Butte
, Mont. – February 18, 2009 – NorthWestern Energy is providing a new service to help eligible small renewable energy producers in Montana track renewable energy certificates as a Qualified Reporting Entity (QRE) with the Western Renewable Energy Generation Information System (WREGIS).
”By making this service available to eligible small renewable producers, NorthWestern Energy will provide a service that will help facilitate the development of green energy in Montana,” said Dave Gates, vice president – Wholesale Operations.
WREGIS is a voluntary, independent regional system that tracks renewable generation production to help ensure the credibility of the "green" value of renewable electricity. Using independent, verifiable, and reliable data, the QRE process will make it easier to implement renewable policies and achieve renewable energy goals.
Data in WREGIS includes megawatt-hours produced, fuel source, facility location, and all state, provincial and voluntary renewable energy program qualifications. Each WREGIS certificate, bearing a unique serial number to prevent duplication, is issued for every megawatt-hour of renewable energy produced and deposited on the grid.
The system, which is the largest of its kind in the world in terms of coverage, includes the western United States, parts of Canada, and a portion of Baja California, will be used to meet renewable portfolio standard requirements and other renewable energy policies for states and provinces within the Western Interconnection transmission area. The Western Electric Coordinating Council administers WREGIS. WECC covers 1.8 million square miles in the Western Interconnection System and provides an independent forum for the day-to-day administration of WREGIS.
Interested small renewable energy producers should contact Bob Otten at 406-497-2648 for more information and program requirements.
About NorthWestern Energy
NorthWestern Energy is one of the largest providers of electricity and natural gas in the Upper Midwest and Northwest, serving approximately 650,000 customers in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. For more information about NorthWestern Energy, visit our Web site at www.northwesternenergy.com.
Media Contact:
Claudia Rapkoch
(866) 622-8081
claudia.rapkoch@northwestern.com
Investor Relations Contact:
Dan Rausch
(605) 978-2902
daniel.rausch@northwestern.com