Wed. Nov 6th, 2024

Montana Public Service Commission (via PSC Twitter account).

Republicans were leading in all three races of the Montana Public Service Commission shortly after 9:15 p.m., with most precincts only partially reporting — and with just one county reporting in District No. 4.

The PSC is made up of five commissioners elected by district. If the Republicans turn their leads into victories, the PSC will continue to be all GOP.

In District No. 2, Republican Brad Molnar, a Laurel state senator and former member of the Public Service Commission, was leading opponent and Democrat Susan Bilo of Gallatin County with 53% of the vote to Bilo’s 46%.

Molnar had 5,801 votes to Bilo’s 5,036.

In District No. 3, Republican Jeff Welborn, a small business owner and legislator from Dillon, was trouncing electrician and Democrat Leonard Williams of Butte. Welborn had 65% of the vote to Williams’ 35%.

Weborn had 8,239 votes to Williams’ 4,511.

In District No. 4, incumbent Republican Jennifer Fielder had pulled an early lead from Independent Elena Evans, but with only Sanders County reporting, the race was too close to call.

Evans has outraised Fielder with donations from across the country.

At press time, Fielder, also a former state legislator, had 68% of the vote to Evans 32%, but the total number of votes at press time was just 4,173.

The Public Service Commission regulates monopoly utilities such as NorthWestern Energy and Montana-Dakota Utilities.

The PSC has come under fire in recent years, including for approving significant rate hikes. A 2023 settlement raised rates 28% for residential customers of NorthWestern.

Detractors also argue it has been slow to encourage more affordable and sustainable energy sources.

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