Data centers: Gianforte says state has asked to intervene in electricity tariff hearing
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality and Gov. Greg Gianforte are seeking to intervene in a state Public Service Commission hearing regarding electricity tariffs. The hearing aims to determine new fees and costs for businesses, primarily data centers, that consume large amounts of electricity. This action is intended to prevent Montana families from subsidizing the electric bills of these large power users.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced their intention to intervene in a proceeding before the state Public Service Commission (PSC). The hearing will focus on establishing new electricity tariffs and costs specifically for businesses that are high-volume power consumers.
The initiative is primarily aimed at data center companies, which are currently the main entities falling into the large power user category in Montana. Governor Gianforte emphasized that the state's objective is to ensure that these substantial new power users cover their own electricity expenses.
The Governor stated that the intervention seeks to prevent Montana families from inadvertently subsidizing the electric bills of these energy-intensive businesses, ensuring a fair distribution of costs related to energy consumption within the state.