Gov. Greg Gianforte vetoed a bill intended to create a legal framework for community solar projects in Montana on June 13. Senate Bill 188, sponsored by Chris Pope, D-Bozeman, aimed to expand access to local solar power, reduce utility bills, and improve grid resilience. The bill also sought to meet utility demands for additional power sources, especially during extreme weather events.
The proposed community solar projects would allow participants to own shares in a solar array, which would connect to a utility-owned transmission system and reduce participants’ monthly bills. Despite strong legislative support, the bill faced opposition from Montana-Dakota Utilities, NorthWestern Energy, and the Houston-based Consumer Energy Alliance, partially funded by fossil fuel companies. The bill passed the Legislature with support from 100 of Montana’s 150 lawmakers.
Because it received backing from more than two-thirds of legislators, a veto override poll will be conducted. However, overrides via mail are rare and require two-thirds support to succeed. In his veto letter, Gianforte criticized the bill’s credit mechanism to offset solar share purchasers’ utility bills, citing uncertainty around how the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) would establish these credits. He warned of potential “unreasonable costs” for non-participating customers.
Renewable energy advocates, including Pope, expressed disappointment with the veto, arguing that it missed out on economic opportunities for Montana. “The governor has been ill-advised,” Pope stated, highlighting that similar frameworks are already successful in 23 states and several Montana electricity co-ops. Organizations like the Montana Renewable Energy Association and Coalition for Community Solar Access criticized the veto, emphasizing their commitment to responsible program implementation.
Scott Sweeney from the Northern Plains Resource Council called the veto a decision that favors corporate interests over Montana families’ needs, while Derek Goldman from NW Energy Coalition stressed that community solar would benefit all customers, not just those with ideal rooftops. Pope plans to meet with coalition members to discuss future steps for advancing community solar in Montana.
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