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 Shares “Oliver the Osprey” With Yellowstone County Students to Promote Avian Conservation
Date: May 26, 2026
TYPE: News
Billings, Mont. – May 22, 2026 – NorthWestern Energy employees recently visited third-grade classrooms in Yellowstone County to read “Oliver the Osprey,” an educational children’s book that introduces young readers to avian conservation through the story of a remarkable Montana bird.
“Oliver the Osprey” follows Oliver, an osprey that hatched in a nest located on a specially designed platform installed by NorthWestern Energy along the Missouri River in Montana. Through Oliver’s journey, students learn about the history of ospreys, the challenges they face, and how conservation efforts help protect these majestic birds of prey.
The book highlights the recovery of ospreys after they were nearly wiped out in parts of the United States due to the widespread use of DDT. While osprey populations have made a strong comeback, the species still faces ongoing threats, including entanglement in baling twine and interactions with power lines. “Oliver the Osprey” explains how nesting platforms help keep birds safe and shows how individuals — especially young readers — can play a role in protecting wildlife.
“Osprey–power line interactions can be complex and require the expertise of engineers, linemen, and biologists,” said NorthWestern Energy Community Relations Specialist Shaye Skovgaard. “Increasing public awareness is a critical part of our Avian Protection Plan, and ‘Oliver the Osprey’ is an educational and engaging way — especially for kids — to learn how we can all help protect these beautiful birds in Montana.”
The enthusiasm and curiosity shown by the students during visits was impressive. A thank-you note made it clear students are excited and ready to help osprey and other birds however they can.
NorthWestern Energy offers free copies of “Oliver the Osprey” at its Customer Service Walk-In Offices as part of the company’s Avian Protection Plan. The plan incorporates best practices from the Avian Power Line Interaction Committee, a collaboration among the Edison Electric Institute, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and electric utilities nationwide. The plan focuses on reducing bird injuries and mortalities from power line collisions and electrocutions through engineering solutions, careful planning, and public education.
To learn more about NorthWestern Energy’s avian conservation programs, visit https://www.northwesternenergy.com/clean-energy/our-environmental-projects/avian-conservation
To learn more about “Oliver the Osprey” or to read the book online, visit https://www.northwesternenergy.com/about-us/news-articles-events/oliver-the-osprey
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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