What the heck does the Public Service Commission do?
The Public Service Commission sets the rate of energy prices and determines what you pay for your utilities. They decide whether to keep investing in fossil fuel energy like coal and oil or renewable energy like solar and wind. The PSC also makes decisions about where and whether to approve natural gas pipelines.
Why should I give a shit?
The PSC decides the cost of your utility bill! As regulators of energy utilities, the PSC also has a BIG impact on what kind of energy our state generates and where. This race is about economic and climate justice, which affects all of us.
What districts are voting on the Public Service Commission?
Open positions are in District One and District Five. Please see the map below to find out which district you are in.
Not voting for a Public Service Commissioner in your district?
Click the link below to move onto the next section!
Public Service Commission District #1
RANDY PINOCCI (R) (Incumbent)
Randall “Randy” Pinocci is an incumbent Commissioner from Sun Valley, first elected to the Public Service Commission in 2018. Prior to his first election to the PSC, he served one term in the Montana House of Representatives. He also served as the chair of the Second Amendment Committee for the Republican Party and a member of the Board of Directors for the Montana Shooting Sports Association. As a Commissioner, Pinocci has expressed commitment to keeping the Colstrip power plant operational for the foreseeable future and describes himself as a “staunch opponent of the CSKT Water Compact.”
“The Public Service Commission is currently addressing concerns that will affect Montanans for generations to come, and I know it is important to have problem solvers that will not just get the job done, but will study complex issues, ask tough questions, and come up with next-generation solutions.”
Sources: PSC website, Helena IR, Pinocci’s Twitter
Public Service Commission District #5
ANN BUKACEK (R)
Endorsements: Montanans for Limited Government (source)
Website link
Ann “Annie” Bukacek is a physician from Kalispell. She was appointed to the Flathead Health Board in January of 2020 and served on the Board through March of 2022. During this time, she advocated against lockdowns, vaccinations, and other COVID-19 public health measures. She has served as the president of the Montana Pro-Life Coalition since 2008. As a Public Service Commissioner, Bukacek has stated that she would attempt to grant the Commission oversight of the autonomous Flathead Reservation Water Management Board and resist efforts to move the state away from coal power.
“Applying my character and value system to the job as PSC, I will do my research, apply my proven problem-solving abilities, and not be beholden to environmental or monopolistic special interests in the push for energy independence for Montana.”
Sources: Bukacek’s Campaign Website, Daily Interlake, Western News/MT Free Press (republished)
JOHN REPKE (D)
Endorsements: MFPE (source), former PSC Commissioners Gail Gutsche, Greg Jergeson, Bob Raney, Tom Schneider, Ken Toole and John Vincent (source)
Website link
John Repke is a Whitefish resident with decades of experience working in the financial departments of waste management, environmental services, and sustainable wood companies. Repke is running for this seat because he says he has the skills and background to do the job well— a quality he perceives to be missing in current commissioners. Repke says it’s the job of the PSC to prioritize long-term energy security and sustainability; he describes this work as “serious, complex, and consequential.” Repke’s focus is on economics, environmental impact, and integrity.
“Good governance, managing resources responsibly, and planning for the future are all things I care deeply about – for my family, and for yours.”
Source: Repke’s Campaign Website, Western News/MT Free Press (republished on Western News)