GREAT FALLS - Energy West Inc., a natural-gas and energy marketing company in Great Falls, has bought 83 percent of the outstanding shares of Cut Bank Gas Co., a natural-gas utility serving Cut Bank.

The deal, which was announced Thursday, was approved earlier in the week by the Montana Public Service Commission.

Company officials say they're seeking acquisition of the remaining 17 percent of shares of Cut Bank Gas, which serves about 1,500 customers.

Energy West is a subsidiary of Energy Inc., which distributes and sells natural gas to about 37,000 customers in Montana, Wyoming, North Carolina and Maine.