PSC APPROVES PROPANE INTERIM RATE DECREASE FOR TOWNSEND CUSTOMERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HELENA, MT – The Montana Public Service Commission has unanimously approved lower propane rates for NorthWestern Energy’s Townsend propane customers. The new interim rates will apply to propane service starting July 1, 2026.

NorthWestern’s annual filing showed that, with a new supply contract and updated operating costs, the basic propane supply price can be reduced in every season compared to today’s rates. The supply price will be about 11% lower in the summer months (June through September), about 5% lower in the winter (October through March), and about 4% lower in the spring (April and May).

The decision also includes a small “catch‑up” charge of $0.03927 per therm to square up past costs and revenues, as required under the Commission’s approved tracking system for propane supply costs. Propane prices are set per therm, which is the unit gas companies use to measure the amount of heat energy customers use. Even including the catch‑up charge, NorthWestern estimates that a typical Townsend household using about 55 therms of propane per month will still see its monthly bill go down under the new rates by roughly $4.88 per month in summer, $1.66 per month in winter, and $0.41 per month in spring.

The Commission approved these interim rates on a unanimous vote. NorthWestern must now file updated tariffs showing the new rates, and the Commission can revisit them later in a final order as part of its normal process.

For more information on this decision (Docket No. 2026.05.027) or to learn how to follow Commission meetings, visit the Montana Public Service Commission’s website or its official YouTube channel.

The Commission regulates private investor-owned natural gas, electric, telephone, water, and sewer companies, certain motor carriers, and oversees natural gas pipeline safety and intrastate railroad safety. The Commission works to ensure that Montanans receive safe and reliable service from regulated public utilities while paying reasonable rates. For more information, visit psc.mt.gov or contact the Commission at 1-800-646-6150.  Follow the Commission at Twitter.com/@MT_PSC or visit Facebook.com/MontanaPSC.