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
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.
NorthWestern Energy began installation in Montana in 2021. Here is a list of approximate dates for the Montana Meter Upgrade project by area:
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: Oct 23, 2024
TYPE: News
BOZEMAN, Mont. Oct. 23, 2024 — In celebration of National Weatherization Day, the Montana Weatherization Training Center, HRDC, and NorthWestern Energy invite the public to an informative and interactive Weatherization Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.,Wednesday, Oct. 30 at the Montana Weatherization Training Center, 751 Osterman Drive #101, Bozeman. Lunch will be provided for all attendees.
Weatherization improves the health, safety, comfort, and energy efficiency of homes, while helping families save on energy bills. HRDC offers free weatherization services to eligible households, and this open house will provide a hands-on look at how the process works.
In addition to showcasing the benefits of weatherization for homes, this event will also highlight career opportunities in this rapidly growing field. Weatherization jobs offer rewarding work that directly impacts communities, with positions that provide paid training, competitive salaries, and often full benefits. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts who will be on site to demonstrate weatherization techniques and discuss workforce development programs and training offered through the Montana Weatherization Training Center.
“This event is a great way to see firsthand how weatherization can make a difference in both homes and careers,” said Sonja Wheeler, HRDC’s Energy Efficiency Director. “We’re excited to show the community how weatherization services save energy and money while opening up new career paths.”
All community members are welcome to stop by anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to learn more about making homes more energy efficient and explore career opportunities in this dynamic industry.
For more information about the event, visit https://www.montana.edu/extension/weatherization/
Media Contacts
Vanessa Palmer, HRDC Communications Director, 406-585-4876; vpalmer@thehrdc.org
Christine Armstrong, Program Manager for Montana Weatherization Training Center, 406-586-0070, christine.armstrong@montana.edu
Jo Dee Black, NorthWestern Energy Public Relations, 866-622-8081, jodee.black@northwestern.com
