Treasure State Resources Association

NorthWestern Energy submits large new load tariff proposal to strengthen customer safeguards and support Montana’s energy future and economic growth

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. & BUTTE, Mont., NorthWestern Corporation, a regulated energy service company operating in Montana and a subsidiary of NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc., doing business as NorthWestern Energy (Nasdaq: NWE), filed an application with the Montana Public Service Commission requesting approval of a Large New Load Tariff rule to establish requirements and contract terms for providing electric service to bundled customers with new or expanded loads of 5 megawatts or greater, including data centers and other energy-intensive operations.

The filing establishes a framework governing agreements between NorthWestern Energy and large new load customers and is intended to address the costs and operational considerations associated with serving those loads while protecting existing customers from cost shifting and other adverse impacts.

"Our responsibility is to serve new opportunities in a way that protects our existing customers and strengthens Montana’s energy future," said NorthWestern Energy President and CEO Brian Bird. "This proposal reflects Montana values—fairness, accountability, and thoughtful growth—while positioning our state to compete for high-quality economic development."

NorthWestern Energy’s filing of this proposed tariff provides a forum for the Montana Public Service Commission and interested stakeholders to evaluate NorthWestern Energy’s plans to serve new large loads.

"Given the strong interest from both the Montana Public Service Commission and the public, we believe it is important to bring this issue forward now, instead of waiting until a contract with a large new load customer is in place," Bird said. "Filing this tariff now supports constructive dialogue as we all work together toward a solution that serves Montana best."

NorthWestern Energy continues to negotiate agreements with prospective large new load customers.

Customer Protections and Contract Requirements
The Large New Load Tariff includes specific requirements that must be incorporated into electric service agreements with large new load customers. These provisions include:

-Minimum service commitment periods, including longer minimum terms for customers with very large loads (50 megawatts or greater

-Minimum demand and minimum energy billing requirements to ensure these customers pay for the capacity and energy needed to serve them

-Performance assurance and collateral requirements to secure customer payment and performance obligations

-Termination cost provisions designed to address costs remaining if a customer reduces load or terminates service before the end of the contract term

These provisions are intended to ensure that customers taking large new loads are responsible for the costs associated with serving those loads and that existing customers do not subsidize these large new load customers.

-Business Wire, 4/1/26

NorthWestern Energy Submits Large New Load Tariff Proposal to Strengthen Customer Safeguards and Support Montana’s Energy Future and Economic Growth SIOUX FALLS, S.D. & BUTTE, Mont., April 01, 2026--NorthWestern Corporation, a regulated energy service company operating in Montana and a subsidiary of NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc., doing business as NorthWestern Energy (Nasdaq: NWE), filed an application with the Montana Public Service Commissio...