Two utility disputes drew frustration in Montana this week: residents said a Helena-area subdivision is still dealing with water shortages despite earlier regulatory action, and a separate NorthWestern Energy rate case that could affect monthly bills has yet to be resolved.
Here's what to know
At a recent meeting, people urged the Montana Public Service Commission to confront continuing water problems at the North Star subdivision near Helena and the stalled NorthWestern Energy rate proceeding, according to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.
Although the PSC approved a settlement with North Star's private utility owner in December 2025, state Senator Mary Ann Dunwell said residents in the 300-household development are still facing water supply issues.
The deal required that money be reserved for repairs and upgrades, and filings this year show that the required $15,000 was deposited into an account.
Dunwell said the water system still does not appear to be fixed.
She also objected to water restrictions and a proposed rate increase, saying, "I … understand the need to explore a rate increase, but a 30% decrease in allowed usage for a 300% price increase seems egregious."
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Anne Hedges of the Montana Environmental Information Center also criticized the PSC, saying that NorthWestern Energy's rate case, first filed in July 2024, is now 16 months behind schedule.
More background
Montana's PSC oversees monopoly utilities, so residents often have limited alternatives when water service or energy-rate issues remain unresolved.
A July filing by the utility operator said there were no deficiencies in water delivery the previous month, even though concerns about North Star's water supply date back to at least 2020.
Dunwell's comments suggested many residents still do not believe the matter has been resolved.
Hedges said the NorthWestern case has dragged well beyond the usual review period. She told the commission that a hearing was held 13 months earlier and a preliminary decision was issued in November, but the process has still been difficult to follow.
What's being done?
PSC spokesperson Michael Turner said the agency shares concerns about North Star.
He said the staff member monitoring the system has "deep concerns" and "has an aggressive plan developed" for the commission to consider.
Turner said Tuesday that the staff member could not provide additional details, but he expects action "soon."
Turner also said the commission is juggling other major matters, including the proposed NorthWestern Energy-Black Hills Corp. merger and fallout from Commissioner Brad Molnar's suspension after a misconduct investigation.
He said legal staff are working through the pending motions and that the commission "expects to rule on them during Q4 of 2026."
As Dunwell told commissioners, "What you do really affects people's lives and their quality of life."
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