Renewable Energy in Billings and Eastern Montana
Billings has long been known as an energy town, with refineries, coal, and natural gas shaping its economy for generations. Today, the region is also becoming a hub for renewable energy. Eastern Montana has some of the strongest and most consistent wind resources in the country, and the state's abundant sunshine supports a growing solar market. Billings, with its transportation links, skilled workforce, and business services, plays a central role in this transition.
Renewable energy brings new jobs, lease income for landowners, and tax revenue for rural counties. Here are ten renewable energy companies and organizations making an impact in and around Billings.
1. NorthWestern Energy
NorthWestern Energy is the largest utility serving Billings. Its portfolio includes hydroelectric dams and wind resources such as the Spion Kop wind facility in central Montana. The utility also offers net metering for customers who install their own solar systems and continues to evaluate new renewable and storage resources.
2. NextEra Energy Resources
NextEra Energy Resources is one of the world's largest renewable energy developers. In eastern Montana, it developed the Clearwater wind project near Miles City, one of the largest wind facilities in the state. The project has supported construction jobs and long-term operations work in the region.
3. NaturEner
NaturEner has developed and operated wind farms in Montana, including large projects along the Rocky Mountain Front. Its experience with grid integration and long-term operations has made it an important part of Montana's wind history.
4. Invenergy
Invenergy is a privately held developer of wind, solar, and storage projects. It developed the Judith Gap wind farm, an early landmark in Montana renewable energy, and remains active in exploring additional projects across the region.
5. Clearway Energy Group
Clearway Energy Group develops and operates wind and solar assets nationwide. Its interest in Montana reflects the state's strong wind resources and potential for long-term power purchase agreements with utilities across the West.
6. Montana Renewables
Montana Renewables operates a renewable fuels facility in Great Falls that produces renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel from feedstocks such as vegetable oils and fats. It represents Montana's growing role in low-carbon fuels and creates demand for regional agricultural products.
7. Onsite Energy
Onsite Energy is a Montana solar installer serving residential, commercial, and agricultural customers. Its team designs and installs grid-tied and off-grid systems and helps clients navigate incentives and financing.
8. SBS Solar
SBS Solar designs and installs solar systems for homes, businesses, and public facilities across Montana. Its commercial projects help schools, nonprofits, and businesses reduce energy costs and meet sustainability goals.
9. Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative
Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative serves rural areas surrounding Billings. Co-ops like it support member-owned renewable generation through interconnection and net metering policies, making solar more accessible for farms and rural homes.
10. Montana Renewable Energy Association
The Montana Renewable Energy Association is a nonprofit that promotes renewable energy through education, policy advocacy, and community events. It connects homeowners, businesses, and installers and helps residents learn about solar, wind, and efficiency options.
Trends Driving Renewable Growth
Several forces are accelerating renewable energy in the Billings region. Federal tax credits and credit transferability have improved project economics. Utilities and large corporations are signing long-term contracts for clean power. Battery storage is becoming more affordable, helping balance variable wind and solar output. Transmission expansion is also a major focus, since moving Montana's wind power to population centers in the West requires new and upgraded lines.
Agricultural communities are increasingly participating as landowners lease acreage for wind turbines and solar arrays, earning steady income while continuing to farm or graze cattle around the equipment.
Benefits for Billings Businesses and Residents
Renewable energy creates demand for local construction firms, electricians, engineers, attorneys, and suppliers. Many Billings companies provide services to wind and solar projects across eastern Montana. Homeowners and businesses can lower utility bills through rooftop or ground-mounted solar, while farms can use solar to power irrigation and outbuildings.
How to Choose a Renewable Energy Partner
For homes and businesses, request multiple quotes, verify licensing and insurance, and ask installers about equipment warranties, production estimates, and interconnection experience with your utility. Landowners approached by developers should seek legal and financial advice before signing leases, paying close attention to term length, payment structure, decommissioning obligations, and land restoration.
Community and Workforce Impact
Renewable projects in eastern Montana increasingly emphasize local hiring and community partnerships. Developers frequently work with Billings contractors for roads, foundations, and electrical work, and many fund local scholarships, fire departments, and community facilities in host counties. Training programs for wind and solar technicians are also expanding, giving Montana students a path to stable careers in a growing industry without leaving the state.
Final Thoughts
Billings is well positioned to benefit from Montana's renewable energy future. From utility-scale wind farms to rooftop solar and renewable fuels, the companies on this list are helping diversify the regional economy while expanding clean energy options for residents and businesses.