Public Service

As a current Public Service Commissioner, and formerly as a Montana State Senator, Jennifer has earned a solid reputation for staying focused, working efficiently, and standing strong for the people of Montana. Her familiarity with legislative processes, public pressures, and corporate practices translates extremely well to effective service on the statewide Public Service Commission. 

WHO SERVES ON THE PSC?

The Montana PSC is comprised of 5 Commissioners elected from various regions of the state. Although each commissioner represents a different part of the state, the Commission makes decisions that can affect nearly every household, business, and visitor in our state. That is why, no matter where you live, it is important to support Jennifer!   

WHERE IS DISTRICT 4 LOCATED? 

PSC District 4 is the western-most region of Montana. It is bordered by Canada to the north, the Idaho panhandle to the west, and the Bitterroot Valley to the south. To the east it includes most of Missoula county, and western portions of Lake and Flathead counties.  The district encompasses all of Flathead Lake and Swan Lake. The Commissioner who represents this district is elected by voters in Lincoln, Sanders, Mineral, Ravalli, Lake, and Flathead counties. 

WHAT DOES THE PSC DO, AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Do you pay a monthly utility bill? Chances are the PSC affects the price you pay and the quality of service you receive. The PSC regulates consumer rates and the service quality of privately-owned utility companies who hold monopoly status over a captive customer base within Montana. 

Although the types of companies the PSC regulates is varied, they all have one major thing in common: they are monopolistic in nature, or in other words, void of market competition. This includes private utility companies that provide: 

1. electric, 
2. natural gas, 
3. water, 
4. waste-water, and 
5. legacy (land line) telecommunications. 

 The PSC also administers inspections and safety-related enforcement of:

1. railroads, and
2. natural gas pipelines.

In addition, the PSC has limited involvement over motor carriers including:

1. garbage haulers, and  
2. taxis, shuttles, and limousines. 

Although the Commission is not permitted to control prices or service quality for motor carriers, it does determine whether these companies can obtain authority to operate within a given service territory. 

Last, but not least, the PSC hosts a consumer assistance program where customers can report problems with their service provider.  

Jennifer's main objective as a PSC Commissioner is to ensure that ratepayers like you have access to essential services that are as affordable as possible while still being reliable, safe, and sustainable. 

This means carefully and thoughtfully balancing the interests of customers and protecting them against "price-gouging", while at the same time ensuring that the companies that provide essential services can recoup their legitimate costs of providing the service and a fair rate of return on their investment. 

MONTANA DOESN'T NEED "RUBBER STAMPERS" ON THE PSC. AND WE DON'T NEED AGENDA-DRIVEN INDUSTRY KILLERS EITHER. It is vital to elect Commissioners who listen, pay attention to detail, think objectively, and are prepared to do the job right. That person is Jennifer Fielder!