while paying reasonable rates. For more information, visit psc.mt.gov or contact the Commission at 1-800-646-6150. Follow the Commission at x.com/MT_PSC or visit facebook.com/MontanaPSC.
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