Interpersonal tensions within Montana’s Public Service Commission (PSC) intensified recently with an unprecedented move to oust its president, Brad Molnar. The PSC is responsible for balancing the interests of monopoly utilities and their customers, who have no other service options. All current members, elected by district, are Republicans. The commission has been plagued by political infighting, staff turnover, and financial mismanagement, leading to $330,000 in settlements over wrongful termination and privacy violations.
Vice President Jennifer Fielder has asked Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte to place Molnar on leave, pending an investigation of his conduct. Molnar has resisted the allegations, claiming the investigation is an attempt to push him out for his criticism of the agency’s secretive operations, which he argues harm utility ratepayers. At a recent PSC meeting, he criticized the decision to spend $10,000 on the inquiry, likening it to overturning an election.
Fielder, part of the response team addressing workplace misconduct, wrote to Gianforte on August 20, asserting Molnar’s presence impedes the investigation. Public Service Commission Executive Director Alana Lake accused Molnar of threatening retaliation and mischaracterizing events to avoid scrutiny. She described the investigation’s portrayal as a political tool against him as “skillful political theater.”
Newly elected Commissioner Jeff Welborn presided over the heated meeting where staff detailed challenging conditions under Molnar and public commenters defended his rights. Commissioner Randy Pinocci supported Molnar’s failed attempt to retract Fielder’s letter, questioning its timing with a proposed $3.6 billion merger between NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills Corp. The motion was defeated 3-2 by Commissioners Welborn, Fielder, and Annie Bukacek.
According to state district court Judge Mike Menahan, the ouster amounted to an “election nullification,” citing procedural violations in the PSC’s policy. The PSC’s upcoming decisions include reviewing NorthWestern’s rate hike request and overseeing the merger, amidst the controversy. Molnar argues the investigation lacks “good cause” for official misconduct claims and says the commission avoids crafting its rate structures in favor of settling with large customers. The PSC is expected to rule on NorthWestern’s rate hike request and address its power generation strategies this fall.
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