NorthWestern Lets Customers Buy Green Benefits

Electricity customers of NorthWestern Energy (NWE) now have the opportunity to support clean, renewable energy sources by enrolling in E+Green, the company’s new green power program. NWE announced the program at a press conference at the Wheat Montana bakery in Three Forks. Wheat Montana became the first customer to subscribe to the program, committing to purchase an amount equivalent to ten percent of the bakery’s electricity demand. Commercial customers can gain recognition as E+Green Partners for this level of commitment.

Residential customers can also take advantage of the program for a minimum investment of just $2 extra per month—the cost of one "block" under the program. One block is designated as representing 100 kilowatt-hours of electricity generated from an environmentally superior renewable energy resource. Customers have the flexibility of purchasing any number of blocks, and can even match their electricity usage. For example, with an average usage of about 750 kilowatt-hours per month for the typical residential customer, it would take eight blocks (at a total cost of $16 extra each month) to offset the environmental impacts of their electricity. Note that customers may also adjust their level of commitment, or discontinue their participation, at any time.

While it has taken several years of effort to see NorthWestern finally launch E+Green, MEIC is pleased with the program design and optimistic about its chances for success. MEIC worked closely with the company during the development of the program to ensure its validity and compliance with applicable laws. Other local and regional environmental groups that have reviewed and endorsed the program include the Montana Public Interest Research Group, the Renewable Northwest Project, Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Northwest Energy Coalition. E+Green has also been approved by the Montana Public Service Commission.

The E+Green program is the logical next step in the continuing effort to promote a clean energy future for Montana. With the availability of meaningful grants under the Universal System Benefits Program (enacted in 1997), the ability to sell excess power from clean energy sources back to the utility under our net metering law (added in 1999), and strong conservation and renewable energy tax incentives (2001), the state has a solid platform on which to build. Taking advantage of these incentives, more than 150 of NWE’s customers have already invested in small wind or solar energy systems for their homes or businesses. The E+Green program gives customers a chance to show their support for clean energy—without a major investment. Similar programs across the nation and the region have been very successful. In the Pacific Northwest, there are now more than 30 programs with almost 58,000 total participants—a figure that continues to grow rapidly. A number of Montana’s rural electric co-operatives are also now offering a green power choice to their customers.

It is critically important that NWE sees a strong response to this offering. Greater participation will accelerate the construction of Montana-based wind and solar projects. In addition, the results of this program are certain to be used by policymakers as evidence of Montanans’ real level of commitment (or lack thereof) to a sustainable energy path. MEIC has coordinated a joint mailing to the members of ten of Montana’s leading environmental groups to encourage a broad level of participation by conservation-minded Montanans.
To enroll, or to obtain additional information, simply call 1-888-467-2669 or visit www.northwesternenergy.com. Alternatively, click here for an online form that you can fill out and submit to the utility. Although you must be a NorthWestern Energy electric customer to participate in E+Green, we would encourage all electricity consumers to contact their local utility to inquire about similar opportunities.

For more information:

• E+Green Program
• The Bozeman Chronicle also reported on Northwestern Energy's 'green' option.
• Montana Green Power E-newsletter, a monthly feature of the Montana Green Power website