Montana residents have seen their NorthWestern Energy bills rise by 12 percent since February, a change approved by the Public Service Commission (PSC). The controversy deepens as Commissioner Randy Pinocci, R‑Great Falls, says his vote against the final rate order was mistakenly logged as a yes.
Pinocci files formal complaint
Pinocci submitted a written complaint to PSC President Jeffrey Welborn, R‑Dillon, asserting that his recorded vote does not reflect his actual position. He maintains that he voted no on the final order so he could review additional evidence before endorsing the increase.
“Commissioner (Brad) Molnar contacted me and said, ‘Hey, look, there’s more documents we need to look at, more evidence we need to look at,'” Pinocci told reporters. Molnar, a Republican who served as commissioner until his suspension by Gov. Greg Gianforte in June 2026, later clarified that his own vote was not a blanket endorsement of the rate hike.
PSC leadership disputes the claim
PSC leadership counters Pinocci’s characterization. In a memorandum from chief legal counsel Amanda Webster, the commission noted that Pinocci voted on 13 individual decisions that together formed the final order. External affairs coordinator Michael Turner, responding on behalf of President Welborn, wrote that Pinocci publicly voted yes when he approved those 13 decisions, and that an email cannot overturn a vote cast on the record.
Turner further explained that the commission extended the deadline for the final order and authorized the commission president and vice president to review and approve it, a procedural step meant to ensure thorough oversight.
Former PSC director weighs in
Former PSC executive director David Sanders criticized the process, arguing that all five commissioners should have had the opportunity to vote on the final order. “That’s absurd,” Sanders said, emphasizing the importance of full participation in such significant decisions.
Brad Molnar, in a December 23, 2025 email to Welborn, clarified his stance: “Yes, I did vote that staff could include the amendments with minor edits. That is not the same thing as voting yes on the rate increase in the whole.” During the public meeting, Molnar echoed Sanders’ call for all commissioners to review the order before a final vote.
Outcome and next steps
Despite the dispute, the final order was issued and the rate increase stands. Pinocci continues to challenge how his vote was recorded, seeking clarification from the commission.
The disagreement highlights the need for transparent voting procedures within the PSC, especially when rate decisions directly affect Montana families. As the commission reviews the complaint, residents and stakeholders will be watching closely to ensure that the process respects both the rule of law and the financial well‑being of Montanans.
Original reporting: KTVQ Q2 Billings (local) — read the source article.
