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NorthWestern Energy will bypass customers who do not want new electric and natural gas meters

Date: Feb 14, 2024

Butte, Mont. – Feb. 14, 2024 – In 2021, NorthWestern Energy began replacing customer’s existing natural gas and electric meters with new advanced meters. That same year, the Montana Public Service Commission required the utility to allow its customers to “opt out” of advanced meters and instead keep their existing meters.

Since that time, NorthWestern Energy denied some customers’ requests to opt out of an advanced meter. After recent discussions with the Public Service Commission, Northwestern Energy has agreed to bypass installing advanced meters at all locations where customers request to opt out.

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.

The Commission and NorthWestern Energy will re-examine the opt out program and work to create a smoother, clearer opt-out program for the future.

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.

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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 764,200 customers in Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Yellowstone National Park. 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