One measure increases the qualifying size for a small producer, from 5 megawatts to 25 megawatts. The other extends the compliance deadline for utilities by two years.
Both of the bills have passed out of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee.
Opponents argue the bills are part of a cluster that would undermine renewable-energy standards passed in 2005.
NorthWestern Energy and Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. support House Bills 207 and 208.