Montana is still feeling the effects of energy deregulation — the “worst policy decision in the history of the state” — and it’s at risk of falling behind regional planning efforts when it comes to power.

That’s part of an update Montana Public Service Commission President Jim Brown gave this week to the legislative Energy and Telecommunications Interim Committee.

Brown discussed deregulation in the context of a request by NorthWestern Energy to separate its Montana assets from other assets — a request the Public Service Commission unanimously approved in February.

The PSC regulates monopoly utilities in Montana including NorthWestern Energy.