This story is produced by Montana Free Press/Mountain Journal in collaboration with Grist as part of the Report for America Local News Initiative.
The Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) significantly influences your daily life if you pay for utilities like electricity, water, or trash services. This crucial state office regulates monopoly companies, such as NorthWestern Energy, Montana’s largest utility. Five commissioners represent distinct districts, and the district map has previously faced scrutiny over possible gerrymandering.
The PSC’s current seats are partisan, with no Democratic commissioner since 2012. Upcoming elections will see two seats up for grabs. In District 5, Republican Commissioner Annie Bukacek is challenged by Democrat Kevin Hamm. Hamm criticizes the PSC’s handling of rising utility rates, advocating for better regulation of monopolies. Bukacek, facing resource constraints, did not comment by publication time.
Affordability is a major concern among voters, with an MTFP-Eagleton poll highlighting that 80% of registered voters consider cost of living important when voting. Hamm pledges strict oversight over utility rate hikes, arguing companies fail to prove value to Montana.
Meanwhile, District 1 sees Republican Jeff Pattison and Democrat Angeline Cheek competing for retiring Commissioner Randy Pinocci’s seat. Cheek is wary of approving new data centers before establishing clear regulations on their resource usage, while Pattison emphasizes the significant resources these centers require. Neither candidate responded to interview requests.
The PSC is also under pressure to incorporate climate impacts into their decision-making. Various groups are suing the PSC to address this issue after years without a response to their petition. The upcoming election could be pivotal, as Governor Greg Gianforte and some lawmakers propose appointing commissioners rather than electing them. Hamm opposes this, favoring direct elections.
The post Two PSC districts on Montana ballot: Meet the candidates appeared first on Montana Free Press.
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