"NorthWestern Energy Rate Hikes Approved by Multiple Public Service Commissions"

The Public Service Commission has approved a new rate structure for NorthWestern Energy, Montana's largest monopoly utility, despite opposition from the public. Residential customers will see a 28% increase in bills compared to August 2022, or an 8% increase since the interim rate increase approved last fall. Critics argue that the rate increase will be devastating for many consumers, particularly older Montanans on fixed incomes. The approved rate changes are expected to increase NorthWestern's electricity-related revenue by $82 million and its natural gas revenue by $18 million.