Our Electric Technical Advisory Committee (ETAC)

Transmission lines at sunset
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.

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.

ETAC Integrated Resource Planning Library

Meeting materials and other documents can be found here.

NorthWestern Energy ETAC Committee Members