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.
Advanced Meter FAQs
What is the advanced meter project timeline in Montana?
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
Who will change my meter?
A NorthWestern Energy employee will install your new meter or module.
Will I have to pay for the meter?
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.
When will the meters be installed and do I need to be home?
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.
What happens to the meter on my home or business now?
NorthWestern Energy has a contract to recycle the electric meters and gas modules in use now when new meters and modules are installed.
Are radio frequency (RF) emissions coming from the meters and modules?
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.
Is customer information protected?
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.What if I don’t want an upgraded meter?
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.
How do I read my meter?
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 and Smart Wires to Deploy Advanced Transmission Technologies on Montana-Wyoming Transmission Corridor
Date: Oct 5, 2026
TYPE: News
Butte, Mont. – Oct. 5, 2026 – NorthWestern Energy and Smart Wires are selected for grant funding through the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Electricity's Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and Other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades (SPARK) program for a project that will deploy advanced transmission technologies to increase transfer capability between Montana and Wyoming using existing transmission infrastructure.
The project will use advanced flow control and dynamic line rating technologies to address transmission constraints and increase the utilization of an existing southeast Montana transmission corridor without requiring new transmission line construction or major substation expansions.
The project will improve transfer capability between Montana and Wyoming and support the movement of electricity across the regional transmission system.
"The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Electricity's support for projects such as this reflects the importance of transmission infrastructure in meeting growing electricity demand while maintaining reliability and affordability for customers," said NorthWestern Energy Vice President Planning, Development and Asset Management Bleau LaFave. "This project focuses on increasing the capability of existing transmission assets through the application of advanced transmission technologies. Increasing transfer capability in southeastern Montana will improve system reliability, provide access to additional energy resources and support transfers between regional electricity markets.
“Across the country, utilities need to move more power on the lines they already have, and they need to do it quickly,” said Joaquin Peirano, General Manager, Americas, Smart Wires. “By deploying SmartValve™ advanced power flow control to address the corridor’s limiting element, NorthWestern Energy will unlock additional capacity on the path while gaining greater control over how power flows across it. SmartValve’s modular design also allows the solution to scale or be redeployed as the corridor’s needs evolve, strengthening reliability for customers in Montana and across the region.”
The project will increase transfer capability between Montana and Wyoming and demonstrate the application of advanced transmission technologies to address transmission constraints using existing infrastructure. The project also aligns with broader efforts to improve the use of existing transmission assets and support reliable operation of the regional transmission system.
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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 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.
About Smart Wires
Smart Wires helps utilities and transmission operators solve urgent grid reliability and capacity challenges by unlocking firm, controllable capacity from existing transmission infrastructure. Using advanced power flow control, the company enables a faster, lower-cost path to connect new loads, reduce congestion and improve system performance without waiting for new lines or major substation builds. With more than a decade of deployments in 15+ countries and across four continents, Smart Wires has delivered more than 5 GW of firm, controllable capacity on more than 40 transmission circuits worldwide. The technology is operating on critical networks in the U.S., Europe and Australia, supporting load growth, reducing congestion costs and strengthening grid reliability.
Headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, Smart Wires partners with utilities and transmission owners to deliver flexible, proven solutions that perform under real-world operating conditions and continue to create value as the grid evolves.
Media Contacts:
NorthWestern Energy
Jo Dee Black
866-622-8081
Smart Wires
Roberto Castro
919-294-3999