NorthWestern Plans ‘Large Load’ Tariff for Montana Data Centers According to filings with the Montana Public Service Commission, NorthWestern Energy plans to propose a “large load” tariff that would establish rules for interconnecting data centers in Montana. The regulated utility intends to serve at least three data centers that could collect...
Black Hills Corporation and NorthWestern Energy Merger Seeks Regulatory Nod NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills Corporation have filed a joint application with the Montana Public Service Commission seeking regulatory approval for their proposed merger. The review process is expected to conclude in late 2026 or early 2027. Company officials say...
Medicare Open Enrollment Kicks Off in Montana — and Plans Are More Expensive Than Ever More than 260,000 Montanans are being notified that they have until December 7 to enroll in a Medicare plan for next year. Some plans will see double-digit percentage increases in premium prices, while others will carry higher deductibles and out-of-pocket e...
Montana Is the Last State Without a Texting-While-Driving Law Montana remains the only state in the United States without a law banning texting while driving. According to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures, distracted driving accounted for 8% of all traffic fatalities nationwide in 2022—resulting in more than 3,000 deaths...
DOC to Access Legislative Funding to Build New Water Infrastructure at MSP After receiving approval from Governor Greg Gianforte on Wednesday, the Montana Department of Corrections will begin installing new, modern, and permanent water and sewer infrastructure to serve the Montana State Prison. The facility near Deer Lodge, which houses more t...
Some Montana Airports Say Kristi Noem’s Video Violates Their Policy Airports in Bozeman, Missoula, and Billings are refusing to play a video produced and shared by the Department of Homeland Security, citing policies against displaying political advertisements or partisan content. The video features Secretary Kristi Noem speaking directly to v...
Irish Eyes: New Montana Push Focuses on Ireland A new effort to strengthen economic, cultural, and trade ties between Montana and Ireland is moving forward. The Montana-Ireland Trade Commission held its first meeting in August and another one last month to set its goals for the biennium. Those goals include hosting in-state cultural events and...
Grizzly Encounters Spiking in Montana Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reports there have been more than 40 conflicts with grizzly bears statewide since the beginning of September. So far this year, there have been 184 reported grizzly conflicts, and 28 bears have died. New reports from Yellowstone indicate that 63 grizzlies have died in the G...
Montana Moves Forward on Regulatory Framework for Blockchain and Digital Assets The Financial Freedom and Innovation Act took effect this month. It paves the way for companies that issue digital assets to do business in Montana and ensures the State Auditor’s Office has the authority to regulate the industry and prosecute bad actors. Changes ...
Montana Gambling Industry 2025: An Overview Montana has become the first state to ban all forms of internet gambling involving any currency. The law went into effect on October 1st—one week ago today. The Department of Justice now has the authority to impose penalties, with fines of up to $50,000. Senate Approves Bill to Remove Biden-Era Coal...
