Governor Greg Gianforte announced Monday that his office is accepting applications for a temporary appointment to the Montana Public Service Commission, following his suspension of a PSC member earlier this month.

Gianforte invoked his authority under state law on July 9 to suspend the commissioner for one year. The temporary appointee will fill the District 2 seat through July 9, 2027.

Applicants must reside within PSC District 2 to be considered. Submissions are accepted electronically through governor.mt.gov/PSCappointment, with a deadline of August 5. Applications will be made available to the public.

A public comment period is scheduled to run from August 6 through August 20, giving Montanans an opportunity to weigh in on the candidates before the governor makes a selection.

The Public Service Commission regulates utilities and energy providers across the state, making the District 2 appointment consequential for ratepayers in that region. The one-year suspension and temporary-appointment process give Gianforte’s office direct influence over the commission’s composition through mid-2027.