Black Hills and NorthWestern Energy Merger Approved

Black Hills Corp. and NorthWestern Energy Group have received shareholder approval for their proposed all-stock merger. The companies say the votes at special shareholder meetings are a milestone toward completing the transaction announced Aug. 19, 2025.

Upon closing, the combined company will form Bright Horizon Energy Corporation, a regional regulated utility serving customers across eight states. The merger remains subject to federal approvals including Hart-Scott-Rodino and FERC, plus state approvals in Montana, Nebraska, and South Dakota, and is still expected to close in the second half of 2026.