NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NWE), operating as NorthWestern Energy, is stepping up to meet Montana’s growing energy demands by joining several high-voltage transmission projects. These initiatives aim to expand Montana’s grid, enhance energy security, and position the state as a regional energy hub, ultimately benefiting customers across the region.
NorthWestern Energy has entered a nonbinding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with North Plains Connector LLC, a subsidiary of Grid United, to acquire a 10% ownership stake in the North Plains Connector project. This 3,000-megawatt, 420-mile high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line will link Bismarck, North Dakota, to Colstrip, Montana. The project, co-developed by Grid United and ALLETE, Inc., is supported by additional ownership MOUs with utilities such as Avista, Portland General Electric, and Puget Sound Energy.
Currently in the permitting phase, the North Plains Connector aims for regulatory approvals by 2026, with construction starting in 2028 and operations projected to begin by 2032. Grid United will continue funding the development until all permits are secured, at which point NorthWestern Energy will invest.
The North Plains Connector will serve as the first interregional transmission line bridging the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), Southwest Power Pool (SPP), and Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) energy markets. This bidirectional line will facilitate efficient power transport across regions, leveraging diverse load demands and weather patterns to address energy shortages effectively.
“NorthWestern Energy’s Colstrip substation is strategically located to act as a critical endpoint for the North Plains Connector, solidifying Colstrip’s role as a key energy hub,” said Brian Bird, President and CEO of NorthWestern Energy. “Our shared commitment to addressing local concerns and priorities ensures this project aligns with Montana’s energy needs.”
NorthWestern Energy’s involvement strengthens the consortium’s efforts to bolster grid resilience. Earlier this year, the company supported the Montana Department of Commerce in securing a $700 million U.S. Department of Energy Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnership (GRIP) grant. While primarily allocated to the North Plains Connector, the grant also includes funding for potential upgrades to the Colstrip Transmission System, jointly owned and operated by NorthWestern Energy.
Michael Skelly, CEO and co-founder of Grid United, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “NorthWestern Energy’s expertise and understanding of the region’s energy landscape reinforce the importance of the North Plains Connector as a vital solution for a reliable electric grid.”
Beyond the North Plains Connector, NorthWestern Energy has signed a letter of intent with Grid United to explore transmission development along Montana’s southwest corridor. This initiative seeks to improve connectivity between Montana and the broader Western energy market, enhance grid reliability, and enable customers to tap into emerging energy opportunities.
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