PSC approves request to increase natural gas fees

The Montana Public Service Commission approved Northwestern Energy's request to place a natural gas production and gathering fee into rates.

The commission approved the utility's application to rate base its purchase of the Battle Creek Natural Gas Field.  The approval means the average residential customer will see a $0.54 monthly bill increase.

Montana Public Service Commission Chairman Travis Kavulla says with natural gas prices at an all-time low, Northwestern Energy made the best decision for its customers in the long run.

Kavulla says, "Consumers have seen their natural gas bills reduce by about 40% over the last 5 years and so we want to take those savings and increase bills slightly while natural gas prices are very low in order to make the bill volatility less risky over the long term."

Northwestern Energy officials say the Battle Creek purchase will help insulate from future market instability and improve rate stability for customers.

Story by Jill Jagelski, Beartooth NBC.
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