NorthWestern Energy rates to increase in Montana - NBC Montana
NorthWestern Energy rates to increase in Montana | KECI
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HELENA, Mont. — Starting next month, thousands of residential NorthWestern Energy customers, on average, will dish out an additional $3.50 per month on their electric bill.
The Montana Public Service Commission voted unanimously to approve the overall increase.
“It’s not because the Commission decided to single out residential customers for a high increase,” said Montana PSC President James Brown. “It’s because it’s what the evidence and argument in this matter otherwise support.”
Commissioners said they have a responsibility to utility companies to let them recover their expenses.
During the meeting it was stated this is an attempt to recoup costs for NorthWestern Energy.
Commissioner Randy Pinocci asked if the higher costs would go to improving powerlines or add power plants in the state. Those questions were said to go beyond the scope of the meeting.
“I’m under a lot of pressure here because I vote against rate increases more than anyone I know,” Pinocci said. “I’m having a lot of people telling me not to do this and I’m trying to justify why I think the rate increase needs to happen.”
With this change, the average natural gas customer will see a drop of $8.74 per energy bill.
PSC legal counsel Lucas Hamilton said these figures are estimates, with an assumed usage of 750kWh and 65 therms and will not be the same for all customers.
According to a 2020 report by NorthWestern Energy, there are 379,400 electric customers and 201,500 natural gas customers throughout the Treasure State.
NBC Montana reached out to NorthWestern Energy for comment but did not receive a response.
The rates will be effective starting Nov. 1.
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