Governor Greg Gianforte joined community leaders today to announce a $700 million investment aimed at enhancing affordable and reliable energy in Montana through the North Plains Connector Interregional Innovation project. This initiative will establish the first high-voltage transmission line connecting Montana’s eastern and western power grids.
“Access to affordable and reliable energy is a top priority for this administration, especially as Montanans face rising energy bills due to inflation,” Gov. Gianforte stated. “I’m proud to stand alongside our partners today to secure a stronger electric grid and a sustainable future for the State of Montana.”
In August, the U.S. Department of Energy awarded Montana up to $700 million under the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program. These funds are intended to enhance power grid reliability in Montana and North Dakota, ensuring that communities have access to affordable energy.
“The dedication of the partners here today are champions for the Colstrip community, and I am proud the department has been a part of this,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “My team has worked tirelessly with public and private partners to expand affordable energy in Montana.”
The North Plains Connector project will link three regional control entities: the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC), Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), and Southwest Power Pool (SPP). According to the DOE, the project is expected to create up to 3,800 megawatts of new capacity and increase transfer capacity between WECC and the Eastern Interconnection in Montana and North Dakota by an impressive 1,400 percent.
In July, the Montana Department of Commerce announced a separate award of $47.5 million from the DOE for projects in Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon counties, as well as the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. These funds will help mitigate the impact of constructing the North Plains Connector transmission line and will support infrastructure upgrades in areas such as roads, water, and emergency services.
“The partnerships we have built with local counties, the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, and federal agencies are crucial for long-term success,” said Jim Atchison, Executive Director of Southeastern Montana Development Corporation. “This project means jobs and opportunities, building on our rich history as an energy leader.”
Governor Gianforte’s administration emphasizes the importance of expanding access to reliable energy through a comprehensive approach. Recently, he welcomed a $1 billion investment in the Clearwater Wind Project in Miles City.
In May, Gianforte, alongside Senator Steve Daines, criticized the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to shut down the Colstrip facility, citing new EPA rules that could lead to its early retirement and cost consumers over $1.1 billion over the next two decades.
