Gianforte Launches Energy Task Force to Address Growing Grid Demands

HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte launched an energy task force last Tuesday to address Montana’s surging electricity demand, appointing the state’s environmental quality director to lead efforts aimed at “unleashing American-made energy.”

The governor created the Energy Advisory Council, also known as the Unleashing American-Made Energy Task Force, through an executive order that charges the group with developing short- and long-term strategies to increase Montana’s affordable and reliable energy supply.

“With increasing demand on our energy grid, we must meet the challenge head-on to ensure affordable, reliable power for Montanans now and into the future,” Gianforte said. “After four years of failed Biden energy policies that drove up energy costs, we need innovative ideas to unleash American-made energy in our state.”

Montana Department of Environmental Quality Director Sonja Nowakowski will chair the task force, which can include up to 20 members representing utilities, business groups, legislators, and energy stakeholders. The governor has not yet announced who will serve on the panel.

The task force formation comes as electricity demand projections have doubled in just two years. According to the Western Electricity Coordinating Council, demand is now projected to grow 20 percent over the next decade — a sharp increase from the 9 percent growth projected two years ago.

“Montana has a long history of responsible energy development,” Nowakowski said. “As we face growing demand for electricity, it’s time to build on that legacy with innovation and investment in energy resources.”

The executive order specifically tasks the group with recommending ways to provide energy producers and consumers greater market certainty, stable electricity delivery systems, efficient permitting processes, and “an end to frivolous litigation designed to delay or thwart responsible, environmentally-sound energy development.”

Gianforte’s action aligns with concerns he raised in August when supporting the proposed $7.8 billion merger between NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills Energy. At that time, the governor cited “rising demand on our power grid” as justification for the utility consolidation.

The executive order emphasizes Montana’s “all-of-the-above” energy approach, highlighting the state’s diverse portfolio including coal, oil, natural gas, hydropower, wind, and solar resources. Montana ranks 10th nationally for renewable energy generation, producing about 57 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, according to federal data.

Coal remains significant in Montana’s energy mix, representing 37 percent of in-state electricity generation, while the state accounts for about 5 percent of national coal production. The order notes Montana holds approximately 30 percent of the nation’s total estimated coal reserves.

The governor’s directive also points to emerging energy technologies, including advanced nuclear modular reactors, energy storage, and geothermal power as potential additions to Montana’s energy portfolio.

Rising demand stems partly from technological advances, particularly in artificial intelligence and data centers, the order states. The task force must ensure that serving new energy-intensive industries “should not adversely impact Montanans, and should be pursued as a path to new good-paying jobs, growing Montana’s tax base, and attracting innovation.”

The executive order includes multiple references to supporting President Donald Trump’s energy dominance agenda and avoiding reliance on “our nation’s adversaries for energy.”

“Montana stands ready to work with the private sector, local and tribal governments, and federal partners to advance new energy development,” the order states.

The task force will hold its first meeting September 22 and must produce a written report by September 15, 2026. The report should identify federal, state, and regulatory policies that limit affordable energy supply and focus on measures the governor could implement immediately and legislation he could support.

The Department of Environmental Quality will provide administrative support for the task force, which is authorized to operate until September 30, 2027.

“Montana is ready to lead, and this task force will build on our natural strengths as a state rich in energy resources,” Gianforte said.