The Montana Public Service Commission approved the Yellowstone County Generating Station at $246 million — less than the $289 million in additional rate base that NorthWestern Energy wanted.

Customers will pay for the plant.

How the amount will translate on customer bills is in the works, although NorthWestern already implemented increases associated with the rate case, to be adjusted based on a final decision.

Public Service Commission spokesperson Alana Lake said Friday she expects an estimate on customer bills to be available in the next couple of weeks.

This week, the Public Service Commission took action on the rate case, a complex and multipronged application that includes the controversial methane-fired plant outside Laurel.

In a report , staff analysts with the Public Serv

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