NorthWestern Energy to issue RFP to upgrade grid in South Dakota

NorthWestern Energy has begun the process of modernizing the grid for its electric customers in South Dakota.

The utility will issue a request for proposals (RFP) in April with the expectation of completing the upgrade by the end of 2021. The RFP will call for 60 megawatts (MW) of flexible capacity resources to modernize its portfolio of resources and improve reliability for its electric customers. NorthWestern will consider proposals for power purchase agreements, build-transfer arrangements, and other alternative structures satisfying the company’s generation requirements.

As part of the modernization, NorthWestern will retire two existing units at its Huron Generating Station totaling approximately 60 MW. Further, NorthWestern will separately evaluate engineer, procure and construct proposals for new generation at the Huron site.

HDR Engineering, Inc will administer the RFP. Interested parties must complete a safety and experience qualification questionnaire and execute a mutual non-disclosure agreement with NorthWestern. The questionnaire and agreement must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. CST on March 29 to participate in the RFP.

NorthWestern provides electricity and natural gas to approximately 726,400 customers in Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska.