Utility seeks Montana renewable energy projects

NorthWestern Energy has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) as a means of seeking additional Montana renewable generation to comply with a statutory-mandate.

The effort stems from the Montana Renewable Portfolio Standard requiring NorthWestern to procure energy from Community Renewable Energy Projects (CREP) meeting criteria defined in Montana Code Annotated Section 69-3-2003(10) and Section 69-3-2003 (4).

NorthWestern estimates current CREP need to be between 10 MW and 30 MW of additional installed capacity, noting based on the current projected need, the RFP seeks proposals with targeted Commercial Operation Dates (COD) in 2020, although projects with later or earlier CODs will be considered.

The RFP is seeking responses from developers, Montana landowners, energy companies and businesses, Montana municipal governments, and tribal authorities, and/or other Montana businesses. NorthWestern is not seeking proposals for non-CREP projects, unbundled renewable energy credits or non-renewable resources.

Proposals must meet all CREP criteria established by Montana statutes and administered by the Montana Public Service Commission, with criteria including limitations on project size and specific ownership structures, as well as required renewable energy attributes.

Selected proposals must also deliver a resource that complies with NorthWestern’s cost cap as outlined in Montana law.