Bankruptcy watchdogs get $1 million (NorthWestern Energy bankruptcy case)

[Ediacara]

Bankruptcy watchdogs get $1 million
Martz says money guarantees customers will have strong voice
By BOB ANEZ
Associated Press Writer

HELENA -- The state Justice Department and Public Service Commission will be able to spend up to $1.2 million to represent state and consumer interests in the bankruptcy case of NorthWestern Corp., Gov. Judy Martz announced Wednesday.

She said her office will make $850,000 available for the attorney general to hire financial consultants and another $350,000 for the PSC to get expert legal help for tracking developments in the case.

Both Attorney General Mike McGrath and PSC Chairman Bob Rowe said the funding will be enough to ensure the concerns of government and consumers are not lost in the battles between the company and its creditors.

"The money represents our best estimate of what the reasonable costs will be," Rowe said at a Capitol news conference.

More at the Great Falls Tribune