December 12, 2024

NorthWestern Energy to Participate in Regional Transmission Projects

NorthWestern Energy has signed a nonbinding memorandum of understanding with North Plains Connector LLC, a wholly owned entity of Grid United, to own 10% (300 megawatts) of North Plains Connector, a 3,000-megawatt, 420-mile high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line to be constructed with endpoints near Bismarck, North Dakota, and Colstrip, Montana. Grid United and ALLETE, Inc. are jointly developing North Plains Connector. Avista, Portland General Electric and Puget Sound Energy also have ownership MOUs with North Plains Connector. The project is entering the permitting phase and initiating regulatory filings with approvals targeted in 2026. Construction is expected to commence in 2028, aiming for the project to be operational by 2032. Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding, Grid United will continue to fund the development of North Plains Connector. NorthWestern Energy would invest when project regulatory approvals and permits are in place.

To read the full press release, please click here.

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