NorthWestern Energy (NWMT)

Interconnection Information

NorthWestern Energy (NorthWestern) is providing this web page in accordance with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order Nos. 2003 and 2006 and in response to requests for potential generation, load and transmission interconnections to its electric system.

NorthWestern uses the generator interconnection process FERC has developed in its Order Nos. 2003 and 2006 when dealing with generation interconnection requests. NorthWestern also applies many aspects of the generator interconnection process to requests for new load and transmission interconnections. The applicant must submit a completed interconnection request (forms can be found below) to start the formal interconnection process. When the completed request (with the Initial Processing Fee) is received, NorthWestern Energy will establish the applicant's priority in the corresponding interconnection queue. Questions pertaining to interconnection may be directed to Autumn Mueller at Autumn.Mueller@NorthWestern.com, by telephone (406) 497-3174, or at the address given below. A completed request and applicable fee should be submitted to:

NorthWestern Energy
Attn:  Autumn Mueller
         Generation and Transmission Interconnection
40 E. Broadway
Butte, MT 59701

Documents

Interconnection Queue (includes the generator interconnection information as required by FERC Order No. 2003, as well as interconnection information for load and transmission interconnection requests).

Large Generator Interconnection Request Form (Greater than 20 MW)

Small Generator Interconnection Request Form (No Larger than 20 MW)

The official FERC documents pertaining to Large and Small Generator Interconnection Agreements and Procedures may be found at http://www.ferc.gov/industries/electric/indus-act/gi.asp.

Load Interconnection Request Form

Load Interconnection Procedures for Load Interconnection or Load Expansion as required or applicable. Load Interconnection Procedures

Transmission Line Interconnection Request Form

NorthWestern Energy has modeled the process for interconnection of Transmission Lines after the Large Generator Interconnection Procedures and Agreements as possible. 

NorthWestern Energy's Interconnection Cost Allocation and Refund Methodology

This Business Practice describes NorthWestern Energy’s procedure to allocate and refund the cost for required network system upgrades that are caused by multiple customer requests. The cost to upgrade the system must be borne by customers whose requests cause the upgrade.

It should be noted that the submittal of an interconnection request does not constitute a request for transmission service. It is also the case that any study results, system expansions, etc. at the expense of the applicant, do not imply the applicant will receive any transmission required to deliver the generation output to load. The applicant must follow the procedures described in NorthWestern Energy’s FERC Open Access Transmission Tariff to request and/or reserve transmission service.