Public Service Commission
WTF is the PSC?
The Public Service Commission (PSC) is one of Montana’s smallest state agencies with authority to make some of our state’s biggest climate action decisions. Many of us don’t even know what the PSC is, let alone the scale and scope of the decisions the PSC makes. If you care about climate action, dread paying your monthly utility bill (even after splitting it between roommates), or want the freedom and financial support to use solar panels to generate your own energy, then you should #GiveAShit about the PSC.
PSC, District 2
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Susan Bilo (D)
Endorsements
- Montana Conservation Voters
Do you support a diverse energy grid (renewables, coal, gas, etc)?
Yes
Do you support committing to help workers in non-renewable energy transition to jobs in green energy?
Yes
How will you work with all industries, from coal to renewables, to ensure a clean energy future for Montanans in keeping with our constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment?
I'll work with the PSC, Governor, and Legislators to proactively clean-up existing fossil fuel power plants and eventually transition communities away from fossil fuel-dependent economies. I will develop qualifying facility contract terms that are fair and reasonable to attract companies that want to build renewable energy power plants in Montana. I'll push for grid expansion to support the export and purchase of more renewable energy.
How will you keep energy monopolies in check to protect Montanans from substantial rate increases?
By proactively planning and adhering to long-term energy resource plans that steer Montana toward an affordable, reliable, and clean energy transition. I will vote NO to rate hikes when efficiency and more affordable options have not been given fair consideration. I'll support Montana's participation in the Western Regional Grid to allow the purchase of cleaner, cheaper electricity and keep Montana as a top energy exporter.
Brad Molnar (R)
Endorsements
- Cap Montana Property Taxes
- AFLCIO
Do you support a diverse energy grid (renewables, coal, gas, etc)?
Yes
Do you support committing to help workers in non-renewable energy transition to jobs in green energy?
Yes
How will you work with all industries, from coal to renewables, to ensure a clean energy future for Montanans in keeping with our constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment?
A "clean and healthful environment" is part of the sentence fragment that includes "pursuing lifes basic necessities". My job is to bring the necessary balance so the rights of all are recognized.
How will you keep energy monopolies in check to protect Montanans from substantial rate increases?
By ferreting out false and misleading statements in the applications and rebuttals. This requires making the PSC my only full-time job. To many use it for a full-time income while actually being a "ghost commissioner" phoning in their votes while working their "real" job. I have an eight-year record of holding the utilities responsible be they high capacity or renewables. I don't play favorites as they are intertwined.
PSC, District 3
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Leonard “Lenny” Williams (D)
Leonard “Lenny” Williams did not respond to our questionnaire.
Jeff Welborn (R)
Jeff Welborn did not respond to our questionnaire.
PSC, District 4
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Jennifer Fielder (R)
Jennifer Fielder did not respond to our questionnaire.
Elena Evans (I)
Endorsements
- Montana Conservation Voters
- AFL-CIO
- MFPE
Do you support a diverse energy grid (renewables, coal, gas, etc)?
Yes
Do you support committing to help workers in non-renewable energy transition to jobs in green energy?
Yes
How will you work with all industries, from coal to renewables, to ensure a clean energy future for Montanans in keeping with our constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment?
As an elected official, it’s important to uphold our constitution and set the stage for the next generation. At the Montana Association of Conservation Districts, I worked across the state and across interests to put common sense conservation on the ground. At the PSC, I will have open and transparent conversations and meetings with all parties. Together, Montanans can figure out any problem and set our state up for success.
How will you keep energy monopolies in check to protect Montanans from substantial rate increases?
It is the job of the PSC to ensure that customers have reliable, sustainable and affordable utility services. The current PSC is not doing their job and rubber stamping rate hikes. I would ask the hard questions necessary to hold utility’s accountable for rate hikes associated with items outside of long term plans. If bad decisions are made, the burden should not be squarely on the shoulders of ratepayers.