HELENA — Gov. Greg Gianforte on Thursday suspended Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar for one year without pay after independent investigations concluded there was unlawful conduct, including sex discrimination and retaliation.
What the suspension means for residents
The suspension removes an elected commissioner from active duty at the agency that regulates monopoly utilities in Montana. The Public Service Commission, a five-member panel, oversees major utility issues that affect rates, services and a pending $15.4 billion merger between NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills Corp.
In a letter to Molnar, Gianforte said the commission needs time to "reestablish order and morale" and described Molnar's behavior as "unprecedented in state history." The governor placed the commissioner on leave without pay and said the suspension would allow Molnar to reflect and complete any required training before returning.
“The PSC should be given adequate time to reestablish order and morale within the agency,”
Allegations and prior actions
Independent investigations cited conduct the governor characterized as unlawful, including sex discrimination and retaliation against those who filed complaints. The commission itself previously barred Molnar from working in-person at PSC offices, citing harassing behavior and departures of staff.
Molnar first disclosed last July that he was under investigation for professional misconduct, at the time acknowledging he had been "unpolished." In May, the commission restricted his in-person access amid continuing concerns about his workplace conduct.
Responses and next steps
Molnar's attorney, Matthew Monforton, said the commissioner will challenge the suspension in court and described the governor's action as the result of a "kangaroo process." Molnar himself accused Gianforte of nullifying voters' choice and framed the move as political.
“This decision is not about workplace conduct. It is about politics, power and money,”
The suspension comes as the PSC considers a proposed $15.4 billion merger that would involve NorthWestern Energy, the state's largest public utility, and Black Hills Corp. Molnar has publicly questioned whether the merger would serve Montana ratepayers.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Action | One-year suspension without pay |
| Reason cited | Investigations pointing to unlawful conduct including sex discrimination and retaliation |
| Agency affected | Public Service Commission (PSC) |
| Major pending matter | Review of $15.4 billion NorthWestern Energy–Black Hills Corp. merger |
- The governor said Molnar "showed no remorse" and that his actions would normally lead to firing.
- Molnar and his attorney plan legal action to overturn the suspension.
- The suspension is intended to allow the PSC to restore morale and complete required training for the commissioner.
The governor described the conduct as warranting an extraordinary response and acknowledged the action was "unprecedented" for state history. The suspension places an elected regulator on leave amid a high-profile utility merger review, setting the stage for legal challenges and a period of transition at the commission.
Reporting for News Block. State and commission documents cited in this story were obtained by the Daily Montanan and shared with reporters. Further developments, including any court filings, are expected as Molnar pursues his challenge.
