Electricity in Montana

Montana has 21 out of 30 electricity suppliers reporting that they offer net metering to residents with personal solar panels. Regulations put in place at the state level are decent for consumers interested in installing solar or other alternative electricity generation sources.

The average energy loss for companies in Montana is 3.32%. This includes data from 6 companies, including NorthWestern Energy, Flathead Electric Cooperative, and Mission Valley Power. The United States average for energy loss is 2.76%, which earns a rank of 25th best in the United States for Montana in this category.

When it comes to encouraging solar panel installs at private residences, tax and rebate incentives from the government are some of the easiest methods. Montana offers a credit that is $1000 or less or there is no state tax. There are currently no statewide rebates available to consumers who are installing solar panels. Montana citizens have the ability to apply a 100% property tax exemption for the purchase of private solar panels, which is as good as it gets. Fortunately, residents in the state have a 100% sales tax exemption for the install of solar at a place of residence. This is as good as it gets.

Legislation enforced at the state level determines whether customers who are seeking renewable energy sources can easily find alternatives. States that have Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) have requirements in place for electricity suppliers who do business in the state. These standards require that a certain amount of electricity must be produced from renewable fuels. Montana does not currently have any standards in place that providers must adhere to. Also, there are currently no low income solar programs to assist low income families to install solar panels.