Lands Energy Consulting is facilitating NorthWestern Energy's soliciation for Montana-based, community-owned new renewable power.

NorthWestern Energy, as the largest default power supplier in the state of Montana is seeking to promote the development of smaller, locally owned renewable resources. The goal, as specified by state law, is to procure projects of this type totaling 45 MW of total installed capacity by the end of 2010.

Smaller projects are designated as those with a nameplate capacity of less than 5 MW. The defintion of renewable projects is expansive, but includes geothermal, landfill gas, certain biomass, certain hydro-power, as well as wind and solar.

The requirement for local ownership means that the project eligibility will be limited to those projects owned by Montana residents, small businesses, non-profits, tribal councils, a local governing entity, or a cooperative (other than cooperative utilities)

Specific details regarding eligibility requirements, the RFP schedule, and proposal submission guidelines can be found by downloading the full RFP document.

A bidder's conference will be held on July 16th at 10:00 am. The conference will be an in-person meeting at NorthWestern Energy's corporate offices at 40 East Broadway, Butte, MT. Material for the meeting is posted in the sidebar to the right.

The deadline for submitting proposals is August 15, 2008. All proposals should be submitted to Lands Energy Consulting.

All inquiries regarding the RFP should be directed to Lands Energy Consulting at:

Lands Energy Consulting

2366 Eastlake Avenue East Suite 322

Seattle, WA 98102

Phone: (206) 726-3695

Fax: (206) 726-3696

slewis@landsenergy.com