Columbia Falls Aluminum is pushing for lower electricity rates in the hope of reopening the company’s plant in the future.
The company plans to close the facility at the end of July after struggling to stay open because of more expensive raw materials and declining aluminum prices.
Spokesman Haley Beaudry says the company announced plans late last year to close in February, but an agreement with the Bonneville Power Administration for reduced electricity rates helped keep the plant open longer. He says the company almost halted production this spring but was able to extend that period through part of the summer.
Bonneville spokeswoman Nanine Alexander would not give details about the negotiations other than saying the utility is trying to keep rates low.