Northern Tier Transmission Group is committed to increasing the usage and efficiency of the existing transmission network for the benefit of electric and end use customers.  In support of this principle, Northern Tier is working in partnership with ColumbiaGrid and WestConnect to identify and develop economically justified regional transmission products and services that are of the highest value to the Western Interconnection.

Joint Initiative with NTTG, ColumbiaGrid & WestConnect

In mid-2008, representatives from Northern Tier Transmission Group, ColumbiaGrid and WestConnect decided to join forces to pursue a number of projects that would benefit from a broader reach of expertise and geography. Each group had begun work in areas that captured the interest of the others and a mutual Joint Initiative program was conceived and begun.

As part of the Joint Initiative, two "Strike Teams" will tackle technical exploration of individual projects using resources from entities who see value in participation. A broad stakeholder "Think Tank" group will provide a place for information sharing. Those parties who decide to move forward with implementation of the projects developed by the Strike Teams will do so pursuant to an Implementation Agreement among such parties. A more detailed description of the process is described in the "Facilitators' Proposed Approach".

ColumbiaGrid is providing a website (http://www.columbiagrid.org/ji-nttg-wc-overview.cfm) as a single point for the posting of Joint Initiative documents and calendar scheduling.

DSS Final Open Window Announcement