MEIC
OCT 2024
TRANSMISSION:
THE KEY TO CLEAN, RELIABLE, AND AFFORDABLE ELECTRICITY A greater reliance on affordable clean energy will help curb rapidly escalating electricity rates in Montana, decrease harmful pollution, and ensure a reliable energy system. But there is an obstacle to realizing this cleaner, more affordable, and more reliable energy system – transmission. The existing electric transmission system was built decades ago, and like any old infrastructure, it cannot keep pace with modern energy demands and is in dire need of updating for the modern age. Montana boasts the second-highest wind energy potential and fourthhighest solar energy potential in the US. This renewable energy, paired with storage, can reliably and affordably meet our energy needs. Unfortunately, electric transmission lines are currently the greatest bottleneck to this cleaner, more affordable electricity system. A wellconnected and modern transmission system could move energy within and between states and regions, complementing regional weather patterns to achieve grid reliability by connecting energy where it is available to where it is needed. While developers race to build wind, solar, and energy storage resources, progress is impeded by an antiquated electric transmission system desperately needing upgrades and expansion.