Understanding Your Bill

Utility bills can be complicated - with all the abbreviations, industry jargon, regulatory requirements and tiny print - it’s no wonder that most customers only look at the amount due each month. But the more you know about your energy use, the better you’ll be able to manage it. Learn more about the separate pieces that make up your bill and information about how we manage costs.

3 quick tips for understanding your bill

Tip 1
Review the 13-month graph to see how your energy use this billing cycle compares to recent months and to the same month one year ago.
Tip 2
Look at the information under the graph to compare days of service and average daily temperature. This can sometimes explain why a bill is higher or lower than normal.
Tip 3
Read the information in the Message Board area of the bill. It includes important information about rates and updates. Also be sure to read the bill inserts that come with your bill. If you are an E-bill customer, you can find the information on our website.

Download the How to Read Your Bill fact sheet

The bill features:

  • Easy to understand usage and account information
  • Bar charts and tables that compare current usage and billing to 13 months of usage history
  • Important information regarding payment options
  • Definitions of billing terms
  • Contact information for all billing and customer service needs

Frequently Asked Questions

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 

 

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. 

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.

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.