Our Electric Technical Advisory Committee (ETAC)

    ETAC Meeting Sept. 18

    When: Sept. 18, 2024, 9:30 a.m. Mountain Time

    Topic: NorthWestern Energy ETAC Meeting

    Register in advance for this webinar

    • After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

    Public participation will be limited to a listen-only capacity. If you would like to submit comments, please use our feedback form.

    Download the meeting agenda

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    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.

    Stakeholders and Public input:

    • In addition to ETAC, there will be a stakeholder and public engagement process to comply with Mont. Admin. R. 38.5.2023(3). We are in the beginning stages of assembling and organizing the ETAC to ensure effective and well-developed meetings for stakeholder and public engagement workshops.
    • Feedback is always welcomed using this form.

     

    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.

    Integrated Resource Planning Library

    Meeting materials and other documents can be found here.

    Advisory panel and outreach documentation