NorthWestern Energy to issue RFP for Community Renewable Energy Projects in Montana

BUTTE, Mont., May 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- NorthWestern Corporation d/b/a NorthWestern Energy has issued a Community Renewable Energy Projects Request for Proposals ("RFP") today to seek additional small renewable generation owned or developed by Montana residents or Montana companies. NorthWestern will run this RFP with an extended timeline to prepare and submit proposals in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the renewable development community.

The Community Renewable Energy Project ("CREP") requirement was established as part of the Montana Renewable Portfolio to promote the development of small renewable projects by in-state owners. Further details regarding CREP eligibility can be found in Montana Code Annotated Section 69-3-2003 (10) and Section 69-3-2003 (4).

NorthWestern estimates its CREP need to be between 25 and 30 MW of additional installed capacity. This RFP preferentially seeks proposals with targeted Commercial Operation Dates of 2021, although projects with later CODs are welcome and will be considered.

Proposals must meet all CREP criteria established by Montana statute and administered by the Montana Public Service Commission. The criteria include limitations on project size ownership structures, and required renewable attributes. Selected proposals must also deliver a cost-effective resource for NorthWestern electric utility customers.

Responses are requested from Montana developers, landowners, energy companies, and businesses. NorthWestern is not seeking proposals for non-CREP renewable energy projects, unbundled renewable energy credits, or non-renewable resources with this RFP.

Proposals will be due on August 20, 2020, with a finalist selection expected on October 1, 2020.

The CREP RFP Independent Evaluator is Sapere Consulting. All email correspondence related to the RFP should be directed to Sapere at NWE2020CREPRFP@sapereconsulting.com.

 Information related to the CREP RFP can be found at www.sapereconsulting.com/rfp

About NorthWestern Energy (NYSE: NWE)
NorthWestern is regulated by the Montana Public Service Commission and serves more than 573,200 residential and business customers with electricity and natural gas in Montana. NorthWestern also provides electricity and / or natural gas to approximately 726,400 customers in Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska. We have generated and distributed electricity in South Dakota and distributed natural gas in South Dakota and Nebraska since 1923 and have generated and distributed electricity and distributed natural gas in Montana since 2002. More information on NorthWestern is available on the company's website at www.northwesternenergy.com. 

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SOURCE NorthWestern Energy