NorthWestern and BPA Agree to Discuss Ways to Collaborate on MSTI Project

NorthWestern Energy (NYSE: NWE) and the Bonneville Power Administration have agreed to explore collaboration on the Mountain States Transmission Intertie project. The line would allow the transfer of renewable and other energy sources from Montana, Idaho and other regional markets, and could allow BPA to serve customers in Idaho, western Wyoming and Montana and provide other operational benefits."We look forward to working with BPA on the MSTI project to determine how it might be of benefit to BPA in serving its customers in Idaho, Wyoming and Montana," said NorthWestern Energy Vice President of Transmission Mike Cashell.BPA has current and future requirements to serve customers in Idaho, western Wyoming, and southern Montana. BPA currently serves these customers through agreements with PacifiCorp using the South Idaho Exchange Agreement and PacifiCorp General Transfer Agreement. Because the South Idaho Exchange Agreement will terminate in 2016, BPA is evaluating various alternatives to serve its customers affected by the termination.