HELENA – The Montana Public Service Commission has given its final approval to PPL Montana’s $900 million sale of 11 hydroelectric dams to NorthWestern Energy.
Thursday’s 4-1 vote was the final step after the commissioner’s initial approval earlier this month. The commission had spent nine months reviewing the deal.
The Great Falls Tribune reports Commissioner Travis Kavulla cast the only “no” vote. Kavulla says the sale put too much risk on the ratepayers.
The sale is expected to increase rates for NorthWestern’s customers by an average of about $5 per bill.
The Federal Trade Commission previously ruled the purchase does not violate antitrust laws.
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