NorthWestern Energy offers resources for customers impacted by the coronavirus

Press release

BUTTE — Montanans’ collective efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus means more people are spending more time at home. NorthWestern Energy is prepared for the energy load shifts resulting from this change.

“We will continue to provide reliable, safe energy to our Montana customers,” representatives said in a release.

Residential energy bills will likely be higher than expected for many who are spending their days at home, rather than at work or school. Customers can see the comparisons provided on their bill that displays usage patterns for the current billing period compared with the previous billing period and the same time last year.

NorthWestern Energy voluntarily suspended service disconnections for non-payment, effective immediately, to help customers who may be financially impacted as the result of the outbreak. This suspension will apply primarily to residential customers and will remain in effect until further notice.

Company representatives are ready to answer questions about energy service and are here to help people who are having difficulty paying their bill. Montana customers can call 888-467-2669 to speak with a customer service representative.

In Montana, the application deadline for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program for the 2019-2020 heating season is April 30. NorthWestern Energy customers who qualify for LIEAP automatically receive a discounted rate for their energy bill.

Montana Energy Share is a program that provides assistance for energy emergencies and is another resource for customers who are experiencing financial impacts from the coronavirus.

NorthWestern Energy Customer Service Representatives will provide contact numbers for LIEAP and Montana Energy Share.

NorthWestern Energy is here to assist its Montana customers as we all work through this together. NorthWestern Energy is prepared to continue providing reliable, safe energy service.

Energy saving tips — People should:

• Turn off lights when they leave a room, or open window shades rather than turning on lights.

• Turn down their thermostat a couple degrees, and wear a sweater at home.

• Limit screen time and turn off electronics when not in use.

• Activate sleep mode when away from a computer.

• Check the hot water heater’s temperature to make sure it’s safe and efficient — 120 degrees is plenty.

• Check the refrigerator and freezer temperatures to make sure the refrigerator is set between 37 and 40 degrees F, and your freezer temperature is between 0 and 5 degrees F.

• Check the heating equipment to make sure it is working properly, and clean or replace the furnace filters.

• Inspect windows and doors for air leaks. If people see daylight around a door or window frame, then the door or window leaks. Seal up the leaks by caulking, adding weather stripping, or installing a door sweep.

• Wrap the hot water tank and install pipe insulation on the first 10 feet of the hot water pipe.

• Install low-flow faucet aerators and showerheads. 

• Replace incandescent light bulbs that are used more than three hours a day with energy-efficient CFLs or LEDs. 

• Visit our How-To Videos page for videos on how to assist you with energy saving projects.