The Legislative Consumer Committee appoints the Consumer Counsel, a position required by the Montana Constitution. The Consumer Counsel represents Montana public utility and transportation consumers before the Public Service Commission, state and federal courts, and administrative agencies in matters concerning public utility regulation.
The Committee is required to meet at least quarterly, and generally convenes more often. Meetings involve discussions with industry representatives, reports on Consumer Counsel staff activities, review and status updates of current cases, and review of contracts with expert witnesses. Two Senators and two Representatives, appointed by the Committee on Committees and the Speaker of the House, respectively, serve on the panel.
Restructuring of the electric and natural gas utility industries will be an issue of particular interest to the Committee, especially as rates and services are affected, and members will be monitoring the progress of industry restructuring.
Goal and Objectives of the Montana Consumer Counsel
Represent Montana consumers in utility and transportation proceedings before the Public Service Commission.
Represent Montana consumers in appropriate proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Federal Communications Commission and other federal administrative agencies.
Represent Montana consumers in appropriate state and federal court proceedings.
Monitor proposed legislation and participate in the legislative process before the Montana Legislature and U.S. Congress for Montana consumers.
Participate in activities that will help develop competitive markets in restructured utility industries.
