John Hines: Northwestern Energy, prices
NorthWestern Energy always works to protect our customers from energy market price spikes to keep rates as affordable as possible while maintaining reliable energy service.
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NorthWestern Energy always works to protect our customers from energy market price spikes to keep rates as affordable as possible while maintaining reliable energy service.
Two notable events just occurred in Montana: the Public Service Commission’s blessing of NorthWestern Corporation’s 28% rate hike; and extreme cold.
The NorthWestern Energy rate hike that the Montana Public Service Commission adopted in October will stand following a decision from the commission this week.
Three winters after NorthWestern gained tools to manage high energy prices, records show it hasn’t pulled the trigger. What NorthWestern Energy has done is use the sticker shock of high market prices during periods of bitter cold as a selling point for power plants fueled by coal and natural gas, that increasingly face regulatory challenges and consumer disapproval. Including during the polar vortex
Public arrests, fake press releases, in-office bullying, campaign violations and an email spying scandal are just a few of the instances that have attracted unwanted attention to the all-Republican commission.