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Helena, Mont. – May 30, 2025 – Helena, Mont. – May 30, 2025 – Building on the momentum of the inaugural Montana Wildfire Summit held in November, NorthWestern Energy convened more than 100 representatives from agencies and organizations across the state this week for the 2025 Spring Wildfire Workshop in Helena. The event focused on enhancing coordination, preparedness, and response strategies to mitigate wildfire risk and better support Montana communities during wildfire events and public safety power shutoffs.

“Our shared goal is to prevent the devastating losses caused by wildfires,” said NorthWestern Energy Vice President Distribution Jason Merkel. “This workshop was an opportunity to view the threats and impacts of wildfire from the lens of others, aligning our efforts statewide, understanding the unique needs of Montana’s communities, and learning from one another to strengthen our collective response.”

The workshop featured panel discussions, technology demonstrations, and presentations on tools available to energy service providers. It also provided a platform for wildfire response agencies to share their processes and outline expectations for energy service providers during wildfire incidents. Idaho Power shared their wildfire strategy and reviewed their first public safety power shutoff last summer.

“Wildfire risk is evolving, and so must our approach,” said NorthWestern Energy Director Wildfire Operations Nate Linder. “This workshop is a critical step in ensuring that all stakeholders—from emergency responders to energy service providers—are working from the same playbook.”

Participants explored best practices for risk assessment, communication protocols during emergencies, and strategies for minimizing the impact of public safety power shutoffs on vulnerable populations.

“Having the opportunity to coordinate and exchange information before wildfire smoke is in the air is invaluable for all our organizations,” said Patrick Lonergan, Chief of Emergency Management & Fire for Gallatin County. “It strengthens Montana’s readiness ahead of wildfire season.”

“We’ve gained important insights into how preventative actions—like public safety power shutoffs—can affect the populations we serve,” said Meg Ann Traci, Research Professor with the Montana Disability and Health Program at the University of Montana. “This workshop gave us the chance to discuss those unique needs directly with participating organizations.”

“Collaboration like this is essential,” Linder said. “We’re not just preparing for the next fire season—we’re building the relationships and systems that will help us respond faster and more effectively when it matters most.”

NorthWestern Energy plans to continue hosting wildfire summits and workshops as part of its long-term commitment to wildfire mitigation and public safety.

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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 787,000 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.

Media Contacts:

Jo Dee Black

866-622-8081

jodee.black@northwestern.com