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Montana PSC holds public hearing on Northwestern Energy 2026 IRP; public comments urge stronger climate modeling and more renewables
Summary
At a July 21 public meeting in Helena, the Montana Public Service Commission heard hours of oral comments on Northwestern Energy’s 2026 IRP; speakers urged the commission to require better climate modeling, prioritize wind/solar/storage, and increase transparency about data center agreements. The PSC will accept written comments through July 28, 2026.
The Montana Public Service Commission convened a public meeting at 6:03 p.m. on July 21, 2026, to take oral comment on Northwestern Energy’s 2026 Integrated Resource Plan (docket 2026.04.026). Chair Dr. Annie Bugachek presided and reminded attendees that the commission may review and comment on IRPs but does not have statutory authority to approve or reject them.
Amanda Webster, the commission’s chief legal counsel, summarized the legal framework for IRPs, telling the room that utilities must file long-range plans at least every three years and that the plan must evaluate alternatives, forecast demand, and document data and assumptions. Webster also noted a near-term winter 2027 capacity need described in Northwestern’s plan and announced the July 28, 2026 written-comment deadline. "If the utility's plan meets the established minimum filing requirements, Montana law does not give the commission the authority to formally reject the utility's plan," Webster said.
Speakers from across Montana urged the PSC to push Northwestern to model climate impacts in its planning and to give greater weight to wind, solar, and battery storage rather than new fossil plants or speculative nuclear projects. Many also pressed the commission to increase transparency around potential data center contracts and to hold hearings beyond Helena so more Montanans can participate. The commission adjourned at 6:47 p.m. and reiterated submission instructions for written comments.
