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The North Plains Connector (NPC) is a proposed 420-mile, 525 kilovolt high-voltage direct current transmission line designed to connect the western and eastern electricity grids between eastern Montana and central North Dakota. Developed by North Plains Connector LLC (a subsidiary of Grid United), the project aims to add 3,000 megawatts of bi-directional transfer capacity to improve reliability and economic benefits across the US. The project is distinguished by a "landowner-first" engagement strategy, avoiding eminent domain and modifying its route by adding 50 miles to accommodate local preferences, thereby reducing community opposition.

This briefing by RMI explains how electric utilities can use Community Benefits Plans (CBPs) to mitigate project risks and secure federal financing, specifically through the Department of Energy's Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment (EIR) program. It argues that meaningful community engagement and commitments to labor and equity reduce the likelihood of project cancellations, address workforce shortages, and improve a utility's social license to operate.

This briefing by RMI explains the role of Community Benefits Plans (CBPs) and Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs) in the United States energy transition, specifically focusing on the requirements set by the Department of Energy (DOE) for funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022.