NorthWestern Energy Group, a utility company that serves South Dakota, Nebraska and Montana, has signed a letter of intent to provide energy services for Quantica Infrastructure’s proposed data center development in Montana. The project represents a meaningful step forward for Montana’s economy and tech sector.
The projected Phase 1 energy service load is 500 megawatts, with phased growth to 1 gigawatt. Initial electric service could begin as early as 2026. NorthWestern Energy said the expected expansion to full Phase 1 of the data center development is 2030, depending on the progress of permitting, infrastructure development and other planning activities.
NorthWestern Energy expects to provide service through its regulated business, pending further evaluation and regulatory considerations. This approach could improve cost efficiency by spreading the fixed costs of operating Montana-based energy infrastructure across a broader customer base.
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