The National Energy Policy Act enacted by Congress in 2005 took important steps to strengthen the nation’s electric power grid. Congress also authorized mandatory reliability and interconnection standards, and directed the Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct a nationwide study of electric transmission congestion of current systems, which was completed in August 2006.
The study identified a broad range of critical geographic areas that face potentially serious challenges for ensuring reliable and cost effective electricity delivery. One of the congestion areas identified in the study was the Montana, Idaho and Northwest Region.
In response to customer requests for new transmission capacity, NorthWestern held an open season process in 2004 to invite potential participants to reserve capacity in a new transmission path out of Montana.
Utilities and energy developers participated in the open season process requesting over 2200 MW of capacity on a new line.
After more than two years of evaluating the expressed need, this process has resulted in a proposal to construct the Mountain States Transmission Intertie (MSTI) 500 kV project.
Interconnection Agreements & Procedures
