Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar has been suspended from the Commission as a results of investigations into his on-the-job conduct, including allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliatory behavior. Three of the 5-Commissioners voted to have him removed from his position as Commission President. For that, they were successful.
Early attempts to suspend Molnar were blocked by Helena District Judge Mike Menehan. But apparently, the situation has escalated and the Governer has chosen to give Molnar a one-year “time out”.
This comes at a time when the Public Service Commission–made up entirely of Republicans, is deciding whether to approve the merger of Northwestern Energy and Black Hills Corporation, based in Rapid City, South Dakota in an all-stock deal. A-I Data Centers are also issues before the Public Service Commission.
Molnar’s attorney, Matthew Monforton, suspects politics are behind the charges and the suspension.
