Nearly $700 million award recently finalized by Department of Energy.
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the Montana Department of Commerce secured a nearly $700 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) award to proceed with the North Plains Connector Interregional Innovation project, the first high voltage transmission line between Montana’s east and west power grids.
Joining DOE’s Office of Electricity Assistant Secretary Katie Jereza, the governor today in Helena participated in a fireside chat to recognize the award that enhances power grid reliability in Montana and North Dakota and ensures communities across Montana have access to affordable, reliable energy.
“Montana has a long history of the producing reliable, affordable energy and this investment ensures we can also play a role in securing the grid now and into the future,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This $700 million investment in Montana strengthens our existing energy infrastructure, creates jobs and opportunities, and builds on our rich history as an energy leader.”
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The North Plains Connector Interregional Innovation project will connect three regional control entities: the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC), Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), and Southwest Power Pool (SPP). According to DOE, the project will create up to 3,800 megawatts of new capacity and increase transfer capacity between WECC and the Eastern Interconnection in Montana and North Dakota by 1,400 percent.
In October 2024, Gov. Gianforte joined community leaders in Colstrip to celebrate the grant. In August 2025, the Montana Department of Commerce was officially awarded funding and it was recently finalized.
Meeting growing energy demand
Expanding access to affordable, reliable energy and embracing an all-of-the-above approach to energy is a top priority for Gov. Gianforte.
According to the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC), electricity demand across the west is projected to increase by 20 percent by 2034, significantly higher than previous projections. This increased demand is not only due to an increase in industrial loads but also because of population growth and electrification. In its 2025 Western Assessment of Resource Adequacy, WECC cautioned that the northwest region, including Montana, faces an elevated risk of resource shortfalls driven by a growing demand for power.
Unleashing American-made energy
In September 2025, Gov. Gianforte created the Unleashing American-Made Energy Task Force through an executive order to encourage short- and long-term recommendations and strategies for Montana to increase the supply of affordable and reliable energy options. The Energy Task Force created three subcommittees to tackle issues related to generation, growing demand, and transmission and markets. The Task Force discussed all types of energy resources, including coal, natural gas, wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, demand-side resources, and nuclear, agreeing that a diverse energy portfolio is necessary for Montana.
In August, the task force presented its final report to the governor to help guide lawmakers during the 2027 legislative session, including several recommendations the governor has already acted on. In June, Gov. Gianforte announced Montana joined the Western Transmission Expansion Coalition, an agreement established with eleven states in the western United States to analyze transmission needs.
