Tranel a good voice for us

The Public Service Commission is a critical race this fall. The PSC regulates the rates and quality of privately owned utilities. They’re to be fair to both the company and see we are not overcharged. They work for us citizens.

Last year Northwestern Energy made $200 million in profit. Its profits have steadily been rising for 5 years. Who pays for such profits? We the rate payers.

Monica Tranel is the best choice for PSC District 4 - she has relevant training, knowledge and experience. She worked as a staff attorney on the PSC; she worked as an attorney for Montanans in front of the PSC and in the courtroom. She recently won a lawsuit for the wind and solar industries against the PSC. In that lawsuit, the court agreed the PSC knowingly limited competition to give NWE what it wanted. Monica’s challenge exposed the bias of the PSC and called them back to their true mission. I believe Monica would work hard for us and bring the PSC into a better balance.

I have been involved in climate change issues for years. I’ve testified in front of the PSC. At that time the testimonies were overwhelmingly for renewable energy, but they fell on deaf ears. Monica has stated that she would guide Montana toward a renewable, reliable and affordable energy future.

I recently listened to a conversation with Monica Tranel and her opponent, Jennifer Fielder, about their race for the PSC. Monica was clear she was concerned about climate change. Jennifer claimed that there were scientists on both sides of the issue. I was dismayed at Jennifer’s comment because, though technically correct, over 97% of climate scientists believe we are causing climate change and need to work aggressively to stop it. Less than 3% of scientists disagree. It is a bad bet to bet on the 3%, especially since our children and grandchildren will pay the price. Climate change is already affecting us in Montana. Just one example is that the fire season is now averaging a staggering 75 days (2.5 months!) longer than in the 1970s. How much forest, land and personal property get lost each year in these longer and longer fire seasons?

Renewable energy is better for the climate and likely cheaper, too. Changing to renewable energy will certainly create jobs. Colorado did a price comparison of fossil fuels versus deep decarbonizing. They found decarbonizing cheaper in the long – and short - run.

Montanans and Americans can look a problem in the eye and deal with it. Having Monica Tranel will give us a good voice on the PSC.

Thanks for listening,

Brad Stacey, Plains