HELENA, Mont. (NMB) – The Montana House of Representatives on Monday advanced legislation known as the “Save Colstrip” bill, which would incentivize NorthWestern Energy to by more shares of Colstrip’s coal-fired power plant.
Shaylee Ragar with the UM Legislative News Service reports, Senate Bill 331 passed 62 to 38. It has been amended several times, including when a House committee restored oversight from the Public Service Commission in the deal.
Committee chair Republican Representative Daniel Zolnikov of Billings says this change was a top priority.
“That was the number one concern I’ve heard about for a month or two, so we took care of that.”
The House also removed language that would have allowed NorthWestern to pass $75 million worth of decommissioning and remediation costs onto ratepayers.
Representative Chris Pope, a Democrat from Bozeman, says the Senate, which would get another vote on the amended bill if it passes the House, could overturn the amendments and the policy left would be bad for consumers.
“It removes the essential protections to the over 300,000 captive customers.”
Senate Bill 331 needs another House vote before it can return to the Senate.
