Green Power Program Lead Community Agreement with NorthWestern Energy
Summary
Bozeman, Missoula and Missoula County signed on as lead communities for Montana's first utility green tariff — a voluntary program letting customers buy power from a new in-state wind or solar project of up to 50 megawatts. Actual costs and subscriptions come after a PSC filing and RFP; the program is designed so non-participating customers pay nothing extra.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 9, 2026.
Impact analysis
Signing doesn't lock in a price — the city only commits to the PSC filing and would owe RFP costs if it later backs out; subscription economics are unknown until bids come back.
Residents, businesses and the city itself wanting to voluntarily support new Montana renewable energy and the city's 100% clean electricity goal.
None identified — program costs are designed not to shift to non-participating customers.
Mentions & discussions (6)
Sustainability Board - Sep 9, 2026
The city adopted the Lead Community Agreement with NorthWestern Energy in July, and the joint tariff filing goes to the Public Service Commission next week. A public info session with Citizens Climate Lobby is set for September 24.
Economic Vitality Board - Aug 5, 2026
Bozeman, Missoula, and Missoula County are leading a program to build a new Montana wind or solar project (capped at 50 MW) that customers can voluntarily subscribe to. It could move Bozeman about 10% closer to its 100% clean electricity goal, but costs won't be known until the RFP process, and rates could fluctuate.
Missoula city-county, with Bozeman, adopt green power agreement
Missoula city-county, with Bozeman, adopt green power agreement Missoula Current
City Commission - Jul 21, 2026
Bozeman, Missoula and Missoula County signed on as lead communities for Montana's first utility green tariff — a voluntary program letting customers buy power from a new in-state wind or solar project of up to 50 megawatts. Actual costs and subscriptions come after a PSC filing and RFP; the program is designed so non-participating customers pay nothing extra.
Sustainability Board - Jul 8, 2026
Bozeman is one step closer to a program letting local governments, businesses, and eventually residents buy power from a new Montana wind or solar project through their NorthWestern Energy bills. It's the city's biggest lever toward its 100% clean electricity goal. Participation is voluntary, and the City Commission still has to sign off.
Sustainability Board - Jun 10, 2026
Bozeman, Missoula County, and Missoula are negotiating an agreement with NorthWestern Energy to build a new utility-scale renewable project (capped at 50 MW initially) and file a new rate with the Public Service Commission. Voluntary subscribers — local governments, businesses, and potentially residents — would pay the costs, with no cost shifting to other ratepayers. It's the city's biggest lever toward its 100% net clean electricity goal.
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