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Bullock Meets with Executives Over Fate of Colstrip Plant

In the end, the future of the plant remained just as uncertain

By Molly Priddy

HELENA — Northwestern Energy’s chief executive says his company is in no position to buy parts of the Colstrip power plant to stave off the possible closure of its two oldest units.

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock convened a meeting at the state Capitol Wednesday with three Colstrip executives to discuss the future of the coal-burning plant. But in the end, the future of the plant remained just as uncertain.

Puget Sound Energy is considering setting up a fund for closing the plant’s older units while Paul Farr with Talen Energy says his company is losing money operating the plant.

Bullock is putting together a working group to look into finding a buyer for the units. But after the meeting, Northwestern Energy CEO Bob Rowe said his company couldn’t do it.

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