NorthWestern Energy - USB Renewable Energy Fund
Administered by NorthWestern Energy
This program does not serve individual homeowners—it is limited to non-profit organizations and government facilities within NorthWestern Energy's Montana service area. If your organization qualifies, you can apply for custom rebates for solar or small wind projects up to 50 kW that provide community education and civic benefit, with proposals due May 1 (spring) or November 1 (fall) each year.
You must be a NorthWestern Energy Qualified Installer to participate in this program. The utility will consider custom incentive proposals twice yearly for non-profit and government customers; projects must be net-metered, not exceed 50 kW capacity, and demonstrate clear civic and educational value to the community to qualify for renewable energy funding.
The E+ Renewable Energy Program distributes a portion of NorthWestern Energy's Universal System Benefits fund (approximately $900,000 in 2021 from over $10 million collected) to non-profit and government facilities with projects under 50 kW that provide civic, educational, and community benefits. Applications are reviewed twice annually (deadlines May 1 and November 1); work must be completed by qualified installers and systems must be net-metered. Off-grid installations are not eligible.
Program details
- Program ID
- 832
- Last updated
- 9/18/2025
Eligibility
- Sectors
- nonprofit state government federal government
- Technologies
- solar photovoltaics wind (small)
Program summary
NorthWestern Energy (NWE), formerly Montana Power Company, periodically provides funding to its customers for renewable energy projects. In 1997, Montana established the Universal System Benefits (USB) program. The USB legislation requires all electric and gas utilities to establish USB funds for low-income energy assistance, weatherization, energy efficiency activities, and development of renewable energy resources. A typical NorthWestern Energy residential customer pays approximately $1 per month in electric USB charges. In 2021, NorthWestern’s USB charge generated over $10 million, of which about $900,000 was used for renewable resources, and research and development projects.
The E+ Renewable Energy Program provides custom incentives for projects that benefit organizations and communities for non-profit or government facilities. Projects receiving these funds must provide civic value including education and visible representation of renewable energy technologies to a broad audience. Proposals are considered twice a year, once in the spring (applications due May 1st) and once in the fall (applications due November 1st).
In order for a customer to receive the funds, the project may not exceed a nameplate capacity of 50 kW, must be net metered, and work must be completed by a NorthWestern Energy qualified installer. Off-grid installations inside NWE's service territory are not eligible for USB funds.
Contact & resources
- Contact email
- john.campbell@northwestern.com
- Additional resources
Please verify current program details with the administering agency before making any financial decisions.
