Montana Meter Upgrade
NorthWestern Energy is upgrading our electric meters and gas modules.
- 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.
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 is the advanced meter project timeline in Montana?
NorthWestern Energy began installation in Montana in 2021. Here is a list of approximate dates for the Montana Meter Upgrade project by area:
- Missoula Division: completed August 2022
- Butte Division: completed June 2022
- Bozeman Division: completed May 2024
- Billings Division: completed October 2024
- Lewistown District: completed October 2024
- Havre District: completed November 2024
- Helena Division: June 2024 – May 2025
- Great Falls Division: August 2024 – 2028
Who will change my meter?
A NorthWestern Energy employee will install your new meter or module.
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.
When will the meters be installed and do I need to be home?
Most of the installations will occur 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.
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.
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 old one-way communication meters and the new two-way communication meters are both approved by the FCC. Radio frequency emissions are also produced by common household devices such as microwaves, baby monitors and TVs.
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.What if I don’t want an upgraded meter?
Customers who want to keep their existing meters can call NorthWestern at 888-467-2669 or email NorthWesternEnergyMeters@northwestern.com to be added to the bypass list. Customers who previously requested an opt out do not need to contact NorthWestern again to be bypassed and keep their meters.
NorthWestern will be reaching out to customers who received an advanced meter despite their request to opt out. For those who still wish to opt-out, NorthWestern will ensure that the advanced meter is removed and replaced with a meter similar to the one that was there before. Customers will not be charged for this service.
Customers who have questions about the advanced meter opt-out program can contact NorthWestern at 888-467-2669
or the Montana Public Service Commission at 1-800-646-6150 or pschelp@mt.gov.
How do I read my meter?
If you have a non-communicating electric or gas meter, you can find information about how to read it and submit a self-read here.
NorthWestern Energy Submits Large New Load Tariff Proposal to Strengthen Customer Safeguards and Support Montana’s Energy Future and Economic Growth
Date: Mar 31, 2026
TYPE: News
Category: Investors
Sioux Falls, S.D./Butte, Mont. – March 31, 2026 – NorthWestern Corporation, a regulated energy service company operating in Montana and a subsidiary of NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc., doing business as NorthWestern Energy (Nasdaq: NWE), filed an application with the Montana Public Service Commission requesting approval of a Large New Load Tariff rule to establish requirements and contract terms for providing electric service to bundled customers with new or expanded loads of 5 megawatts or greater, including data centers and other energy‑intensive operations.
The filing establishes a framework governing agreements between NorthWestern Energy and large new load customers and is intended to address the costs and operational considerations associated with serving those loads while protecting existing customers from cost shifting and other adverse impacts.
“Our responsibility is to serve new opportunities in a way that protects our existing customers and strengthens Montana’s energy future,” said NorthWestern Energy President and CEO Brian Bird. “This proposal reflects Montana values—fairness, accountability, and thoughtful growth—while positioning our state to compete for high‑quality economic development.”
NorthWestern Energy’s filing of this proposed tariff provides a forum for the Montana Public Service Commission and interested stakeholders to evaluate NorthWestern Energy’s plans to serve new large loads.
“Given the strong interest from both the Montana Public Service Commission and the public, we believe it is important to bring this issue forward now, instead of waiting until a contract with a large new load customer is in place,” Bird said. “Filing this tariff now supports constructive dialogue as we all work together toward a solution that serves Montana best.”
NorthWestern Energy continues to negotiate agreements with prospective large new load customers.
Customer Protections and Contract Requirements
The Large New Load Tariff includes specific requirements that must be incorporated into electric service agreements with large new load customers. These provisions include:
- Minimum service commitment periods, including longer minimum terms for customers with very large loads (50 megawatts or greater)
- Minimum demand and minimum energy billing requirements to ensure these customers pay for the capacity and energy needed to serve them
- Performance assurance and collateral requirements to secure customer payment and performance obligations
- Termination cost provisions designed to address costs remaining if a customer reduces load or terminates service before the end of the contract term
These provisions are intended to ensure that customers taking large new loads are responsible for the costs associated with serving those loads and that existing customers do not subsidize these large new load customers.
Studies, Agreements, and Montana Public Service Commission Oversight
Under the proposed tariff, prospective large new load customers first enter into a development agreement and fund studies to evaluate system impacts, infrastructure needs, and service feasibility. The results of those studies are incorporated into an electric service agreement, which includes required customer protections under the tariff.
NorthWestern Energy’s Large New Load Tariff establishes a consistent, Montana Public Service Commission-approved framework for onboarding new or expanded customers with an expected load of 5 megawatts or more, including a standardized study process and required Electric Service Agreement protections.
For the largest commitments, 50 megawatts or greater, NorthWestern Energy must file the executed Electric Service Agreement with the Montana Public Service Commission for review and approval before service begins. For customers with loads between 5 and 49 megawatts, the tariff’s standardized process and mandatory protections apply, but individual agreements do not require case-specific Montana Public Service Commission approval filings.
Public Review Process
The Montana Public Service Commission is the authority for reviewing and approving electric tariffs in the state. NorthWestern Energy’s application initiates a public regulatory proceeding that will include opportunities for review and public comment consistent with Montana Public Service Commission procedures. NorthWestern Energy’s priority throughout the process is to provide safe, reliable energy service to customers at affordable rates.
“We look forward to working collaboratively with commissioners, stakeholders, and our customers,” Bird said. “Our goal is a solution that protects Montanans, supports reliable electric service, strengthens Montana’s energy infrastructure, drives responsible economic growth, and is right for Montana’s unique situation.”
Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn and Instagram: @NorthWesternEnergy
NorthWestern Energy - Delivering a Bright Future
NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc., doing business as 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 850,300 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.
Investor Relations Contact:
Travis Meyer
(605) 978-2967
Media Contact:
Jo Dee Black
866-622-8081