Advocates criticize Northwestern Energy rate hikes, call for PSC reform

Anne Hedges criticized what she described as weak oversight of Northwestern Energy and said the company's actions have contributed to rising rates.

"Status quo, Northwestern Energy has been allowed by the public service commission to increase rates by 85% since we reregulated the state," Hedges said, and later cited a 44% increase since mid-2022. She argued the legislature should set parameters for how large loads (including data centers) are charged so residential customers do not absorb costs.

Hedges also criticized the Public Service Commission's appointments and districting, arguing the board meets infrequently, may lack staff with energy-law expertise, and that redistricting and an appointment process under consideration would not address the underlying problems. She called for PSC disclosure of likely rate impacts before votes and for performance-based ratemaking studies.