Energy watchdogs say NorthWestern Energy needs to stop hiding information about data centers from the public, and it needs to acknowledge the Public Service Commission is more than a “rubber stamp.”

Earthjustice sent two letters, dated Oct. 15 and 17, to the Public Service Commission on behalf of the Montana Environmental Information Center, Honor the Earth, and NW Energy Coalition.

The groups allege NorthWestern is moving forward on agreements with data centers without required approval from the PSC — and in violation of Montana law. The utility said it doesn’t believe it’s flouting the law.

NorthWestern Energy has announced plans to serve at least three, and as many as five, data centers, with a total load of nearly 1,175 MW in the next few years, reaching 2,250 MW by 2030, said one l

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