HELENA, Mont. (AP) - Developers of a proposed electric transmission line between Lethbridge, Alta., and Great Falls, Mont., said wind developers have bought one-half of the line's capacity and part of the route has been changed to satisfy federal regulators in Canada.

A proposed power line that would provide transmission capacity to four wind-generation projects between Lethbridge, Alta., and Great Falls fails to consider the long-term impacts on farmers

HELENA — The Bureau of Land Management and the state Department of Environmental Quality are seeking public comment on an environmental assessment for a proposed wind farm near Glasgow.

The clean, green power from the Judith Gap Wind Farm that debuted last fall has been more intermittent than anticipated. And that is causing problems for NorthWestern Energy, the utility that must balance supply and demand on its transmission lines.

County Commission chair Kathy Bessette said the board has not determined where the turbines would be located or when they would be built.

Churning wind turbines may soon power Cascade County's courthouse, jail and health department.

WASHINGTON (LEE) —Thirty-five Montana cities and counties filed applications Wednesday for interest-free federal financing for wind energy projects, with Yellowstone and Cascade county commissioners coming to Washington to submit theirs and to lobby on rural issues.

Others at the meeting advocated wind power as an alternative. Bob Quinn, the developer of the 135-megawatt Judith Gap wind farm, said he believes a 250-megawatt wind project would cost about $300 million, or $215 million less than the coal plant.

On the heels of Montana's first major wind-power project and legislative changes that promote wind, several counties and developers are surging forward with new projects.

LIVINGSTON -- Park County and the city of Livingston are moving ahead in efforts to erect wind turbines.

The Rocky Mountain Front - home to spectacular wildlife habitat and rugged ranchland - may also be the perfect setting for wind farms of the future, a panel of speakers told the Golden Triangle Pachyderm Club in Choteau recently.

The unpredictability of wind requires energy suppliers to coordinate backup supplies. For that reason, "free" wind isn't exactly free.