NorthWestern buys Bear Paw gas interests

NorthWestern Energy has purchased natural gas production interests in the Bear Paw Mountains from NFR Energy for $19.5 million.

The Bear Paw Basin purchase includes approximately 600 producing wells and two connected gathering systems with more than 400 miles of pipelines in Blaine, Chuoteau, Fergus and Hill counties, NorthWestern said in announcing the purchase.

The purchase is a part of NorthWestern's effort to control, more of its supply of natural gas.

"We are working to acquire our own supply of electricity and gas, " said Butch Larcombe, a corporate communications specialist for North...