Helena to Three Forks Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Project 2024
Investing in Reliability
NorthWestern Energy’s natural gas customers are increasing. Additional natural gas delivery infrastructure is needed to enhance the capacity and resiliency of our energy system, especially during extreme weather events.
New gas infrastructure from Helena, south, to the Three Forks area, will enhance service reliability for NorthWestern’s customers and add redundancy by linking the western and eastern portions of NorthWestern Energy’s natural gas system.
New gas infrastructure from Helena, south, to the Three Forks area, will enhance service reliability for NorthWestern’s customers and add redundancy by linking the western and eastern portions of NorthWestern Energy’s natural gas system.
Linking the system will:
- Increase reliability and add redundancy
- Relieve congestion and bottlenecks during cold weather events
Provide flexibility to source the most affordable natural gas for Montana communities
These photos show the before, during and after of a similar transmission pipeline project near Anaconda:
During
After
Safety
The 16” steel pipeline will be installed underground with all surface area returned to its original condition.
Pipeline sections are fabricated in steel mills using a special high carbon steel that is specifically designed for the conditions where the pipeline will be installed. Each section is inspected prior to installation to ensure it meets all government and industry safety standards. After installation, NorthWestern Energy patrols each foot of pipe annually to verify its integrity.
Environment
NorthWestern Energy works alongside landowners, governing agencies, and community stakeholders to meet all environmental expectations when constructing new energy infrastructure.
Environmental and cultural assessments, land use designations, hydrology, and special designations are all considered when selecting the pipeline route.
Project Timeline
2024
NorthWestern Energy initiated discussions with community members and landowners.
2026
Contruction is expected to begin.
3 years
to complete the pipeline.
Benefits of the natural gas system:
- Affordability: Households that use natural gas for heating, cooking and clothes drying save an average of $1,132 per year compared to homes using electricity for those applications.
- Reliability: The natural gas system’s physical characteristics provide stability to the energy system. Pipeline infrastructure is underground and shielded from many major disruptive events.
For more information on this project, contact: