"NWE’s announced intent to supply electricity to proposed date centers raises questions about potential negative impacts on current customers. Existing Montana Law (MCA 69-8-201) requires that the PSC determine that serving a new large retail customer will not adversely impact existing utility customers. In response to an inquiry from the PSC, NWE is arguing that this law doesn’t apply to their plans for data centers and other large retail customers going forward.

 

"But, again, there is more. Likely knowing they are on shaky legal ground with this approach, NWE has gone to the Montana Legislature to make sure they get what they want. HB877 “Establish the Montana data center development act” was introduced last month by Rep. John Fitzpatrick (the former NWE lobbyist). The bill prohibits the PSC from reviewing new large load energy customers, thus removing the ‘barrier’ of assessing adverse impact on existing customers."

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