Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Renewable Energy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Big Horn County approves $60,000 NorthWestern Energy incentive for ambulance building solar project
Summary
On Nov. 20, 2025, the Big Horn County Board approved a Project Incentive Agreement with NorthWestern Energy to install a 30.875 kW solar photovoltaic system at the county ambulance building; the agreement provides a $60,000 incentive payable after inspection and completion and sets a May 31, 2026 completion deadline.
The Big Horn County Board of County Commissioners on Nov. 20 unanimously approved a project incentive agreement with NorthWestern Energy to install a solar photovoltaic system at the county ambulance building, a county official said.
Commissioner George Real Bird III introduced the project, saying, "This is for the solar project at the ambulance building that the county received a grant for," before moving to approve the NorthWestern Energy PIA; Commissioner Larry Vandersloot seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Under the agreement, NorthWestern will provide an incentive payment of $60,000 to the county when the project meets inspection and approval requirements set out in Exhibit A. The contract text specifies the system C nameplate capacity as 30.875 kilowatts (AC) and sets a required completion date of May 31, 2026. The agreement requires the county (the "Customer") to contract with a NorthWestern-qualified installer, obtain required permits and inspections, and maintain the installed equipment.
The agreement disclaims NorthWestern liability for contractor workmanship, materials, or warranties; it says NorthWestern may inspect the completed project but that the company Cs liability is limited to the incentive payment obligation. The contract includes standard termination, assignment, force majeure, and publicity provisions. It also states that participation in the program is funded through NorthWestern's efficiency/renewable funds and that customers receiving the incentive may need to follow coordination and publicity requirements and obtain pre-approval before public announcements.
The agreement identifies NorthWestern representative Pamela Hanson as the county's point of contact and references contract CLM0006971. Payment is described as due within 45 days of the utility's receipt of written notice that the project is complete and of documentation showing a satisfactory local electrical inspection; NorthWestern may also require on-site inspection before paying the incentive.
The board's approval authorizes county staff to execute the PIA and proceed with project steps required by the agreement. The contract language and project specifications are part of the public record attached to the meeting documents.
Next steps: the county must finalize installation contracts, provide NorthWestern with completion documentation and inspection records, and meet the May 31, 2026 completion requirement to receive the incentive.
