BUTTE, Mont., Nov. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NorthWestern Energy (NYSE: NWE) announced today that the Montana Public Service Commission (MPSC) has accepted its motion for reconsideration regarding the MPSC's Nov. 12, 2009, decision that the company's general rate filing did not meet the MPSC's applicable minimum filing requirements, primarily related to allocated cost of service and rate design.

As a result of today's hearing, NorthWestern does not need to re-file its general rate case and will work with MPSC staff to determine what additional information is necessary to meet the MPSC's minimum filing requirements and submit a supplemental filing by January 15, 2010. The MPSC indicated that it will decide by the end of January whether the supplemental filing meets the MPSC's minimum filing requirements.

Assuming the supplemental filing is found to meet minimal filing requirements, NorthWestern agreed to extend the timeframe by which the MPSC must issue a final order concerning the general rate filing by 90 days to October 11, 2010.

NorthWestern is pleased with the MPSC's decision and the opportunity to work directly with MPSC staff to address the submittal of supplemental information.

In its Oct. 16, 2009 rate case filing, NorthWestern proposed a revenue requirement increase of approximately $1.96 million for its natural gas utility and approximately $15.5 million for its electric utility.

About NorthWestern Energy

NorthWestern Energy provides electricity and natural gas in the Upper Midwest and Northwest, serving approximately 656,000 customers in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. More information on NorthWestern Energy is available on the Company's Web site at www.northwesternenergy.com.

SOURCE NorthWestern Corporation

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