FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2024

Gov. Schweitzer calls for strong PSC candidates

(BILLINGS, Mont.) – In a live virtual discussion hosted by Montana Conservation Voters (MCV), former Governor Brian Schweitzer called on Montanans who are interested in holding power utilities accountable to serving ratepayers to run for seats on the Montana Public Service Commission.

The comments came during the public virtual event, “Unraveling the PSC,” about the role of the Public Service Commission in shaping Montana’s energy policy. Gov. Schweitzer was joined on the virtual event by former PSC Commissioner Tom Schneider and MCV Executive Director Whitney Tawney.

“Democrat or Republican, we need candidates who will ask the tough questions,” said Gov. Schweitzer during the event, adding that the current roster of commissioners have “failed us.” Commissioner Schneider, who recently published an op-ed in the Billings Gazette about the PSC, concurred with Gov. Schweitzer’s assessment, citing the PSC’s approval of NorthWestern Energy’s recent 28% rate hike.

Energy expertise isn’t necessarily critical to the role, the virtual event participants pointed out, citing various resources for candidates with limited energy policy backgrounds but with a strong commitment to making sure utilities aren’t spending ratepayer money unnecessarily, and to creating programs that can help households and businesses save money, like time-of-use metering.

The filing deadline to run for a PSC seat is March 11, 2024. MCV plans to make PSC endorsements later in the election cycle. Learn more about MCV’s PSC work by visiting mtvoters.org/psc and watch the recording HERE.