NorthWestern Energy Upsizes and Extends Corporate Revolving Credit Facility

NorthWestern Corporation d/b/a NorthWestern Energy NWE today announced that it has amended and restated its corporate revolving credit facility to increase the amount to $300 million from the current $250 million and to extend the maturity date to June 30, 2016, from the existing June 30, 2012. The facility also has an accordion feature that allows the Company to increase the size of the facility up to $350 million with the consent of the lenders. Based on NorthWestern's current senior unsecured credit ratings, the initial commitment fee under the amended revolver will be reduced to 0.175% (from 0.375%), and the initial interest rate margin for Eurodollar loans will be reduced to 1.25% (from 2.75%). Going forward, interest rates, commitment fees and letter of credit fees will be based on the Company's then-current senior unsecured credit ratings. As of June 30, 2011, the Company has issued approximately $90 million of commercial paper, which is supported by the amended facility, and approximately $167,000 of letters of credit under the facility. There are currently no loans outstanding under the amended facility.