Montana City Attempts to Regain Control of Water System From Carlyle Group
“Three years ago, Carlyle Group CG +2.59% LP bought the pipes, pumps and water wells in Missoula, Mont., and several California communities in what the firm assumed was a relatively low-risk bet. By most accounts,…
Legal fees pass estimates months before Missoula, Mountain Water trial begins
“Already, the city of Missoula has exceeded its original estimate for legal costs in its quest to take over Mountain Water Co. This spring, Mayor John Engen estimated the city would pay $400,000 total to…
Judge: PSC can’t intervene in Mountain Water condemnation
“The Montana Public Service Commission doesn’t get to interfere in the city of Missoula’s eminent domain case. “While not explicitly stated, the PSC appears to oppose this eminent domain action either because if granted, its…
Property owners talk academics at conference
“When they feel wronged by the government or by a utility, academics don’t get mad. They get even — by writing a paper about it. Andrew Morriss, dean of the University of Texas A&M School…
Judge allows use of condemnation for oil pipelines
“Phillips 66 now has the final right-of-way needed to continue operation of three oil pipelines that cross the Blackfeet Reservation, carrying Canadian crude to points south. Easements for the pipelines, initially granted in the 1960s…
Carlyle: Mountain Water Co. spends $2M on ‘support services’
“The Carlyle Group admits Mountain Water Co. spends an estimated $2 million a year on “administrative and support services provided by” its parent company in California, according to documents filed this week in Missoula County…
Missoula, California town to collaborate on water system fights
“Missoula’s fight to take ownership of its water system crossed state lines Thursday when Apple Valley, California, agreed to help wrest the system from the Carlyle Group by sharing information and strategies. Missoula Mayor John…
PSC didn’t notify public about vote to intervene in Mountain Water case
“The Montana Public Service Commission voted July 1 to intervene in a multimillion-dollar proceeding in Missoula County District Court – but that possibility never appeared on the group’s posted meeting agenda. In the 5-0 vote,…
Montana Consumer Counsel: Carlyle isn’t passing on debt savings
“Since the Carlyle Group purchased Mountain Water Co., the utility has issued debt at a much lower interest rate, according to the Montana Consumer Counsel. Customers, though, aren’t getting the benefit the global investment firm…
Judge rejects Carlyle motion to be dropped from Mountain Water case
“Missoula County District Court Judge Karen Townsend on Thursday denied the Carlyle Group’s motion to be dismissed from the eminent domain case filed by the city of Missoula. In her order, she cited Carlyle’s “legal…