Montana PSC approves GDS Associates to review Northwestern Energy's 2026 IRP after unanimous vote

HELENA, Mont.

The Montana Public Service Commission voted unanimously (5-0) on April 21 to approve GDS Associates as the commission-recommended consultant to evaluate Northwestern Energy's 2026 integrated resource plan (IRP) and authorized staff to execute a contract under the RFP process.

Hailey Gobert, an analyst in the commission's regulatory division, told commissioners the RFP was issued Feb. 20, responses were initially due March 16 and the deadline was extended to March 31 after some vendors did not receive notice. Two proposals were received; an evaluation committee composed of Will Brozkowitz, Mike Dalton and Gobert separately scored and then reached a consensus and recommended GDS Associates as the preferred consultant. Gobert said staff believes GDS has the qualifications to perform the scope of work and provide an independent evaluation of Northwestern Energy's IRP.

The commission discussed staff's review and asked about the qualifications of the personnel who would do the work. Gobert said the proposal identified primary contacts and supporting staff and that the committee evaluated those personnel against the RFP criteria and found them qualified.

A motion to approve the selection of GDS Associates was made and recorded in the meeting; the motion was announced in the record as moved by Commissioner Panucci and seconded by Commissioner Bukacek, and the commission approved the motion 5-0.

During the public comment period before the vote, Ava Gross of Bozeman urged the commission to change incentives in the traditional cost-of-service regulatory model. Gross said the model "rewards building capital intensive projects that earn a guaranteed rate of return," cited a $45,000,000 overrun at the Laurel plant and expressed concern about what she described as redacted letters of intent for about 14 potential data center deals that could greatly increase statewide energy demand. She urged the commission to initiate a pilot tying a portion of Northwestern Energy's allowed revenue to measurable performance metrics such as emissions reductions, energy efficiency, demand reduction and integration of renewable resources, and asked for clearer, plain-language explanations in major filings so Montanans can understand how utility choices affect bills and the environment.

Gobert told the commission that, despite limited responses to the RFP, staff concluded GDS is qualified to perform an independent evaluation of the IRP and recommended authorizing execution of a contract pursuant to the RFP. Commissioners voiced support for the staff evaluation process during discussion.

Other routine business included adoption of the minutes from the April 13, 2026 meeting by unanimous vote. The commission adjourned at 3:12 p.m. and noted the next business meeting will follow the commission's usual weekly schedule.

The commission referenced state procurement guidelines and the commission-initiated RFP during the discussion; the record shows two proposals were received and that GDS Associates was selected by the evaluation committee.