MPSC Gives Nod of Approval to NorthWestern's Mill Creek Generating Station

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., May 4  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Montana Public Service Commission (MPSC) voted four to one today in favor of NorthWestern Energy's application for approval to construct the Mill Creek Generating Station (MCGS) near Anaconda, Montana. A final order on the request is expected by May 22.

After considerable discussion on the proposed construction costs of the plant, the MPSC commissioners also voted unanimously that the $81 million for the turbines were prudent. The commission will determine the prudency of the other MCGS costs at a later time.  Among other actions, the commissioners approved the plant's return on equity at 10.25 percent and debt at 6.5 percent with a 50/50 capital structure and accepted the plant's carbon offset plan as filed.

About NorthWestern Energy

NorthWestern Energy is one of the largest providers of electricity and natural gas in the Upper Midwest and Northwest, serving approximately 650,000 customers in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska.  More information on NorthWestern Energy is available on the Company's Web site at http://www.northwesternenergy.com/. 

DATASOURCE: NorthWestern Corporation



CONTACT:  Media, Claudia Rapkoch, 1-866-622-8081,

, or Investor Relations, Dan Rausch, 

[phone], , both of NorthWestern

Corporation



Web Site:  http://www.northwesternenergy.com/ 

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