NorthWestern Buys Producing Gas Assets In Montana

Plans to buy operated and non-operated natural gas producing assets in northern Montana.

NorthWestern Energy (NYSE: NWE) plans to buy operated and non-operated natural gas producing assets in northern Montana’s Bear Paw Basin from Devon Energy Corp. (NYSE: DVN) for an undisclosed amount.

The deal includes Devon’s 82% interest in the Havre Pipeline Company. Estimated gas production from the region will be about 5.6 billion cubic feet (Bcf) in 2013, about 28% of Northwestern’s current annual natural gas load in Montana.

NorthWestern Energy will need to obtain a regulatory waiver to acquire the Havre Pipeline Company, LLC, a necessary step in completing the transaction. This transaction is expected to close in 2013 subject to customary approvals.

The purchase is consistent with NorthWestern Energy’s strategy to incorporate proven natural gas production resources into its regulated natural gas supply portfolio. “We’re pleased to add another natural gas asset to our mix of resources that serve Montana customers for many years to come,” said Bob Rowe, NorthWestern chief executive.

We believe this purchase adds value, reliability of supply and future long-term rate stability for our customers. In addition, the purchase of the majority interest in the Havre Transmission Pipeline will provide access to additional sources of natural gas necessary to meet future needs,” he said.

NorthWestern Energy plans to acquire an interest in approximately 916 producing wells and connected gathering systems with over 82 miles of transmission line, 576 miles of gathering lines and 21 compressors in Blaine, Choteau and Hill Counties. The amount of net proven developed producing reserves purchased is estimated to be 64.6 billion cubic feet.

Once the purchase is completed, NorthWestern Energy’s annual natural gas supply load in Montana would be comprised of approximately 37% owned and regulated production.

The purchase is expected to result in a 20-year levelized price for customers of approximately $4.10 per dekatherm. NorthWestern Energy currently owns gas production interests in the Battle Creek Field and the Bear Paw Basin which extends from the Missouri River North to the Canadian Border. Pipeline assets associated with the gas production include Havre Pipeline, Bear Paw, Willow Creek, Lodge Creek and Battle Creek gathering systems, all located in north-central Montana.

NorthWestern Energy provides electricity and natural gas in the Upper Midwest and Northwest, serving approximately 673,200 customers in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. The company is based in Sioux Falls, S.D. Devon is an independent oil and gas company based in Oklahoma City.