NorthWestern Energy

NorthWestern Energy announces merger with a South Dakota utility company; Health officials confirm Lewis and Clark County measles case; Montanans can now use a digital driver's license*.

Montana’s largest utility company has signed on to provide power to a proposed data center. It would use more than the entire amount of energy used by all residential NorthWestern Energy customers in Montana.

Montana’s largest electric utility has temporarily pulled back on increasing customer bills. NorthWestern Energy raised customer rates by 17% in May but has now agreed to apply a smaller increase for at least the next few billing cycles.

Senate Bill 188 would have established a voluntary, subscription-style option for businesses or individual homeowners to purchase shares of a solar array. They could then be credited on their monthly bill for the electricity generated by the solar panels.

BLM to begin speedy review of central Montana gas pipeline plan. Flathead Lake dam operators aim to preserve water levels. Ag irrigation ends early on the Milk River.

Montanans could see their power bills spike this year, but by how much is still up for debate. Utility regulators Tuesday heard public comment on NorthWestern Energy's latest request to hike electricity rates. The hearings are scheduled to run through June 20.

The state's largest utility company is now charging customers 17 percent more for electricity. It made that price bump without the approval of state regulators. Montana Free Press' Amanda Eggert sat down with MTPR's Ellis Juhlin to talk about her reporting on the change.

A bill in the Montana Legislature that would limit state officials' ability to regulate air quality standards has advanced to the Senate floor. This comes amid ongoing changes at the federal level to loosen regulations.

Legislators have voted forward bills on property tax relief, Medicaid expansion, judicial oversight and more.

Individually installing solar panels isn't an option for everyone. Senate Bill 188 would create a subscription option where consumers can purchase shares of a solar array for a credit on their utility bill for the energy generated by that system.