NorthWestern Energy Seeking Carbon Offset Projects

NorthWestern Corporation d/b/a NorthWestern Energy is looking to fund cost-effective carbon offset projects in its Montana service area.

Eligible conservation projects must either reduce carbon emissions or promote the incremental absorption of carbon from the atmosphere. The Request for Proposals (RFP) is issued pursuant to the Montana Public Service Commission (MPSC) Order No. 6943a that authorized construction of the Dave Gates Generating Station.

"Montana law requires us to offset the new carbon generated by the DGGS plant by funding projects that reduce carbon in the atmosphere," said John Hines, Vice President – Energy Supply. "We worked through the details of the carbon offset plan with the Montana Public Service Commission to fund eligible projects that comply with the spirit and intent of the law."

NorthWestern intends to provide a total of $146,000 in funding for eligible projects that:

a. Increase energy efficiency in buildings (e.g., heating, cooling or lighting);

b. Retrofit buildings to improve energy efficiency;

c. Increase efficiency of energy used in manufacturing;

d. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing processes;

e. Combust or contain methane gases from landfills or other industrial wastes; or

f. Meet the criteria for Utility Energy Loss Reduction Projects.

Additional types of energy conservation projects may be considered at NWE’s discretion if they do not conflict with other parts of the plan. Projects must be completed in 2014.

Further qualifications may apply. For a complete description of the eligibility requirements and to download the plan and/or an application, please visit http://www.northwesternenergy.com. Applications are due by 5 p.m. February 28, 2014.