How NorthWestern Energy compares with the utilities next door
| Utility | 2024 ¢/kWh | Customers | Δ vs NorthWestern Energy, ¢/kWh | $/yr difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USBIA-Mission Valley Power | 8.91 | 16,292 | -5.32 | -$575 |
| Flathead Electric Coop Inc | 9.67 | 63,317 | -4.56 | -$493 |
| Missoula Electric Coop, Inc | 10.50 | 14,686 | -3.72 | -$402 |
| Montana-Dakota Utilities Co | 12.89 | 19,616 | -1.34 | -$145 |
| Yellowstone Valley Elec Co-op | 13.35 | 21,182 | -0.88 | -$95 |
| NorthWestern Energy LLC (this page) | 14.23 | 328,125 | — | — |
| Fergus Electric Coop, Inc | 15.52 | 6,682 | +1.29 | +$139 |
6 bundled utilities (≥5,000 customers) share at least one county with NorthWestern Energy. Positive $/yr = that utility's customers pay more than NorthWestern Energy customers at the same usage. Territories are fixed by address — these gaps measure cost differences between areas, not options you can pick between.
Where NorthWestern Energy customers pay more (county benchmark)
| County | Cheapest utility in county | Their ¢/kWh | NorthWestern Energy premium, $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaverhead | Black Hills Power, Inc. | 6.96 | +$785 |
| Broadwater | Black Hills Power, Inc. | 6.96 | +$785 |
| Deer Lodge | Black Hills Power, Inc. | 6.96 | +$785 |
| Hill | Black Hills Power, Inc. | 6.96 | +$785 |
| Jefferson | Black Hills Power, Inc. | 6.96 | +$785 |
| Lewis and Clark | Black Hills Power, Inc. | 6.96 | +$785 |
| Liberty | Black Hills Power, Inc. | 6.96 | +$785 |
| Madison | Black Hills Power, Inc. | 6.96 | +$785 |
Multiple utilities in one county means adjoining territories, not household choice — you cannot switch wires companies. Showing the 8 highest-premium counties of 36 served.
Rate trend and size
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price, ¢/kWh | 14.61 | 14.23 | -2.6% |
| Residential customers | 322,252 | 328,125 | +1.8% |
Ownership: Investor Owned. Including delivery-only/third-party-supply accounts, NorthWestern Energy serves 328,127 residential customers in MT. Statewide context: Montana electricity rates.
Supply vs delivery on a NorthWestern Energy bill
Montana is a regulated retail market — NorthWestern Energy customers cannot choose a different supplier; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings. Official information: psc.mt.gov.
Counties served (MT, EIA-861 2024)
Beaverhead · Big Horn · Blaine · Broadwater · Carbon · Cascade · Chouteau · Deer Lodge · Fergus · Gallatin · Golden Valley · Granite · Hill · Jefferson · Judith Basin · Lewis and Clark · Liberty · Madison · Meagher · Mineral · Missoula · Musselshell · Park · Phillips · Pondera · Powell · Ravalli · Rosebud · Sanders · Silver Bow · Stillwater · Sweet Grass · Teton · Valley · Wheatland · Yellowstone
Head-to-head comparisons
Questions people ask
- Is NorthWestern Energy LLC more expensive than other Montana utilities?
- NorthWestern Energy LLC customers paid an average 14.23 cents/kWh in 2024 — 12% above the Montana volume-weighted average of 12.75 cents (EIA-861, bundled residential service).
- Can I switch away from NorthWestern Energy LLC?
- No — distribution territory is fixed by address and Montana has no residential supplier shopping. Rate changes go through the state utility commission (psc.mt.gov).
- How many customers does NorthWestern Energy LLC have?
- 328,125 residential customers in Montana in 2024 across 36 counties, per its EIA-861 federal filing. Ownership type: investor-owned.