Will Montana’s Utility Costs Shift With New Merger Plans?

Northwestern Energy Is Hoping To Merge With Black Hills Corporation

Wow. Northwestern Energy just won't stop. It's almost like they want to see just how far they can go with everything, including becoming a monopoly from the looks of things, before they get smacked down.

NWE would like to merge with Black Hills Corporation in South Dakota. There are stories everywhere today talking about the merger. And not in a good way.

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What Are The Plans For The Merger Between Northwestern Energy And Black Hills Corporation?

They're planning for an all-stock, tax-free transaction. According to Montana Free Press, "each share of NorthWestern Energy stock would convert to 0.98 shares in the yet-to-be-named new company. Black Hills shares, meanwhile, would be weighed as they are currently. The resulting mix will be 56% Black Hills to 44% NorthWestern. "

There is also a name change planned to go with the merger.

This Merger Has To Go Through The Public Service Commission

The Montana Public Service Commission has not heard from Northwestern Energy in any formal way to move forward.

What Will This Merger Mean For Utility Prices In Montana And South Dakota?

Every article I read it's all guesses. There is no way to predict what will happen when they merge.

Black Hills Corporation deals with A LOT of natural gas. With NWE buying our gas company, it makes me wonder if that's why they want this merger.

READ MORE: Yes, They're Talking Sales Tax AGAIN In Montana

I can tell you that the recent rate hike, the 3rd in a year, left me just gobsmacked when I paid my utility bill. I live in 650 square feet and my bill was over $75. Last year, going all the way with AC, my bill was around $40.

If they raise rates AGAIN, this time on natural gas, we are in so much trouble. I also think NWE and the PSC will find themselves on the wrong end of the Montana opinion poll and the losing end of the election.

Contact The Montana Public Service Commission

The only thing we can do as consumers is contact your Montana PSC and let them know what you think.

I'd like to remind you that PSC commissioners are voted in. If they continue to ignore Montanans except when jacking our bills, then perhaps we get them the hell out of the Montana Public Service Commission.

Sources: NBC Montana, Reuters, Montana Free Press, Dakota News Now, Wall Street Prep