MONTANA – A proposed $15.4 billion merger between NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills Corporation has cleared its final major regulatory hurdle.
The Montana Public Service Commission voted Tuesday to approve the merger in a split decision, making Montana the last state required to sign off on the deal. Regulators in South Dakota and Nebraska had already approved the transaction.
If completed, the merged company will serve more than $2.1 million in electric and natural gas customers across eight states, including South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, and Arkansas.
Supporters say the merger will strengthen the companies, improve efficiency, and create cost savings that can be passed on to customers. The approved order states that utility rates will not increase as a direct result of the merger.
Opponents raised concerns about potential future rate increases, impacts on property owners, and energy demands associated with large projects such as data centers. Some Montana commissioners also questioned whether the merger would provide clear benefits for consumers.
Under the agreement, Black Hills Corporation would be renamed Bright Horizon Energy, with NorthWestern Energy becoming a wholly owned subsidiary.
Company officials say they continue to believe the merger will improve reliability and help meet growing energy demands across the region.
