Judge denies restraining order in SME case
SME asked the court to prevent the utility arm of the city of Great Falls from delaying payments for power or ending contracts with its customers that could cause SME to lose its customer base.
The Great Falls Tribune reports District Judge Kenneth Neill denied the restraining order, but ordered a June 1 hearing on the same issues. Neill said the city has continued to pay SME and the contracts at issue won't expire until June 30.
The city filed a lawsuit in March seeking to end its relationship with SME and the return of a $792,000 deposit.
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Nova Scotia regulator approves 14% electricity rate hike, defying premier
HALIFAX - Nova Scotia regulators approved a 14 per cent electricity rate hike on Thursday, defying calls by Premier Tim Houston to reject the increase.
Rates will rise on average by 6.9 per cent each year in 2023 and 2024.
The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (UARB) issued a 203-page decision ratifying most of the elements in a settlement agreement reached between Nova Scotia Power and customer groups after Houston's government legislated a rate, spending and profit cap on the utility in November.
The board said approval was in the public interest and the increase is "reasonable and appropriate."
"The board cannot simply…