Montana Meter Upgrade

NorthWestern Energy is upgrading our electric meters and gas modules.

  • This technology upgrade will allow two-way communication between NorthWestern Energy and its meters on customer homes and businesses.
  • In most cases, the system will notify NorthWestern Energy of an outage. 
  • Crews can restore service faster.
  • Current energy use information is available for customer questions about bills, energy use and opportunities for energy savings
  • System voltage information identifies problems before those problems cause outages.
The energy landscape is changing — and so are our customers’ expectations. As we modernize the energy grid, including using two-way communicating meters, also known as smart meters, our customers will benefit.

Moving Toward a Sustainable Energy Future

Moving Toward a Sustainable Energy Future

The energy grid is evolving, driven by the need to support more renewable resources as we transition to an even cleaner energy future. Smart metering provides more data on grid operations, which will allow opportunities for new customer programs and technology that will help balance the energy grid with renewable resources.
Learn about our other clean energy initiatives

Advanced Meter FAQs

NorthWestern Energy began installation in Montana in 2021. Here is a list of approximate dates for the Montana Meter Upgrade project by area:

  • Missoula Division: completed August 2022
  • Butte Division: completed June 2022
  • Bozeman Division: completed May 2024
  • Billings Division: completed October 2024  
  • Lewistown District: completed October 2024
  • Havre District: completed November 2024
  • Helena Division: June 2024 – May 2025
  • Great Falls Division: August 2024 – 2028

A NorthWestern Energy employee will install your new meter or module.

No. The electric meters and gas modules are purchased and owned by NorthWestern Energy. They are part of our infrastructure, similar to our power poles and transformers.

Most of the installations will occur during business hours, though there will be cases when evening or weekend installations may be necessary. Customers don't need to be home.

A door hanger will let residents know their upgrade was successful. If the technician cannot perform the upgrade, a door hanger will be left with instructions to call to make an appointment.

NorthWestern Energy has a contract to recycle the electric meters and gas modules in use now when new meters and modules are installed.

Yes. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates the safety limits for all RF emissions, and smart meter and module emissions make up a small portion of the limit. The RF emissions of old one-way communication meters and the new two-way communication meters are both approved by the FCC. Radio frequency emissions are also produced by common household devices such as microwaves, baby monitors and TVs.

Yes. Customer privacy and security are NorthWestern Energy priorities. The company’s strict security standards have contributed to protecting the energy grid and customer privacy for years. The meters do not collect, store or transmit any personally identifiable information.

The meters measure total energy and cannot differentiate energy usage by appliance or anything else within a home or business. The transmitted energy use information is encrypted.

Customers who want to keep their existing meters can call NorthWestern at 888-467-2669 or email NorthWesternEnergyMeters@northwestern.com to be added to the bypass list. Customers who previously requested an opt out do not need to contact NorthWestern again to be bypassed and keep their meters.

NorthWestern will be reaching out to customers who received an advanced meter despite their request to opt out. For those who still wish to opt-out, NorthWestern will ensure that the advanced meter is removed and replaced with a meter similar to the one that was there before. Customers will not be charged for this service. 

Customers who have questions about the advanced meter opt-out program can contact NorthWestern at 888-467-2669
or the Montana Public Service Commission at 1-800-646-6150 or pschelp@mt.gov.

If you have a non-communicating electric or gas meter, you can find information about how to read it and submit a self-read here. 

NorthWestern Energy Announces Missouri River Drawdown for Black Eagle Dam Spillway Project

Date: Jul 15, 2026

TYPE: News

Great Falls, Mont. – July 15, 2026 – NorthWestern Energy will temporarily draw down the Missouri River upstream of Black Eagle Dam from July 31 through mid-September to allow construction crews to complete critical upgrades as part of the Black Eagle Dam Spillway Project.

Work will take place on the upstream west-facing side of the dam and include installing new support structures and components of the spillway. These improvements are designed to enhance the overall integrity of the dam.

In addition to strengthening the structure, the upgrade will eliminate the need for NorthWestern Energy hydro crews to manually remove ice buildup during extreme winter conditions, improving both operational efficiency and worker safety.

River Access Impacts

For public safety during the project:

  • The Missouri River will be closed to public use and access from downstream of Broadwater Bay to Black Eagle Dam, including the kayak launch and dock at West Bank Park.
  • Broadwater Bay boat launch will remain open, as will the non-motorized take-out ramp at Oddfellows Park and the river upstream of Broadwater Bay.

Public Safety Reminder

The public is warned to stay out of the riverbed during the drawdown. Exposed areas contain:

  • Deep mud
  • Unstable ground
  • Rapidly changing water conditions
  • Unexpected hazards.

These hazards pose serious risks to both people and pets.

“We appreciate the public’s cooperation as we complete this important infrastructure project,” said NorthWestern Energy Manager Power Generation Jeremy Butcher. “These upgrades will help ensure the continued safety, reliability, and efficiency of hydroelectric operations at Black Eagle Dam.”

Work on the Black Eagle Dam Spillway Project will continue during the river draw down and temporary closures of the River’s Edge Trail near the dam north and south of the Missouri River will be required for the safety of the public and crews.

For more information and updates, visit https://www.northwesternenergy.com/about-us/our-projects/black-eagle-dam-spillway-project

Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn and Instagram: @NorthWesternEnergy

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 850,300 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

jodee.black@northwestern.com

 

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