Residents of the North Star subdivision outside Helena have reported problems with water reliability since 2020. The Montana Public Service Commission will take up a fine amount against the private utility in July 2025. PSC President Brad Molnar said a fine requires court action. (Duane Schlabach for the Daily Montanan)

The North Star utility company faces an $86,700 potential fine for failing to cooperate with the Montana Public Service Commission and failing to provide adequate water service — an amount the utility likely can’t afford to pay, according to a PSC staff memo.

This week, the Public Service Commission, which regulates the utility, voted to adopt a staff recommendation to set preliminary penalties against the water utility serving roughly 275 customers in a subdivision outsi

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