NorthWestern, others appeal rate case

NorthWestern, others appeal rate case

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — NorthWestern Energy and three consumer and environmental groups are asking a judge to void a new rate structure approved by the Public Service Commission that was meant to encourage more energy conservation.

Lee Newspapers of Montana reported Tuesday that the utility and other parties, including the Montana Consumer Counsel, say the PSC had no legal basis when it approved the rate structure that included tiered electric rates.

The tiered rate structure called for customers to pay a lower rate for electricity use of up to 350 kilowatt h...