Listen, I think about NorthWestern Energy (NWE), our state’s primary utility provider, too much. Maybe it’s because I’m a diehard environmentalist (yeah yeah, I care about the planet and everything on it, sue me). Maybe it’s because I just want to live in a society that prioritizes people over profit. Whatever I know for sure is that we’re at a critical juncture both globally and here in Montana, where we’re confronting the realities of climate change and how it’s reshaping our landscapes. This is my generation’s defining issue, and how we move forward will shape the trajectory of future generations to come. NorthWestern Energy is a huge player in this field
Despite global consensus that we need to rapidly decrease fossil fuel production and consumption, NWE continues to expand their fossil fuel infrastructure.
You can see this regressive ideology through their newly constructed 175 MW gas plant in Laurel and increased ownership of Colstrip coal-fired plants, acquired after investors deemed them unsustainable. What’s worse, NWE’s CEO, Brian Bird, is aware of this lopsided thinking, explicitly acknowledging that he may be the only utility in the country actively concentrating on acquiring more coal in his portfolio.
By clinging to outdated fossil fuel infrastructure, NWE jeopardizes the environment, public health, and leaves us vulnerable to market shocks. Fossil fuel infrastructure is also increasingly subjected to rising rates and increased regulation, both at a federal and a state level. Coal-fired power plants for example, cost one-third more to operate than renewable energy sources. Most Montanans are captive ratepayers of NWE, and we shoulder this cost that supports outdated, expensive, and harmful systems.
So how is NWE getting away with this? A closer look reveals that our Public Service Commission (PSC), tasked with monitoring public utility companies in the state, has been falling short of its mission to ensure affordable, reliable, and sustainable services for ratepayers. With broad oversight authority over Montana utilities, the PSC’s decisions impact our climate greatly. If the PSC were to abide by their mission, they would no doubt have to push back against recent actions, like the 28% rate increase and continued expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure.
Both the PSC and NWE’s short-sightedness is also evident in their failure to leverage legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure and Investments Jobs Act, which offered significant funding for utility companies. While utility regulators like the PSC and utility companies nationwide actively engaged in processes to leverage this funding, our PSC and utility company have so far remained inactive. This contrast, compared to states like Minnesota, Michigan, Nevada, Missouri, North Dakota, North Carolina, the District of Columbia, Maryland, South Carolina, and more, not only represents a missed opportunity but also demonstrates a disregard for Montana’s constituents and ratepayers.
In summary, I’m frustrated. Frustrated that our utility company persists in prioritizing fossil fuels and that their CEO, who makes 40x more than hardworking Montanans, is heading the opposite direction of other utilities. I’m frustrated that the PSC is neglecting its duty, failing to confront
NWE and consider global implications. I’m frustrated that ratepayers are a second thought to profits, while elected officials prioritize support for these outdated and volatile systems over what’s best for our state. I’m frustrated at the lack of innovation, creativity, engagement with science and truth that is at play.
I’m also hopeful. I’m hopeful about our future because I know the work that people are putting in to change what has been into what could be. I’m hopeful because I see a noticeable shift in mindset among individuals who are questioning the status quo, particularly among the younger generation, who are eager to make transformative changes a reality. I’m also hopeful because 40+ Montana organizations and businesses recently submitted a petition to the PSC, urging them to adopt rules considering climate change in regulating Montana’s utilities, aligning with practices that are already in place in many states across the country.
Montanans deserve a utility company and PSC that prioritize affordable energy, environmental sustainability, and public well-being, fostering a future we can all be proud of. Learn more about the petition and how you can make your voice heard by visiting “sc.org/PSC”
You can also show up to weekly PSC meetings on Tuesdays at 9:30am (see https://psc.mt.gov/) to make your voice heard.
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