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:
A NorthWestern Energy employee will install your new meter or module.
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.
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.
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: Jan 16, 2026
TYPE: News
Butte, Mont. – Jan. 16, 2026 – NorthWestern Energy invites customers, community members, and stakeholders to attend public meetings on the draft 2026 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).
The meetings will be held at:
Great Falls - 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27, the Great Falls Public Library, 301 2nd Ave. N.
Missoula - 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, Missoula College, 1205 E. Broadway St.
Helena - 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, Lewis & Clark Library, Large Community Room, 120 S. Last Chance Gulch
Bozeman - 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4, Bozeman Library, Community Room, 626 E. Main St.
The draft IRP, a list of public meetings, an informational video and more available online at: NorthWesternEnergy.com/IRPMeetings
The IRP is a long-term planning study that evaluates how NorthWestern Energy can meet Montana customers’ electricity needs over the next 20 years under a variety of future scenarios, while balancing reliability, affordability, and risk. It provides a transparent analysis of potential scenarios to guide future decisions.
What the IRP examines:
Goal: Identify the most cost-effective capacity to meet reliability needs while managing risk and cost for Montana customers.
The IRP is not a construction plan or a final decision document.
The meeting will include a 20-minute presentation followed by time for public comments on the draft IRP.
Learn how NorthWestern Energy plans to meet Montana’s future energy needs and how reliability and cost are evaluated.
Submit comments via the online form or email IRP@northwestern.com.
Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn and Instagram: @NorthWesternEnergy
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 842,000 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
