Energy watchdogs: Data-center protective order is unconstitutional

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.