Without utility board approval, NorthWestern Energy implements 17% electricity rate increase

Without utility board approval, NorthWestern Energy implements 17% electricity rate increase

Without giving consumers a heads up, NorthWestern Energy on Friday said it will increase electricity rates for consumers by $204 a year, without review from Montana’s utility regulator.Documents filed with Montana’s Public Service Commission indicate that rates increased $17.07 a month for NorthWestern’s typical residential customers without prior approval from regulators or notifying its customers.NorthWestern, which provides electricity and na…