Our Natural Gas and Electric Service
NorthWestern Energy serves 337 communities in Montana, South Dakota and Yellowstone National Park with safe and reliable electricity. We serve natural gas to 202 communities in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska.
Our Company
For more than 100 years, NorthWestern Energy has been committed to delivering safe, reliable and innovative energy solutions.
We serve gas and electric to customers in the western two-thirds of Montana and eastern South Dakota. We also have gas service in Nebraska, and serve electricity to Yellowstone National Park.
We own and operate a diverse generation fleet of wind, water, natural gas and coal-fired resources and the high-voltage electric transmission system and distribution system. We also own and operate natural gas production, transmission and distribution systems.
We serve gas and electric to customers in the western two-thirds of Montana and eastern South Dakota. We also have gas service in Nebraska, and serve electricity to Yellowstone National Park.
We own and operate a diverse generation fleet of wind, water, natural gas and coal-fired resources and the high-voltage electric transmission system and distribution system. We also own and operate natural gas production, transmission and distribution systems.
Enriching Lives Through a Safe, Sustainable Energy Future
Enriching Lives Through a Safe, Sustainable Energy Future
NorthWestern Energy has provided reliable and affordable electricity and natural gas to customers in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska for more than 100 years.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability means meeting today’s needs while planning for tomorrow’s as well. It is not just a matter of good environmental practices, being a sustainable enterprise must also incorporate social and governance best practices.
NorthWestern Energy at a glance
775,300
customers served across Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska and Yellowstone National Park
1,573
employees working across our service territory
55%
carbon-free electric generation
Our vision
Enriching lives through a safe sustainable energy future.
Our mission
Working together to provide safe, reliable and innovative energy solutions that create value for customers, communities, employees, and investors.
Our values
SERVICE: Safety, Excellence, Respect, Value, Integrity, Community, Environment
Our Hydro Facilities
Our carbon-free hydro system is the foundation of our energy generation portfolio in Montana. In 2023, 35.7% of our electricity for Montana customers came from our hydro facilities.
Giving Back to Our Communities
NorthWestern Energy is committed to being a good corporate citizen of all the communities we serve. In 2023, we gave nearly $2 million in charitable donations and community support.
Where Does Your Energy Come From?
We provide safe, reliable energy through a balanced mix of clean energy and traditional resources.
Drought conditions mean lower water levels at Hebgen Reservoir required to protect Madison River fisheries
Date: Jul 26, 2021
TYPE: News
Butte, Mont. – July 26, 2021 – Current drought conditions, the result of low snowpack, low spring precipitation and recent hot, dry weather have led to challenging low water conditions in the Madison River system. These conditions are resulting in lower water levels at Hebgen reservoir to protect fisheries on the lower Madison River.
Water releases from Hebgen Reservoir feed Ennis Reservoir to support pulsed flow releases out of Madison Dam. The pulsed flow releases protect the lower Madison River from reaching lethal temperatures to fish. Hot, dry weather in June and July have required almost daily pulses. Pulsed flows have so far, successfully kept river water temperatures at safe levels this summer.
The pulse flows are calculated using a model that helps determine the volume of water to be released, allowing for the conservation of water while maintaining safe water temperatures in the lower Madison River.
Forecasts and modeling were closely followed by NorthWestern Energy to capture as much water as possible this spring, but limited snowpack and spring precipitation prevented Hebgen Reservoir from filling fully. Very hot temperatures began the end of June requiring water releases from Hebgen reservoir to maintain safe temperatures in the Madison River for the fish population, which includes rainbow and brown trout.
“These low water years are especially challenging to meet all the needs of the various stakeholders on the Madison River system,” NorthWestern Energy Director of Hydro Operations Jeremy Clotfelter said. “There simply is not enough water to go around. The cooperation and flexibility of all really help to protect and maintain the long-term health of the river system, which is our priority.”
Current water levels at Hebgen Lake and flows and water temperatures are available at http://madisondss.com/page/dashboard.php. NorthWestern Energy updates the webpage daily.
Property owners in the Hebgen Lake area and recreationalists who use the reservoir should anticipate low water levels through the end of the year.
“NorthWestern Energy’s stewardship responsibilities of the river resources include balancing the many interests of multiple stakeholders,” said Clotfelter.
Low flows typically affect the amount of electricity generated but this year, NorthWestern Energy’s Madison Hydroelectric plant is off-line for a planned major upgrade and will not be back in service until spring 2022.
NorthWestern Energy is working with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and other stakeholders.
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About NorthWestern Energy (Nasdaq: NWE)
NorthWestern provides electricity and / or natural gas to approximately 743,000 customers in Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska. We have generated and distributed electricity in South Dakota and distributed natural gas in South Dakota and Nebraska since 1923 and have generated and distributed electricity and distributed natural gas in Montana since 2002. More information on NorthWestern is available on the company’s website at www.northwesternenergy.com.
Media Contacts:
Jo Dee Black
866-622-8081
jodee.black@northwestern.com