NorthWestern Energy to Acquire Natural Gas Utility for $39 Million

NorthWestern Energy has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Energy West Montana from Hope Utilities for $39 million. This acquisition is pending approval from the Montana Public Service Commission and will undergo a review process. Energy West, which originally began as the Great Falls Gas Co. in 1909, has been providing energy services to Montanans for over a century. The company’s operations span several locations, including Great Falls, Cut Bank, Cascade, and West Yellowstone.

Brian Bird, President and CEO of NorthWestern Energy, highlighted the strategic benefits of this acquisition, stating, “This is an opportunity for growth in our natural gas business in Montana by acquiring existing infrastructure built for Montanans and managed by a dedicated Montana team.” He expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of serving Energy West’s 33,000 customers across the aforementioned areas, emphasizing that integrating Energy West’s operations will enhance service for customers, employees, and communities. Bird reiterated NorthWestern Energy’s commitment to delivering safe and reliable energy while supporting local communities.

The transaction is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2025. Upon completion, Energy West Montana’s employees will join NorthWestern Energy, and Energy West customers will transition to NorthWestern Energy's service. During the interim period before the sale closes, customers will continue to receive service under the Energy West brand and rates. After the acquisition is finalized, these customers will become NorthWestern Energy customers, with existing Energy West rates remaining unchanged post-transaction.

This acquisition represents a significant expansion for NorthWestern Energy’s natural gas business in Montana, leveraging Energy West’s well-established infrastructure and service network. The integration aims to enhance the efficiency and reliability of energy delivery across the state while maintaining continuity of service for existing customers.

NorthWestern Energy offers essential energy infrastructure and valuable services that enhance lives and empower communities, acting as long-term partners to its customers and communities. The company is dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions that generate value for customers, communities, employees, and investors. This is achieved by providing low-cost and dependable service through a team of highly adaptable and skilled employees. NorthWestern Energy supplies electricity and/or natural gas to approximately 764,200 customers across Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Yellowstone National Park. The company has been serving South Dakota and Nebraska since 1923 and Montana since 2002.  For over a century, NorthWestern Energy has been dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. The company delivers gas and electric services to customers in the western two-thirds of Montana and eastern South Dakota. Additionally, the company offers gas service in Nebraska and supplies electricity to Yellowstone National Park.