The Public Service Commission (PSC) held a well-attended public comment session last week regarding NorthWestern Energy’s new “Integrated Resource Plan.” The meeting, held at the spacious Bozeman Event & Conference Center, focused on how the valley will power itself in the coming years, as more and more homes are built and more and more people flick on their lights.

Many residents shared their thoughts. Mr. Reginald “Reggie” Butterfield, a long-time resident who measures the valley’s growth by how much more traffic there is on North 19th, expressed concern. “Back in ‘78, we didn’t have half so many blinky lights,” he stated, adjusting his cap. “Folks just turned ’em off when they weren’t using ’em. Now, who knows where all this extra juice is gonna come from?” Mr. Butterfield suggested looking into “gopher-powered dynamos” as a potentially sustainable local option, noting that the critters are already quite efficient at tunneling.

NorthWestern Energy representatives presented a colorful slideshow outlining various possibilities, from large-scale solar farms near Four Corners to innovative wind turbines disguised as historic grain silos. One option, a “community collaboration” initiative, suggested that residents simply start using less electricity. This proposal was met with a mix of polite nods and puzzled expressions, particularly from the younger attendees currently powering multiple screens and devices at home.

The concept of “future pasture” was a recurring theme. Many questioned if the sprawling new energy facilities would take up space that could otherwise be used for agriculture. Ms. Brenda Plowright, who moved to Bozeman 8 years ago and now identifies as a local, wondered aloud, “Where will the cows graze if all the fields are covered in shiny panels? We need local beef, not just local watts.” She suggested putting solar panels on the roof of the new luxury condo developments.

Another point of discussion revolved around the aesthetic impact of new energy infrastructure. Several people noted that the current power lines, while functional, don’t quite fit the rustic charm Bozeman is known for. Decorative options, like burying lines under Main Street or painting them to resemble mountain vistas, were playfully suggested, though no concrete plans emerged.

It appears the future of Bozeman’s power will require looking at many different ideas, big and small, to keep everything humming along.