https://solarexaminer.com/tags/montana/Recent content in Montana on Solar ExaminerHugoen-usSolar ExaminerSun, 04 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://solarexaminer.com/posts/montana-electricity-rate-changes-2026/Sun, 04 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://solarexaminer.com/posts/montana-electricity-rate-changes-2026/<p>Montana did not have a rate change on October 1, 2026. NorthWestern Energy, the state&rsquo;s largest utility, put new electric rates in place on February 1 after a long rate case.</p> <p>This article covers NorthWestern Energy. It does not cover Montana-Dakota Utilities or the electric cooperatives.</p> <h2 id="quick-summary">Quick Summary</h2> <table> <thead> <tr> <th>Item</th> <th>Detail</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>Decision</td> <td>December 24, 2025</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Effective</td> <td>February 1, 2026</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Residential base rates</td> <td>+17%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Overall residential bill</td> <td>About +12%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Return on equity</td> <td>9.65%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Gas plant cost in rates</td> <td>$246.06 million rate base; about $8 a month per typical customer</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Source: Missoula Current.</p>