NorthWestern Energy has entered a power purchase agreement with Apex Solar LLC. The Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURPA) contract is for 80 megawatts of generation from a solar facility Apex Solar is developing in Beaverhead County near Dillon, Montana.

The facility is required to begin delivery of generation in November 2022. When it comes online, NorthWestern Energy expects to have 177 megawatts of solar generation serving Montana customers. NorthWestern Energy also has a power purchase agreement with MT Sun LLC for an 80 megawatt solar facility under development in Yellowstone County, which is scheduled to begin delivering generation in January 2022.

“The new solar generation provides diversity to the generation and supply contracts serving our Montana customers,” said Bleau LaFave, NorthWestern Energy Director Long-Term Resources. “NorthWestern Energy is developing a diversified portfolio to cost effectively provide reliable energy service for our customers.”