Op-Ed: Lack of Transparency in NorthWestern Acquisition Process Leads to Unintended Consequences, Costs for Montanas

A lack of transparency and available details about the proposed acquisition of NorthWestern Energy by Black Hill Corporation has led Montana Farmers Union to intervene to push for clarity on intentions and to raise questions about farmers and ranchers bearing the costs. Based on the questions MFU leaders have asked and the Commission docket so far, the proposed acquisition is not designed to help the Montana family farmer. It is designed to build a corporate balance sheet large enough to serve the bottomless appetite of multinational data centers.

The PSC must protect our rural communities and...