The Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates investor-owned utilities and certain other services.
Who serves
The PSC has five commissioners, each elected from a district to a four-year term.
What it regulates
- Rates and service quality for investor-owned electric and natural-gas utilities, such as NorthWestern Energy and Montana-Dakota Utilities
- Some private water and sewer systems
- Certain telecommunications matters, pipeline safety, and some motor carriers
Rural electric cooperatives and city-owned utilities are generally governed by their own boards and are not rate-regulated by the PSC in the same way.
Rate cases
When a utility asks to raise rates, the PSC opens a docket. The Montana Consumer Counsel, a separate state office, represents consumers. The public can submit written comments and attend hearings.
Follow a case
Search docket filings on the PSC website and sign up for notices.
For more background, see our explainers on the Colstrip power plant, Montana wind power, and how the Montana Legislature works. Find more stories in our Politics & State Government section.
Sources
- Montana Public Service Commission: https://psc.mt.gov/
- Montana Consumer Counsel: https://leg.mt.gov/consumer-counsel/