A Stronger Energy Future for Montana
By Todd O’Hair, President & CEO, Montana Chamber of Commerce
On January 1, Montana reached an important milestone in securing our energy future. NorthWestern Energy increased its ownership share of the Colstrip coal-fired generation facility to 55 percent, giving Montana’s largest utility majority control over one of the most essential sources of on-demand, baseload power in the Northwest.
While not every headline-grabbing issue in Montana is about energy, nearly every major challenge we face – from growing our economy to building more housing to keeping communities strong – depends on reliable and affordable electricity. NorthWestern Energy’s majority stake in Colstrip is a significant step toward ensuring that remains true.
Colstrip has long been a backbone of Montana’s energy supply. It delivers consistent power every hour of every day, regardless of weather or season. When temperatures plunge well below zero and energy demand spikes, Montanans don’t have the luxury of hoping the wind blows or the sun shines. We need generation that responds instantly and consistently. That’s what baseload power is, and that’s what Colstrip provides.
This acquisition isn’t just about today’s needs; it’s about tomorrow’s opportunities. Montana’s economy is diversifying and growing. Advanced manufacturers, technology firms, food processors, miners, and data centers all depend on an energy supply that doesn’t blink during a storm or go offline when the grid is stressed. Without energy security, Montana’s competitive advantage fades.
For large employers, reliability isn’t a luxury. It’s a deciding factor when choosing where to invest. Montana has the opportunity to attract more capital investment, high-paying jobs, and long-term economic growth. But companies won’t invest billions in facilities and infrastructure if they can’t count on the grid. Colstrip helps ensure they can.
The same is true for small businesses – the coffee shop opening before sunrise, the Main Street brewery anchoring downtown, or the family-owned machine shop running late into the evening. When the power goes out or prices spike, they feel it first. Reliable, affordable electricity is critical to small businesses, and in turn, to vibrant local communities.
For too long, Montana has relied heavily on imported power during peak demand. That dependence has exposed customers to extremely high market prices at the exact time electricity is needed most. We’ve seen the results: price volatility, tight supply, and utilities scrambling during extreme weather. That’s not a sustainable strategy.
By expanding its ownership at Colstrip, NorthWestern Energy is addressing that vulnerability head-on, and doing so with an asset Montanans know works. Colstrip has decades of remaining operational life, and with continued upgrades and responsible management, it will remain essential even as renewables and emerging technologies are added to the energy mix. Baseload generation will continue to serve as the foundation of a reliable grid.
Critics will raise concerns, but the reality is simple: if Montana wants a functioning grid and a growing economy, we must be honest about what works. Affordable power doesn’t appear by mandate or wishful thinking. It comes from strategic investments in proven resources.
The Montana Chamber of Commerce represents businesses of every size and sector across the state. We consistently hear that energy stability is one of employers’ top concerns, and one of Montana’s greatest opportunities. This acquisition underscores NorthWestern Energy’s commitment to Montana and its willingness to make difficult, responsible decisions in a challenging energy environment.
At a time when other regions are facing grid strain, rolling blackouts, and soaring prices, Montana is choosing a different path – one that prioritizes reliability, affordability, and long-term economic strength.
There may be many uncertainties ahead, but one thing Montanans should feel more confident about is the stability of our power supply. NorthWestern Energy’s expanded ownership at Colstrip sends a clear signal: Montana is committed to an energy strategy grounded in practicality and security.
That’s good for business. That’s good for families. And that’s good for Montana.
