energy

Montana’s largest utility is planning how it’s going to generate power and meet rising demand in the era of data centers. The company is now soliciting public feedback on that draft plan. MTPR’s Ellis Juhlin attended a recent meeting in Missoula and reports.

Montana’s largest utility has released a draft plan of how it will generate power for the next two decades. It’s soliciting public comments on that plan in meetings across the state.

Environmental groups and other nonprofits have filed a formal complaint about data centers with state utility regulators. The groups are asking the Public Service Commission to ensure NorthWestern Energy customers do not subsidize the cost of powering data centers.

Montana's largest utility this year struck deals to power three data centers — and counting. NorthWestern Energy has promised them at least twice the amount of electricity used to power all homes and businesses in the state. As data centers look to break ground in Montana, some worry ratepayers will have to subsidize their colossal power needs.

Wind farms are facing strong opposition in much of southeastern Montana, but Stillwater County is welcoming wind power with open arms. New turbines went online there in August, and plans for up to 400 more are under consideration.

Montana homeowners have two more weeks to apply for property tax rebates. The rebate tops out at $400; Gov. Greg Gianforte is creating a task force to focus on boosting energy development in Montana. A new report focuses on how climate change is impacting our health.

The Environmental Protection Agency says it’s halting a program that could have helped low-income Montanans reduce their power bills. The “Solar for All” program, which helped homeowners buy and install solar panels, was eliminated by the President's tax and spending bill.

Millions of dollars in grants to help rural business and agricultural producers in Montana remain tied up in federal funding freezes. The grant recipients are asking the state’s congressional delegation to ensure their contracts get paid.

Montana’s largest utility company announced Thursday that it plans to purchase a share of a new transmission line. This first of its kind high-voltage line could allow energy companies to trade power across the country and lower costs.

Montana’s governor held an invite-only session on Tuesday with the state’s most powerful utility companies and energy industry players. The governor asked his selected industry leaders how state policy could help them make more power.