Our Natural Gas and Electric Service
NorthWestern Energy serves 337 communities in Montana, South Dakota and Yellowstone National Park with safe and reliable electricity. We serve natural gas to 202 communities in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska.
Our Company
For more than 100 years, NorthWestern Energy has been committed to delivering safe, reliable and innovative energy solutions.
We serve gas and electric to customers in the western two-thirds of Montana and eastern South Dakota. We also have gas service in Nebraska, and serve electricity to Yellowstone National Park.
We own and operate a diverse generation fleet of wind, water, natural gas and coal-fired resources and the high-voltage electric transmission system and distribution system. We also own and operate natural gas production, transmission and distribution systems.
We serve gas and electric to customers in the western two-thirds of Montana and eastern South Dakota. We also have gas service in Nebraska, and serve electricity to Yellowstone National Park.
We own and operate a diverse generation fleet of wind, water, natural gas and coal-fired resources and the high-voltage electric transmission system and distribution system. We also own and operate natural gas production, transmission and distribution systems.
Enriching Lives Through a Safe, Sustainable Energy Future
Enriching Lives Through a Safe, Sustainable Energy Future
NorthWestern Energy has provided reliable and affordable electricity and natural gas to customers in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska for more than 100 years.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability means meeting today’s needs while planning for tomorrow’s as well. It is not just a matter of good environmental practices, being a sustainable enterprise must also incorporate social and governance best practices.
NorthWestern Energy at a glance
775,300
customers served across Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska and Yellowstone National Park
1,573
employees working across our service territory
55%
carbon-free electric generation
Our vision
Enriching lives through a safe sustainable energy future.
Our mission
Working together to provide safe, reliable and innovative energy solutions that create value for customers, communities, employees, and investors.
Our values
SERVICE: Safety, Excellence, Respect, Value, Integrity, Community, Environment
Our Hydro Facilities
Our carbon-free hydro system is the foundation of our energy generation portfolio in Montana. In 2023, 35.7% of our electricity for Montana customers came from our hydro facilities.
Giving Back to Our Communities
NorthWestern Energy is committed to being a good corporate citizen of all the communities we serve. In 2023, we gave nearly $2 million in charitable donations and community support.
Where Does Your Energy Come From?
We provide safe, reliable energy through a balanced mix of clean energy and traditional resources.
NorthWestern Energy asks South Dakota customers concerned about their winter bills to contact the energy company
Date: Mar 10, 2021
TYPE: News
Sioux Falls, SD. – March 10, 2021 – The extreme weather that gripped the Midwest the week of Feb.15 resulted in temperatures that were far below normal. Record energy demand throughout the Midwest during this time caused natural gas prices to spike.
NorthWestern Energy and other South Dakota energy companies worked with the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission to address the impact on South Dakotans’ natural gas bills.
Beginning in March, the higher cost of natural gas purchased during the energy emergency will apply over the next 12 months to customer bills. Customers will see the increase reflected within the item on their bill labeled “Purchase Gas Commodity.” NorthWestern Energy’s rate to deliver natural gas to customers is unchanged.
We encourage anyone concerned about their ability to pay a higher energy bill to contact NorthWestern Energy’s customer service department.
Why did the weather impact natural gas prices?
Natural gas is a commodity purchased from a competitive market. NorthWestern Energy uses historical use data and forecasts to purchase natural gas when prices are low for use by our customers when prices and demand are higher.
In mid-February extreme temperatures throughout the entire Midwest caused historical demand for energy. Freezing temperatures were recorded from Texas to Canada. Much of the natural gas that serves the Midwest is produced in Texas, Wyoming, and North Dakota. The extreme temperatures caused production losses in these states. As a result of the loss of supply and unprecedented demand, natural gas prices were at record highs. NorthWestern Energy used the previously procured natural gas and storage withdrawals, however, in order to meet the extraordinary demand, additional purchases for our customers were made at very high prices.
NorthWestern Energy’s natural gas procurement plan has performed well historically, limiting the market exposure of our customers when prices are high. NorthWestern Energy’s South Dakota natural gas customers’ average monthly bill is 33% lower than the national average.
What about electric bills?
NorthWestern Energy also serves electric customers in South Dakota and many customers receive both electric and natural gas service from us.
NorthWestern Energy’s generation assets produced energy to meet most of our customers’ demands, which helped insulate our customers from the full effect of the high prices of electric energy on the market in February. However, we did have to purchase some electricity from the market, and our generation cost was much higher than usual due to extremely high fuel prices. These factors, along with high customer demand due to the cold temperatures, will likely result in higher energy bills.
South Dakotans did their part to help
NorthWestern Energy again thanks our South Dakota customers, who responded immediately when asked to conserve energy during the emergency. NorthWestern Energy is proud to be a member of the communities we serve in South Dakota, where we provide safe, reliable and affordable energy.
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About NorthWestern Energy (Nasdaq: NWE)
NorthWestern provides electricity and / or natural gas to approximately 743,000 customers in Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska. We have generated and distributed electricity in South Dakota and distributed natural gas in South Dakota and Nebraska since 1923 and have generated and distributed electricity and distributed natural gas in Montana since 2002. More information on NorthWestern is available on the company’s website at www.northwesternenergy.com.
Media Contacts:
Jo Dee Black
866-622-8081
jodee.black@northwestern.com