Gov. Greg Gianforte suspended Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar for one year Thursday after independent investigations concluded there was evidence of unlawful conduct, including sex discrimination and retaliation. The suspension marks one of the most significant disciplinary actions taken against a statewide elected official in recent Montana history.
In a letter delivered to Molnar, Gianforte acknowledged the unusual nature of the move — a governor disciplining an independently elected commissioner — but said the findings of the investigations left him no choice. The PSC is a five-member body that regulates Montana's utilities, including NorthWestern Energy, and its decisions touch nearly every household and business in the state.
Molnar, who represents District 3 and has served on the commission for years, was not immediately available for comment following the announcement. The specific details of the discrimination and retaliation findings were outlined in Gianforte's letter but the underlying investigative reports had not been fully released publicly as of Thursday.
The year-long suspension raises immediate questions about how the PSC will conduct its work with one seat sidelined, particularly as the commission faces ongoing rate cases and infrastructure decisions affecting Montana ratepayers. Helena residents and utility customers statewide will be watching to see how the remaining four commissioners proceed and whether Molnar mounts a legal challenge to the suspension.