Montana 2024 request for regulatory electric and natural gas rate review
Reliable energy at the lowest-possible cost
Montanans expect reliable energy, and NorthWestern Energy knows it's our job to deliver it safely, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, while keeping bills as low as possible.
We make significant investments in our Montana system every year to provide reliable energy service for customers now and in the future. NorthWestern Energy is requesting a regulatory rate review so that rates reflect the cost to serve our Montana customers.
Our customers count on us to meet today's rapidly growing energy needs. As dangerous storms and wildfires become more frequent, we know customers look to us to ensure that a resilient energy grid is ready.
We work to keep costs as low as possible while meeting our commitment to ensure that your lights and heat come on when you need them.
Proposed new rates
If approved by the Montana Public Service Commission, the proposed new electric and natural gas rates will be:
$7.46, or 14.39%
Monthly bill increase, under proposed new rates, for a typical natural gas residential customer using 65 therms per month, compared to July 2024 rates.
Investments that benefit our customers
Infrastructure and equipment
We leverage our existing infrastructure and equipment by investing in maintenance, part of our commitment to deliver reliable and affordable service for our customers. Equipment that is no longer efficient or safe is replaced. We are modernizing our electric system in Montana, which involves upgrading our infrastructure, technology, and processes. This enhances our service reliability, our system’s resiliency and reduces the risk of outages and disruptions.
Energy Generation
We have taken significant steps to address risks to service reliability and affordability due to insufficient on-demand resources in the Montana electric portfolio to meet customer energy needs during critical weather or to participate in new regional energy markets.
NorthWestern Energy continues to reinvest in existing hydro plants to maintain the assets and enhance output.
We have new access to the 175 megawatt Yellowstone County Generating Station, an on-demand generation resource located in Montana that is dispatchable to meet our Montana customers’ energy demand when it is needed most.
Generation from owned assets located in the state and dedicated to serving our Montana customers provides dependable sources to meet customers’ peak energy demands. It also allows us to avoid making higher-priced purchases from the energy market, flow through costs that customers pay.
Generation from owned assets located in the state and dedicated to serving our Montana customers provides dependable sources to meet customers’ peak energy demands. It also allows us to avoid making higher-priced purchases from the energy market, flow through costs that customers pay.
The Montana grid has a considerable amount of intermittent wind and solar generation and the Yellowstone County Generating Station’s on-demand, flexible generation keeps the grid stable when generation from those resources is strong and when it drops.
System Security
System Security
We prioritize the security of our energy assets and service, including cybersecurity. We implement robust measures to protect our systems from physical and cyber threats, and to respond quickly and effectively in case of an incident.
NorthWestern Energy’s Montana electric and gas services are delivered at high levels of reliability, at the lowest rates possible. The average energy bills for NorthWestern Energy Montana customers are less than the national average for energy bills, despite the significant flow-through costs of Montana property taxes and energy market purchases.
Montana needs a reliable, modern energy system for a modern age. We're working toward an energy future that is weather-resilient and responsive, while keeping bills as low as possible.
What can I do to manage my bill?
We’ve always been available to help those who may be struggling with their energy bills. We offer payment options, referrals for energy assistance programs and a discount for customers enrolled in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. We provide education and tools for energy efficiency to reduce energy use and lower bills.
Start preparing today.
Apply for financial assistance
NorthWestern Energy customers have access to many programs and resources to get help in paying your bill.
If you're concerned about paying your bill, reach out to us right away. We have billing and payment options that can help.
Payment Assistance
If you are worried about your ability to pay a higher energy bill, there are payment assistance programs available.
Budget Billing
With Budget Billing, your NorthWestern Energy bill is the same amount each month, year round.
Payment Arrangements
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.
Service & Payment Locations
Our walk-in Customer Service locations are available for in-person assistance. Find the office nearest you.
Home EnergyCheck
Our E+ Home EnergyCheck is a safe, convenient and fun way to have your home’s energy efficiency checked – virtually!
BE ENERGY EFFICIENT
Save money by being more energy efficient. Check out our top-10 low-cost or no-cost tips for energy efficiency.
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Bright Stories: Preventing Wildfires
With humans causing more than 85% of wildfires, it’s more important than ever to help prevent wildfires from starting.
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Bright Stories: Osprey Program
As the osprey population has rebounded, we are working, alongside Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Montana Audubon and other partners, to make sure the birds have safe places to nest.
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Bright Stories: Montana Meter Upgrade
The energy landscape is changing — and so are our customers’ expectations. As we modernize the energy grid, including using two-way communicating meters, also known as smart meters, our customers will benefit.
Our Projects
Our Projects
Learn more about the important infrastructure investments we're making across our service territory.
Frequently asked questions about the Montana Rate Review
What is a regulatory rate review?
The Montana Public Service Commission regulates investor-owned energy companies in the Montana and must approve NorthWestern Energy’s electric and natural gas rates.
It's the Montana PSC's role to balance customers' interests in price, adequate service, and infrastructure, with the need to maintain a financially sound energy company capable of providing reliable energy service.
What if I have concerns about paying my bill?
We know our rate request will impact our customers during a period when other prices are also increasing. NorthWestern Energy is committed to helping customers who may be struggling with their bills.
Options to manage your bill include:
- Apply for financial assistance.
- Sign up for Budget Billing.
- Implement energy efficiency tips.
Customer Service Representatives are available to guide customers that might need help. Call 888-467-2669. Walk-in Customer Contact Centers are open weekdays in locations throughout Montana.
Track your energy use in My Energy Account
With My Energy Account, you can visually track your energy use, month-to-month and year-over-year. Understanding your energy use can help you develop habits to save energy and money.
Rate Cases
View the 2024 Montana Rate Review Filing Documents
View the 2022 Montana Regulatory Rate Review