WF Weekly Forward Focus: Curve Your Enthusiasm

Research evidence excerpt

WF Weekly Forward Focus: Curve Your Enthusiasm

commissioners face major issues around NorthWestern’s proposed merger with Black Hills and

large-load/data-center growth.

• In District 1, Jeff Pattison vs. Jeremy Trebas is framed around ratepayer impacts, data-center

transparency, water/infrastructure cost allocation, and utility financial analysis.

• In District 5, incumbent Annie Bukacek faces Joe Dooling and David Sanders, with reporting

highlighting ratepayer protection, affordability, transparency, and PSC professionalism as key

themes.

• More HERE

Wells Fargo Takeaway: The Montana PSC elections are directly relevant to the NWE/BKH merger and

the state’s data-center load-growth debate. The primary does not change the near-term docket path,

but it reinforces that ratepayer protection, large-load cost allocation, and merger scrutiny are now central

political issues around the PSC.

Cloverleaf/Data centers/ AL – To host an open house today to address concerns over proposed

project

• “Cloverleaf Infrastructure is set to host an open house Wednesday, June 3, inviting Lowndes

County residents to the table to discuss Project Red Clay.”

• “Already aware of public opposition towards a data center site in Burkville, said Lowndes County

residents' initial response to the proposed project is not uncommon. Cloverleaf representatives

hope to dispel some of those concerns by relaying facts at Wednesday's meeting.”

• “Biyeu said the open house will feature 10 different stations staffed by Cloverleaf representatives

and local experts, like Alabama Power, who are already in the community and who understand both

the development and the community.”

Wells Fargo Takeaway: FYI. Cloverleaf is looking at a potential project in AL. The open house is to

address local community opposition.