The transmission line will connect the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Southwest Power Pool and Western Electricity Coordinating Council. Credit: arturnichiporenko/Shutterstock.

NorthWestern Energy has entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with North Plains Connector, a Grid United entity, to acquire a 10% stake in the North Plains Connector HVDC transmission line project.

The 3GW transmission line will span 420 miles (676km), linking Bismarck in North Dakota and Colstrip, Montana.

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Grid United will fund the development of the North Plains Connector, while NorthWestern Energy will invest in the project post-regulatory approvals.

Grid United and ALLETE are jointly developing the North Plains Connector, with Avista, Portland General Electric and Puget Sound Energy also holding ownership MoU.

NorthWestern Energy president and CEO Brian Bird stated: “NorthWestern Energy’s Colstrip, Montana substation is strategically located and will serve as a critical endpoint for North Plains Connector, reinforcing Colstrip’s position as an essential energy hub.

“The North Plains Connector developer’s collaborative approach with Montana communities to address concerns and ensure the footprint reflects local priorities aligns with NorthWestern Energy’s commitment to our customers.”

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The North Plains Connector will link NorthWestern Energy’s Montana and South Dakota service areas. This bidirectional line will transport power across regions, leveraging diverse load and weather patterns.

It will connect the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, the Southwest Power Pool and the Western Electricity Coordinating Council.

The project is currently in the permitting phase, with regulatory approvals expected by 2026. Construction is set for 2028, with operations commencing in 2032.

Grid United CEO and co-founder Michael Skelly stated: “We are pleased to welcome NorthWestern Energy to North Plains Connector. As Montana’s largest energy provider, NorthWestern Energy brings a breadth of experience and a deep understanding of the region’s energy needs.

“Their support reinforces the importance of the North Plains Connector as a meaningful solution for a strong and reliable electric grid.”

NorthWestern Energy recently supported the Montana Department of Commerce as part of the North Plains Connector Interregional Innovation consortium.

This effort secured a $700m grant from the US Department of Energy’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnership programme.

The grant primarily funds the North Plains Connector, with potential upgrades to the Colstrip Transmission System, co-owned by NorthWestern Energy.

NorthWestern Energy and Grid United also plan to enhance the grid in Montana’s southwest corridor, boosting connectivity with the western energy market.