Reining in Utility Costs

AARP Montana helped score a major victory for consumers in the 2017 legislative session. A new state law repeals a rule that allowed NorthWestern Energy to pass electricity supply costs on to consumers, with no limits on such things as consulting fees and travel expenses. The change gives the Montana Public Service Commission the authority to control these costs.

The AARP state office worked throughout the session to drive grassroots messages from advocacy volunteers to elected officials, urging them to pass the bill.

“This legislation has the potential to save Montana families millions of dollars,” said Tim Summers, AARP Montana state director. “It is one more step toward more affordable energy costs for the those who rely on NorthWestern Energy for their energy needs.”