Chris Puyear News Today

Montana is at risk of falling behind regional planning efforts when it comes to power if it fails to plan for energy future.

Montana is still feeling the effects of energy deregulation — the “worst policy decision in the history of the state” — and it’s at risk of falling behind regional planning efforts when it comes to power.

At issue is the proposed return of the “preapproval statute,” earlier declared unconstitutional by a state court because it was a privilege only afforded to NorthWestern Energy.

Witnesses concerned about handing NorthWestern Energy monopoly rights over construction said the bill would short circuit competitive bidding and lead to higher prices.

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