Montana
Missoulian: "Renewable energy advocates discuss future of traditional utility companies"
NorthWestern Energy Corp. Chief Executive Officer Bob Rowe spent an hour taking questions from the audience about how Montana’s biggest energy utility plans to deal with the fate of Colstrip power plants, renewable energy sources and how traditional power companies will co-exist with changing public desires.
Montana's top political and energy leaders headline NW Energy Coalition conference
Gov. Steve Bullock will deliver the conference’s opening keynote. Bullock will outline his energy vision for Montana and look at how energy efficiency programs, renewable energy development and smart transmission can position Montana to take advantage of the new clean energy economy in the West. After lunch, Coalition executive director Nancy Hirsh will facilitate a lively Q & A between NorthWestern Energy CEO Bob Rowe and all conference attendees.
Puget Sound Energy makes move to transition off of coal power
Today, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission approved a petition filed by Puget Sound Energy, Sierra Club and the NW Energy Coalition asking to delay the pending April 1, 2016, rate case with the commitment that PSE include a retirement and cleanup plan for the older coal-fired units Colstrip units 1 and 2. The new rate case must be filed no later than January 17, 2017.
Montana Governor Announces Interim Clean Power Plan Advisory Council Members
The NW Energy Coalition’s senior policy associate for Montana, Diego Rivas, Coalition board member and former board chair Chuck Magraw, representatives of Coalition member organizations including member utilities Portland General Electric and Puget Sound Energy have been named to Montana’s Interim Clean Power Plan Advisory Panel.
Coalition comments highlight strengths, weaknesses of draft 7th Power Plan
On Dec. 18, the NW Energy Coalition submitted its written comments on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s draft 7th regional plan which, when finalized, will inform resource decisions by Northwest electric utilities for the next 20 years – especially in the initial five- to six-year action plan period.
OpEd: A clean energy plan to benefit all Montanans
Affordable and reliable electricity are the backbone of a strong economy. They ensure that Montana families don’t have to choose between buying food and paying the electric bill. Electricity prices are also critical to the success of our state’s businesses and communities.
Weigh in on the 7th Power Plan
The Northwest Power and Conservation Council, the region’s official power planning agency, has just released the draft of its seventh regional power plan. The public now has 60 days to provide written reactions and opportunities to attend and testify at public hearings in all four Northwest states.