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.
In July 2024, we submitted a request to update our electric and natural gas rates. A public hearing was held in June 2025, and on Nov. 19, 2025, the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) ruled on our request. The final order to implement the Montana PSC action was issued by the PSC in December 2025.
Throughout the process, we are committed to keeping you informed about your energy rates and helping you understand what’s changing.
Bill impacts for natural gas and electric customers are calculated as ordered by the PSC.
A monthly bill for a residential electric customer using 750 kilowatt hours per month will
compared to typical bill with January rates. Compared to a typical bill in July 2024, which is when the request for a Regulatory Rate Review was filed, a monthly bill for a residential electric customer will increase $5.89, or 5.35%.
A monthly bill for a residential natural gas customer using 65 therms per month will
compared to a typical bill with January rates. Compared to a typical bill in July 2024, which is when the request for a Regulatory Rate Review was files, a monthly bill for a residential natural gas customers will increase $5.22, or 10.06%.
Montanans expect reliable energy, and NorthWestern Energy knows it's our job to deliver it safely, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, while keeping bills as low as possible.
We make significant investments in our Montana system every year to provide reliable energy service for customers now and in the future. NorthWestern Energy is requesting a regulatory rate review so that rates reflect the cost to serve our Montana customers.
Our customers count on us to meet today's rapidly growing energy needs. As dangerous storms and wildfires become more frequent, we know customers look to us to ensure that a resilient energy grid is ready.
We work to keep costs as low as possible while meeting our commitment to ensure that your lights and heat come on when you need them. Get the facts about NorthWestern's rate review in Montana.
On April 15, NorthWestern Energy announced settlement agreements in our Montana electric and natural gas regulatory rate review.
We have taken significant steps to address risks to service reliability and affordability due to insufficient on-demand resources in the Montana electric portfolio to meet customer energy needs during critical weather or to participate in new regional energy markets.
NorthWestern Energy continues to reinvest in existing hydro plants to maintain the assets and enhance output.
The Montana grid has a considerable amount of intermittent wind and solar generation and the Yellowstone County Generating Station’s on-demand, flexible generation keeps the grid stable when generation from those resources is strong and when it drops.
NorthWestern Energy’s Montana electric and gas services are delivered at high levels of reliability, at the lowest rates possible. The average energy bills for NorthWestern Energy Montana customers are less than the national average for energy bills, despite the significant flow-through costs of Montana property taxes and energy market purchases.
Montana needs a reliable, modern energy system for a modern age. We're working toward an energy future that is weather-resilient and responsive, while keeping bills as low as possible.
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.
NorthWestern Energy customers have access to many programs and resources to get help in paying your bill.
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.
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:
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.
View the 2024 Montana Rate Review Filing Documents
View the 2022 Montana Regulatory Rate Review
