MontanaSB 35569th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate

Generally revise energy laws

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Co-ops get key transmission rights

The law defines an incumbent electric utility as an electric cooperative that had transmission facilities on or before January 1, 2017. It excludes public utilities regulated by the Public Service Commission. Incumbent co-ops can build, own, and maintain a new transmission line on or after January 1, 2017 if three rules are met: the line is in the Midwest Reliability Organization area, it is approved by a federally registered planning authority, and it is planned to connect to the co-op’s system. Incumbents must give notice to the planning authority on the timelines in that authority’s open-access tariff. An incumbent can waive this right by notifying the planning authority. If a line connects two incumbents, they share it equally unless they agree to different terms. The law also counts substations and related equipment at 115 kilovolts or more as transmission lines.

Competitive bidding for big power lines

For any new transmission project worth $8 million or more, the incumbent must run a competitive bid. The incumbent and its affiliates can bid. The bid must follow the incumbent’s reasonable timelines, specs, and standards. If a non‑incumbent wins, the incumbent may inspect the work. When construction is done, the incumbent owns the line and must maintain it.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Wylie Galt
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Bob Carter
Democrat • House
Daniel Zolnikov
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 297 • No: 2

House vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 98 • No: 1

House vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 99 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/4/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/3/2025