NorthWestern Energy Seeks Montana Renewable Energy Projects

NorthWestern Energy today issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) seeking up to 45 megawatts of renewable generation owned by Montana residents.

State law requires NorthWestern to procure energy from Community Renewable Energy Projects (CREP) that meet certain criteria including cost-effectiveness to NWE’s customers. CREP is part of the Montana Renewable Portfolio Standard. The CREP requirement was established to specifically promote the development and ownership of smaller renewable energy projects by in-state owners.

Proposals must meet all CREP criteria established by Montana statute and administered by the Montana Public Service Commission (MPSC). These criteria include limitations on size and ownership structure, and specify the required renewable energy attributes. The proposals must also constitute a cost-effective resource for NorthWestern’s electric utility customers.

Proposals are requested from developers, landowners, energy companies and Montana businesses. NorthWestern is not seeking proposals for non-CREP renewable projects, unbundled renewable energy credits or non-renewable resources with this RFP.

The RFP seeks proposals for projects with targeted Commercial Operating Dates of late 2019 or late 2020 if NorthWestern seeks advance approval by the MPSC. NorthWestern will consider Power Purchase Agreements and Build-Transfer arrangements in this RFP.

Proposals are due on April 10, 2018, with selection of finalists expected in June.

The RFP and related information can be found at http://www.sapereconsulting.com/rfp

Sapere Consulting will administer the RFP and serve as a point of contact for those submitting proposals. All inquiries and correspondence regarding this RFP must be directed to Sapere Consulting.

Steve Lewis [email protected] 206-726-3695

Andrew Bulmer [email protected] 509-860-0452

Carol Loughlin [email protected] 206-732-6533