Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Proposal to reshape Montana Public Service Commission draws sharp debate over rates and accountability
Summary
Representative Larry Brewster’s HB 363 would change the PSC to three appointed and two elected commissioners, create congressional-district seats and lengthen terms; business groups backed the measure while current PSC leaders, consumer advocates and former commissioners warned it risks higher rates and gives utilities too much influence.
Representative Larry Brewster, sponsor and Republican from House District 43, presented House Bill 363 to the House Energy Committee, proposing a hybrid composition for the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC): three appointed commissioners confirmed by the Senate and two elected commissioners representing congressional districts. The bill also proposes six-year terms, a transition plan for current commissioners and a process for governor appointment with Senate confirmation.
Brewster said the measure aims to add experience and business and financial expertise to the PSC, arguing that long-term infrastructure and generation investments require technical understanding. "I start the bill, then you guys own it," he told committee members, adding he viewed the draft as a template to be refined…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
