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.

Enriching Lives Through a Safe, Sustainable Energy Future

A map showing NorthWestern Energy's service territory in Montana, Nebraska and South Dakota.

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.

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 Natural Gas and Electric Service

NorthWestern Energy serves 341 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 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 2024, we gave $2.3 million in charitable donations and community support.

Delivering a Bright Future

Employee Noel Jacobson wears a hard hat and smiles in Power Park.

Delivering a Bright Future

We won't stop working until the future is as bright as it can be.

Where Does Your Energy Come From?

We provide safe, reliable energy through a balanced mix of clean energy and traditional resources.

NorthWestern Energy Smoke Detection Cameras Aids Community for Jericho Mountain Fire

Date: Jul 2, 2025

TYPE: News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Helena, Mont. – July 3, 2025 NorthWestern Energy has installed smoke detection cameras across our Montana service territory to help identify wildfires as soon as they start. These cameras use AI technology to detect potential fire starts and can differentiate smoke from clouds, dust, haze or other particulates in the air that could be otherwise confused with smoke.

The cameras are placed in strategic locations to provide 360-degree visibility. One location where a camera was strategically placed is at the top of MacDonald Pass, near Helena. The cameras consistently serve a critical purpose for detecting of wildfires, but the MacDonald Pass camera proved invaluable as it allowed community members to observe the Jericho Mountain Fire without needing to enter into the closure area.

“The cameras were purchased from AlertWest by NorthWestern Energy. NorthWestern Energy collaborated with fire responding agencies, dispatch centers, and emergency managers on selecting camera locations and providing in-depth access to the real-time video feed” said Charles Tuss, Wildfire Situation Awareness Specialist with NorthWestern Energy. Members of the public also can view real-time video of the cameras by visiting: northwesternenergy.com/safety/wildfire-safety/wildfire-mitigation-plan/smoke-detection-cameras. Individuals can also see camera feeds on wildfire information apps, such as Watch Duty.

“For the public to be able to view the fires is really beneficial. Many times, people are curious about what a specific fire is doing and they want to drive closer to the fire area to get a view. During the Jericho Mountain fire, for example, people were able to see a live-feed of what the fire was doing without actually having to go to near the location. This helps reduce traffic in the area and keep members of the public and firefighters safe,” said Chiara Cipriano, Public Affairs Officer, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.

NorthWestern Energy will continue to work with fire managers and emergency managers on implementing additional camera locations across the state to help with the early detection and rapid response to wildfires.

For more information on the Jericho Mountain Fire, please visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mthlf-jericho-mountain-fire

For more information about how NorthWestern Energy is working to improve wildfire safety, please visit: northwesternenergy.com/safety/wildfire-safety

Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn and Instagram: @NorthWesternEnergy

 

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 787,000 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:

Max Rebholz

406-880-3471

Max.rebholz@northwestern.com