NorthWestern Energy

NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc.

Company type	Public
Industry	Electric power, Natural gas
Headquarters	Sioux Falls , United States
Area served	South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana
Products	Electricity distribution and transmission, Natural gas distribution and transmission, Energy supply

NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc. is a utility provider headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, delivering services to nearly 718,000 customers throughout South Dakota, Nebraska, and Montana as of 2019. Its regulated utility segments encompass the distribution and transmission of electricity and natural gas, along with energy supply operations. The company is actively engaged in expanding its electric transmission and generation capabilities. While the corporate headquarters are situated in Sioux Falls, the hub for South Dakota activities is located in Huron, South Dakota.

History

Around the year 2000, NorthWestern broadened its footprint into Montana by acquiring Montana Power Company following legislative changes that deregulated the electric utility sector within the state. After Montana Power’s generation assets were sold to investors outside Montana, the company encountered challenges due to fluctuating spot market energy prices. These issues included regulatory obstacles such as the Montana Public Service Commission's refusal to approve a proposed transaction with Australia-based Babcock & Brown. In 2014, NorthWestern strategically reacquired control of important generation facilities by purchasing Montana’s hydroelectric dams from PPL Corporation for $900 million.

In March 2003, Northwestern Corp became the subject of a class action lawsuit alleging that the company artificially inflated its stock value through misleading statements and omissions. This case culminated in a $41 million settlement fund established in 2005.

Following a gas explosion in Bozeman, Montana, in March 2009 that destroyed multiple businesses and caused one fatality, NorthWestern Energy faced legal action. By November of that year, several business owners impacted by the incident had initiated lawsuits against the company.