BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The operator of a coal-fired power plant in eastern Montana that plans to shut down two of its four units this year says it's offering benefits and guaranteed severance packages to encourage workers to stay.

The Billings Gazette reports that Talen Energy Montana President Dale Lebsack told lawmakers the company keeps losing money at the Colstrip Steam Electric Station's Units 1 and 2 because of high coal prices.

Lebsack said that and worker attrition could affect the profitability of the plant's other units.

Talen plans to close the older units in December — about 30 mon...