Power Infrastructure
Flathead Electric Cooperative rates, BPA hydro power, and winter-peaking grid constraints.
Energy Rate
$0.043/kWh
Demand Charge
$25/kW
Power Availability by City
Current Usage vs Available Capacity (MW)
Power Cost Comparison
Blended Rate ($/kWh)
Backup Power: Tier 4 Diesel Advantage
Winterized Diesel vs Natural Gas (with curtailment risk)
✓ Tier 4 Diesel: Synthetic Minor permit (60-120 days), no winter curtailment risk, seismic-resilient on-site storage
⚠ Natural Gas: Winter curtailment during Arctic Blast events, pipeline seismic vulnerability in Category D zone
Utility Partner
Flathead Electric Cooperative (FEC) is a BPA Preference Customer. Carbon Profile: 88% Carbon-Free / 73% Hydroelectric. No need to purchase additional RECs to claim carbon neutrality—direct access to clean electrons.
Industrial Rate Tariff (FEC Industrial Service >1,000 kW)
Energy Charge: $0.04365 per kWh (Fixed). Demand Charge: $25.00 per kW (Peak) + $1.57 per kW (Load Size). This rate structure is "Capital Heavy, Energy Light."
Rate Structure Analysis
The $25/kW demand charge is punitive for "peaky" loads but highly efficient for steady-state AI training. At 95% load factor, the blended rate is approximately $0.078/kWh, providing long-term certainty compared to ERCOT's scarcity pricing spikes.
Capacity Constraints
BPA transmission lines into Northwest Montana are winter-peaking constrained. The Buckley substation has identified spare part and capacity issues, potentially requiring a 24-36 month upgrade timeline for interconnection of loads >50MW.
Grid Reliability
Unlike ERCOT, the BPA grid operates as part of the Western Interconnection with more stable reserve margins. However, physical fiber cuts from landslides or winter storms present a higher risk profile than flat Texas terrain.
Backup Power Strategy: Tier 4 Diesel
Tier 4 Final Diesel is the premier choice for Kalispell. Montana DEQ permits diesel generators via "Synthetic Minor" pathway (60-120 days) when capped at <500 hrs/year. Grade 1 Winterized Diesel with tank heaters and heat-traced fuel lines ensures reliability to -20°F. Natural gas is risky due to winter curtailment during Arctic Blast events and seismic pipeline vulnerability in Category D zones.