PSC approves NorthWestern merger

Montana’s Public Service Commission approved a merger between NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills Corporation in a 3-2 vote on Tuesday. The $15.4 billion deal, once finalized, will create Bright Horizon Energy, serving more than 2 million electric and natural-gas customers in six states. NorthWestern will become a wholly owned subsidiary. Supporters say the merger could lower borrowing and operating costs; opponents voted against the proposal.