Montana PSC to Discuss Possible Mountain Water Rate Drop

The Montana Public Service Commission will be meeting in Missoula in early May to discuss Mountain Water Company rates, Public Service Commission spokesman Eric Sell explains.

"We're going to have a hearing in Missoula on May 3rd and 4th," said Sell. "That is part of our investigation into Mountain Water's rates under the new owner Liberty Utilities. You might recall, Liberty and Carlyle went forward with selling the utility without the PSC's approval. Now we're taking a look at their rates to make sure they are just and reasonable under the new owner."

Sell says that there is a good chance that these hearings lead to a drop in rates.

"The issues that we're looking at is based off testimony filed by and expert witness with the Montana Consumer Counsel, who stated that Liberty Utilities cost of capitol is less that Carlyle's was," Sell said. "That could potentially be reflected in to rates if that were the case, and that could potentially reduce the rates for Mountain Water rate payers."

The hearings are free and open to the public. The PSC will meet on May 3rd  and 4th at the Guest House Inn, at around 9:00 a.m. each morning.