Payment Assistance
If you are worried about your ability to pay a higher energy bill, there are payment assistance programs available.
Energy Prices Are Rising. We're Here To Help.
Montana Rate Review
We know many Americans are facing challenging times, and no one wants to see rising electric and natural gas bills. We are committed to providing safe, reliable energy service to meet our Montana customers’ needs at the lowest rates possible.
On Nov. 1, NorthWestern Energy will implement new Montana electric and natural gas service rates, approved Oct. 25 by the Montana Public Service Commission.
How much will my bill increase?
Beginning Nov. 1, a typical NorthWestern Energy residential customer will see a monthly bill increase of:
$8.22
per month, or 7.85%, on their electric bill for a typical residential customer using 750 kilowatt hours per month.
$3.71
per month, or 6.62%, on their natural gas bill for a typical residential customer using 65 therms per month.
After extensive evaluation by the Montana Public Service Commission since our regulatory rate review application was made on Aug. 8, 2022, the new rates are the result of a constructive settlement that balances what’s needed to maintain a financially sound energy company and affordability for our customers. NorthWestern Energy has invested more than $1 billion in our Montana energy system since 2015 to meet our customers’ needs and expectations. NorthWestern Energy also has the same challenges of inflation and increasing costs as all other businesses.
NorthWestern Energy’s teams work year round, 24/7 so that our customers have the energy they need for their homes and businesses and to support Montana’s economy at rates that are as low as possible.
Montana Regulatory Rate Review Settlement
- In early April 2023 NorthWestern Energy submitted a settlement agreement with the Montana Public Service Commission that was reached in our Montana electric and natural gas regulatory rate review with the Montana Consumer Counsel, the Montana Large Customer Group, the Federal Executive Agencies and Walmart, which was submitted to the Montana Public Service Commission.
- NorthWestern Energy worked with key stakeholders that represent all Montana customers – residential and business – to reach the right balance between what’s needed to maintain a financially sound energy company and affordability for our customers.
What can I do to manage my bill?
We’ve always been available to help those who may be struggling with their energy bills. We offer payment options, referrals for energy assistance programs and a discount for customers enrolled in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. We provide education and tools for energy efficiency to reduce energy use and lower bills.
- Start preparing today.
- Apply for financial assistance.
- Sign up for Budget Billing.
- Implement energy efficiency tips.
If you're concerned about paying your bill, reach out to us right away. We have billing and payment options that can help.
Budget Billing
With Budget Billing, your NorthWestern Energy bill is the same amount each month, year round.
Payment Arrangements
We can also explore a payment arrangement if your account qualifies. Log in to your My Energy Account for payment and billing program information. Or call our Customer Service Team at 800-245-6977 to discuss additional options.
Service & Payment Locations
Our walk-in Customer Service locations are available for in-person assistance. Find the office nearest you.
Home EnergyCheck
Our E+ Home EnergyCheck is a safe, convenient and fun way to have your home’s energy efficiency checked – virtually!
BE ENERGY EFFICIENT
Save money by being more energy efficient. Check out our top-10 low-cost or no-cost tips for energy efficiency.
We are strengthening our energy infrastructure
Since our last rate review, NorthWestern Energy has invested more than $1 billion in our Montana electric and natural gas infrastructure to continue providing safe, reliable energy service to our customers. In addition, NorthWestern Energy has the same challenges of inflation and increasing costs as all other businesses.
- NorthWestern Energy's investment in smarter energy infrastructure is building an energy grid that is more resilient in extreme weather and against cyber-threats, and will meet our customers’ current and future needs, such as more choice and control over their energy service.
- Thanks to new technological innovations, we’re building smarter energy infrastructure that will allow us to respond to outages more quickly, seamlessly connect with cleaner energy sources, and better secure the energy grid against attacks. To do that, we need a modern rate structure that can meet our modern energy needs.
- Our electric customers have seen increased reliability in recent years thanks to our investments. Over the last three years, Montana customers experienced 1.3 outages per year, on average. It takes us just over 90 minutes, on average, to restore an outage.
Watch the videos below to learn more about what NorthWestern Energy is doing to improve reliability.
Play Video
Bright Stories: Osprey Program
As the osprey population has rebounded, we are working, alongside Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Montana Audubon and other partners, to make sure the birds have safe places to nest.
Play Video
Bright Stories: LED Streetlights
Throughout the state of Montana, we have more than 80,000 NorthWestern Energy-owned yard lights and streetlights. We're converting all of them to energy-efficient LEDs, which provide safe, warm light to help people feel safe walking at night.
Play Video
Bright Stories: Montana Meter Upgrade
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.
Our Projects
Learn more about the important infrastructure investments we're making across our service territory.
Frequently asked questions about the Montana Rate Review
What was the outcome of the Montana Regulatory Rate Review?
In early April 2023 NorthWestern Energy submitted a settlement agreement with the Montana Public Service Commission that was reached in our Montana electric and natural gas regulatory rate review with the Montana Consumer Counsel, the Montana Large Customer Group, the Federal Executive Agencies and Walmart, which was submitted to the Montana Public Service Commission.
NorthWestern Energy worked with key stakeholders that represent all Montana customers – residential and business – to reach the right balance between what’s needed to maintain a financially sound energy company and affordability for our customers.
After extensive evaluation since the regulatory rate review was requested in August 2022, the Montana Public Service Commission approved the settlement agreement Oct. 25.
The MPSC-approved rates from the settlement agreement will begin Nov. 1.
Customer bills already reflect an interim rate adjustment implemented in October 2022. Accounting for that, a typical NorthWestern Energy electric residential customer will see a monthly bill increase of $8.22, or 7.85%, from what they pay now. A typical NorthWestern Energy residential natural gas customers will see a monthly bill increase of $3.71, or 6.62%, from what they pay now.
What is a regulatory rate review?
The Montana Public Service Commission regulates investor-owned energy companies in the Montana and must approve NorthWestern Energy’s electric and natural gas rates.
It's the Montana PSC's role to balance customers' interests in price, adequate service, and infrastructure, with the need to maintain a financially sound energy company capable of providing reliable energy service.
What if I have concerns about paying my bill?
We know our rate request will impact our customers during a period when other prices are also increasing. NorthWestern Energy is committed to helping customers who may be struggling with their bills.
Options to manage your bill include:
- Apply for financial assistance.
- Sign up for Budget Billing.
- Implement energy efficiency tips.
Customer Service Representatives are available to guide customers that might need help. Call 888-467-2669. Walk-in Customer Contact Centers are open weekdays in locations throughout Montana.
Why did NorthWestern Energy apply for a Montana regulatory rate review?
Current NorthWestern Energy Montana natural gas rates were set using cost information from 2015 and electric rates were set using cost information from 2017.
Since then, NorthWestern Energy has invested more than $1 billion in our Montana electric and natural gas infrastructure to continue providing safe, reliable energy service to our customers. In addition, NorthWestern Energy has the same challenges of inflation and increasing costs as all other businesses.
NorthWestern Energy’s regulatory rate review request was made on Aug. 8, 2022 to include our $1 billion investments in our Montana energy infrastructure since 2015 and reflect today’s costs of providing reliable energy service to our customers.
Track your energy use in My Energy Account
With My Energy Account, you can visually track your energy use, month-to-month and year-over-year. Understanding your energy use can help you develop habits to save energy and money.