Tell the Montana Consumer Counsel: No More Rate Hikes for Montanans!
NorthWestern Energy is pushing for another massive electricity rate hike to cover the costs of its expensive and polluting fossil fuel projects. If approved, this would further burden Montana families and small businesses, who already pay some of the highest electricity rates in the region — and the fourth-highest energy costs in the nation.
Act Now: The Montana Consumer Counsel (MCC) Must Reject This Deal!
By March 24, 2025, intervening parties will decide whether to settle NorthWestern’s request for a 26% base rate increase. The MCC previously agreed to a settlement in 2023, leading to a 28% rate hike for residential customers. The Public Service Commission (PSC) used this as justification to approve the increase, and NorthWestern is hoping to repeat history.
The March 24 deadline is rapidly approaching for intervening parties to decide on a settlement in the rate case. Now is the time to urge the Montana Consumer Counsel (MCC) to reject any deal that raises rates for residential and small business customers already struggling with skyrocketing electricity costs.
These settlements aren’t mandatory, but they often dictate the outcome of rate cases—where intervening parties negotiate behind closed doors, prioritizing their own interests while leaving everyday Montanans out of the conversation.
Why This Matters
NorthWestern wants to pass on over $2.3 billion in costs for its methane gas plant near Laurel. It’s seeking a blank check to charge customers for undisclosed future investmentsin the Colstrip coal plant — potentially adding billions more to customer bills. Colstrip is unreliable, running only half the time we need it — yet NorthWestern wants customers to keep footing the bill. NorthWestern profits from these costly investments while avoiding less expensive, cleaner alternatives like wind, solar, and storage.
Take Action Today!
Tell the MCC to reject any settlement that raises rates for Montana’s families and small businesses.
Call or Email:
— Jason Brown, Consumer Counsel – (406) 444-2771 | [email protected]
— Paul Schulz, Rate Analyst – (406) 444-9749 | [email protected]
Montanans can’t afford another backroom deal that sells out the people for NorthWestern’s profit. The MCC must stand up for consumers — not cave to a monopoly utility.
NorthWestern Energy is pushing for another massive electricity rate hike to cover the costs of its expensive and polluting fossil fuel projects. If approved, this would further burden Montana families and small businesses, who already pay some of the highest electricity rates in the region — and the fourth-highest energy costs in the nation.
Act Now: The Montana Consumer Counsel (MCC) Must Reject This Deal!
By March 24, 2025, intervening parties will decide whether to settle NorthWestern’s request for a 26% base rate increase. The MCC previously agreed to a settlement in 2023, leading to a 28% rate hike for residential customers. The Public Service Commission (PSC) used this as justification to approve the increase, and NorthWestern is hoping to repeat history.
The March 24 deadline is rapidly approaching for intervening parties to decide on a settlement in the rate case. Now is the time to urge the Montana Consumer Counsel (MCC) to reject any deal that raises rates for residential and small business customers already struggling with skyrocketing electricity costs.
These settlements aren’t mandatory, but they often dictate the outcome of rate cases—where intervening parties negotiate behind closed doors, prioritizing their own interests while leaving everyday Montanans out of the conversation.
Why This Matters
NorthWestern wants to pass on over $2.3 billion in costs for its methane gas plant near Laurel. It’s seeking a blank check to charge customers for undisclosed future investmentsin the Colstrip coal plant — potentially adding billions more to customer bills. Colstrip is unreliable, running only half the time we need it — yet NorthWestern wants customers to keep footing the bill. NorthWestern profits from these costly investments while avoiding less expensive, cleaner alternatives like wind, solar, and storage.
Take Action Today!
Tell the MCC to reject any settlement that raises rates for Montana’s families and small businesses.
Call or Email:
— Jason Brown, Consumer Counsel – (406) 444-2771 | [email protected]
— Paul Schulz, Rate Analyst – (406) 444-9749 | [email protected]
Montanans can’t afford another backroom deal that sells out the people for NorthWestern’s profit. The MCC must stand up for consumers — not cave to a monopoly utility.