Montana Incentives/Policies for Renewables & Efficiency |
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Last DSIRE Review: 08/21/2012
Program Overview:
| State: |
Montana |
| Incentive Type: |
Utility Grant Program |
| Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: |
Photovoltaics, Wind, Hydroelectric |
| Applicable Sectors: |
Commercial, Industrial, Residential |
| Amount: | PV: $3.00/watt
Wind: $2.00/watt |
| Maximum Incentive: | PV: $6,000
Wind: $10,000 |
| Installation Requirements: | Must use qualified installer |
| Web Site: |
http://www.northwesternenergy.com/display.aspx?Page=Renewable_Ene...
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Summary:
NorthWestern Energy (NWE), formerly Montana Power Company, periodically provides funding to its customers for renewable energy projects. In 1997, Montana established the Universal System Benefits (USB) program. The USB legislation requires all electric and gas utilities to establish USB funds for low-income energy assistance, weatherization, energy efficiency activities, and development of renewable energy resources. A typical NorthWestern Energy residential customer pays approximately $1 per month in electric USB charges. About $9 million is collected annually by NorthWestern, and about $1.2 million is used for renewable energy projects.
Most renewable energy projects include a public education or demonstration component to increase awareness of renewable energy. Incentives of $3.00/watt are offered for residential solar photovoltaic (PV) installations up to a maximum of $6,000 per customer; the incentive for wind is $2/watt to a maximum of $10,000 per customer. NorthWestern Energy has developed qualification requirements for dealers and installers of these small scale systems. In order for a customer to receive the funds, the work must be completed by a NorthWestern Energy qualified dealer or installer. Off-grid installations inside NWE's service territory are not eligible for USB funds.
Residential solar PV installations receive the incentive through a qualified installer. All other systems must participate in a request for proposal (RFP) process. A guide to funding renewable energy projects explains the program and the request for proposal (RFP) process. The RFP should be submitted along with a cover sheet and equipment and installation cost information. A subcommittee of non-utility reviewers selects proposals for funding twice per year. |
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Disclaimer: The information presented on the DSIRE web site provides an unofficial overview of financial incentives and other policies. It does not constitute professional tax advice or other professional financial guidance, and it should not be used as the only source of information when making purchasing decisions, investment decisions or tax decisions, or when executing other binding agreements. Please refer to the individual contact provided below each summary to verify that a specific financial incentive or other policy applies to your project.
While the DSIRE staff strives to provide the best information possible, the DSIRE staff, the N.C. Solar Center, N.C. State University and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. make no representations or warranties, either express or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of the information. The DSIRE staff, the N.C. Solar Center, N.C. State University and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. disclaim all liability of any kind arising out of your use or misuse of the information contained or referenced on DSIRE Web pages.
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