Although all electric generation technologies have some environmental impact, some, which do not use fossil fuels, are considered widely to be more environmentally friendly than others. One Universal Systems Benefit (USB) goal is to encourage the development of renewable energy resources projects that use environmentally friendly — or "green" — technology to generate electricity. USB funding provides incentives for solar, wind, or geothermal projects.
Watch our "Exploring Small Scale Renewable Energy in Montana" video.
Eligibility: NorthWestern Energy electric customers are eligible to participate in the program.
How to Participate in the Program: To participate in this program you must submit a Request for Proposal(RFP). Download our guide to funding your renewable energy project — Green Sense Making Sound Renewable Energy Choices — and follow the insructions. A printed copy of the funding guide is also available by e-mailing your request to us. Include your name and mailing address in the e-mail.
USB funds are made available in the year the funds are collected and must be allocated in the same year. If a year's funding has been allocated, your proposal may be deferred until the following year for consideration.
Projects funded in the past ranged from researching wind energy opportunities in Montana, to installing solar heating equipment at customers' homes or businesses. Almost all of the funded projects also included public education or demonstration sites to create awareness about the opportunities and benefits of renewable energy installations.
Contact: For more information about this program, call (888) 700-6878.
More Energy Efficiency Programs: Download the brochure that explains all of the E+ program rebates and incentives that help our Montana customers better manage energy costs.
Contractor Qualifications for Renewable Energy Projects
NorthWestern Energy has established qualification requirements for contractors interested in receiving Universal Systems Benefit (USB) renewable energy (RE) funds for RE projects within NorthWestern Energy’s electric service territory.
Funding Source
Funding for the E+ Renewable Energy Program is provided through NorthWestern Energy's Universal System Benefits (USB) activities.
Net Metering
Many renewable projects include net-metering applications on NorthWestern Energy’s distribution system. Customers installing renewable electric generation projects at their homes and businesses can meet some or all of their own energy needs. They can further reduce their own energy costs and add energy to the utility’s energy system through net-metering. To find out more about net metering, click here.
Photovoltaic Systems
Photovoltaic (PV) systems produce electricity from sunlight. This electrical power can be used to operate all the lights, appliances, and electronics that normally consume electricity from the power grid. Photovoltaic systems have been used in homes and business for years but are enjoying a resurgence in popularity due to falling prices for photovoltaic panels, technical advances in inverter technology, and increasing utility costs. To find out more about photovoltaic sytems, click here.
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