Montana state regulators will consider NorthWestern Energy’s proposed purchase in a greater share of the Colstrip coal fired power plant in mid December.
The Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) set a hearing date of Dec. 14 at its meeting on Aug. 25.
NorthWestern filed a motion on Aug. 14 to expedite the first hearing on its proposed 92-MGW acquisition in Colstrip unit 4 to November. Intervenors said that’s not enough time for discovery.
PSC staff’s suggested mid December hearing is before newly elected commissioners take their seats.
NorthWestern originally intended to buy Puget Sound’s entire 25 percent share in one of the plant’s two remaining units, but cut its request in half when plant operator Talen Energy stepped into the purchase.