Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - The news that NorthWestern Energy increased the cost of electricity to Montana customers by nearly 17 percent without first notifying the Montana Public Service Commission came as a shock to everyone, especially Brad Molnar, president of the commission.

“Normally, all rates are okayed by the Public Service Commission after a fairly extensive fact-finding and discovery process by various interveners; the Montana Consumer Council, on the side of consumers; NorthWestern presenting their position and others that are affected presenting theirs,” began Molnar. “In this case, there were about 17 interveners, including the Air Force and Wal-Mart. So this is a really, really big case."

PSC Will Hear About Northwestern Energy's

Molnar said the surprise increase in electricity rates will deeply affect Montana customers.

“If you are like me, and your heat comes from natural gas, and your hot water is natural gas heated, and you have electricity for your lights and your TV, it will be an increase, but it's not going to be a slam,” began Molnar. “If, however, you're all electric, and we're going into the cooling season when people turn on the air conditioners, it could be hundreds of dollars a month. If you also have electric heating, as we go into the winter months, it'll be a lot of money for you.”

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Molnar pointed out the avalanche of cost increases that Montana residents will be facing.

Molnar Pointed out the Many Increasing Costs Facing Montanans

“They're already paying more in property taxes,” he said. “They're already paying more for home insurance, already paying more for car insurance, already paying more for groceries. They're already paying more for utilities from a rate increase from two years ago, and here comes another one. At some point, some people's resources will not be sufficient to cover it. The federal government just reduced LIAP (Low Income Assistance Program) to help low-income people with their energy bills by 60 percent, so there will be a lot of people applying for money that's not there.”

The Initial Hearing Before the Public Service Commission Will be Monday, June 9

The initial hearing before the Montana Public Service Commission will be this Monday, June 9, and Molnar provided a pathway for NorthWestern Energy Customers to voice their complaints.

“You can call or email is the most common way,” he said. The email address is mtpsc help@mt.gov, and you can make a statement, and if you ask for your commissioner to call you back, that information will be given to the commissioner for you.”

The increase for most customers could be over $200 per year.

JoDee Black, NorthWestern Energy Spokesperson, sent this message to KGVO on Friday.

Thank you for letting us know that PSC President Brad Molar was appearing on Talk Back today. NorthWestern Energy is looking forward to presenting our request for a regulatory rate review fully and transparently when the hearing begins on Monday, June 9.

Click here to listen to the entire conversation with Public Service Commission President Brad Molnar on Talk Back.

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