Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. has been involved with the assessment and capture of wind energy for a number of years. In 1992, the utility installed its first unit to test and verify wind generation. The 25-kilowatt unit was installed on the distribution system in Mandan, N.D., near the R.M. Heskett Station.

In 1993, Montana-Dakota was instrumental in assembling a consortium of North Dakota utilities for a state assessment of wind potential. Seven towers were installed across North Dakota, with the first wind data captured from 1994 to 1997. The data from the seven towers was made available for free to the public.

Montana-Dakota conducted a poll of its customers in 2000. The results of the poll were used to initiate a North Dakota Green Program in 2001. The program would allow customers to purchase specified amounts of green power on their monthly electric bill. To be successful, the program required a minimum number of customers to enroll. When fewer than the minimum number of customers enrolled, the program was ended.

Montana-Dakota signed a contract in 2002 for the first wind farm to be built in North Dakota. The 19.4-megawatt wind farm was to be built near Forbes, N.D., and connected to a Montana-Dakota transmission line for delivery to the company's integrated system. The developer was unsuccessful in completing the project.

A contract with a new developer was signed in 2005 for a 31.5-MW wind farm to be built near Java, S.D. The wind farm is to be connected to a Montana-Dakota transmission line near the wind farm.

Montana-Dakota is reviewing proposals for development of wind projects to satisfy the Montana Renewable Portfolio Standard.