PPL Corporation said that it will oppose an initiative announced Tuesday (11/20) by state Sen. Ken Toole.

“This initiative will not solve the electricity supply issues facing Montana and may, in fact, expose the state – and consumers – to significant unintended costs,” said Dan McCarthy, PPL’s director of Corporate Communications.

“State ownership of Montana’s hydroelectric facilities is contrary to the long-term best interests of the electricity users of Montana,” said McCarthy. “State ownership will expose Montana to ongoing operational and market risks, which could result in significant costs to electricity users, especially at times of high electricity demand.

“This initiative also has the potential to seriously damage Montana’s economic development prospects by putting at risk development of future electricity supplies and sending a message that Montana is an unfriendly place to invest,” said McCarthy.

“While we certainly support the right of Montanans to have their voices heard on important issues facing the state, this initiative will only serve to divert attention from potential actions that could improve the long-term outlook for Montana’s energy supply and for its economic future,” he said.

PPL Montana, a subsidiary of PPL Corporation, employs 500 people to operate 11 hydroelectric and two coal-fired power plants in the state of Montana. It purchased the facilities from Montana Power Company in 1999.