DOE/EIS-0568: North Plains Connector; Multiple Locations

Summary

The North Plains Connector Project (NPC) is a proposed 525-kV, high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) overhead transmission line that would provide 3,000 megawatts (MW) of bi-directional transfer capability and connect the Western and Eastern Interconnections (also known as the western and eastern grids).

As proposed, the NPC Project would extend approximately 420 miles from near Colstrip, Montana, to two separate end points in North Dakota: one near Center, North Dakota, and the other near St. Anthony, North Dakota. The NPC would move electricity between the eastern and western grids to help meet the growing need to move power across long distances and in turn improve grid reliability and resiliency.

Each federal agency participating in the environmental review has its own purpose and need for the project; however, all agencies agree on the general purpose and need for the NPC, which is to: 

• Improve reliability by increasing transfer capacity between markets,
• Improve resiliency and flexibility by facilitating a variety of regional power generation options, and
• Provide a system that can shift power quickly and efficiently to mitigate weather-related outages. 

The need for the NPC is due to:

• Decreases in reliable electricity generation capacity, 
• Rapid changes in the generation portfolio, and 
• Extreme weather events.

For more information on the North Plains Connector and the project proponent, Grid United, please visit their website.

DOE’s Role

Pursuant to its authority under Section 216(h) of the Federal Power Act (FPA), DOE is leading the environmental review and permitting of the NPC. DOE is leading the coordination of Federal environmental reviews for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), and Agricultural Research Service (ARS). 

DOE is also collaborating with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to jointly prepare the EIS for the NPC to ensure that it meets both federal and state requirements for environmental review. 

DOE is leading the coordination of the environmental review and streamlining communication between the project developer, federal agencies, and impacted stakeholders.

Schedule

Public Comment Opportunities

No public comment opportunities at this time. 

Contact Us

Please send any questions to northplainsconnector@hq.doe.gov

Frequently Asked Questions