Energy Secretary, Multi-State Governors Gather in Bozeman to Address Montana’s Power Demand Surge

BOZEMAN — Montana’s electricity demand projections have doubled in just two years, and now federal and state leaders are gathering Thursday, October 16, to address how to meet this unprecedented growth that could reshape the state’s energy landscape.

The 2nd Annual Big Sky, Bright Future Economic Summit begins with a reception Wednesday evening and brings together Energy Secretary Chris Wright, three governors, and top utility executives to discuss Montana’s energy future as demand projections have jumped from 9 percent to 20 percent growth over the next decade.

“With rising demand on our energy grid, Montana must continue unleashing American-made energy to ensure Montanans have access to affordable, reliable power now and into the future,” Gov. Greg Gianforte said. “With a renewed focus on energy at the federal level and our state’s rich, abundant natural resources, Montana can and should lead on energy policy.”

The summit’s high-profile lineup reflects the scale of Montana’s energy challenge. Wright will participate in a fireside chat with Gianforte as the capstone event, marking the Energy Secretary’s first major Montana appearance since joining the Trump administration’s push for energy dominance.

Three governors will join Gianforte for a panel on “Governors Unleashing American Energy” — Nebraska’s Jim Pillen, Wyoming’s Mark Gordon, and Puerto Rico’s Jenniffer González-Colón. Their participation suggests Montana is building a broader coalition to support federal energy policies while addressing regional infrastructure needs.

Industry Leaders Focus on Infrastructure

The summit’s agenda reveals the technical complexity behind Montana’s energy boom. A panel titled “Demand, Supply & Markets: Where we Are Today, Where we Will Be in 10 Years” features executives from NorthWestern Energy, Montana Electric Cooperatives Association, and transmission developer Quantica Infrastructure.

“Montana has a long history of being an energy rich state,” said Todd O’Hair, president and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce. “Today, with electricity demand increasing, we have the choice to seize the opportunity.”

The growing demand stems from multiple sources, according to the summit agenda. Two sessions specifically address artificial intelligence’s energy requirements, with speakers from Amazon Web Services and other technology companies discussing how AI and data centers are driving unprecedented electricity needs.

Michael Skelly, CEO of transmission company Grid United, will deliver a keynote on energy development partnerships, while economic development officials from Billings, southeastern Montana, and Great Falls will discuss how energy infrastructure could attract new industries.

Task Force Connection

The summit directly connects to Gov. Gianforte’s Unleashing American-Made Energy Task Force, which held its first meeting in September. Department of Environmental Quality Director Sonja Nowakowski, who chairs the task force, will moderate the summit’s main energy supply panel.

The task force is charged with providing recommendations the legislature could consider and the governor could sign into law to “unleash American-made energy in Montana.” Members must produce a written report with recommendations by September 15, 2026 — timing that positions the summit’s discussions to influence Montana’s 2027 legislative session.

Several task force members will speak at the summit, including NorthWestern Energy Vice President John Hines and Montana Electric Cooperatives Association CEO Mark Lambrecht, creating a direct pipeline from Thursday’s high-level discussions to specific policy proposals.

Economic Development Focus

Beyond energy production, the summit emphasizes economic development opportunities. A morning panel features CEOs from companies already doing business in Montana, including U.S. Antimony Corp., which recently expanded operations in Thompson Falls.

“The summit will facilitate collaboration and impactful conversations about Montana’s energy landscape, improving energy reliability, identifying growth in energy demand, exploring transmission expansion, simplifying regulations, and establishing next generation power solutions,” according to the governor’s office.

The agenda includes sessions on energy’s intersection with artificial intelligence, workplace innovation, and sustainable economic partnerships — suggesting Montana aims to attract technology companies and advanced manufacturing that require substantial electricity.

Federal Alignment

The summit occurs as the Trump administration emphasizes energy dominance, a theme that influenced the task force’s creation. Gianforte’s executive order establishing the task force included multiple references to supporting President Trump’s energy agenda and avoiding reliance on “our nation’s adversaries for energy.”

Senator Tim Sheehy will deliver a keynote address, adding congressional influence to the discussions. His participation alongside Energy Secretary Wright suggests federal and state energy priorities are closely aligned.

“Montana can and should lead on energy policy,” Gianforte said when creating the task force.

What’s Next

The summit’s outcomes will inform the task force’s legislative recommendations, which could affect everything from utility regulations to transmission line approvals. Montana’s energy portfolio currently includes 57 percent renewable sources and 37 percent coal, but the rapid demand growth may require significant infrastructure investments.

The Western Electricity Coordinating Council’s projection of 20 percent demand growth over the next decade — double the previous estimate — means decisions made now will influence Montana’s energy costs and reliability for years to come.

“I’m grateful to the Chamber for joining us in hosting this summit once again,” Gianforte said. “Montana can and should lead on energy policy.”