FERC deals setback to NWE transmission line
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.
Associated Press
19 June 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
Some possibly related stories:
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- PSC commissioner wants to kill NorthWestern project
- Utility wants to spur transmission access
- State wind firms, NWE await ruling from PSC
- Wind farm pitches capacity expansion to NWE; Judith Gap facility wants to add 35 turbines
- PSC commissioner questions cost to customers if power lines go through
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