The Montana Legislature has introduced House Bill 911, a significant piece of legislation aimed at addressing the state's growing energy demands. Introduced on March 28, 2025, the bill outlines provisions for the regulation of certain electric generation facilities and establishes a framework for analyzing energy needs in the state.

The primary purpose of House Bill 911 is to clarify the regulatory landscape for electric generation facilities that supply power to large customers, specifically those with a monthly average load of 20 megawatts or more. The bill exempts certain entities from being classified as public utilities, provided they meet specific criteria, including maintaining separate financial accounts from regulated utilities and not impacting the utility's regulated customers financially. This move is intended to encourage the development of energy solutions tailored to large-scale consumers while ensuring that public utility regulations remain intact for smaller customers.

Key provisions of the bill include an appropriation of $15,000 from the general fund to the Department of Commerce for the biennium starting July 1, 2025. This funding will support an analysis of Montana's increasing energy demand in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Quality. The findings from this analysis are expected to be reported to the energy and telecommunications interim committee by September 1, 2026.

Debate surrounding House Bill 911 has focused on its implications for energy regulation and the potential for increased competition in the energy market. Supporters argue that the bill will foster innovation and investment in energy generation, while critics express concerns about the potential for reduced oversight and the impact on smaller consumers.

The bill's passage could have significant economic implications for Montana, particularly in attracting new businesses that require substantial energy resources. By streamlining regulations for large energy consumers, the state may position itself as a more attractive location for industries reliant on high energy usage.

As House Bill 911 moves through the legislative process, its outcomes will be closely monitored by stakeholders in the energy sector, local governments, and consumer advocacy groups. The bill's effectiveness in balancing the needs of large energy consumers with the protections for smaller customers will be a critical factor in its future success.