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The Electric Technical Advisory Committee (ETAC) is established under Montana Code Annotated § 69-3-1208 and the Administrative Rules of Montana 38.5.2023. It serves as an advisory body to NorthWestern Energy, providing input and recommendations on various issues related to our electricity system, particularly in the areas of portfolio planning, resource management and procurement as part of the development of the integrated resource plan (IRP) process.
Key Aspects of ETAC
Composition:
The ETAC membership was selected to balance the interests and expertise from consumer advocacy groups, government agencies, business concerns and academia in areas such as residential affordability (including low-income), economic development, environmental quality, regional power and transmission markets, consumer interests and regulatory oversight. Specifically, the ETAC is comprised of 6-8 entities who are able to serve in an advisory role based on their experience.
Purpose:
The primary goal of ETAC is to act as technical advisors through discussion, education, and collaboration on matters of future service and resources.
The committee is tasked with strengthening NorthWestern Energy’s resource planning efforts by providing insights and recommendations that take into account technical, economic and policy considerations.
Selection Criteria for Membership:
Members are selected based on their expertise in relevant fields, representation of diverse interests, and ability to contribute constructively to the advisory process.
Stakeholders and Public input:
In addition to ETAC, there will be a stakeholder and public engagement process to comply with Mont. Admin. R. 38.5.2023(3). We are in the beginning stages of assembling and organizing the ETAC to ensure effective and well-developed meetings for stakeholder and public engagement workshops.
For the IRP process, NorthWestern Energy will facilitate a stakeholder process aimed at enhancing the IRP and planning processes through feedback received from participants.
NorthWestern is currently seeking interested applicants to participate in our Stakeholder Working Group. The Charter and Application for the Stakeholder Working Group are linked below. Applications are due back to NWE by April 11, 2025, as described in the application.
By involving a wide range of stakeholders, ETAC helps NorthWestern Energy make more informed decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of its customers and the communities it serves.
More information on ETAC process and meetings as well as our stakeholder engagement process will be available soon.
NWE ETAC Meeting 03.26.2025
NorthWestern Energy ETAC Meeting
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (UTC-07:00) Mountain Time (US & Canada)
