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 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 505 would amend Montana's zoning laws to allow local governments to prohibit the construction of wind energy facilities by preventing utility companies from connecting power from these projects. Specifically, it targets subsection (28) of Section 7-1-111, which would permit local governments to block utility connections for wind generation facilities defined under state law. This bill directly affects wind energy developers and local planning authorities, as it removes a key barrier to project development. The policy change focuses on utility interconnection as the mechanism for restricting wind facility construction, rather than general zoning rules. The bill did not become law, as it died in committee in 2025.
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.
