Lawmakers suggest Montana PSC’s short renewable energy contracts may be ‘unlawful’

Montana’s utility regulator has doubled down on dramatically shorter contracts for renewable energy development, even as state legislators warn that things have gone too far.

Montana’s Public Service Commission last Friday finalized plans to cut contracts and rates offered to renewable energy projects no larger than 3 megawatts — projects large enough to power 540 or fewer homes.

Those small renewable projects, known as qualifying facilities because they’re eligible for guaranteed utility contracts and rates, are solar developments.

By TOM LUTEY [email protected]

Full Story: http://mtstandard.com/news/state-and-regional/lawmakers-suggest-state-psc-s-short-renewable-energy-contracts-may/article_ae96e693-eb72-5df4-a89e-150caa789bf1.html

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Large solar farm proposed for Billings, Montana faces stiff regulatory challenges

A 480-acre solar farm planned for Billings has been dealt some challenging terms by Montana’s Public Service Commission.

MTSUN solar farm, planned for the hills northwest of Billings, will have to move forward with a 10-year contract and a price of $20 a megawatt hour for its electricity. Montana’s PSC finalized the contract and rate last Friday.

The solar farm’s developer, Mark Klein, said the project isn’t workable under those terms. He’ll have to persuade the PSC to reconsider, or abandon what would be Montana’s largest solar project.

By TOM LUTEY [email protected]

Full Story: http://mtstandard.com/news/state-and-regional/large-solar-farm-proposed-for-billings-faces-stiff-regulatory-challenges/article_7a5b5f49-7eee-53ce-b9e3-44c243b1faa2.html