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.
Tim MacDonald Honored for Life-Saving Actions NorthWestern Energy employee receives MEA Life Sustaining Award
Date: Jun 13, 2024
TYPE: News
Huron, S.D. – June 13, 2024 – NorthWestern Energy gas technician Tim MacDonald turned right on Nevada Avenue when leaving the office one cold day in January 2023, even though he always turns left. The rare right-handed turn likely saved the life of an elderly gentleman.
Wednesday, June 12, 2024, during an all-company safety meeting, leaders presented MacDonald, a three-year employee with NorthWestern Energy, with the MEA Energy Association Life Sustaining Award for the heroic actions he made to save the life of 82-year-old George Piper. Last January, Piper took a fall just as MacDonald came around the corner in his NorthWestern Energy vehicle. MacDonald watched him stop, then fall straight back. Though it was icy, it didn’t seem he’d slipped. MacDonald knew something was wrong.
MacDonald turned on the flashers and yellow beacon on his truck and jumped out to find Piper incoherent. When he finally got Piper to speak, he called 911 and gave their location. While they waited for first responders, MacDonald slipped his sweatshirt under Piper’s head, covered the man with his jacket and reminded him that help was on the way.
Later, MacDonald found out Piper’s niece is Tricia Davis, fellow NorthWestern Energy employee and manager of customer interactions.
“If it wasn’t for Tim seeing the fall happen, I’m not sure George would be here today,” Davis said.
During the awards ceremony on Wednesday, Piper was able to see MacDonald face-to-face for the first time and give him a hug, along with kind words for his help on that cold day.
“Tim’s an example of someone who looks out for people in the community,” Piper said. “It’s just part of humanity. And well, NorthWestern has to be grateful that they have employees like that.”
As for MacDonald, who is a gas meter technician for NorthWestern’s renewable natural gas sites, helping others comes naturally and is just part of the job.
“I wasn’t looking for any recognition or anything,” MacDonald said. “I didn’t even think, I just reacted. In my 30s, I had spinal meningitis, and was on my death bed. I am just paying it forward. My life was spared so that I can pay it forward and help save someone else’s life.”
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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 775,300 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.