northwestern energy

NorthWestern Energy officials have said data centers aren’t relevant to the utility’s proposed merger with Black Hills Corp — but data centers are part of their discussions with investors and a rationale for a merger.

NorthWestern Energy writes, "Our commitment is straightforward: protect customers, support responsible growth and ensure Montana’s energy system is ready for the future."

City and county leaders on Monday expressed concerns over the potential impacts of data centers as new proposals proliferate across Montana, including one center eyeing operations in Bonner.

NorthWestern Energy announced it filed an application requesting approval of its terms for serving data centers — a “Large New Load Tariff.”

NorthWestern Energy wants the Public Service Commission to throw out a complaint by a coalition of advocacy groups asking regulators to investigate the utility’s plans for data centers.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said a NorthWestern Energy subsidiary’s application to sell power from its soon-to-be-acquired Puget Sound Energy shares is “deficient” and called for more details about the deal.

NorthWestern Energy said a portion of the new Colstrip shares it will acquire on Jan. 1, 2026, will be transferred to a new subsidiary — one the utility said is not under the authority of the Public Service Commission.

NorthWestern Energy, the state’s largest public utility, is asking regulators to allow it to temporarily tap a credit for customers to help pay for an additional $18 million associated with buying more of the Colstrip plant.

Karen Kirk writes, "It’s time for Montana’s regulators to hold NWE accountable, restore the balance of power, and stop rewarding bad behavior."

Montana’s largest utility defended their request to raise electric and gas rates Monday, as the state’s utility regulators consider whether to sign off on the proposal.