Latest issueMontana PSC approves the NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills merger, 3-2Read now

Good Day HelenaSubscribe — it’s free

← Helena news

UtilitiesWednesday, November 11

Montana regulators approve the $15.4 billion NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills merger in a 3-2 vote

The Good Day Helena teamFrom today’s edition · 1 min read · 3 sources

ShareEmailFacebookX

If you pay a NorthWestern Energy bill, this one reaches you. The Montana voted 3-2 on Tuesday to approve the $15.4 billion merger. Montana was the last state to sign off, after South Dakota and Nebraska, and commissioners added two conditions tied to NorthWestern's newly acquired share of the power plant.

Three of five commissioners backed the merger

Montana Public Service Commission vote, Nov. 10

3–2

Passed

Approve the NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills merger with two Colstrip conditions

Yes 3

  • FielderVice President
  • BukacekCommissioner
  • BushmanTemporarily appointed

No 2

  • WelbornPresident
  • PinocciCommissioner

Sources: NonStop Local Montana, KTVH, NBC Montana

View as table
MemberSeatVote
Jeff WelbornPresidentNo
Jennifer FielderVice PresidentYes
Randy PinocciCommissionerNo
Annie BukacekCommissionerYes
Kirk BushmanTemporarily appointedYes

Jeff Welborn and Randy Pinocci voted no. Pinocci said Montanans wanted "some lower rates – and we just couldn't do that." Jennifer Fielder said that after the merger, NorthWestern couldn't alone guarantee Montana customers its 370-megawatt Colstrip share. Residents also raised data centers, and Fielder said regulating them isn't something the commission does.

  • New name: , based in Rapid City
  • New CEO: NorthWestern's Brian Bird
  • Companies say: no rate increase, no job cuts planned for now
  • Next up: NorthWestern awaits the PSC's final written order

The $15.4 billion merger passed 3-2 with Colstrip power in play

$15.4 billion
merger of NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills
3-2
commission vote on Tuesday
370 megawatts
of Colstrip power the PSC debated for Montana customers
5 megawatts
of need would trigger the large load tariff the PSC is considering

Sources: NonStop Local Montana, KTVH, NBC Montana

Sources: NonStop Local Montana, KTVH, NBC Montana

Read it in the full edition

More elections from local newsrooms

All elections news

  1. The Independent Record18 hours ago

    This week: Montana lawmakers to elect leadership, set the tone for 2027 Legislature

    On Wednesday, parties in each chamber will choose their leaders for the next legislative session. Leadership elections offer a glimpse into party strategy and priorities ahead of the 2027 Legislature.

  2. Missoula Current22 hours ago

    Viewpoint: State Constitution belongs to the people, not parties

    Akilah Deernose writes, "By overwhelmingly approving Constitutional Initiative 132, voters chose to protect a nearly century-old Montana tradition of nonpartisan judicial elections."

  3. KPAX NewsYesterday

    Helena City Commission accepts federal grant on divided vote, after questions on immigration enforement

    The Helena City Commission voted Monday night to accept a federal grant to fund security at government buildings. It came two months after they initially delayed action.