Gov. Gianforte, DEQ Intervene in Large New Load Tariff Case to Protect Montana Customers

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) today announced DEQ will request to intervene in NorthWestern Energy's "Large New Load Tariff" proceeding before the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC).

"Montana is open for business, and we welcome employers who want to bring high-paying jobs here," Gov. Gianforte said. "At the same time, we're making sure large, new power users pay their own way so Montana families aren't left subsidizing their electric bills. By intervening in this case, DEQ will help the Commission balance growth with fairness for existing customers."

The tariff proposal being considered by the PSC will determine how NorthWestern serves large, new, and expanding power users, such as data centers and other high demand facilities, with expected loads of five megawatts or more. The state's intervention will help ensure Montana families and small businesses are protected as the state competes for new investment and jobs from large power users, such as data centers.

The proposal creates a framework of minimum-contract terms, cost recovery provisions, and collateral requirements so that large, new customers cover the incremental costs they impose on the system rather than shifting those costs to existing ratepayers.

"Montanans deserve a system where large, new customers can connect to the grid quickly while covering the full incremental costs of serving them," DEQ Director Sonja Nowakowski said. "Our role in this case is to help make sure that happens by protecting legacy customers, supporting economic development, and advancing the work of the Governor's Unleashing American-made Energy Task Force."

DEQ's Energy Office is requesting to participate as a party in the PSC proceeding under the Commission's intervention rule. If granted intervenor status, DEQ would be able to provide technical input, file testimony, and work with other parties to strengthen customer protections and support timely interconnection for large new load projects.

NorthWestern Energy's filing, submitted March 31, 2026, proposes minimum service commitments, demand and energy billing requirements, performance assurance and collateral, and termination cost provisions for qualifying large new loads. For the largest customers, the tariff would require individual service agreements to be reviewed and approved by the PSC.

DEQ's intervention coincides with the ongoing work of the governor's energy task force, which is developing strategies to increase the supply of affordable, reliable energy while supporting new investment and job creation in Montana. The governor asked the task force to provide recommendations that provide Montana energy producers and consumers with greater certainty in the market, stable delivery systems for electricity, efficient permitting and regulatory systems, and an end to frivolous litigation designed to delay or thwart responsible, environmentally-sound energy development.

According to a recent report from the Western Electricity Coordinating Council, the demand for electricity across the west is projected to grow by 20 percent in the next ten years. The same report projected a 9 percent increase in demand only three years ago.

###