The Sustainability Advisory Board received a work session presentation on a proposed Green Power Program on June 10th, marking a major step forward for a project in development since 2019. Staff member Natalie Meyer detailed the partnership between Bozeman, Missoula-area governments, and NorthWestern Energy to create a new utility-scale renewable energy option for customers. The program would allow commercial, industrial, and potentially residential customers to subscribe to power from a Montana-based renewable project through a special rate on their utility bills. An initial 50-megawatt phase would likely feature wind or solar, possibly paired with energy storage, owned and operated by NorthWestern Energy.
Three guiding principles shape the agreement: the project must be "additional," meaning it wouldn't be built without subscriber participation; contract terms and eligibility should be accessible to as many customers as possible; and non-participating customers bear no costs. Meyer emphasized that no final pricing exists yet, as rates depend on a competitive RFP and market conditions. Early modeling suggested a modest premium with potential bill credits, though expiring Clean Energy Tax Credits and tariff impacts could affect economics. Fixed costs would be spread over approximately 25 years, offset by floating credits based on real-time energy prices.
Board members asked detailed questions about pricing mechanisms, residential subscription structures, and the timeline. Meyer noted the project could be three to five years from launch. The board did not vote during this work session. Meyer indicated she plans to bring the Lead Community Agreement to the board at its next meeting for a formal recommendation to the City Commission.