This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
This Website Uses Cookies By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Learn MoreThis website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
Since the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved a rule in 2006 allowing incentive-based rate treatment for transmission work, it has received more than 75 applications for projects totaling $50 billion. Money isn't the issue. The problem with building the lines is exemplified in the Mountain States Transmission Intertie, a $1-billion high-voltage line recently canceled by Northwestern Energy.
Northwestern began developing the project in 2004, when developers with 3,000 MW of projects indicated interest in a line that would move wind power from Montana to Idaho, where it could be distributed via other lines to big markets in the Southwest, including California. Montana is the third-largest wind-energy resource in the U.S., but it has no need for the power within the state and sends very little past its borders.