Gov. Greg Gianforte is accepting public comment on five applicants for a temporary appointment to the Montana Public Service Commission, with a deadline of 5 p.m. Mountain time on Thursday, Aug. 20.
The applicants are Kirk A. Bushman, Nicholas R. Fitzmaurice, Nicholas A. Loos, John E. Prinkki and David E. Wanzenried. Their applications are posted on the governor’s website.
The vacancy stems from Gianforte’s July 9 decision to temporarily suspend a sitting commissioner for one year under authority granted by Montana Code Annotated 69-1-113, which allows the governor to name a temporary replacement. The appointee must reside in PSC District 2 and will serve until July 9, 2027.
The commission regulates investor-owned utilities in Montana, including rates charged by electric, natural gas, water and telecommunications providers.
Comments may be submitted by email to Caitlin.Wagoner@mt.gov or by mail to the Governor’s Office, Attn: Caitlin Wagoner, PO Box 200801, Helena, MT 59620.