Letter to the editor: Tell the PSC what you think

Few subjects are as unpalatable as a proposed utility rate hike. At this moment there is another rate increase being scrutinized by our Montana Public Service Commission. Utility rate increase requests are complicated. Montana’s Public Service Commission should be informing their public about several critical topics:

1) Utility justification for the proposed rate and any PSC perceived merits.

2) The public should understand the financial health of the utility bringing the proposal — and potential real consequences of the PSC ruling.

3) Especially important — The five Public Service Commissioners should explain to their voters in each district, what share of costs should be shouldered by investors in the Utility, and what share should be paid for by Utility customers. The actual rate increase should reflect only legitimate customer obligations. Customers should not pay for costs which should be the responsibility of utility shareholders.

Some facts:

1) There have been several recent, significant rate increases.

2) The immediate rate increase request is grounded in the cost of an already constructed natural gas generating plant in Laurel.

3) The utility has been profitable. Per Yahoo Finance: Normal annual operating income — 2021 to 2024 went from $ 275.7 million to $346 million.

Perhaps most important, the public should be informed as to what part of the proposed rate increase should be the responsibility of utility shareholders.

Please contact the Montana Public Service Commissioners immediately: (EMAIL NOW: before June 20). Tell them what you think: pschelp@mt.gov (Subject: Rate Hike: All Five Public Service Commissioners).

Jack O'Brien,

Butte