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PSC approves $0.33 monthly USB interim charge for Northwestern to cover 2026 programs
Summary
The Montana Public Service Commission approved an interim universal system benefits (USB) charge for Northwestern Corporation to recover roughly $3.6 million for 2026 programs, a change staff estimated will raise a typical residential bill by about 33 cents per month; the vote was unanimous.
The Montana Public Service Commission unanimously approved an interim universal system benefits (USB) charge for Northwestern Corporation on April 28 to take effect May 1.
Staff analyst Grant Fink told commissioners Northwestern's March 31 application (docket 2026.04.022) seeks a USB adjustment to generate approximately $3,600,000 to recover the 2026 program budget net of overcollections from prior years. Staff estimated the change would raise a typical residential bill (65 therms/month) by about 33 cents per month, a figure Vice President Fielder confirmed after an initial slip in the staff presentation.
Vice President Fielder and other commissioners described the USB as a nonbypassable, pass‑through charge intended to fund energy conservation, low‑income bill discounts, weatherization and emergency assistance. Commissioners noted the calculation is largely mechanical and governed by statute; staff said Northwestern provided program fact sheets and exhibits describing how funds are spent and that customers apply for low‑income discounts and weatherization assistance.
Vice President Fielder moved to approve the draft order setting the interim USB rate and to authorize nonsubstantive staff edits; Commissioner Bukacek seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Staff said the docket remains subject to data requests and further scrutiny as the application proceeds to final decision.
