Public Service Commission’ (PSC) 

The PSC is a group of elected officials whose job is to balance the needs of the investor-owned monopoly with the needs of the public.  Unfortunately the PSC is subjected to the intense lobbying efforts of the fossil fuel industry and NWE, and has repeatedly ruled in their favor. Most recently they passed a 28% rate increase for Montana families (but did not increase rates for big businesses like Walmart) despite overwhelming public opposition.  A recent legislative audit of the PSC found that instead of protecting consumers, they are plagued by misconduct, anti-renewable deceit, and unethical behavior.