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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Hydro One, Avista to ask U.S. regulator to reconsider order against acquisition
TORONTO - Hydro One Ltd. and Avista Corp. say they plan to formally request that the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission reconsider its order last week denying approval of the $6.7-billion takeover of the U.S.-based energy utility.
The two companies say they will file a petition no later than Dec. 17 but haven't indicated on what grounds they are making the request.
Under Washington State law, the UTC has 20 days to consider the petition, otherwise it is deemed to be denied.
If it reconsiders its decision, the UTC can modify the prior order or take any actions it deems appropriate including extending…