Energy watchdogs: Data-center protective order is unconstitutional
News ClipMissoula Current·Missoula, Missoula County, MT·3/13/2026
Montanans are objecting to the Montana Public Service Commission granting NorthWestern Energy a protective order to hide details of three proposed large data centers from ratepayers. Climate Smart Missoula and six other nonprofits have challenged the PSC's decision, arguing it is unconstitutional and that utility customers have a right to know how the data centers will impact energy affordability and grid reliability. NorthWestern Energy has signed letters of intent to provide power to the three data center developers - Atlas Power Group, Sabey Data Center Properties, and Quantica Infrastructure. The plaintiffs argue NorthWestern should not be able to easily hide information from the public as a monopoly utility provider.
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Gov: Montana Public Service Commission
Montanans object to the state's utility regulator allowing NorthWestern Energy to hide data-center energy demands from ratepayers. Climate Smart Missoula and six other nonprofit organizations challenged the Montana Public Service Commission's decision to grant NorthWestern a protective order, arguing it violated the state's Right to Know. NorthWestern claimed the data was trade secrets, but provided little justification. The plaintiffs say the protective order rule is unconstitutional and that the public has a right to know how data centers will impact utility bills, health, and the environment.