HELENA — Montana’s largest utility defended their request to raise electric and gas rates Monday, as the state’s utility regulators consider whether to sign off on the proposal.

The Montana Public Service Commission had a full chamber Monday morning, as they opened what could be more than a weeklong hearing on NorthWestern Energy’s latest rate case.

(Watch the video for more of the reactions on the first day of the hearing.) Eyes on PSC as NorthWestern Energy argues for rate increase

This hearing, originally set to begin in April, was delayed after NorthWestern agreed on a proposed settlement with some of the other parties that had intervened in the rate case. The company said in a news release that, after the settlement, their updated proposals would be for a $4.63 a month increas

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