NorthWestern acquires shares in the North Plains Connector HVDC transmission line

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

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

Grid United will finance the development of the North Plains Connector, while NorthWestern Energy will invest in the project following regulatory approval.

Grid United and ALLETE are jointly developing the North Plains Connector, with Avista, Portland General Electric and Puget Sound Energy also owning a memorandum of understanding.

Brian Bird, President and CEO of NorthWestern Energy, stated, “NorthWestern Energy’s substation in Colstrip, Montana is strategically located and will serve as a critical terminus for North Plains Connector and strengthen Colstrip’s position as a major energy hub.”

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

The North Plains Connector will connect NorthWestern Energy’s Montana and South Dakota service areas. This bidirectional line will transport electricity across regions, taking advantage of different 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 approval phase, with regulatory approval expected in 2026. Construction is planned for 2028 and operations are scheduled to begin in 2032.

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

“Their support underscores the importance of the North Plains Connector as a viable 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.

These efforts secured a $700 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnership program.

The grant primarily funds the North Plains Connector with possible upgrades to the Colstrip Transmission System, which NorthWestern Energy co-owns.

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

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