A Federal Agency is Blocking Montana Renewable Energy Development

Should the federal government impose a roadblock to clean energy development in Montana? Should it squash Montana wind energy development by imposing an extra charge that ensures Montana wind can’t compete in out-of-state electricity markets? You may think that’s what could happen in a President-elect Trump Administration, but it’s already happening right now.

For years this federal agency has imposed two fees (i.e., a double charge) on any company wanting to transmit electricity over one 70- mile stretch of transmission line in Montana to elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest. The transmission system is supposed to be regional, but for antiquated and largely unknown reasons transmission over this short section of transmission line to other areas on BPA’s network is subject to two charges. The double charge makes Montana’s world-class wind resource less competitive in out-of-state electricity markets that want clean energy.

The residents in populous Oregon, Washington, and California want cleaner energy. Montana happens to have the second best wind resource in the nation and could help meet that demand.

by Anne Hedges

Full Story: http://meic.org/2016/12/federal-agency-blocking-montana-renewable-energy-development/