This bill revises Montana's laws governing utility lines and facilities to streamline the process for building new electric transmission infrastructure. It allows the Public Service Commission to issue certificates of public convenience and necessity for transmission projects rated above 69 kilovolts, with a 270-day review period that considers factors like reliability, cost-effectiveness, and the use of advanced transmission technologies. The legislation also introduces optional ratemaking procedures that let eligible utilities separate transmission costs from other services and adjust rates annually based on actual costs and revenues. Additionally, the bill defines various advanced transmission technologies and grants the commission rulemaking authority to implement these changes.
This bill requires investor-owned utilities in Montana to create an online energy dashboard by June 2026 that displays real-time data on electricity generation costs, transmission fees, and how different power sources contribute to customer bills. It also mandates public utilities to provide quarterly disclosures showing the mix of energy sources used, such as coal, natural gas, wind, and solar, along with the cost per kilowatt-hour for each source. The dashboard must allow customers to see how specific grid events or price surges affect their monthly electricity charges, while the quarterly reports must detail power purchased from same-day electricity markets. These requirements aim to help residential and small commercial consumers better understand the operating costs and energy sources behind their utility bills.
This joint resolution expresses the Montana Legislature's support for expanding and upgrading the state's electrical transmission infrastructure to improve grid reliability and affordability. The document highlights concerns about stagnant transmission development over recent decades and notes that neighboring states have more robust transmission capacity than Montana. It emphasizes that increased transmission capacity could help attract industrial investment, create jobs using local skilled labor, and generate tax revenue for local and state governments. The resolution directs copies to state officials, neighboring governors, utility associations, and federal agencies to encourage collaboration on transmission projects.
This bill revises Montana's energy laws to establish a competitive bidding process for constructing new electric transmission lines valued at $8 million or more. It directly affects incumbent electric utilities, which retain the right to own and maintain transmission lines in specific regions after approving projects through a federally registered planning authority. The legislation requires utilities to conduct open bidding for qualifying projects while allowing them to set reasonable construction standards and inspect work to ensure compliance. Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions for transmission lines and incumbent utilities, and mandates equal sharing of transmission lines connecting two separate utilities unless otherwise agreed upon.
This bill directs Montana's Legislative Council to conduct an interim study on creating an interstate compact for electric transmission infrastructure development. The study will examine legal frameworks, economic impacts, and best practices for cooperative agreements among states to improve energy grid reliability and reduce costs for ratepayers. Key tasks include analyzing how to streamline permitting processes, ensure fair cost-sharing, and incorporate market-based principles while respecting state sovereignty. The study must be completed by September 15, 2026, with final results reported to the next Montana Legislature.
SB 406 would require Montana's investor-owned utilities to implement energy conservation programs achieving at least 1% of their average annual electricity sales in savings by 2026. Utilities must conduct biennial assessments to identify cost-effective conservation opportunities (like efficient appliances, lighting, and grid improvements) and submit plans for commission approval. The law mandates that programs be funded through customer rates, with utilities allowed to recover costs and share in rewards for successful conservation investments. It aims to reduce peak electricity demand, improve grid reliability, and defer costly infrastructure investments without specifying outcomes.
HJ 15 is a joint resolution from the Montana Legislature that expresses support for increasing electric transmission capacity. It states that upgrading and expanding transmission infrastructure, both within Montana and across state borders, is essential for ensuring affordable and reliable electricity service and stable economic growth for Montanans. The resolution directs copies to be sent to various governors, state and federal energy commissions, and rural electric cooperatives.
