KTRV Fox 12 FERC deals setback to NWE transmission line
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Associated Press - June 19, 2009 5:54 PM ET
HELENA, Mont. (AP) - Federal regulators are slowing down NorthWestern Energy's proposed transmission line from Montana to Idaho.
NorthWestern says it is still trying to digest the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission order that took issue with the way NorthWestern structured the deal. The company wants to use the line to send wind power electricity to bigger markets in the West.
A FERC order says it doesn't like the way that NorthWestern was conducting "open seasons" that looked for new customers.
Another utility, PPL Montana, asked FERC to reject the plan, arguing NorthWestern was positioning itself with a monopoly influence over the transmission.
Montana Public Service Commissioner Ken Toole says Montana regulators are watching closely to make sure Montana ratepayers are insulated from this new business venture NorthWestern is launching.
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