At 480-acres, MTSUN’s 80-megawatt development along Alkali Creek Road would be the largest solar farm in the state, generating enough electricity to power about 14,400 homes.

NorthWestern asked Manley to stay his ruling while the utility appealed to the state Supreme Court. Manley declined, stating that the appeal was unlikely to succeed. The utility then requested a stay from the state Supreme Court, arguing that Manley abused his discretion.

This week, Supreme Court justices sided with Manley on the stay, not only turning down NorthWestern, but also stating there was no evidence Manley abused his discretion.

NorthWestern has not yet filed an appeal on Manley's ruling.