Elena Evans qualifies for Montana Public Service Commission race

Montana Public Service Commission (via PSC Twitter account).

Voters in western Montana will have a choice of candidates for the Public Service Commission with write-in Elena Evans on the ballot.

The Secretary of State’s Office confirmed this week Evans, an independent, received more than 5,000 accepted signatures, more than the minimum 3,050.

“This incredible — and humbling — support demonstrates that western Montanans are ready for a new voice on the commission,” Evans said on her website.

“Now that we’ve qualified, we start a new phase of the campaign — and I need your support once again to knock doors, raise money, and share information about my candidacy with your friends and neighbors.”

Evans, a geologist, will face off against incumbent Commissioner Jennifer Fielder in District 4, roughly northwest Montana. Currently all five commissioners are Republican.

The Public Service Commission regulates monopoly utilities in the state. It has recently approved steep rate increases for power customers, including a 28% hike for NorthWestern Energy’s residential electricity customers.

Evans, environmental health manager for the Missoula City-County Health Department, took aim at the Public Service Commission’s approval of the NorthWestern increase in her campaign.

“Instead of safeguarding us against monopolies, the Public Service Commission rubber-stamped a 28% rate hike for consumers — giving NorthWestern Energy another $100 million from our paychecks,” Evans said on her website.

Fielder supported the increase for NorthWestern Energy because of its own cost increases. On her campaign website, Fielder describes her experience as well-aligned with the requirements of the Public Service Commission.

Fielder said she has done professional planning and project management involving “the types of industries regulated by the PSC.”

Fielder, currently vice president of the PSC, also served in the Montana Legislature and described herself as a “popular, award-winning” state senator and “recognized advocate for liberty.”

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