DOE Steps Into Review of Montana-to-Dakotas Power Line Megaproject
Published Date: 11/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Energy is updating its role in the North Plains Connector Project, a big power line from Montana to North Dakota. Now, DOE confirms it has decision power tied to a $700 million grant that helps make the power grid stronger and more reliable. This means local communities and the environment will be carefully considered as the project moves forward, with important reviews happening soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
DOE May Finalize $605M Grant
DOE clarified it has a decision role over a conditional GRIP award announced in August 2024 of up to $700,000,000 for the North Plains Connector Interregional Innovation project. If DOE finalizes the award, it would provide approximately $605,000,000 in Federal funding to the Montana Department of Commerce, to be disbursed in phases for planning, procurement, permitting, construction, and commissioning of the project.
GRIP Program Targets Grid Resilience
DOE is administering the $10,500,000,000 Grid Resilience and Innovations Partnership (GRIP) Program created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to enhance grid flexibility and resilience so all American communities have access to affordable, reliable electricity. The amended notice says DOE will consider Congressional intent to support innovative transmission, storage, distribution, and interconnection projects.
Colstrip Substation Expansion Details
The EIS will analyze specific upgrades at the Colstrip Substation, including the possible installation of two new 500 kV bays, upgrading the 500 kV bus to a 5,000-Amp rating, and expanding the existing substation footprint by about 4 acres to the northwest and about 9 acres to the south and east. These physical changes are part of the proposed North Plains Connector Project between Colstrip, Montana and Center/St. Anthony, North Dakota.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08201 — Energy Conservation Program: Exempt Power Supplies Under the EPS Service Parts Act of 2014
The Department of Energy is making it easier for companies by removing some reporting rules for certain power supplies used as service parts. This change mainly affects manufacturers and sellers of these exempt power supplies and starts on May 28, 2026. It cuts red tape without adding costs, helping businesses save time and focus on energy innovation.
2026-04454 — Rescinding Regulations for Loans for Minority Business Enterprises Seeking DOE Contracts and Assistance
The Department of Energy is delaying the cancellation of loan rules that help minority-owned businesses get DOE contracts. This means those businesses still have access to special loan support for a little longer, now until June 4, 2026. The delay gives DOE more time to review feedback and make sure everything’s fair and square before making any big changes.
2026-10313 — Commission Information Collection Activity (Ferc-549); Comment Request; Extension
FERC is extending its current paperwork rules for natural gas transactions for another three years with no changes. This affects companies involved in certain gas deals, but there’s no new cost or extra work. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until June 22, 2026, to speak up!
2026-10314 — Western Area Power Administration; Notice of Filing
The Western Area Power Administration fixed a small mistake in its power rate records that started April 1, 2026. This update mainly affects customers and companies using their power rates, with a chance to comment or protest by June 4, 2026. No big money changes are announced, but folks should act fast if they want to speak up!
2026-10223 — Southwest Gas Storage Company; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization and Establishing Intervention and Protest Deadline
Southwest Gas Storage Company wants to close and plug five old, leaky wells and related pipes in Oklahoma to keep their gas storage running smoothly. This cleanup helps stop salty water from causing problems and keeps things safe and efficient. If you want to speak up or get involved, you’ve got until a set deadline to file your protest or join the discussion.
2026-10064 — Renewable Energy Production Incentives
The Department of Energy is wrapping up its Renewable Energy Production Incentive program, which helps states and non-profit electric co-ops earn money for producing clean energy. No new payments will be made after September 30, 2026, because the law says the incentives must end then. This final rule makes everything official starting October 1, 2026, so folks involved should plan accordingly!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20266 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request Burden Related to the Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Returns
The IRS wants your thoughts on how much time and effort it takes to fill out the quarterly federal excise tax returns. If you or your business deal with these taxes, now’s the time to speak up before January 20, 2026. This helps the IRS make the process easier and less costly for everyone involved.
Next: 2025-20269 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several requests from natural gas companies to change their rates and update plans starting this fall and winter. These changes could affect how much customers pay and how pipelines operate. If you want to speak up or learn more, you’ve got until late November or early December to comment or protest.