PSC chilly toward utility buyer

HELENA, Mont. A chilly reception in Helena today, for the company that wants to buy the largest natural gas and electric utility in Montana.

Representatives of Australia-based Babcock and Brown Infrastructure met with state utility regulators, for the first time. Babcock and Brown wants to buy NorthWestern Energy. The deal requires approval of the Montana Public Service Commission and other regulators.

Some of the commissioners today told Babcock and Brown that Montanans have suffered in the utility arena, and must not be abused further. The conversation included references to utility deregulation, energy prices and sale of the old Montana Power Company.

Michael Garland of Babcock and Brown said he looks forward to showing commissioners why the company's purchase of NorthWestern would be good for Montana.