Missoula County votes to intervene in Northwestern Energy–Black Hills merger docket at Montana PSC

Spain Newman, speaking to the commissioners, urged the board to file intervention paperwork in the Montana Public Service Commission docket reviewing the proposed merger between Northwestern Energy and Black Hills Corporation. Newman said Missoula County represents more than 10% of Northwestern's Montana customers and that filing to intervene preserves the county's ability to request documents, provide testimony and participate in discovery without committing to a substantive position. "Becoming an intervener gives a party a seat at the table in the deliberations around a decision," Newman said.

Staff recommended retaining outside counsel to file the intervention on the county's behalf; Newman estimated the initial cost for filing representation at about $2,250 and said further participation would be discretionary. Commissioners clarified that intervention does not equal support or opposition to the merger but preserves the county's ability to protect ratepayer interests.

A motion to intervene and enter an engagement letter with outside counsel was moved and seconded; the board voted 'Aye' to authorize the filing and the engagement. No further details about the scope of subsequent discovery, staffing for the docket, or a formal county position were recorded at the meeting; that work would be determined if and as the county exercises its intervener status.