Columbia Falls Aluminum spokesman says power deal averts plant closure

COLUMBIA FALLS (AP) - Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. no longer anticipates closing its plant this month, now that an energy agreement has been reached with the Bonneville Power Administration. Columbia Falls Aluminum spokesman Haley Beaudry says production will decrease, but the plant will operate at least through June. Under the agreement negotiated with BPA, the company will get electricity at rates more attractive than anticipated earlier. Energy prices were high on the list when Columbia Falls Aluminum said in December that production costs, slumping aluminum prices and growing inventories worldwide required closing the plant. The company announced on Dec. 23 that aluminum production would end in 60 days, cutting up to 200 jobs.