Montana regulators are bracing for a data center surge that could overwhelm the state’s grid—with a tariff. (Utility Dive)
NorthWestern Energy says it’s drafting a “large load” tariff to manage power-hungry data centers after advocacy groups warned that just three proposed projects could demand 2,250 MW by 2030—nearly 2X the utility’s current peak.
Environmental and consumer groups want the new tariff to ensure data centers cover their own costs and don’t drive up rates or weaken reliability. They’re also calling for clean energy requirements and protections for low-income customers.
The Montana PUC has pushed back on NorthWestern’s claim that it doesn’t need approval to serve such loads, insisting the utility must prove the deals won’t harm other ratepayers—a test case as states weigh how to handle AI-driven demand.