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: Dec 11, 2024
TYPE: News
Butte, Mont. – Dec. 11, 2024 – Meet Oliver, an osprey who hatched in a nest on a specially designed platform installed by NorthWestern Energy along the beautiful shores of the Missouri River in Montana. In the newly released children’s book, ‘Oliver the Osprey’, Oliver takes young readers on an exciting, fact-filled journey about the history and conservation of this majestic bird of prey.
Free copies of ‘Oliver the Osprey’ are available at NorthWestern Energy office locations in Missoula – 1903 S. Russell St., Kalispell – 890 N. Meridian Rd., Helena – 1313 North Last Chance Gulch, Great Falls – 1501 N River Road, Butte – 400 Oxford St. and 11 East Park St. and Billings – 1944 Monad Road.
An electronic version of ‘Oliver the Osprey’ is also available https://www.northwesternenergy.com/about-us/news-articles-events/oliver-the-osprey
Did you know that ospreys nearly disappeared from some areas before DDT was banned in the United States in 1972? Thankfully, their population has made a strong comeback, but they still face new threats. ‘Oliver the Osprey’ shows readers how platforms provide a safe nesting place for these migratory birds to lay and hatch their eggs. Young readers will also learn how they can help protect ospreys by properly disposing of baling twine.
NorthWestern Energy’s Avian Protection Plan (APP) incorporates industry best practices developed by the Avian Power Line Interaction Committee, which is a collaboration among the Edison Electric Institute, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and member utilities. The primary goal of an APP is to reduce bird injuries and mortalities from power line collisions and electrocutions.
Osprey-power line interactions can be complex, requiring the expertise of engineers, linemen, and biologists. Increasing public awareness is a crucial part of our Avian Protection Plan. ‘Oliver the Osprey’ is an educational and engaging way for both the young and the young at heart to learn about ospreys and how to protect these beautiful birds in Montana.
You can learn more about NorthWestern Energy’s Avian Conservation programs 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 775,300 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
