NorthWestern Energy invites customers, community members, and stakeholders to attend a public meeting on the draft 2026 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the Great Falls Public Library, 301 2nd Ave. N.
The draft IRP, a list of public meetings, an informational video, and more available online at: NorthWesternEnergy.com/IRPMeetings
The IRP is a long-term planning study that evaluates how NorthWestern Energy can meet Montana customers’ electricity needs over the next 20 years under a variety of future scenarios, while balancing reliability, affordability, and risk. It provides a transparent analysis of potential scenarios to guide future decisions.
What the IRP examines:
- Forecasts of future customer demand (including population growth, energy efficiency, and net metering)
- Existing generation and transmission resources
- Potential capacity options
- Cost, reliability, and risk trade-offs across multiple future scenarios
Goal: Identify the most cost-effective capacity to meet reliability needs while managing risk and cost for Montana customers.
The IRP is not a construction plan or a final decision document.
The meeting will include a 20-minute presentation followed by time for public comments on the draft IRP.
Learn how NorthWestern Energy plans to meet Montana’s future energy needs and how reliability and cost are evaluated.
Submit comments via the online form or email IR*@**********rn.com.
By Jo Dee Black, NorthWestern Energy: January 16, 2026 – Great Falls, Mt
Author: Staff
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