Montana

Why is it like this in Montana?

Montana's electricity rate of about 14.3¢/kWh nominally favors electric driving for a PHEV, but the picture shifted significantly in 2025. NorthWestern Energy self-implemented a 17% electricity rate hike under a little-used state provision that doesn't require PSC approval, adding roughly $17/month to residential bills before public backlash prompted a partial retreat. Even after the rollback, Montana electricity rates are meaningfully higher than a year ago, narrowing the per-mile advantage of electric mode for PHEV drivers.

In the news · Montana

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  Without utility board approval, NorthWestern Energy implements 17% electricity rate increase

  Montana Free Press · May 23, 2025

  NorthWestern Energy — Montana's dominant utility — self-implemented a 17% electricity rate hike under a little-used state law without PSC approval, adding ~$17/month to residential bills and meaningfully narrowing the per-mile cost advantage of electric driving over gasoline in Montana.

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  NorthWestern Energy bumps rates by 17% without approval from regulators

  Montana Public Radio · Jun 5, 2025

  Montana Public Radio's coverage explains how regulatory inaction allowed a significant electricity cost increase that shifts the gas-vs-electric cost calculus for Montana PHEV drivers.

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  NorthWestern Energy, Montana utility board dial back electricity rate hike

  Montana Free Press · Jul 7, 2025

  After public backlash, NorthWestern retreated toward a more modest settlement rate — but rates are still significantly higher than pre-hike levels, keeping EV charging in Montana more expensive than it was a year ago.

Curated coverage of Montana's EV/PHEV cost, policy, and infrastructure story. External links open in a new tab.

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