Interconnection

DOE Distributed Energy Resource Interconnection Roadmap
The DOE's roadmap aims to speed up and simplify connecting distributed energy resources (DERs) to the grid. It focuses on improving data access, streamlining processes, controlling costs, and maintaining grid reliability, all to accelerate clean energy adoption.
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EPA Solar Interconnection Standards & Policies
This webpage offers information to help facilitate the integration of solar energy into the grid.
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Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
The FERC regulates the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil, and plays a key role in ensuring fair and efficient wholesale energy markets. FERC also establishes rules and orders impacting the interconnection and participation of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) in those markets.
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Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
The IEEE develops critical standards for the electrical industry, including those related to the safe and reliable interconnection of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) to the grid, ensuring compliance and interoperability.
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IEEE Standard 1547: Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems
IEEE Standard 1547 establishes the criteria and requirements for interconnecting distributed energy resources (DER) with electric power systems. It addresses key aspects such as performance, operation, testing, safety, and maintenance of the interconnection, ensuring the reliable and safe integration of DER into the grid.
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Northwestern Energy Electric Rules
These electric rules from Northwestern Energy provide specific information on interconnection procedures, requirements, and costs within their service territory in Montana. This is a crucial resource for projects within this region.
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FERC Order No. 2222: Enabling DER Participation in Electricity Markets
FERC Order No. 2222 is a landmark ruling that paves the way for distributed energy resources (DERs)—like solar, energy storage, and demand response—to fully participate in wholesale electricity markets. This order breaks down barriers, allowing these resources to be aggregated and compete on a level playing field with traditional power plants. By enabling DER participation, FERC Order No. 2222 aims to enhance grid reliability, increase competition, and drive innovation in the energy sector. This is a crucial development for anyone involved in DER projects, as it creates new opportunities for revenue generation and grid services.
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Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) of 1978
PURPA requires electric utilities to purchase power from Qualifying Facilities (QFs) at avoided cost rates, significantly impacting interconnection rights and revenue streams for eligible DER projects. This act promotes the development of renewable energy and cogeneration, offering a distinct regulatory pathway for certain DER installations.
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International Code Council (ICC)
The International Code Council (ICC) develops and publishes a wide range of model codes and standards that are used in the United States and worldwide to ensure the safety and performance of buildings and structures. For distributed energy resource (DER) projects, the ICC codes provide essential guidance on building safety, fire prevention, structural integrity, and energy efficiency.
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National Electric Code (NEC)
The National Electrical Code (NEC) sets the standards for safe electrical installations in the United States. Ensure your DER project complies with the latest NEC requirements to safeguard against electrical hazards.
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National Fire Protection Association  (NFPA)
The NFPA 110 Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems establishes performance standards for emergency and standby power systems, ensuring reliable alternate electrical power for critical building and facility circuits during normal power failures.
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City/County Building Codes
Access information on local building codes and permitting requirements from your city or county government. This includes building permits and electrical permits.

City of Bozeman, MT Building Code Compliance
City of Belgrade, MT Building Code Compliance
Gallatin County, MT Code Compliance 

Montana DEQ Permitting
Explore the Montana DEQ's permitting resources, which provide information on environmental permits required for various types of energy projects within the state. This includes air quality, water quality, and waste management permits that may be relevant to DER installations.
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Zoning and Land Use Permits
Understand the zoning and land use regulations that apply to your DER project. This includes setbacks, height restrictions, and other requirements that may impact the location and design of your installation. Below are just a few local planning departments.

City of Bozeman Planning
City of Belgrade Planning
Gallatin County, MT Planning

Edison Electric Institute (EEI)
EEI is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. Their website often provides a general map illustrating the service territories of their member utilities, covering a significant portion of the nation's electric grid.
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American Public Power Association (APPA)
APPA represents the more than 2,000 not-for-profit, community-owned electric utilities that provide electricity to over 49 million Americans. Their "Where Public Power Serves" map helps identify the communities served by these publicly owned entities.
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National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)
NRECA is the national service organization for America's electric cooperatives, which are locally governed, not-for-profit electric utilities providing power primarily to rural areas. Their website often includes a "Find Your Co-op" tool or a list of member cooperatives across the country.
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U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Maps
The EIA is the primary statistical agency of the U.S. Department of Energy, providing independent statistics and analysis. Their comprehensive maps cover various energy infrastructure, including power plants, transmission lines, and pipelines, offering a broad view of the energy landscape, though not precise service territory boundaries for every utility.
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Montana Public Service Commission
One of the smallest agencies in Montana state government, the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) strives to ensure that ratepayers have continued access to utility services that are affordable, reliable, and sustainable for the long-term. In pursuit of this goal, the PSC regulates the rates and service quality for investor owned electric, natural gas, water, waste-water, and legacy telecommunication companies. It's the PSC's job to balance the interests of ratepayers who are concerned about utility rate increases, with the need to maintain a financially sound utility that is capable of providing reliable service
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Idaho Public Utilities Commission
The Commission regulates investor-owned or privately-owned utilities that provide gas, water, electricity or some telephone services for profit.
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Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC)
The WUTC is an independent state agency that regulates the rates, services, and practices of privately-owned utilities and transportation companies in Washington. This includes investor-owned electric, natural gas, water, and telecommunications companies. The WUTC works to ensure that these services are fairly priced, available, reliable, and safe for consumers.
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NorthWestern Energy
NorthWestern Energy serves gas and electric to customers in the western two-thirds of Montana and eastern South Dakota. They also have gas service in Nebraska and serve electricity to Yellowstone National Park.  NorthWestern owns and operates a generation fleet of wind, water, natural gas and coal-fired resources and the high-voltage electric transmission system and distribution system. They also own and operate natural gas production, transmission and distribution systems.
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Montana-Dakota Utilities Company (MDU)
MDU provides electric and natural gas service to communities in parts of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. MDU owns and operates a generation fleet including facilities that use coal, natural gas, wind, and waste heat. The company also maintains electric transmission and distribution systems, as well as natural gas production, transmission, and distribution systems.
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Idaho Power Company
Idaho Power is an investor-owned utility providing electric service to over 640,000 customers across southern Idaho and eastern Oregon. The company's generation mix heavily relies on hydroelectric power from its 17 dams on the Snake River and its tributaries, supplemented by natural gas, wind, solar, and a decreasing reliance on coal. Idaho Power has a goal of providing 100% clean energy by 2045.
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Rocky Mountain Power
Rocky Mountain Power, a division of PacifiCorp, provides electric service to customers in parts of Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming. As part of a larger regional utility, their power supply comes from a range of resources, including thermal (coal, natural gas), hydroelectric, wind, and geothermal facilities across their service territory.
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Avista Utilities
Avista Utilities provides electric and natural gas service to customers in northern Idaho, eastern Washington, and parts of southern and eastern Oregon. Avista's generation portfolio includes hydroelectric projects, thermal generation plants, and power from wind turbines.
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Intermountain Gas Company
Intermountain Gas Company is the primary natural gas distribution company serving approximately 365,000 customers in 75 communities throughout southern Idaho. They own and operate thousands of miles of natural gas transmission and distribution mains to deliver natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
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Puget Sound Energy (PSE)
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is Washington state's largest energy utility, providing electric and natural gas service to customers in 10 counties across the Puget Sound region of Western Washington. PSE owns and operates a portfolio of generation resources, including hydroelectric, wind, natural gas, and, historically, coal (with plans to exit coal-fired electricity by the end of 2025). They also manage extensive electric transmission and distribution systems, as well as natural gas infrastructure.
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Seattle City Light
Seattle City Light is a publicly-owned utility serving the City of Seattle and some surrounding areas with electric power. The utility is primarily powered by hydroelectric resources from its own dams on the Skagit, Cedar, Tolt, and Pend Oreille Rivers, supplemented by power purchased from the Bonneville Power Administration and other renewable sources. Seattle City Light is recognized for its commitment to clean, carbon-neutral energy.
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Snohomish County Public Utility District (PUD)
Snohomish County PUD is the largest public utility district in Washington, providing electric and water service to Snohomish County and Camano Island. The PUD purchases the majority of its power from the Bonneville Power Administration (primarily hydroelectric), and also has power purchase agreements for biomass, wind, and solar-generated electricity, with nearly all its power coming from clean energy resources.
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Clark Public Utilities
Clark Public Utilities provides electric and water service to customers across all of Clark County, Washington. A significant portion of their electricity comes from the Bonneville Power Administration (hydroelectric), supplemented by their natural gas-fired River Road Generating Plant, and other sources like solar and wind.
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Cascade Natural Gas Corporation
Cascade Natural Gas Corporation is a natural gas distribution company serving communities in Washington and Oregon. They provide natural gas service to residential, commercial, and industrial customers across a broad service territory.
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Montana Electric Cooperatives' Association (MECA)
MECA is a statewide trade association representing 25 consumer-owned electric distribution cooperatives and three generation and transmission cooperatives that serve the majority of Montana's geographical area. These cooperatives provide electric service to hundreds of thousands of Montanans, offering locally controlled and not-for-profit utility services. Their website provides information on their member cooperatives and their service territories.
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Idaho Consumer Owned Utilities Association (ICUA)
The ICUA represents Idaho's rural electric cooperatives and municipal power companies, which together provide electric service to a significant portion of the state's population. These consumer-owned utilities operate on a not-for-profit basis, focusing on delivering reliable and affordable electricity to their members and communities. Their website offers information on their member utilities and their service areas.
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Washington Public Utility Districts Association (WPUDA)
WPUDA represents 27 not-for-profit, community-owned public utility districts across Washington state. These PUDs provide electric, water, sewer, and sometimes telecommunications services, with a strong focus on hydropower and other clean energy sources. Their website can provide information on individual PUDs and their service areas.
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Washington Rural Electric Cooperative Association (WRECA)
WRECA represents the rural electric cooperatives and mutual electric companies in Washington state. These consumer-owned utilities serve a significant portion of Washington's rural geography, providing reliable electric service to their members. Their website offers a directory of member cooperatives.
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