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.
A Helena Homeowner’s Call Helped an Osprey—And the Right Partners Stepped In
Date: May 8, 2026
TYPE: News
Helena, Mont. – May 8, 2026 – When a Helena area homeowner noticed an osprey struggling near a nesting platform, they made a call that set a rescue in motion. With favorable weather and a service tech already in the area, NorthWestern Energy was able to provide equipment and support for wildlife professionals leading the rescue.
The homeowner observed the osprey with what appeared to be baling twine entangled around its legs. The Raptor View Research Institute coordinated with Northwestern Energy and Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks, whose trained professionals determined how to safely respond.
Raptor View Research Institute Executive Director and biologist Rob Domenech accessed the nesting platform on a NorthWestern Energy bucket truck. The osprey was still actively flying, but the twine posed an imminent risk of injury or death.
An osprey trap was used to briefly and safely contain the bird so it could be brought down to the ground, where Krista Smucker with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks held the osprey while the baling twine was carefully cut away. After the entangling material was removed, the osprey was released.
“It was fortunate that weather, service tech schedules and safety conditions aligned to support the rescue,” said NorthWestern Energy Supervisor of Electric Operations Steve Rock. “Everyone involved was pleased to see this end with a good outcome.”
Preventing wildlife entanglements begins with simple steps the public can take.
NorthWestern Energy Biologist Marco Restani’s long‑term study of ospreys along Montana’s Yellowstone River found that nearly half of nests contained plastic baling twine. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989423001312
“When baling twine is left unsecured, it can create serious hazards for osprey,” Restani said. “Osprey often incorporate loose twine into nests, which can be deadly for both adults and hatchlings. The best prevention is to pick it up promptly and store it in secure containers or buildings.”
NorthWestern Energy has an Avian Protection Plan that outlines operational practices intended to reduce risks to birds while maintaining reliable energy service. The plan includes measures such as installing and maintaining nesting platforms, making equipment modifications to reduce electrocutions and collisions, following established safe work practices, and coordinating with wildlife agencies and conservation organizations. Additional information about the plan is available at: https://www.northwesternenergy.com/clean-energy/our-environmental-projects/avian-conservation
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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 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.
Media Contacts:
Jo Dee Black
866-622-8081