State regulators are attempting to assert control over NorthWestern Energy after the utility did not seek state approval in acquiring more coal-fired energy.

The Montana Public Service Commission said in a federal filing that NorthWestern Energy acted “illegally” in a recent deal over shares of Colstrip Generating Plant, southeastern Montana’s massive coal-fired power plant.

NorthWestern, a monopoly utility in Montana, is set to acquire 370 megawatts of Colstrip from another utility company, Puget Sound Energy, at no cost. In order to hold and sell the newly acquired shares, the company formed a subsidiary, NorthWestern Colstrip 370 PuLLC, which is not subject to state regulation.

NorthWestern Energy has long said that the deal does not require Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) ap

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