Update: Victory! On November 25th, the Montana Public Service Commission ruled in favor of MREA and Vote Solar, preserving rooftop solar and unanimously rejecting Northwestern Energy's proposal! Read about the decision here.

In September of 2018, NorthWestern Energy filed a general electric rate case with the Montana Public Service Commission. A rate case proceeding is how utilities update their rates and charges for all of their customers [learn more about setting rates here]. In it's proposal for new rates, NorthWestern Energy proposed significant and drastic changes to how net metering customers will be treated that could devastate rooftop solar and the solar industry. MREA intervened in the docket in order to protect Montana's net metering policies. The five Public Service Commissioners may end up deciding solar's future in Montana, and we will be working to ensure solar still has a bright future under the Big Sky.

We put together a document that explains the proposal and its potential impacts on current and future net metering customers and the solar industry. It also shares next steps and when to expect a decision in the case.

Read the FAQ (last updated: 10/23/19)

MREA needs the resources to ensure we can do this work successfully. Engaging in a docket at the Public Service Commission is an expensive task. Intervening in dockets is not a typical activity for MREA, but this rate case could have profound impacts on whether or not Montanans can produce their own energy and it will have profound impacts on the solar industry in Montana. Please help us defend net metering by making a contribution to MREA today. No amount is too small, and all amounts are greatly appreciate.

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Post-hearing Briefs addressing Net Metering

>> Staff Recommendations on net metering (see pages 8-30)

In the news

Other Resources

>> Learn how net metering works

>> Learn about the Public Service Commission and how they influence renewable energy development