NorthWestern Energy stock rose 8.4% in morning trading on Wednesday after Black Hills Corp., its merger partner, announced a $1.8 billion agreement with Google to supply power to a new data center in Wyoming.

The contract highlights the growth potential of the combined utility, which will operate under the name Bright Horizon Energy. The deal focuses on serving the expanding artificial intelligence infrastructure sector.

The announcement comes as the Montana Public Service Commission prepares to issue its final decision on the NWE-Black Hills merger, expected between mid-October and mid-November.

On Monday, Barclays maintained its Overweight rating on NorthWestern Energy as part of a third-quarter earnings preview. The firm lowered its price target to $70 from $73.