The Montana Public Service Commission has approved Northwestern Energy's $870-million-dollar plan to buy eleven hydroelectric dams.
The dams included in the sale are on the Missouri, Madison, Clark Fork and Flathead rivers. They used to be owned by Montana Power Company, but PPL purchased them during the deregulation movement in the late 90's.
The commission voted 4 to 1 to approve the deal. Commissioner Travis Kavulla opposed the plan.
The typical Northwestern customer could see their electric rates rise by about $5-dollars a month to help pay for the sale.