Understanding Your Bill
Learn more about the separate pieces that make up your bill and information about how we manage costs.
We offer billing options that fit your needs, whether you prefer a paperless bill, budget billing or need to set up payment arrangements.
Budget Billing
With Budget Billing, you pay the same amount each month. No surprises, just one easy payment amount to plan for.
Paperless Billing
Sign up for paperless billing. You'll receive an email every month letting you know your NorthWestern Energy bill is available online. It's fast, convenient and completely secure.
Billing notifications
You now have options for how you want to be notified about outages, bills, payments and more.
Payment Arrangements
We understand circumstances sometimes make it difficult to keep up with your bills. If you're having difficulty paying your bill, call us or log in to My Energy Account.
Read our monthly bill insert
Read our monthly Energy Connections newsletter for safety information, updates and recipes.
Payment Options
Pay Your Bill Your Way. We offer many convenient and secure ways to pay your bill.
Join the conversation!
We heard you when you asked for better outage and bill communications, and we listened! You now have options for how you want to be notified about outages, bills, payments and more.
Login to My Energy Account and select “Notifications” from the menu. If you aren’t registered for My Energy Account, sign up today! It’s free and easy.
Not sure where to start?
You're not alone. Whether you have questions about your bill, energy use or payment options, we're here to help you find answers and support.
Frequently asked billing questions
Find answers to common questions about billing, payment options, Budget Billing, assistance programs and account alerts.
How do I know my meter is working correctly?
NorthWestern Energy tests and verifies meters to help ensure accuracy. If you have concerns about your meter, please contact us.
Was my bill estimated?
Most bills are based on actual meter readings. If an estimated reading was used, it will be identified on your bill.
Was there a mistake on my bill?
Most bills are based on actual meter readings. If something does not look right, contact us and we will review your bill with you.
Could a few extra billing days make my bill higher?
Yes. A longer billing period includes more days of energy use. Weather and changes in daily energy use may also affect the total bill.
Why does the number of days on my bill change?
Billing periods are typically about 30 days, but they may vary slightly because of weekends, holidays and differences in the calendar.
My bill is higher than I expected. What should I look at first?
Review the weather during your billing period, the number of billing days and your energy use compared with previous months. Extended periods of hot or cold weather are often the biggest drivers of higher energy bills.
How do I sign up for billing and payment alerts?
Get an email or text notification when your bill is ready, a payment is due or more.
Login to My Energy Account and select “Notifications” from the menu. If you aren’t registered for My Energy Account, sign up today! It’s free and easy.
How often is my Budget Billing plan reviewed?
Budget Billing plans are reviewed periodically, not more than once per quarter. If we see a large change in usage during a quarterly review, we may update your Budget Billing amount. During the review, we look at your usage patterns and current rates to make sure your Budget Billing amount is in line with your average usage over the last 12 months.
If your Budget Billing amount changes, we will notify you prior to any changes becoming effective.
What if I can't pay my bill?
If you are worried about your ability to pay your NorthWestern Energy bill, contact us right away.
There are payment assistance programs available that may be able to help.
We also offer Budget Billing, which allows your NorthWestern Energy bill to be the same amount each month, year round.
We can also explore a payment arrangement if your account qualifies.
- Log in to your My Energy Account for payment and billing program information.
- Or call our Customer Service Team at 800-245-6977 to discuss additional options
How is my Budget Billing amount calculated?
Your budget billing amount is calculated using your average annual bill amount base upon your past 12 months of usage and current rates.
We'll review your account at least twice a year to prevent a large overpayment or underpayment from accumulating. Your payment amount may increase or decrease based on your usage patterns and/or rates currently in effect.
What is Budget Billing?
Budget Billing allows you to pay the same amount for your NorthWestern Energy bill every month, eliminating the seasonal highs and lows.
You pay the same amount each month. No surprises, just one easy payment amount to plan for.
Where can I make a payment?
You can pay your bill in person at one of our local walk-in offices.
You can make a one-time payment online.
Or make a payment over the phone:
- 833-970-2262 for English
- 833-970-2263 for Spanish
For all of our payment options, visit our Payment Options page.
Need to contact us?
Whether you have a question about your account, need assistance or want to report an issue, our Customer Care team is ready to help.
Explore ways to connect with us