NorthWestern Energy Outlines How $1 Billion of Investments Deliver Direct Benefits in Safe, Reliable Power for Montana Customers

In opening remarks before the Montana Public Service Commission on the first day of the hearing on NorthWestern Energy’s request for a regulatory rate review, Sarah Norcott, Director of Regulatory Corporate Counsel for NorthWestern explained how the company’s investments benefit customers—both now and in the long term. “We understand that any increase in utility bills is difficult, especially when families are already managing rising costs in other areas,” Norcott said. “That’s why we’ve worked hard to keep the impact as low as possible while still making the critical investments needed to keep the lights on and the heat flowing.” Norcott said that although NorthWestern invested more than $800 million in its electric system over the past two years, the electric settlement results in a 1.7% revenue increase, below the originally proposed 8.3%. For the average residential customer, this translates to a 4.2% increase in their electric rate. “NorthWestern accomplished this feat by making prudent decisions, managing costs, and always keeping our customers’ needs at the center of our planning,” she said. Norcott detailed how those investments strengthen Montana’s energy infrastructure: $158 million in electric transmission infrastructure, including substation rebuilds and wildfire mitigation.$197 million in electric distribution infrastructure, supporting wildfire mitigation and customer growth.$390 million in electric generation, including upgrades to hydro facilities and the construction of the Yellowstone County Generating Station (YCGS). “These aren’t abstract numbers,” Norcott said. “They represent real improvements that help prevent outages, reduce wildfire risk, and ensure we can meet demand during Montana’s coldest nights and hottest days.” She also emphasized that the YCGS project will ultimately reduce costs for customers. “Customers will see a benefit overall in their net rates due to YCGS over the long term,” she said. “Who is NorthWestern?” Norcott asked. “We are the people who show up—because we live here too.” She shared an example. One cold evening this year in Anaconda, 71-year-old Derinda Johnson slipped on her icy sidewalk while taking out the trash. Alone and unable to get up, she waved desperately for help. It was Tom Wind, NorthWestern’s Anaconda Town Manager, who noticed her while driving home. He turned around, rushed to her side, and helped her safely back into her home. “According to Derinda, he saved her life,” Norcott said. “This story personifies NorthWestern and what we are about.” “While there is a lot of noise and opinions about the decisions NorthWestern makes, we take our responsibility seriously to keep the lights on and the heat flowing,” Norcott said. “The evidence in this case will show that the decisions NorthWestern has made over the last two years were prudent and comply with Montana law. What I ask is that you hear the evidence, you remember the reasons NorthWestern made these decisions – to provide safe, reliable and affordable utility services.”