NorthWestern Energy sues Montana utility regulators

NorthWestern Energy is asking a district judge to undo a state decision lumping the utility in with renewable energy developers when it comes to power contracts.

At issue is a Public Service Commission decision to shorten contract lengths for all power purchase agreements involving regulated utilities. The commission in October voted to cut contract lengths from 25 years to 15. The concern, commissioners said, was that NorthWestern’s customers risked being locked into long-term prices for power that over time would prove more expensive than the free market.

By TOM LUTEY [email protected]

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