Montana is an ideal area for generating electricity either by sun or wind. We are lucky to enjoy reliable and consistent sunshine and in many areas powerful wind. The primary reason renewable energy systems do not have a larger presence in Montana is our historically low cost for utility electricity. In 1997 the State Legislature deregulated Montana’s energy market and as a result most energy consumers in the state have seen their electricity bill begin to rise. As utility rates go up and costs for renewables go down more grid connected people will consider making their own power joining the hundreds of Montanans who own property away from the grid and/or value the reliability and independence of producing their own power.