Montana Electricity Rates: NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills

Montana Electricity Rates: NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills

Montana's electricity market features two major utilities serving different regions. Here's your guide to understanding rates in Big Sky Country.

Montana Utilities

NorthWestern Energy Montana

Service area: Most of Montana, including Billings, Great Falls, Missoula, Helena

Customers: ~380,000

Average rate: ~12.2 cents/kWh

Black Hills Energy Montana

Service area: Butte area, southwestern Montana

Customers: ~25,000

Average rate: ~11.8 cents/kWh

Rate Comparison

| Utility | Avg. Rate | Base Charge | TOU Available |

|---------|-----------|-------------|---------------|

| NorthWestern | 12.2¢ | $10.00 | Yes |

| Black Hills MT | 11.8¢ | $12.00 | Limited |

NorthWestern Energy Rate Plans

Standard Residential Rate

• Customer charge: ~$10.00/month
• Energy charge: ~12 cents/kWh
• Seasonal variations apply

Time-of-Use Rate

• Off-peak: ~9 cents/kWh
• On-peak: ~16 cents/kWh
• Peak hours vary by season

Electric Thermal Storage Rate

• Special rate for electric heating with thermal storage
• Lower overnight rates for heating

Montana Rate Trends

Montana rates have increased approximately 3.8% year-over-year due to:

• Transmission infrastructure investments
• Hydroelectric variability
• Grid modernization

Key Takeaways

• Both utilities offer competitive rates below the national average
• NorthWestern serves most of the state
• TOU options available for flexible households
• Use Utility Check to optimize your rate plan — view pricing