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Commenters warn data-center letters of intent could shift costs to Montana ratepayers
Summary
Speakers told the PSC that redacted data-center agreements and modeled high-load scenarios (up to 1,400 MW of new demand) could lead to infrastructure costs being shifted onto residential customers unless the IRP is rewritten and safeguards applied.
Multiple commenters said data-center buildouts are a principal driver of Northwestern Energy's proposed resource trajectory and that the IRP hides details behind redactions. Will Swearengen of Bozeman said Northwestern's letters of intent could represent up to 1,400 megawatts of new load, "nearly double" the company's current roughly 760 MW, and urged the PSC to require the utility to model both with and without data centers so cost-shifting becomes visible.
Several speakers also urged a large-load tariff or other protections so new industrial users do not shift infrastructure costs to existing customers; commenters argued the commission should demand Northwestern disclose or un-redact relevant agreements so staff can accurately assess the fiscal impacts.
