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Nearly 60% Carbon-Free Resources

Carbon-Free Resources

US national average is 29% in 2019

2020 Women on Board Distinction

4 of 10 NWE board members are female

Only 20% of utilities have a board with 40% or more femails

27:1 CEO to Average Employee Pay

Our peer group average at 37:1

Electric utilities average at 58:1

5th Best Rated Utility for Governance

by Moody's Investor Services

Rating of 50 electric North American utilities

Frequently Asked Questions

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Why is NorthWestern Energy trimming my tree?

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.

Why was my tree selected for trimming?

Your tree was inspected by one of our certified arborists and identified as being too close to NorthWestern Energy's overhead power lines. To help maintain safe and reliable service, we work to maintain appropriate clearance between trees and electrical facilities. Ideally, we maintain approximately 12 feet of clearance between trees or branches and our facilities.

How will I know if tree work is planned in my area?

Keeping customers informed is important to us. Before vegetation management work is performed, we make every effort to provide advance notice. Depending on the location and scope of the work, notification may include phone calls, mailed notices, door tags or in-person visits.

Why is my tree marked with ribbon or paint?

Trees may be marked to identify planned removal work. Ribbon is typically used to identify trees approved for removal after customer permission and a signed authorization have been obtained. Spray paint generally indicates that removal authorization has been received and the work has been scheduled. If a tree is removed as part of NorthWestern Energy's vegetation management program, there is no cost to the customer.

What happens to branches and debris after trimming?

In most cases, branches and debris created during pruning or tree removal are processed through a woodchipper and removed from the property. If the material is too large to be chipped, it may be cut into firewood-length sections and left for the customer to keep, use or give away.

Who is responsible for trimming trees near power lines?

NorthWestern Energy is responsible for pruning and removing trees that impact the overhead electric lines running pole to pole on the distribution system. Property owners are responsible for trees that impact the service line, which runs from the utility pole to a home or business. To help customers complete this work safely, NorthWestern Energy offers a free disconnect and reconnect service so that the tree service hired can do the work safely and without obstruction. To schedule this service, call 888-467-2669 at least three business days before the work is planned.

Can NorthWestern Energy trim trees without permission?

Yes. Under Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 69-4-103, NorthWestern Energy is authorized to manage vegetation near power lines when necessary to maintain safe and reliable electric service. This work helps reduce safety hazards, service interruptions and wildfire-related risks.

Why does NorthWestern Energy use contractors for tree work?

NorthWestern Energy uses professional Utility Line Clearance contractors to perform tree trimming and removal work on our transmission and distribution systems. These crews are specially trained to work safely around energized electrical equipment and are certified members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

Still have questions about your bill?

We are here to help. Contact NorthWestern Energy by phone at 888-467-2669, Montana or 800-245-6977, South Dakota and Nebraska or visit one of our Walk-In Offices.

We can review your bill, explain your energy use and discuss resources that may help you understand and manage your energy costs.

What tools are available to help me manage my energy costs?

NorthWestern Energy offers:

Detailed Energy Usage information through My Energy Account
Up to 13 months of energy-use history on your bill
Montana customers may qualify for Free Home EnergyCheck and Home Energy Survey services
Energy-efficiency resources and tips
Budget Billing
Payment plans and connections to energy-assistance programs for eligible customers

What is the difference between total energy use and average daily energy use?

Total energy use is the amount of electricity used during the entire billing period.
Average daily energy use divides the total use by the number of billing days. It can help you compare billing periods with different numbers of days.

How is the Average Daily Temperature on my bill calculated?

We determine the average temperature for each day in your billing period and then average those daily temperatures together.

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.

How can I tell whether I used more electricity?

Your bill includes up to 13 months of energy-use history, average daily use and temperature information. You can also use the Detailed Energy Use tool in My Energy Account to view monthly, daily and hourly energy use.

Can irrigation or outdoor equipment affect my bill?

Yes. Electric well pumps, irrigation pumps and other outdoor equipment can increase electricity use, especially during hot and dry weather. Longer or more frequent watering cycles require pumps to operate more often.

Something to consider: Did your watering schedule change, or does your irrigation system use an electric pump?

Can wildfire smoke affect my electricity use?

Yes. During smoky conditions, you may keep windows closed and use air conditioning, fans or air purifiers more often to maintain comfort and indoor air quality. The EPA recommends portable air cleaners and high-efficiency HVAC filtration as options for reducing indoor smoke.

Something to consider: Did you use an air purifier, portable air conditioner or additional fans during the billing period?

Team Members

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Bozeman Area Community Relations Manager

Mike Meis

Shaye Skovgaard

Aubrey Tuss

Lori Nelson

Tanner Kump

Helena Area Community Relations Manager

Wes Feist

From combat zones to wildfire zones

Bright magazine | Environment issue | December 2025

Hospitality Time

Bright magazine | Environment issue | December 2025

An Abundance of Birds

Bright magazine | Environment issue | December 2025

Dave Goodin

Director

Cassie Scheidecker

Graphic Designer

Great Falls Area Community Relations Manager

Shane Etzwiler

Jake Stagnoli

Resource Coordinator

Missoula Area Community Relations Manager

Todd Rahr

Sherina Maye Edwards

Director

General Counsel and Vice President – Federal Government Affairs

Shannon M. Heim

Vice President – Operations

Jason C. Merkel

Kent Larson

Director

Details

Two Dot

Built in [X], 11 MW.

Details

Spion Kop

Built in [X], 40 MW.

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NorthWestern Energy makes it easy to manage your energy account. Here are just a few things available to you when you register!

Track your electric and natural gas use
Make payment arrangements or get assistance
Register for EZ Pay
Make a one-time payment
Sign up for paperless billing
Report a power outage
Start, stop, or move service

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