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Crews Going Door to Door to Relight Pilot Lights Following Natural Gas Outage in Southwest Butte
Date: Apr 23, 2026
TYPE: News
Butte, Mont. – April 23, 2026 – NorthWestern Energy crews continue working to restore service following a natural gas outage that began at approximately 7:30 a.m. Thursday, April 23, affecting about 670 customers in southwest Butte, primarily in the area west of Rowe Road.
The pipeline has been safely returned to service, and NorthWestern Energy crews are now going door to door relighting pilot lights at affected homes and businesses. Customers must be home for crews to relight pilot lights.
Crews will continue working through the night. Customers affected by the outage who are comfortable with NorthWestern Energy crews knocking on their door after 10:30 p.m. may call 888-467-2669 to provide authorization. Otherwise, crews will return to relight pilot lights beginning after 7 a.m. Friday, April 24.
NorthWestern Energy reminds customers that all responding employees are wearing clearly logoed NorthWestern Energy gear.
To support customers during the outage, the Butte Family YWCA is available as a warming center. Warm showers, WiFi, water, and pizza are available for affected residents.
Additional NorthWestern Energy crews from across Montana are assisting to restore service as quickly and safely as possible.
Safety Reminder: If you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately. Do not create a spark and do not use phones, matches, light switches, or anything else that could trigger ignition. Once you are at a safe distance, call 911.
NorthWestern Energy appreciates customers’ patience and cooperation as crews continue working to safely restore service.
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NorthWestern Energy – Delivering a Bright Future
NorthWestern Energy provides electricity and/or natural gas to approximately 850,300 customers in Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Yellowstone National Park. We are committed to delivering safe, reliable, and affordable energy through the dedication of our highly skilled workforce.
Media Contact:
Jo Dee Black
866-622-8081
jodee.black@northwestern.com