Montana Meter Upgrade
NorthWestern Energy will install 590,000 new electric meters and gas modules in Montana.
- This technology upgrade will allow two-way communication between NorthWestern Energy and its meters on customer homes and businesses.
- In most cases, the system will notify NorthWestern Energy of an outage.
- Crews can restore service faster.
- Current energy use information is available for customer questions about bills, energy use and opportunities for energy savings
- System voltage information identifies problems before those problems cause outages.
The energy landscape is changing — and so are our customers’ expectations. As we modernize the energy grid, including using two-way communicating meters, also known as smart meters, our customers will benefit.
Montana Digital Meter Upgrade
590,000
meters and modules will be replaced.
4 years
The project began in 2021 and runs through 2024.
60%
of all U.S. electric customers have smart meters today.
Moving Toward a Sustainable Energy Future
Moving Toward a Sustainable Energy Future
The energy grid is evolving, driven by the need to support more renewable resources as we transition to an even cleaner energy future. Smart metering provides more data on grid operations, which will allow opportunities for new customer programs and technology that will help balance the energy grid with renewable resources.
Advanced Meter FAQs
What if I don’t want an upgraded meter?
NorthWestern Energy is bypassing customers who do not want an upgraded meter. NorthWestern Energy Montana customers will have the right to opt-out of the use of advanced metering devices and may be required to pay a tariff charge, once the tariff is approved by the Montana Public Service Commission. The Montana PSC's schedule to determine NorthWestern Energy's application for the opt-out tariff is available HERE.
For more information, call NorthWestern Energy at 1-800-486-4280 or the Montana Public Service Commission at 1-800-646-6150.
Montana law allows customers to opt-out of the use of advanced metering devices according to terms and conditions set by the Montana Public Service Commission. No utility company can require the use of an advance metering device. If you have questions about your opt-out rights, please contact the Montana Public Service Commission at 1-800-646-6150.
What is the project timeline?
NorthWestern Energy will begin installation in Montana in 2021. It is a four-year project.
Here is a list of approximate dates for the Montana meter upgrade project by area.
- Butte Division – completed in June 2022
- Missoula Division – in progress, expected completion in August 2022
- Bozeman Division – July 2022 – January 2023
- July 2022 – Bozeman, Belgrade, Ennis and Cameron
- Aug 2022 – Jeffers and McAllister
- Sep 2022 – Big Sky, Pony, Churchill, Harrison, Gallatin Gateway, Manhattan, Norris, Three Forks and Willow Creek
- Nov 2022 – Amsterdam
- Dec 2022 – Logan
- Jan 2023 – Livingston
- Billings Division - October 2022 – October 2023
- Havre District – March 2023 – September 2023
- Helena Division – June 2023 – May 2024
- Great Falls Division – Sept 2023 – June 2024
- Lewistown District – January 2024 – June 2024
How is COVID-19 impacting this project?
NorthWestern Energy and our partner installation company, Tru-Check, are following CDC guidelines, including social distancing and wearing a mask while interacting with our customers. Safety of our employees, our partner employees
and our customers is the top priority.
Who will change my meter?
NorthWestern Energy contracted with Tru-Check to install the new digital meters, the same company that installed the first generation, one-way communication digital meters in 1998 that are in use today.
Tru-Check technicians will wear apparel with the Tru-Check logo and will carry a NorthWestern Energy contractor identification badge.
What happens to the meter on my home or business now?
NorthWestern Energy has a contract to recycle the electric meters and gas modules in use now when new meters and modules are installed.
Is customer information protected?
Yes. Customer privacy and security are NorthWestern Energy priorities. The company’s strict security standards have contributed to protecting the energy grid and customer privacy for years. The meters do not collect, store or transmit any personally identifiable information.
The meters measure total energy and cannot differentiate energy usage by appliance or anything else within a home or business. The transmitted energy use information is encrypted.Are radio frequency (RF) emissions coming from the meters and modules?
Yes. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates the safety limits for all RF emissions, and smart meter and module emissions make up a small portion of the limit. The RF emissions of the one-way communication meters in use now and the two-way communication meters that are being installed for this technology upgrade are both approved by the FCC. Radio frequency emissions are also produced by common household devices such as microwaves, baby monitors and TVs.
When will the meters be installed and do I need to be home?
Most of the installations will occur Monday through Friday during business hours, though there will be cases when evening or weekend installations may be necessary. Customers don't need to be home.
A door hanger will let residents know their upgrade was successful. If the technician cannot perform the upgrade, a door hanger will be left with instructions to call to make an appointment.
If you are both an electric and natural gas NorthWestern Energy customer, the new electric meter will be installed first and the new gas module will be installed during a follow-up visit to your home or business within the following eight weeks.
Will I have to pay for the meter?
No. The electric meters and gas modules are purchased and owned by NorthWestern Energy. They are part of our infrastructure, similar to our power poles and transformers.
NorthWestern Reports Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results
Date: Oct 24, 2022
TYPE: News
Category: Investors