Montana Clean Energy Guide
Big Sky Country has exceptional wind resources and significant hydroelectric capacity. Montana exports clean energy to neighboring states and markets, with transmission expansion enabling further development.
Policy Overview
Montana's previous RPS has been met and expired. The state has a history of clean energy development driven by excellent wind resources and hydroelectric dams. Net metering is available for smaller systems.
The Montana Public Service Commission regulates NorthWestern Energy. Transmission access is a key factor for Montana's clean energy exports to regional markets in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Active Projects & Development
Central Montana Wind
Multiple wind farms operate in central Montana, taking advantage of exceptional wind resources and transmission access to export markets.
Hydroelectric Resources
Montana's dams on the Missouri and other rivers provide significant clean electricity, with some facilities undergoing modernization.
Colstrip Transition
The Colstrip coal plant is transitioning, with some units retired and discussions ongoing about the facility's future and potential clean energy replacement.
Major Developers & Utilities
NorthWestern Energy
Primary Montana utility with wind procurement
Avista
Serving parts of western Montana
NextEra Energy Resources
Wind developer in Montana
Invenergy
Wind project developer
Market Outlook
Montana's clean energy market depends on transmission access to export wind and other clean power to regional markets. Proposed transmission projects could unlock significant additional wind development.
Opportunities include utility-scale wind, solar development, battery storage, and potential hydrogen production using abundant wind resources.
Grid Operations
Montana is not part of an organized RTO/ISO market. NorthWestern Energy operates its own balancing authority. Transmission interconnections to the Pacific Northwest and other regions are critical for Montana's clean energy exports.