Click the links below for instructions on how to read your meter, self-read dates and a postcard you can use to submit your meter readings.
Natural gas dials represent the amount of natural gas measured in volumes of hundreds of cubic feet (ccf).
A gas meter is driven by the force of the moving gas in the pipe, and also turns faster as the flow increases. Each time the dial with the lower value makes one complete revolution, the pointer on the next higher value dial moves ahead one digit.
In the example below, the reading is: 6 2 3 8
The basic unit of measure of electric power is the watt. One thousand watts is called a kilowatt.
When you use one thousand watts of power in one hour, you have used one kilowatt (kWh).
We bill you by the kWh. Your electric meter is a digital meter that has an electronic display that displays the current reading, like a digital clock.
When reading an electric meter, write down the numbers as shown on the meter.
In the example below, the reading is: 0 0 2 1 0 8
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: July 2022 – January 2024
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.
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 in about eight weeks.
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.
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.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.
Date: Aug 13, 2024
TYPE: News
Bozeman, Mont. – August 14, 2024 – NorthWestern Energy proudly announces its support for the HRDC (Human Resource Development Council) organization following a successful charity pop-a-shot basketball event held during Music on Main Bozeman on August 8, 2024. The event, which invited attendees to participate in pop-a-shot basketball, was organized to raise funds for HRDC, a vital community organization serving the Bozeman area.
NorthWestern Energy pledged to donate $1 to HRDC for every basket made during the event, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $2,000. Participants collectively scored 964 points, resulting in 482 baskets made. Although the total was below the minimum threshold, NorthWestern Energy is honored to donate the full $2,000 to HRDC.
“NorthWestern Energy has a longstanding partnership with HRDC, and we are deeply appreciative of the critical services they provide to our community,” said Heather Bellamy, Community Relations Manager at NorthWestern Energy. “Supporting HRDC aligns with our commitment to giving back to the communities we serve.”
• Thanksgiving Donations: Each year, NorthWestern Energy contributes $4,000 to HRDC’s Gallatin Valley Food Bank and other small-town food banks, helping to ensure that families in need have access to nutritious meals during the holiday season.
• Fork & Spoon Volunteer Efforts: NorthWestern Energy employees volunteer at HRDC’s Fork & Spoon every Thanksgiving, supplementing their efforts with donations that raise an additional $2,500+ to provide holiday dinners for those who might otherwise go without.
• Kidspack Initiative: This year, 31 NorthWestern Energy employees volunteered at HRDC’s “Kidspack” event, helping to fill food packs that ensure children in Gallatin Valley don’t go hungry over the weekends when school meals aren’t available. This initiative also generated an additional $3,100 in support for HRDC.
Follow NorthWestern Energy on Facebook or Twitter (@NWEinfo) for more updates and community initiatives.
NorthWestern Energy - Delivering a Bright Future
Media Contacts:
Brandy Powers
866-622-8081
