BUTTE, Mont. - NorthWestern Energy announced that it will implement many of the improvements recommended by the consulting firm that audited the company's electric and natural gas distribution and transmission systems in Montana. NorthWestern stated in a filing made with the Montana Public Service Commission (MPSC) that it will continue to evaluate other recommendations.
The company hired The Liberty Consulting Group, a Quentin, Pa., engineering consulting firm, to evaluate its inspection and maintenance practices for its electric and natural gas transmission and distribution systems, system performance, reliability, and the work priority system and resulting expenditures. NorthWestern requested an opinion as to whether its standards and procedures meet the criteria for "good utility practices." Liberty also identified and recommended steps for improvement.