Montana Department of Environmental Quality About Us Permitting & Operator Assistance Public Participation

Energy | Disbursement of Universal System Benefits (USB) | Public Comment Period Ends March 31, 2026

  • March 16 2026

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Energy Bureau, is providing notice of its intent to expend approximately $85,000 in Universal System Benefits (USB) funds received from Montana‑Dakota Utilities (MDU) through payments to the Department of Revenue.

Pursuant to §69‑8‑402, MCA; DEQ is required to inform and seek comment from the utility and public prior to expending USB funds.

DEQ proposes to use these funds to support the following energy efficiency projects within MDU’s service territory:

  • Lighting upgrades in the auditorium at Dawson County High School, and
  • Heat pump upgrades at the Custer County Courthouse.

Comment Period Ends: March 31, 2026

Send/Submit Comments To: 

DEQ Address 
PO Box 200901 
Helena, MT 59620 

Or electronically to: mtenergy@mt.gov

Accommodation statement 

The department will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who wish to participate in this public participation process or need an alternative accessible format of this notice. If you require an accommodation, contact the department no later than 5:00 P.M. on [ten days before end of public comment period end/public meeting date], to advise us of the nature of the accommodation that you need. Please contact the Department of Environmental Quality at P.O. Box 200901, Helena, Montana 59620-0901; phone (406) 444-6460; or e-mail mtenergy@mt.gov. 

Tags: Public Comment and Energy