Our Natural Gas and Electric Service
NorthWestern Energy serves 341 communities in Montana, South Dakota and Yellowstone National Park with safe and reliable electricity. We serve natural gas to 202 communities in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska.
Our Company
For more than 100 years, NorthWestern Energy has been committed to delivering safe, reliable and innovative energy solutions.
We serve gas and electric to customers in the western two-thirds of Montana and eastern South Dakota. We also have gas service in Nebraska and serve electricity to Yellowstone National Park.
NorthWestern owns and operates a diverse generation fleet of wind, water, natural gas and coal-fired resources and the high-voltage electric transmission system and distribution system. We also own and operate natural gas production, transmission and distribution systems.
We serve gas and electric to customers in the western two-thirds of Montana and eastern South Dakota. We also have gas service in Nebraska and serve electricity to Yellowstone National Park.
NorthWestern owns and operates a diverse generation fleet of wind, water, natural gas and coal-fired resources and the high-voltage electric transmission system and distribution system. We also own and operate natural gas production, transmission and distribution systems.
Enriching Lives Through a Safe, Sustainable Energy Future
Enriching Lives Through a Safe, Sustainable Energy Future
NorthWestern Energy has provided reliable and affordable electricity and natural gas to customers in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska for more than 100 years.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability means meeting today’s needs while planning for tomorrow’s as well.
NorthWestern Energy at a glance
787,000
customers served across Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska and Yellowstone National Park
1,585
employees working across our service territory
58%
carbon-free electric generation
Our vision
Enriching lives through a safe sustainable energy future.
Our mission
Working together to provide safe, reliable and innovative energy solutions that create value for customers, communities, employees, and investors.
Our values
SERVICE: Safety, Excellence, Respect, Value, Integrity, Community, Environment
Our Hydro Facilities
Our carbon-free hydro system is the foundation of our energy generation portfolio in Montana. In 2024, nearly 34% of our electricity for Montana customers came from our hydro facilities.
Giving Back to Our Communities
NorthWestern Energy is committed to being a good corporate citizen of all the communities we serve. In 2024, we gave $2.3 million in charitable donations and community support.
Where Does Your Energy Come From?
We provide safe, reliable energy through a balanced mix of clean energy and traditional resources.
NorthWestern Energy Outlines How $1 Billion of Investments Deliver Direct Benefits in Safe, Reliable Power for Montana Customers
Date: Jun 9, 2025
TYPE: News
Helena, Mont. – June 9, 2025 – In opening remarks before the Montana Public Service Commission on the first day of the hearing on NorthWestern Energy’s request for a regulatory rate review, Sarah Norcott, Director of Regulatory Corporate Counsel for NorthWestern explained how the company’s investments benefit customers—both now and in the long term.
“We understand that any increase in utility bills is difficult, especially when families are already managing rising costs in other areas,” Norcott said. “That’s why we’ve worked hard to keep the impact as low as possible while still making the critical investments needed to keep the lights on and the heat flowing.”
Norcott said that although NorthWestern invested more than $800 million in its electric system over the past two years, the electric settlement results in a 1.7% revenue increase, below the originally proposed 8.3%. For the average residential customer, this translates to a 4.2% increase in their electric rate.
“NorthWestern accomplished this feat by making prudent decisions, managing costs, and always keeping our customers’ needs at the center of our planning,” she said.
Norcott detailed how those investments strengthen Montana’s energy infrastructure:
- $158 million in electric transmission infrastructure, including substation rebuilds and wildfire mitigation.
- $197 million in electric distribution infrastructure, supporting wildfire mitigation and customer growth.
- $390 million in electric generation, including upgrades to hydro facilities and the construction of the Yellowstone County Generating Station (YCGS).
“These aren’t abstract numbers,” Norcott said. “They represent real improvements that help prevent outages, reduce wildfire risk, and ensure we can meet demand during Montana’s coldest nights and hottest days.”
She also emphasized that the YCGS project will ultimately reduce costs for customers.
“Customers will see a benefit overall in their net rates due to YCGS over the long term,” she said.
“Who is NorthWestern?” Norcott asked. “We are the people who show up—because we live here too.”
She shared an example. One cold evening this year in Anaconda, 71-year-old Derinda Johnson slipped on her icy sidewalk while taking out the trash. Alone and unable to get up, she waved desperately for help. It was Tom Wind, NorthWestern’s Anaconda Town Manager, who noticed her while driving home. He turned around, rushed to her side, and helped her safely back into her home.
“According to Derinda, he saved her life,” Norcott said. “This story personifies NorthWestern and what we are about.”
“While there is a lot of noise and opinions about the decisions NorthWestern makes, we take our responsibility seriously to keep the lights on and the heat flowing,” Norcott said. “The evidence in this case will show that the decisions NorthWestern has made over the last two years were prudent and comply with Montana law. What I ask is that you hear the evidence, you remember the reasons NorthWestern made these decisions – to provide safe, reliable and affordable utility services. ”
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NorthWestern Energy - Delivering a Bright Future
NorthWestern Energy, provides essential energy infrastructure and valuable services that enrich lives and empower communities while serving as long-term partners to our customers and communities. We work to deliver safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions that create value for customers, communities, employees, and investors. We do this by providing low-cost and reliable service performed by highly-adaptable and skilled employees. We provide electricity and / or natural gas to approximately 787,000 customers in Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Yellowstone National Park. Our operations in Montana and Yellowstone National Park are conducted through our subsidiary, NW Corp, and our operations in South Dakota and Nebraska are conducted through our subsidiary, NWE Public Service. We have provided service in South Dakota and Nebraska since 1923 and in Montana since 2002.
Media Contacts:
Jo Dee Black
866-622-8081