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.
NorthWestern owns and operates 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.
NorthWestern owns and operates 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
58%
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 2024, nearly 34% 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’s upgrade of Black Eagle Dam spillway beginning
Date: Mar 11, 2025
Great Falls, Mont. –March 11, 2025 – NorthWestern Energy is starting a major project to upgrade the spillway of the Black Eagle Dam on the Missouri River. This project will enhance the safety and reliability of the hydroelectric facility.
Removal of Boat Restraint Barrier
- March 12, Crews will remove the boat restraint barrier that is typically installed 500 feet above Black Eagle Dam to allow access for the barge and construction materials. The barrier will not be replaced until the project is completed. Paddlers, boaters, and other users should exercise caution when recreating on the water above Black Eagle Dam and, for safety, stay out of the area directly above the dam.
Road and Trail Closures*
- March 13, North River Road adjacent to the Black Eagle Powerhouse and the associated section of the River’s Edge Trail will be closed March 13, 2025 while a barge anchor structure is installed north of the Missouri River.
- March 14, North River Road will be closed from the barge landing site east of NorthWestern Energy’s Great Falls office at 1501 North River Road to Black Eagle Memorial Island Park. The River’s Edge Trail will also be closed adjacent to the barge landing site. A crane that will be used for the work will be assembled on the road, then moved to the barge landing site.
*Dates may change due to inclement weather
Trail User Delays*
- March 17-20, Crews and equipment will be on and near the River’s Edge Trail on the southside of the Missouri River upstream of Black Eagle Dam, installing a barge anchor. Trail users may experience short delays as equipment and material cross the trail for the work.
- March 17 – 21, Equipment and materials to construct the barge that will carry the crane used for the project will be delivered to the barge landing site off North River Road. River’s Edge Trail users are asked to watch for flaggers and are
advised that they may experience short delays as equipment and material cross the trail for the work.
*Dates may change due to inclement weather
Project Details:
The upgrade will include installing new support structures and components of the spillway to improve the dam’s integrity and eliminate the need for manual ice removal, which is currently performed by NorthWestern Energy hydro crews during frigid temperatures. The upgrade will improve the safety of the workers and the efficiency of the operation.
A barge will be located upstream from Black Eagle Dam to transport materials and equipment for the project. The barge landing is located on the north side of the Missouri River, upstream from Black Eagle Dam.
The upgrade project is expected to be completed in 2027.
Learn more about the project at www.northwesternenergy.com/BlackEagleDam.
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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.
Media Contacts:
Jo Dee Black
866-622-8081