Montana lawmakers discuss changing Public Service Commission from elected to appointed…
What happened
State Senator Gayle Lammers discussed legislation aimed at changing how the Public Service Commission is formed, moving from an elected to an appointed membership. Lammers served on the Energy and Technology Interim Committee, which approved a plan for draft bill LC0500. The legislation would create a nomination committee that forwards candidates to the governor for appointment, subject to Senate confirmation.
Why it matters
The Public Service Commission regulates monopoly utilities, such as NorthWestern Energy. The proposed change would fundamentally alter the structure of this regulatory agency. The PSC is currently composed of five commissioners elected by district.
State lawmakers in Montana are preparing for the upcoming legislative session.
Who's involved
- Gayle LammersState Senator discussing legislation to change the Public Service Commission's formation.
- Brad MolnarPolitician who served on the interim committee with Gayle Lammers.
- Public Service CommissionAgency that regulates monopoly utilities like NorthWestern Energy.
- NorthWestern EnergyMonopoly utility company regulated by the Public Service Commission.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- NorthWestern EnergySpeculative
NorthWestern Energy might see changes in regulatory oversight if the Public Service Commission shifts to an appointed structure.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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Gayle Lammers
American politician
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Brad Molnar
American politician
Nothing else this week.
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Montana
city in Montana municipality, Montana oblast, Bulgaria