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The Montana Public Service Commission is the authority for reviewing and approving electric tariffs in Montana. NorthWestern Energy’s March 31, 2026 application initiates a public regulatory proceeding that will include opportunities for review and public comment consistent with Montana Public Service Commission procedures. NorthWestern Energy’s priority throughout the process is to provide safe, reliable energy service to customers at affordable rates.
Large-load projects require careful planning and oversight.
Serving large customers may require system studies, infrastructure upgrades, customer commitments and regulatory review. The key challenge is making sure growth occurs in a way that supports reliability, affordability and customer protection.
That is why NorthWestern Energy’s proposed framework includes new large load customer-funded studies, development agreements, standardized review processes and additional requirements for the largest projects.
The proposed framework is subject to regulatory oversight.
In addition, projects larger than 50 MW require regulatory approval of an electric service agreement that must be approved before service begins. This oversight helps ensure transparency and customer protections are maintained.
Yes. Large-load projects go through a structured review process before service begins. Depending on the project, that process may include:
This process helps ensure projects are appropriately planned before they are connected to the electric system.
Reliability comes first.
Before a large-load customer is connected, NorthWestern Energy evaluates system impacts, infrastructure needs and operational requirements. The proposed framework also notes that certain large-load customers can improve system efficiency through high-load factors and, in some cases, provide operational flexibility that supports reliable service.
The goal is to ensure growth occurs in a way that maintains reliable service for all customers.
No.
Under the proposed framework, large-load customers are not assigned a dedicated resource. They receive service from NorthWestern Energy's overall energy portfolio, just like other bundled customers.
Protecting existing customers is the primary goal of the large new load tariff rule. Montana customers will never subsidize data center energy costs. Those costs will not be shifted to Montana households, small businesses, farms or ranches.
Under the Large New Load Tariff, data centers will pay their fair share of infrastructure costs. Your rates only reflect the energy you use — new growth will not increase what you pay.
The proposed framework is built around a simple principle: existing customers should not pay for infrastructure needed to serve new large-load growth. Instead, the large-load customers are responsible for the grid and other energy infrastructure investments needed to serve their projects.
Regulatory oversight ensures no cost-shifting occurs for other customers.
Montana is attracting interest from businesses that can bring jobs, investment and long-term economic opportunities to the state.
A large new load tariff rule provides a transparent framework for serving these customers, planning for future energy needs and helping ensure costs are assigned appropriately. The framework is designed to support growth while protecting existing customers and maintaining system reliability.
Your tree is being trimmed because it is located on a distribution circuit that was identified through outage data analysis or on a circuit located in an area identified as having an elevated wildfire risk. Vegetation management helps reduce the risk of power outages, equipment damage and wildfire-related impacts while maintaining safe and reliable electric service.
Date: Oct 1, 2026
TYPE: News
Category: In Your Community
Billings, Mont. – Oct. 1, 2026 – NorthWestern Energy and the Billings Public Library, along with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Visit MT, partnered this summer to bring literacy resources, environmental education and wildlife conservation awareness to families and visitors at Pompeys Pillar National Monument.
Through a greater partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, the Billings Public Library's Bookmobile made regular visits to Pompeys Pillar, expanding access to books and educational materials while connecting children, students and families with resources about Montana's history, wildlife and natural landscapes.
To support the program, NorthWestern Energy donated copies of Oliver the Osprey, a children's book that introduces young readers to ospreys and their role in Montana ecosystems. The company also shared information about its Osprey Protection Program, which helps protect nesting ospreys while maintaining safe and reliable electric service for customers. Visitors also learned about NorthWestern Energy's aviation operations and how they support electric transmission, distribution and environmental stewardship activities across the region.
"We were grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Billings Public Library to create a fun and educational experience for families visiting Pompeys Pillar," said Shaye Skovgaard, NorthWestern Energy Community Relations Specialist. "Combining access to books with opportunities to learn about Montana's wildlife and our osprey conservation efforts made this a meaningful way to support literacy, education and community engagement."
The summer program provided a unique opportunity to combine reading, outdoor learning and environmental education in one of Montana's historic locations. Visitors explored books, learned about local wildlife and gained a greater understanding of how conservation, education and community partnerships can work together to benefit future generations.
The collaboration reflects NorthWestern Energy's ongoing commitment to supporting the communities it serves through educational outreach, environmental stewardship and partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for learning and engagement. By working with local organizations such as the Billings Public Library, NorthWestern Energy helps connect Montanans with resources that promote literacy, conservation awareness and lifelong learning.
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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 850,300 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.
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