PSC to Hold 19 Listening Sessions on NorthWestern’s Proposed Dam Purchases

HELENA – NorthWestern Energy’s application to purchase PPL Montana’s 11 hydroelectric generating facilities in the state is currently before the Public Service Commission and the PSC wants to hear the comments, questions, and concerns of local Montanans regarding the purchase. The PSC will hold 19 listening sessions throughout the state, beginning in Havre on April 8th and wrapping up with a final listening session at the PSC offices on May 20th in Helena. Both NorthWestern Energy and the Montana Consumer Counsel have been invited to participate in the listening sessions to provide further information to the public.

"We welcome and encourage the public to come to our 19 listening sessions in communities throughout Montana and make their viewpoints known to the Commission," said PSC Vice-Chair Bob Lake. "This potential purchase could have a profound effect on Montana’s energy future and the Public Service Commission wants to ensure that citizens have ample opportunity to offer their input and opinions."

If individuals are unable to make it to one of these 19 listening sessions throughout the state, they are encouraged to submit their questions or comments to the PSC through mail, email, telephone, or fax. Submission information can be found at psc.mt.gov.

The dates and communities where the listening sessions will occur are listed below. Venue locations for each community will be announced locally when they are finalized.

4/9 Havre

4/10 Glasgow

4/14 Lewistown

4/15 Bozeman

4/16 Livingston

4/17 Billings

4/21 Hardin

4/23 Shelby

4/28 Butte

4/29 Anaconda

5/6 Polson

5/7 Superior

5/8 Missoula

5/9 Stevensville

5/9 Hamilton

5/13 Boulder

5/14 Roundup

5/15 Great Falls

5/20 Helena

For more information, visit psc.mt.gov or contact PSC Communications Director Chris Shipp at (406) 444‐6171. Follow the PSC at Twitter.com/MT_PSC or visit Facebook.com/MontanaPSC.