northwestern energy

NorthWestern Energy and South Dakota-based Black Hills Corp have proposed a merger in a deal involving eight states, worth $15.4 billion and pending before the PSC.

Members of the public and a coalition of advocacy groups want NorthWestern Energy’s long-term plan for power to include more renewable energy and account for data centers’ impacts on their pocketbooks.

The Lead Community Agreement outlines the roles and responsibilities of the program's three leading partners – the city and county of Missoula and the city of Bozeman – as they now prepare to bring the program to the Montana Public Service Commission for approval.

NorthWestern, PSC argue other commissioners can continue executing duties

The truncated number of meetings held by the agency comes despite a call from some groups for more opportunities, but also in the face of a shortened period to review the plan following a change in state law in 2025.

The increase comes in the midst of inflation, concerns data centers will jack up rates even more, and a pause by the PSC on a cost-sharing tool that used to mean savings at times for customers.

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.”