Bright Magazine: Community 2023

Centennial Celebrations

Montana Folk Festival

Restoring Historic Streetlights

Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe

Although Bright Magazine is copyrighted, permission to reprint articles is available by contacting our office.

NorthWesternEnergy.com/Bright

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Editor in Chief:

Bobbi Schroeppel

Managing Editor: Erin Madison

Creative Director:

Brandy Powers

Designer: Cassie Scheidecker

Production Support:

Joanie Powers

Gary Robinson

Photographers:

Jo Dee Black

Hallie Burnett

Alissa Byrd

Amy Grisak

Erin Madison

Susan Malee

Dusty Rhoads

Cassie Scheidecker

Stan Severin

Eric Thorsrud

Contributing

Writers:

Jo Dee Black

Hallie Burnett

Alissa Byrd

Amy Grisak

Erin Madison

Jason Merkel

Brandy Powers

Eric Thorsrud

COVER ART

Raising the flag at Black Eagle Dam

By Erin Madison

I knew the new flag at Black Eagle Dam was going to be large, but it was incredible to see just how big a 30-foot-by-60-foot flag is. Even more incredible was to watch a team of our employees, all of whom have served in the military, work together to raise the flag for the first time.

12 In Honor of Our Veterans

A new flag at Black Eagle Dam honors veterans and military members.

BRIGHT STORIES

14 Powerful History

NorthWestern Energy celebrates a century of service.

26 Since the Beginning

NorthWestern Energy continues to proudly sponsor the Montana Folk Festival.

30 Shining a Light on the Past

Retired linemen restore Helena’s historic streetlights.

34 Safety Rock Stars

NorthWestern Energy celebrates its Voluntary Protection Program “Star” worksites.

36 Top of the Class

Sweet Grass County High School is a leader in energy efficiency.

A Missoula customer called to let us know he was moving out of state after having service with NorthWestern Energy for 30 years. He wanted to say thank you for the great service and let us know we are a great company.

We love hearing from our readers. We welcome all your comments, questions and letters to the editor. We’ll edit letters as needed for accuracy, style and length, and we will feature letters in future issues. Write us at: Bright Magazine

NorthWestern Energy 11 E. Park St. Butte, MT 59701

Or email us at: bright@northwestern.com

“Huge shout-out to the Havre NorthWestern Energy employee that helped me change a flat tire. Coming back from Great Falls that evening a low air warning went off, and I had a tire going flat fast. I pulled over and found out that my tire iron didn’t fit the lugs nuts on my summer tire rims. Fortunately, your employee coming back from Great Falls pulled behind me

Truly appreciate what he did. Having a knee replaced eight weeks ago, his assistance was truly helpful. Thank you.”

Need volunteers?

talking to a customer service representative,

Our employees are always looking for opportunities to volunteer their time and strengthen our communities. Do you have a project that needs volunteers? Let us know about it, and maybe we can help. Email us at custserv@northwestern.com How

Our

After

a customer called back to say, “She was one of the nicest people I have ever spoken to in customer service. I cannot say enough good things about her.”

We appreciate it when our customers take the time to extend a thank you to our employees. Here’s what some of our customers have said recently:

with all the tools needed, and he actually did most of the work.

In Montana, it’s often said that our state is one small town with really long roads. At NorthWestern Energy, we think of our service territory much the same way – one small town with really long power lines.

In fact, NorthWestern Energy serves one of the least populated service territories in the country. We have more power poles than customers.

While that fact makes us unique among energy companies, it also gives us a special understanding of the importance of community.

I’ve spent much of my life in small towns –I grew up in Darby, Montana, snuggled into the base of the majestic Trapper Peak. Between chasing my children in youth sports, life’s activities and my career with NorthWestern Energy, it seems I have some connection to most of the towns in the states we serve. Every small town has something that makes them unique and special. While living in Cut Bank, Montana, whose claim to fame is being the coldest spot in the nation, I discovered

the geological beauty of “Little Jerusalem” where Mother Nature has sculpted from the sandstone tall spires and towers, each balancing a table top of stones, like a cluster of enormous stone mushrooms. I visited Kearney, Nebraska, and witnessed the sandhill crane migration that brings some 500,000 cranes to a small area along the Platte River. Near Webster, South Dakota, one will observe the mystery of the rising water levels around the Waubay National Wildlife Refuge where surrounding farms are being swallowed up by the growing lakes.

Every small town in our service territory has a story that makes it unique from the rest. One thing they all have in common is community spirit. It is neighbors helping neighbors. It’s the civic groups and the volunteers contributing to community. It is also here where you will find our employees, leading that community spirit.

NorthWestern Energy takes our role as an active community member very seriously. We are committed to giving back to the communities we serve. In 2022, we gave more than $2 million in donations, sponsorships, economic development and scholarships. And no, that money isn’t paid by our customers through their bills. Our donations are instead funded by our shareholders. Our employees are your neighbors. They serve alongside you in the Rotary Club, on PTAs and on the board of the local United Way. Our Community issue of Bright magazine highlights our incredible employees and their commitment to the communities where they live. You’ll read about employees and retirees who work every year with the Butte Exchange Club to set up 1,000 American flags in honor of veterans, military members, first responders and law enforcement. You’ll also find a story about two of my friends and retired linemen – Pat Glueckert and Stan Severin – who have restored some of Helena’s oldest streetlights.

NorthWestern Energy is committed to continuing to be an active member in the 408 communities we serve. We’re also dedicated to serving our customers with reliable energy, even in the most sparsely populated areas. While our service territory is vast, we think of all our customers as neighbors, all part of our small town with long power lines.

President of Distribution

Jason Merkel Vice

 Jason Merkel, Vice President of Distribution, right, poses with Foreman Josh Krzan.

 Top: Trapper Peak

Middle: Sandhill cranes in Nebraska

Bottom: Waubay National Wildlife Refuge

\ BRIGHT SPOTS

NorthWestern has been recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces 2023 by Newsweek. Newsweek teamed up with market-data research firm Plant-A Insights to conduct a large-scale employer study based on more than 389,000 company reviews.

“This is a huge honor, and one we don’t take lightly,” said President and CEO Brian Bird. “We understand that it is our employees who are honoring the company, as it’s a group effort to be among the country’s greatest workplaces. We are an amazing team that continues to make each other and our company better.”

Huron – We kicked off our Centennial Celebration at the South Dakota State Fair. This included a new, fresh look for the NorthWestern Energy stage and daily giveaways. As always, the South Dakota State Fair was a magical event that brought the community together for a week of fun and celebration.

We had a busy summer attending events across our service territory (shaded in blue). We loved getting to see so many people in person! Here are some highlights of events, sponsorships and more.

Huron – In Huron, our employees participated in United Way’s Day of Caring, engaging in various community activities such as painting poles, contributing to Habitat for Humanity, revitalizing picnic tables and participating in the City Wide Clean Up.

Huron – NorthWestern Energy participated in the National Night Out in Huron, connecting with the community and promoting safety.

Mitchell – Former NorthWestern Energy Lineman Jerry Ehlke now inspires students at Mitchell Technical Institute to pursue a bright future in the energy industry. With 22 years of experience, Jerry shares his knowledge as an instructor, guiding students toward rewarding career opportunities.

Yankton – A little teamwork goes a long way! Yankton NorthWestern Energy employees worked hard to refresh the landscaping at the River City Domestic Violence Center for United Way’s Day of Caring.

Grand Island – Members of Nebraska Get Into Energy, a program NorthWestern Energy partners alongside, interacted with 1,300 students during the SkillsUSA Nebraska State Conference, sharing their expertise and inspiring students to consider careers in the energy industry.

at the Montana Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony.

Butte – NorthWestern Energy Real Estate Representative

Dylan Swanson received the Region 7 Professional of the Year award from the International Right of Way Association.

Butte – We are grateful for our employees in Butte who enormously helped the Chelsea Bailey Butte-Silver Bow Animal Shelter during our Dog and Cat Days of Summer Event. We proudly donated a pickup truck full of food collected at our Butte offices, weighing an astounding 1,161.5 pounds! On top of that, we contributed $1,329.50 to help keep the shelves stocked for the foreseeable future.

Butte – NorthWestern Energy was thrilled to participate in Butte’s Independence Day parade and celebrations. We hope everyone had a great time and enjoyed the treats and koozies we handed out.

Missoula – NorthWestern Energy volunteers generously donated their time to help make the Missoula Under Construction event a success. All proceeds from the event benefited the Missoula Food Bank & Community Center.

Butte – The Trench Safety Stand Down training, provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Sunbelt Rentals and sponsored by NorthWestern Energy and H&H Contracting, brought local contractors and emergency responders together to prioritize safety. Participants learned about diverse trench protection systems and trench and excavation hazards from expert OSHA representative Jim Messer.

Butte – NorthWestern Energy contributed $500 to the Butte Parks and Trails Foundation to support sustainability initiatives, specifically planting trees at Emma Park in Uptown Butte. Local employees also participated in Dinner in the Park at Emma Park, where they gave away energy efficiency koozies.

Bozeman – NorthWestern Energy sponsored the Music on Main event in Bozeman and distributed energy efficiency koozies to the attendees.

Thompson Falls – The Thompson Falls Dam Hydroelectric District was listed in the National Register and received a Registration Certificate

Hauser Hydroelectric Plant – NorthWestern Energy hosted a Montana Invasive Species Council (MISC) meeting at Hauser Hydroelectric Plant in April. MISC is a statewide partnership working to protect Montana’s economy, natural resources and public health through a coordinated approach to combat invasive species.

Stillwater County –

NorthWestern Energy was pleased to sponsor the Stillwater County Chamber of Commerce Balloon Rally! We are committed to supporting our local communities, and events like these are a great way to do so. Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy the festivities!

Helena – NorthWestern Energy is a proud sponsor of Downtown Helena Inc.’s Alive at 5 event, spreading some love and fun at the concert!

Billings – Our employees volunteered at Yellowstone Dig It Days in Billings, providing information about avoiding energy wasters in the home through energy efficiency learning games and prizes.

Billings – NorthWestern Energy was a Crown Sponsor for the 2023 Big Sky Balloon Rally. Our employees volunteered at the event, offering bucket truck rides for kids and participating in the evening balloon glow.

Columbus – Employees and our Columbus crew met with Stillwater County commissioners and toured their new Civic Center. And NorthWestern Energy donated $2,500 toward their trees and landscaping.

Billings – In May, 20 employees from our Billings office helped cut down and trim trees for the United Way of Yellowstone County.

BACKUP GENERATION ON THE GO

NorthWestern Energy is committed to providing reliable service to our customers and the communities we serve. Our mobile generating units are one of the tools we use to make sure the lights always come on.

NorthWestern has 10 mobile generating units in South Dakota. Each is capable of generating one to two megawatts of electricity, adding 12 total megawatts of capacity to NorthWestern’s energy portfolio. They operate similarly to a generator that you might use in your camper or at home, just on a much larger scale. Each mobile generating unit is contained in a semitrailer so they can be hauled anywhere they are needed.

A few years ago, we had a large project going on near Harrold, South Dakota, that would have normally required a planned power outage. Instead, we were able to use a mobile generating unit, which powered the town of Harrold and surrounding area for three days straight. We frequently use our mobile generators to avoid planned out-

ages when crews are doing line work.

We’ve also used the generators after a major storm knocks out power.

The generators are designed to be wired into a substation, or to be wired into our system along any power line.

When not in use during storms or planned maintenance, the mobile generators are stationed in Aberdeen and Yankton, ready to put extra electricity on the grid whenever it’s needed. Our South Dakota service territory is part of the Southwest Power Pool, a regional transmission and generation marketing organization that works to ensure reliable power supplies from North Dakota to the Texas panhandle. Anytime SPP calls on us to deliver more energy to the grid, such as during Winter Storm Uri in 2021, we can fire up our mobile generators.

 Mobile generating units are seen in the bottom right corner of the picture near the Aberdeen Generating Station and substation.

LINEMEN VISIT BOZEMAN ELEMENTARY

The students at Meadowlark Elementary School in Bozeman, Montana, got an up-close look last spring at a bucket truck and learned all about a day in the life of a lineman.

NorthWestern Energy employees Shawn Smith, Journeyman Lineman; James Jones, Journeyman Lineman; and Heather Benn, Electric Supervisor, gave a presentation to about 150 kids in kindergarten through fifth grade about electric and natural gas safety. After the presentation

and a short safety video, the students went outside so the linemen could teach them about their jobs, show their tools (belts, hooks and gloves), and then show them how they use a bucket truck.

“We had the cutest kids that asked the best questions,” Heather said. From the bucket, high in the air, the linemen took a photo of the students standing in the shape of an M for Meadowlark. Donations $406,988 Sponsorships $681,314

Giving Back to Our Communities

Economic Development $452,900 Chamber Dues $165,703

Volunteer $83,800 United Way Company Match $97,459 Total $2,087,228

Employee/Dues Licenses $91,814 Scholarships $107,250

A new flag at Black Eagle Dam honors veterans and military members.

Honor OF OUR Veterans

By Erin Madison

One morning about 10 years ago, Dereck Besich, NorthWestern Energy Hydro Plant Foreman, was walking across Black Eagle Dam in Great Falls, Montana, looking up at the Montana Veterans Memorial located within sight on the south side of the river.

“Why in the world do we not have an American flag on this dam?” Dereck thought to himself.

Dereck, who had been at the company for about two years at the time, mentioned his thought to a few other people, who all agreed it was a great idea.

“NorthWestern has been on board this entire time,” Dereck said.

With the Veterans Memorial near the dam, Black Eagle is the perfect spot to honor all veterans, including those who work for NorthWestern Energy, Dereck said. As of late May, 51 veterans work at NorthWestern Energy, plus 11 active Reserve members.

“Just on my crew alone, we have four veterans,” Dereck said.

However, putting a flag on the dam turned out to be much more complicated than he expected.

“It was a far bigger can of worms than we ever thought it was going to be,” Dereck said.

First, an engineer looked at the project and concluded there was no way the flag pole could be on the dam itself without damaging the structure.

“Once the flag gets up there, and the wind gets going, there are

some serious forces that are exerted on it,” Dereck said.

Instead, a spot was selected below the dam next to the power house, but that meant the pole needed to be taller so the flag could be seen above the dam. A taller pole also meant it would have to be a larger flag, because there are guidelines about the flag and pole being proportionate, said Jerry Gray, NorthWestern Hydro Superintendent.

The final product is a 110-foot-tall pole and a 30-foot-by-60-foot flag. An eagle perched at the top of the pole is black, honoring Black Eagle Dam. It is carrying a bullet, in acknowledgment of the members of the military and veterans in both our workforce and Great Falls who have pledged to and fought to defend the United States. The base for the flag pole is 8 feet by 8 feet, made from 30 yards of concrete that goes down 11 feet to be secured to bedrock.

“It’s just massive,” Dereck said.

Large lights keep the flag lit so it can fly 24/7.

The flag was raised for the first time on Memorial Day, following the conclusion of the ceremony at the Montana Veterans Memorial. Five employees who all served in the military took turns raising the flag about 20 feet each.

It had been a beautiful, calm day, but just as the flag reached the top of the pole, wind from an incoming storm picked up, and the flag began to wave in all its glory.

“It kind of makes your hair stand up a little bit,” Dereck said.

NORTHWESTERN

ENERGY CENTENNIAL

100

POWERFUL YEARS

1923 The incorporation of Northwestern Public Service brings together two electric energy companies in Nebraska and two in South Dakota.

1927 The company donates one of its outdated 225-horsepower generators to Gutzon Borglum, the artist who, at the time, was carving Mount Rushmore with a jackhammer.

1953 Northwestern Public Service begins to purchase power from Missouri River dams built as part of the federal Flood Control Act of 1944 and passes along $358,000 in savings to its customers over the next two year thanks to the cheaper hydroelectric power.

1961 The new 12,500-kilowatt gas turbine in Huron is completed at a cost of $1.5 million, replacing the Mitchell Steam Plant as the largest power plant on the company’s system.

1931-1950 Northwestern Public Service promotes electricity use by selling and demonstrating electric appliances.

1946 Northwestern Public Service becomes an independent investor-owned energy company.

1941 Northwestern Public Service gives into public pressure and sells its electric utility holdings to the state of Nebraska for public ownership. Northwestern Public Service uses its payment from this sale to purchase natural gas operations in Kearney, North Platte and Grand Island, Nebraska.

1930s Street lighting improves dramatically. Mitchell’s main street is lit until midnight each night.

1924-1941 Northwestern Public Service continues to purchase dozens of local and regional energy companies in South Dakota and Nebraska.

1969-1975 Northwestern Public Service and other ownership partners complete construction of Big Stone Plant, a 400-megawatt coal-fired electric generating plant near Milbank, South Dakota.

1965 Hubert Humphrey, a Northwestern Public Service customer, is elected vice president under Lyndon B. Johnson. Humphrey’s wife worked for the company as a billing clerk in the 1930s.

1961 Northwestern Public Service purchases 10 electric franchises in South Dakota, expanding the company’s territory from Woonsocket to Chamberlain.

1952 The power plant in Yankton is nearly destroyed by the flooding of the Missouri River, only to be saved by the hard work of the city and the line workers who submerge 18 automobiles to stem the tide of the river.

Late 1940s The economy booms after World War II, and Northwestern Public Service focuses on growth and construction to keep up with demand for electricity.

In 2023, we are celebrating the centennial of Northwestern Public Service, the company that transformed into NorthWestern Energy. In 1923, two energy companies in Nebraska and two in South Dakota merged to form the Northwestern Public Service Company. Northwestern Public Service grew alongside the communities it served, electrifying the prairies of South Dakota and providing natural gas to homes and businesses in both South Dakota and Nebraska.

In 2012, we celebrated Montana Power’s centennial. The Montana Power Company was founded in 1912 through the merger of several regional energy companies.

1979

1994 Northwestern Public Service expands into propane, technology, telecommunications and HVAC businesses nationwide.

In 2002, NorthWestern Corporation purchased the Montana Power Company’s transmission and distribution system, forming NorthWestern Energy. In the years since, the combination of two proud energy companies has formed one large family.

As we look back over the last 100 years, much has changed at NorthWestern Energy, but many things have not changed. For more than 100 years, NorthWestern Energy has been committed to the three pillars of our strategy: reliability, affordability and sustainability. Our commitment to these pillars has been unwavering during the last 100 years and will continue to be in the next 100 years.

2011 NorthWestern Energy agrees to purchase power — up to 25 megawatts — from the Titan Wind Farm located west of Miller, South Dakota.

2012 NorthWestern Energy purchases the 40-megawatt Spion Kop Wind Farm in northcentral Montana.

2002 NorthWestern Corporation purchases the Montana Power Company transmission and distribution system, forming NorthWestern Energy. The company now provides electric and natural gas service to customers in Montana, Nebraska and South Dakota.

2008 NorthWestern Energy became a part owner of the Colstrip Power Plant.

2022 NorthWestern Energy’s new 58-megawatt Bob Glanzer Generating Station comes online, providing reliable, affordable energy to our South Dakota customers.

2005 The Great Ice Storm devastates South Dakota’s electrical system, with five days of severe rain and sleet critically damaging thousands of miles of power lines and numerous utility poles and transformers. Outages last from days to weeks due to the harsh conditions.

2003 NorthWestern Energy files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which allowed us to restructure in order to reduce debt, improve capital structure and ensure the long-term financial health of the company.

1998 Northwestern Public Service changes its name to NorthWestern Corporation.

1981 The 410,000-kilowatt Coyote I plant near Beulah, North Dakota, comes online.

2014 NorthWestern Energy purchases 12 hydroelectric facilities in Montana with a total generation capacity of 439 megawatts.

2011 NorthWestern Energy completes construction of the Dave Gates Generating Station, a 50-megawatt, gas-fired turbine facility near Anaconda, Montana. NorthWestern Energy begins construction of a 60-megawatt, gas-fired peaking plant in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

The 75-megawatt Neal 4 coal-fired generation plant in Sioux City, Iowa, comes online.

2018 NorthWestern Energy purchases the 9.7-megawatt Two Dot Wind Farm near Two Dot, Montana.

2023 NorthWestern celebrates 100 years of service in Nebraska and South Dakota.

MONTANANShelping

MONTANANS

By Brandy Powers

Winter in our service area can be long and cold, especially if you can’t afford to heat your home. And every year, some customers fall victim to harsh winters and circumstances that leave them unable to pay their heating bills. Energy Share of Montana is an independent, nonprofit organization formed to help people who cannot afford to heat their homes but may not qualify for other forms of assistance. Energy Share is more than a helping hand in an energy emergency. The organization also works to educate Montanans about energy issues facing neighbors with low-incomes, with an emphasis on looking for ways to help recipients move toward self-reliance through energy efficiency.

NorthWestern Energy has been a major supporter of Energy Share since Energy Share’s inception in 1983. Along with support from many organizations, Energy Share receives private contributions from

Statewide fourth grade art contest helps share the slogan, “Because you care – there’s Energy Share.”

individuals. Those donations are used first in the geographical area from which they came, meaning when you donate to Energy Share, you are helping your neighbor. Not a single penny of the private donations is spent on administration.

Energy Share is engrained in local communities by working closely with energy providers and human-services agencies.

“Each year, we work with and visit local human resource development councils so we can hear firsthand what the current needs are to ensure our program is helping address the issues,” explained Rachel Haberman, Executive Director of Energy Share.

According to Rachel, what makes Energy Share unique is that it is here to help everyone. Energy Share’s emergency bill assistance is situation-based, not income-based.

“If someone is about to lose their heat or lights, for whatever reason, reasons beyond their control or unforeseen circumstances, then we do our best to help,” she said.

Rachel told the story of someone who recently found the program helpful.

“Crisis mode hit a family of four when the dad was diagnosed with

cancer,” Rachel said. “After months of chemo and several surgeries, these folks were having huge financial struggles. He can’t work, and they had been surviving on help from friends and family. At the time of their application, he was waiting for approval of his disability application.”

It’s important to apply for Energy Share assistance early, before the disconnect notice arrives.

“I asked a former client what message he had to share with other people in similar situations, and it was, ‘Don’t wait to ask for help,’” Rachel said.

Rachel emphasized the importance of the program’s energy partners as well.

“The utilities not only provide financial support, but they provide ways for their employees to engage and contribute to the program as well,” she said.

NorthWestern Energy employees can elect to directly contribute to the program from their paycheck and many do each year, which adds to the amount of funding available to help those in need. In addition, NorthWestern Energy employees have always contributed their time to the volunteer board.

“We’re fortunate to have an active, involved board of directors,” Rachel said. “I am always so grateful that representatives from companies and organizations with different customer and client bases come together with the common goal of ensuring, to the best of their ability, that Montanans do not go cold. All our partners – utilities, human resource development councils, concerned citizens and others – make Energy Share what it is: Montanans helping Montanans.”

The board meets annually and works throughout the year through a variety of committees to support the staff.

Every year, Energy Share works with its marketing committee to sponsor an art contest for all fourth grade students in Montana. The purpose is to raise awareness among and educate elementary school children about Energy Share and why it exists. It is also Energy Share’s hope that through its art contest, more families will become aware of the need for and existence of heating assistance in our state.

You can learn more about the program by calling (406) 442-4900, emailing contactus@energysharemt.com or visiting EnergyShareMT.com.

Help Is Available

NorthWestern Energy customers have access to many programs and resources to get help in paying your bill. If you, or someone you know, could use help with heating costs this winter, we suggest applying for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Programs (LIHEAP). If eligible, you’ll receive financial assistance as well as energy discounts. Visit NorthWesternEnergy.com/Heat for details. Additionally, if you or someone you know has a disconnect notice and no resources to pay their bill, they should check into both LIHEAP and Energy Share.

100 Years in

NorthWestern Energy employees volunteer at Colstrip cleanup for centennial celebration.

By Hallie Burnett

In June, Colstrip, Montana, celebrated the centennial of the town’s founding. A week before the celebration, a dozen NorthWestern Energy employees had the privilege to volunteer at the Colstrip Cleanup, organized by the Colstrip Beautification Project.

Employees from Butte and Billings met to help volunteers from Colstrip pick up trash around town in preparation of the Colstrip Centennial Celebration.

The Centennial Celebration consisted of various activities and events, such as a parade, tournaments, live music and more. NorthWestern Energy was pleased to sponsor a stage for live music at the event.

Colstrip became a town after the Northern Pacific Railroad began mining coal in the region in 1923. The power plant, however, did not become operational until 1975, with Units 1 and 2. Units 3 and 4 became operational in 1984 and 1986.

NorthWestern Energy has a 222-megawatt share of Unit 4 and will be acquiring Avista’s ownership of both Units 3 and 4, an additional 222 megawatts, effective Jan. 1, 2026. Ultimately, this agreement ensures that our customers will continue to have on-demand, reliable energy at an affordable rate, and NorthWestern Energy can continue to look forward to a clean-energy future.

COLSTRIP

 In June, Colstrip, Montana, celebrated the centennial of the town’s founding.

 NorthWestern Energy employees volunteer to help pick up trash in Colstrip ahead of the town’s centennial celebration.

What it Takes to Deliver RELIABLE ENERGY

By Jo Dee Black

When our customers flip a light switch without thinking about the work performed by NorthWestern Energy’s teams, that’s OK with us. Providing reliable energy service to our neighbors, families and communities is why our company exists.

Although you probably don’t think about it much – which is a good thing – a tremendous amount of planning, forecasting and work happen every day to ensure that when our customers flip a switch, the room lights up.

NorthWestern Energy delivers reliable power to our customers more than 99% of the time. If parts of our system don’t deliver reliable service for our customers, we take action.

NorthWestern Energy monitors the performance of our systems and infrastructure equipment. Engineers use that data to implement solutions for improvements.

Work has been in progress in the Chamberlain, South Dakota, area since 2021. A substation transformer was replaced and upgrades were made to both transmission and distribution infrastructure serving the area. This year a new $7.8 million switchyard project to increase capacity and provide reliable service for our customers in the Chamberlain area is underway.

NorthWestern Energy is working jointly with East River Electric, an electric cooperative based in Madison, South Dakota. The new switchyard will increase reliability and provide redundancy on the transmission system that serves customers in the area.

Whether it’s a light switch turned on in the evening, the air conditioning or heater to keep your home comfortable, or appliances to prepare your family’s meals, NorthWestern Energy is committed to doing what is needed to provide you with reliable energy.

 Crews install equipment in the new switchyard near Chamberlain, South Dakota.

Real-life

By Hallie Burnett

NorthWestern Energy first started our summer internship program in 2015. Since then, 100 college students have interned with the company, operating in capacities that span across various departments within NorthWestern Energy.

Each intern, throughout the course of their internship, completes a major project assignment that benefits both them and NorthWestern Energy. Each project is unique, ranging from designing transmission line segments to filming videos of employees for recruiting and career outreach.

Of the 100 students who have interned with NorthWestern Energy, 25 have gone on to be hired as full-time employees of the company. Damon Irvin, now a Compensation Analyst, began as a Compensation and Benefits Intern in the summer of 2022. Reflecting on his time as an intern, Damon said he appreciates the technical skills he developed, as well as the personal relationships he continues to build.

“My internship led me to the full-time position that I currently am in,” Damon said. “It gave me a platform to prove myself as a valuable asset and ultimately get me my starting job out of college.”

NorthWestern Energy’s internship program offers opportunities you ‘can’t get in a classroom.’

 NorthWestern Energy interns volunteer at the Chelsea Bailey Butte-Silver Bow Animal Shelter.

experience

Cody Liles, also a past intern, now works full time in NorthWestern Energy’s Supply Chain Department and credits his internship in getting him to where he is today.

“My time as an intern at NorthWestern Energy taught me a lot about not only how the company operates on a day-to-day basis, but also the utility industry as a whole,” Cody said.

This year, NorthWestern Energy is pleased to have 17 interns. Each is working on their own major projects, as well as completing daily tasks and making a true difference in both NorthWestern Energy and the communities we serve.

NorthWestern Energy’s interns gain realworld experience that benefits them throughout the rest of their careers. For engineering interns, for example, professional relationships and engineering experience outside of education are extremely important.

“Now that I have actually been able to work with engineers, I have a much better understanding of what these workplace relationships look like and how the skills I am learning in school can be proficiently translated into something tangible,” said Jasen Denowh, Construction Engineer Intern.

Kinzie Quintana, Engineer Intern, deeply values the benefits she has seen from her own internship.

“The experience I have gained from this internship is the best benefit any internship can give you,” Kinzie said. “Having this training and gaining the knowledge prior to becoming a fulltime engineer makes me a more valuable asset to the company, and I will be able to perform full-time engineering duties right out of school.”

Other interns have appreciated their time with NorthWestern Energy as well. For Safety Intern Zoe Doherty, who was rehired for a second summer, her last two years have been well spent researching, interacting with other safety professionals and even doing training exercises with field crews.

“NorthWestern Energy has given me two

years of real-life experience that you just can’t get in a classroom.” Zoe said.

Zoe has been able to build many meaningful relationships with those around her. In safety, she says, it is important to be able to connect and relate with a variety of people. Zoe also partnered with fellow interns Carson Shuman, Devin Amtmann and Heaven Dagel to organize a volunteer opportunity and food drive for the Chelsea Bailey Butte-Silver Bow Animal Shelter in Butte, Montana.

This event was one of many organized by NorthWestern Energy’s 2023 interns. In addition to the main projects completed over the summer by the interns, each was asked to organize a volunteer event that benefited a nonprofit organization in their local communities. Volunteer efforts are extremely important to NorthWestern Energy, and are therefore made a high priority in each individual internship.

For Heaven Dagel, Community Relations Intern, volunteerism is a focal point of every day on the job. Her internship focuses on establishing positive relationships within the community and working with businesses and customers during a variety of activities, such as volunteering at the Montana Folk Festival and coordinating with customers about NorthWestern Energy’s advanced meter upgrade project.

“I enjoy working with people and trying to make a difference for the better — and this internship has given me just that,” Heaven said.

Ultimately, that is the purpose of NorthWestern Energy’s internship program: to make a difference for the better. Whether that be in the departments interns operate in, or the company as a whole, interns make a valuable difference, offer innovative solutions and so much more.

Learn more

If you are interested in our internships, visit NorthWesternEnergy.com/jobs or reach out to us at job.inquiries@northwestern.com.

 Top to bottom: Safety Intern Zoe Doherty, Community Relations Intern Heaven Dagel, Engineer Intern Kinzie Quintana, Construction Engineer Intern Jasen Denowh.

NorthWestern Energy continues to proudly sponsor the Montana Folk Festival.

By Hallie Burnett

In mid-July, Butte, Montana, once again hosted the Montana Folk Festival. The festival is a three-day event that celebrates different cultures, as well as Montana’s rich history, through live music, dance, art and cuisine — and NorthWestern Energy has been involved since the beginning.

When Butte first started hosting the festival in 2011, it was the National Folk Festival. It wasn’t until three years later, however, that Butte hosted the Montana Folk Festival, catapulting it to a “Festival City.”

Since 2011, NorthWestern Energy has proudly supported the weekend-long event — sponsoring stages, dance pavilions and VIP parties, as well as providing hundreds of volunteers throughout the years.

“It takes a monumental effort to set all of this up,” said Paul Babb, Community Relations Manager at NorthWestern Energy.

Volunteers from NorthWestern Energy help with setup and tear down, work at several locations selling CDs and T-shirts, work information desks, drive golf carts to transport festival-goers to different areas, coordinate logistics and so much more.

“Whatever they need to make the festival successful, our employees pitch in with that effort,” Paul said.

This year, NorthWestern Energy proudly sponsored the VIP party for the Montana Ambassadors organization. This group is a volunteer, nonprofit association made up of people dedicated to promoting and acting as official ambassadors of Montana, both in and out of state. They also represent the Office of the Governor and the Department of Commerce.

In addition to the VIP party, NorthWestern Energy also worked closely with Mainstreet Uptown Butte to coordinate details and support other aspects of the Montana Folk Festival — such as the NorthWestern Energy Electric Stage, one of the biggest stages at the Folk Festival.

“We are very grateful that NorthWestern Energy employees are involved,” said George Everett, Executive Director of Mainstreet Uptown Butte. “They are an integral part of the festival We have had some pretty amazing volunteers — it’s really just many wonderful memories over the year.”

NorthWestern Energy is proud to be a partner in the overall success of the communities we serve, and we are especially passionate about our role in the Montana Folk Festival.

 Since 2011, NorthWestern Energy has proudly supported the weekend-long Montana Folk Festival — sponsoring stages, dance pavilions and VIP parties, as well as providing hundreds of volunteers throughout the years.

LIGHTING THE WAY

New LED streetlights are energy efficient and more effective at lighting streets and sidewalks.

A lineman installs an LED streetlight in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Project Timeline 2022-23: 8,000 lights will be replaced 2024: 5,000 lights will be replaced 2025: 4,000 lights will be replaced

NorthWestern Energy is in the process of replacing all NorthWestern-owned streetlights in South Dakota with energy-efficient LED lights. Watch a video

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera to learn more about the benefits of LED streetlights.

Why is NorthWestern Energy converting its streetlights to LED? LED, or light-emitting diode, lights have many benefits:

Energy efficiency – LEDs use 50% less electricity than traditional high-pressure sodium (HPS) lights. LEDs use a semiconductor to convert electricity into light and are able to convert nearly 100% of the energy they consume into light. Incandescent lights only convert about 10% of energy into light (the rest is released as heat).

Reduced Light Pollution – With LEDs, the light can be better directed to where it is needed – on the street and adjacent sidewalks.

Improved visibility – Old HPS lighting produces an orange-yellow light that does not render colors well. LEDs, on the other hand, output a fuller light spectrum that renders colors accurately.

Lower operation costs – LEDs require less energy, and, because they are more efficient, they also last longer and need to be replaced less often than HPS streetlights.

Improved safety and security – The new lights provide increased safety at night through greater visibility and fewer streetlight outages.

By the Numbers

12,000

NorthWestern Energy-owned streetlights will be replaced

5,000 yard lights will be replaced

2025 is the project completion date

Retired linemen restore Helena’s historic streetlights.

Around 1922, General Electric released a streetlight called the Novalux. The ornamental, lantern-style, post-top light was designed to look European, with etched glass panels on the side and top and a slender, pointed pinnacle.

The G.E. Novalux streetlights were popular, installed across the country, including in Helena, Montana.

“In my opinion, they were the first electric streetlight in Helena,” said Pat Glueckert, who worked as a lineman in Helena for 36 years before retiring from NorthWestern Energy in 2016.

It’s unclear exactly when the Novalux lights were first installed in Helena, but they helped illuminate the Carroll College campus and the Helena Cathedral area for about 100 years.

“We don’t know what year they came to Helena, but it’s got to be in the 1920s or ’30s,” said Stan Severin, who retired from NorthWestern Energy in 2017 after 22 years of service.

The lights were recently replaced as part of NorthWestern Energy’s LED streetlight project, where all NorthWestern-owned streetlights are being replaced with energy-efficient LED lights. NorthWestern Energy worked with the Lewis and Clark County Historical Society to select new LED lights that somewhat replicated the old lights.

Stan’s son works for NorthWestern Energy as a lineman in Helena and told his dad the lights were being replaced. Spencer Severin and other linemen know Stan appreciates old memorabilia and thought he

might want to restore the old streetlights.

“They were very concerned that they would get scrapped and thrown away, and they’d be gone forever,” Stan said.

Stan ended up taking 33 of the old lights and asked Pat whether he wanted to work on the project as well.

“There were 33 of these lights that we took apart to get enough parts to build the lights we built,” Stan said.

Pat restored one streetlight and Stan restored four.

“We used to service these lights,” Pat said. “These things are just too cool.”

As they took the lights apart, Stan and Pat realized many of the parts were brass and copper, while other parts were silver in color. Everything, except the glass, had been painted black by the power company.

“All the nuts and bolts were brass,” Pat said. “We cleaned every nut and every bolt.”

They also found the eight panels of glass on the top of each light had been covered with a metal lid, likely after the first hailstorm broke some of the glass.

They discovered tags on the lights, which had been painted over, identifying them as G.E. Novalux lights. Stan ordered an old G.E. catalogue online that described the lights in detail.

“These sold for $28 each,” Pat said.

Pat and Stan both spent the past winter working on their lights.

 Retired Linemen Pat Glueckert, left, and Stan Severin, right, have restored several streetlights that were originally installed in Helena, Montana, in the 1920s or ’30s.

Shining a light on the Past

“Every night, we’d call each other,” Pat said. “We fueled each other’s interest in it.”

The lights they restored are all original, with the exception of the eight panels of glass on the sides. The panels of glass on the top had been saved by the metal covers added to the lights.

“That glass is 100 years old, so it’s actually starting to turn purple,” Stan said.

Pat finished his light and mounted it on a short pole to display in his

By Erin Madison

basement. Stan restored lights for his son, daughter and himself. He has a fourth light that he’ll auction off at The Angel Fund auction in Helena on Dec. 4. The Angel Fund helps children in the Helena School District by purchasing clothes, shoes, coats, school supplies and awarding scholarships to graduating seniors.

NorthWestern Energy donated another 30 or 40 of the lights to the Helena Historical Society so they can be preserved.

“They’re just such a beautiful light,” Pat said.

 Pat and Stan recovered 33 lights, which gave them enough parts to rebuild five streetlights. Many of the parts were brass and copper, other parts were silver in color. Everything, except the glass, had been painted black by the power company.

BEAR AWARE

NorthWestern Energy employees learned about bear safety thanks to a presentation given by Brad Balis of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

By Eric Thorsrud

Brad Balis, Bear Management Technician with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, visited NorthWestern Energy’s Butte General Office in May to give a bear safety training to many of our employees in Butte and to those in other offices via Zoom. Brad covers the Upper Clark Fork and Big Hole areas and is passionate about educating the public about bears and how to coexist with them safely.

At the lecture, Brad shared some important bear safety tips. He emphasized that bear behavior is more important than species identification when determining how to respond to a bear encounter. He also stressed the importance of avoiding conflict, as it is always easier than dealing with an attack.

 Top right: Brad Balis, Bear Management Technician with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, gives a presentation on bear safety at NorthWestern Energy’s Butte General Office. Bottom right: NorthWestern Energy employees practice using bear spray during a simulated bear attack.

Top Bear Safety Tips

• Pay attention to bear behavior. If a bear is acting aggressively, make yourself appear as large as possible and make noise. If the bear continues to approach, you may need to use bear spray.

• Be aware of bear signs. These signs can include torn logs, overturned rocks, day beds, scat and rub trees. If you see these signs, it’s a good indication that bears are in the area.

• Avoid attracting bears. Keep your campsite clean and free of food and garbage. Store food and garbage in bear-resistant containers.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Make noise when you’re hiking or camping so that you don’t surprise a bear.

• If you see a bear, do not approach it. Give the bear plenty of space and let it go on its way.

Spotting the Difference Between Grizzly and Black Bears

How to Use Bear Spray

• Understand proper spraying technique: Spray at a slight downward angle, move back and forth, avoid spraying straight on to prevent ineffective dispersion.

• Quick access is crucial: Keep bear spray within reach, in a spot you can access instantly without hesitation.

• Consistency in placement: Choose a designated spot to carry bear spray and stick to it to develop muscle memory for quick retrieval.

• Timing the bursts: Spray in short bursts of a couple of seconds each, depending on the can size (usually five to eight seconds).

• Train for scenarios: Practice pulling out the bear spray, removing the safety, and re-holstering it while hiking to be prepared for stressful situations.

Surviving a Charging Bear After Bear Spray Use

Encountering a charging bear can be terrifying and dangerous. In rare cases, bear spray may not stop aggressive behavior. Here’s what to do if a bear makes physical contact:

• Play dead as a last resort. This is best for defensive bears, especially grizzlies protecting their cubs.

• Assume the right position. Lie face down, hands protecting your neck and feet spread wide for stability.

• Protect vital organs. Shield your head, neck and torso.

• Keep your backpack on. Your backpack can act as an extra barrier.

• Stay calm and still. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises.

• Roll back over if necessary. Try to stay face down if the bear attempts to roll you over.

• Wait for the bear to leave. Be patient; it may take time for the bear to lose interest. Remember, playing dead is only for defensive bear encounters after exhausting other options. Proper use of bear spray and making noise should deter bears in most cases.

NorthWestern Energy Supports Hey Bear

Last summer, NorthWestern Energy launched a partnership with Big Sky, Montanabased Hey Bear.

Outdoor gear and bear safety advocacy brand Hey Bear’s mission is to advocate for safe and responsible human and bear coexistence while actively giving back to nonprofits that support bears in their natural habitat. NorthWestern is proud to support Hey Bear’s efforts.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera to learn more.

Front paw

Front

Back paw

SAFETY ROCK STARS SAF E TY ROCK STARS

By Erin Madison

Four NorthWestern Energy hydro facilities were recently recertified as “Star” worksites through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Voluntary Protection Program.

VPP “Star” worksite is the agency’s highest level of recognition for workplace safety and health excellence. Hauser, Holter, Thompson Falls and Madison/Hebgen are all VPP “Star” worksites.

“It’s very difficult to get into the VPP process, and even more so to maintain as an active participant.” said Jim Messer, OSHA Compliance Assistance Specialist. “That’s a heck of a thing. You should all be very proud of yourselves.”

OSHA’s VPP recognizes worksites committed to effective employee protection beyond the requirements of OSHA standards. VPP-designated sites are required to comply with all OSHA and NorthWestern Energy safety rules and are also required to go above and beyond in terms of safety. Star participants are reevaluated every three to five years. The program is designed to create a proactive safety culture, where all employees are on the lookout for potential hazards and are working toward continuous safety improvements.

“Safety is paramount, and what these folks have done is phenomenal,” said John Hines, Vice President – Supply and Montana Government Affairs.

In OSHA’s Region VIII, which includes Montana, the Dakotas, Wyo-

ming, Utah and Colorado, there are 74 VPP sites. In Montana, there are 10 VPP sites, four of which are NorthWestern Energy hydroelectric facilities.

“You represent the lion’s share of VPP sites here in Montana,” Jim said.

The Star Program is designed for exemplary worksites with comprehensive, successful safety and health management systems. Companies in the Star Program have achieved injury and illness rates at or below the national average of their respective industries. These sites are self-sufficient in their ability to control workplace hazards.

The average VPP worksite has a lost workday incidence rate at least 50% below the average of its industry, according to OSHA. Only 0.02%, or two out of every 10,000, workplaces nationwide are VPP certified.

VPP relies on employee engagement and employee involvement to drive workplace safety, explained Jeremy Butcher, NorthWestern Energy Hydro Superintendent.

Each year, the entire crew at each VPP site gets together and makes a list of safety goals and priorities. Progress toward continuous improvement goals is reported to OSHA as part of an annual report per VPP requirements.

“This is not a NorthWestern Energy company recognition; this is a crew recognition,” said Jeremy Clotfelter, NorthWestern Energy Director of Hydro Operations. “They earned it, and they deserve it.”

Our “Star” Voluntary Protection Program Sites

Hauser Hydroelectric Project: Hauser has participated in the OSHA VPP program since August 2011. Safety projects have included the improvement of walking and working surfaces, material handling and storage, site security, confined space entry, added fall protection and machine guarding.

Holter Hydroelectric Project: Holter received its initial VPP certification in June 2008 and has been recertified three times. Safety projects at Holter have included improving emergency responder access to the dam, adding fall protection systems, fire mitigation, plant lighting upgrades and high voltage guarding.

Madison/Hebgen Hydroelectric Project: Madison/Hebgen has participated in the OSHA VPP program since March 2008. Safety projects have included road maintenance safety, walking working surfaces, machine guarding, fall hazard mitigation, process improvements including confined space and lockout tag out, and ergonomic improvements.

Thompson Falls Hydroelectric Project: Thompson Falls has participated in the OSHA VPP program since May 2011. Safety projects at Thompson Falls have included improved lighting, new decking and catwalks, new access doors and staircases, plant system identification and labeling, ergonomic process improvements, additional handrails, and safety program review and updates.

Top of the class



Sweet Grass County High School is a leader in energy efficiency.

Since 2006, students, staff, administration, board members and community members have been working hard to reduce energy consumption at Sweet Grass County High School in Big Timber, Montana.

In the early 2000s, Sam Spector, Facility Manager/Head Custodian at Sweet Grass County High School, had NorthWestern Energy perform an energy audit at his apartment and then at a home he purchased.

That experience inspired him to look at the energy efficiency of the school. The school has implemented numerous energy efficiency programs since then, while also looking at the building holistically. Sam also attended the Building Operators Certification (BOC) training that NorthWestern Energy offers.

With the combination of the school’s energy efficiency projects, building operators training and solar generation, its electrical bills are down 62% compared to 2001.

“We’ve been able to do 30-plus energy efficiency projects over

Our Energy Efficiency Programs

NorthWestern Energy offers a variety of energy efficiency incentives and training to help Montana customers save money and save energy. Savings are realized through lower customer use of energy resources, which reduces the amount of electricity and natural gas NorthWestern must generate or purchase to meet customer needs. Several options are available to NorthWestern’s Montana residential and commercial customers: simple rebates, weatherization programs, energy assessments, custom commercial incentives and support of renewable energy generation. To learn more, please visit NorthWesternEnergy.com/EPlus.

By Erin Madison

In 2020, Sweet Grass County High School, with an incentive from NorthWestern Energy, installed a solar array, which produces about 24% of the school’s electrical load

the years,” Sam said.

Several of those were lighting projects, converting old, inefficient lighting to more energy-efficient options. For example, the gym used to be lit by 400-watt metal-halide lamps, which took about 15 minutes to warm up when turned on. Because of that, the gym lights were left on for 15 to 16 hours a day. Those old lights were replaced with efficient fluorescent lights.

“With fluorescent lights, you can do instant on and off,” Sam said. “Plus, the lighting is much better, and sports are a big deal in small schools.”

Sweet Grass County High School, which was built in 1981 and is 64,000 square feet in size, also replaced outdoor lighting and added occupancy sensors inside the building. NorthWestern Energy helped fund converting lighting to LED.

Sam has kept close tabs on the school’s energy consumption data. After each project, he creates an updated graph of the school’s energy use.

“You can see a direct correlation between energy-saving projects and consumption,” Sam said.

In 2020, Sweet Grass County High School, with an incentive from NorthWestern Energy, installed a solar array, which produces about 24% of the school’s electrical load.

“I think the smart thing is to reduce your power first before you go for renewables,” Sam said. “The power you don’t use is much more valuable than the power you generate.”

Solar generation works well for the high school, since electrical use starts to pick up in the morning, peaks around lunchtime and drops off in the late afternoon and evening. That bell curve matches the curve of solar generation.

In addition to improved energy efficiency, the Sweet Grass County High School building is performing better. There is more fresh air, which benefits the students and staff, and equipment performs more efficiently so it lasts longer.

“We didn’t just focus on energy efficiency, we focused on building performance,” Sam said.

It has taken a group effort to achieve the energy savings seen by Sweet Grass County High School.

“We worked as a team with students, staff, administration, board members, the public, contractors, professionals and NorthWestern Energy to accomplish the savings,” Sam said.

Overall, these projects have led to operations and maintenance cost savings, increased student performance, improved community relations, improved staff productivity and increased teacher retention.

“There are multiple, multiple benefits for doing this,” Sam said.

Electric Use Baseline Data

PITCHING IN

NorthWestern Energy Donates $2,800 to Black Eagle Park in Honor of Employees' Volunteer Work

By Jo Dee Black

This spring, more than two dozen NorthWestern Energy employees pitched in to spruce up the park in Black Eagle, Montana.

In return, NorthWestern Energy donated $2,800 to the Black Eagle Park in recognition of the employees who did sod work, cleaned up trash and did other spring cleanup work.

“We use the Black Eagle Park every summer for company picnics. It's a great facility and we are happy to help out,” said NorthWestern Energy Great Falls Division Superintendent Construction Brad Gilchrist.

NorthWestern Energy has strong ties to the park. Officially named Art Higgins Memorial Park, the park was established in the 1970s on land from the Montana Power Co., the company that became NorthWestern Energy. Art, a Montana Power Co. Great Falls Division Foreman, died on July 3, 1969, when the plane he was a passenger in crashed east of Helena while patrolling power lines. Montana Power

Co. Wire Trouble Shooter Thomas Mongar, another passenger, was also killed in the crash.

When the park was built in the ’70s, it was done through volunteer labor. To this day, volunteers and donations help maintain and improve the park.

“The park was built by volunteers and donations,” said Black Eagle Park Secretary/Treasurer Nancy Brown. “The people who raised the funds for all of this, they were really amazing,”

“Black Eagle Park is a valuable asset for this community, and we welcomed the opportunity for our employees to contribute,” said NorthWestern Energy Operations Foreman Dereck Besich, whose work includes Black Eagle, Rainbow and Cochrane hydro facilities.

The park operates on fees from facility rentals and donations. To learn more about the Black Eagle Park and the facilities available to rent for events, call (406) 231-3927 or email nancy_brown710@yahoo.com.

 Top left: NorthWestern Energy volunteers helped spruce up the park in Black Eagle, Montana, this spring.

Top right: NorthWestern Energy volunteers helped with sod work at Black Eagle Park.

 Black Eagle Park was established in the 1970s on land from the Montana Power Co., the company that became NorthWestern Energy.

Employees

Pitch

in at

Montana Veterans Memorial in Great Falls

The Montana Veterans Memorial in Great Falls, south of the Missouri River and across from NorthWestern Energy’s Black Eagle Dam, is a peaceful environment, honoring those serving in the armed forces, past and present. Since it opened in 2006, more than 8,000 tiles have been placed honoring veterans.

Members of NorthWestern Energy’s Great Falls Division team spent an afternoon this summer trimming trees and removing overgrown vegetation in an area where power poles are located adjacent to the memorial.

“We are privileged to help out at the memorial and also thank our contractor Asplundh for providing equipment and employees to assist in the effort,” said NorthWestern Energy Great Falls Division Manager Charlie Hibl. NorthWestern Energy will make a donation to the memorial’s foundation in recognition of our employees' volunteerism.

Hydro Team Rolls up Their Sleeves at Great Falls Ice Plex

When Great Falls Community Ice Foundation Treasurer Patti Pancich called NorthWestern Energy looking for volunteers to help prepare the Great Falls Ice Plex for the season, NorthWestern Energy Black Eagle Dam Foreman Dereck Besich and members of his team showed up, ready to apply some elbow grease.

They spent the afternoon painting the Ice Plex locker rooms’ cinder block walls. NorthWestern Energy will make a donation to the foundation in recognition of volunteerism of Dereck, Hydro Operator Assistant Journeyman Hayden Smith, Hydro Operator Assistant Journeyman Cory Koterba, Hydro Operator Maintenance Journeyman Ron Petley and Hydro Operator Maintenance Journeyman Jace Oeleis.

Employee Volunteer Programs

NorthWestern Energy encourages employee volunteerism by offe8ing paid time off for volunteer activities and by financially supporting the organizations our employees serve.

$400 $100 $38,800

We donate up to $400 to each nonprofit organization our employees serve through our Employee Volunteer Program.

We donate $100 for each employee who volunteers at an event through our Team Grants.

We awarded $38,800 to 88 nonprofits through the Employee Volunteer Program and the Team Grant Program in 2022.

 The Montana Veterans Memorial in Great Falls is located near NorthWestern Energy’s Black Eagle Dam. NorthWestern volunteers helped trim trees at the memorial.

 Members of NorthWestern Energy’s Great Falls Division team spent an afternoon this summer trimming trees and removing overgrown vegetation at the Montana Veterans Memorial.

 NorthWestern Energy volunteers Dereck Besich, Cory Koterba and Hayden Smith spent an afternoon painting the Great Falls Ice Plex locker rooms.

A PERSONAL HONOR

By Hallie Burnett

July 7-9, 2023, the Butte Exchange Club hosted its annual Field of Honor in Butte, Montana. This event pays tribute to the strength and unity of Americans and displays 1,000 American flags, honoring veterans, those currently serving in the military, first responders and law enforcement, as well as victims of child abuse, who were recognized by an adjacent circle of white flags with blue ribbons. This project’s purpose is to provide a community-oriented space to reflect and heal and to honor both our heroes and patriotism.

Involved in this event is Eddy Stewart, NorthWestern Energy Manager of Transmission Engineering, who first began volunteering after the Butte Exchange Club asked for help with designing the layout and working on other aspects of the display in 2011.

Several professional land surveyors from NorthWestern Energy have stepped up each year and have utilized their abilities and equipment to design the complex display. Additionally, other employees from NorthWestern Energy’s Electric Transmission Department, rallied together by Eddy have volunteered and helped with staking rebar and setting up the flags.

“The teamwork displayed by all volunteers at the Field of Honor is awesome to see in action, and you can feel the pride in each person as they help piece together this amazing display of our

American flag,” Eddy said. “The Field of Honor is an amazing event, and it is a personal honor to help with the display that pays a special tribute to our military, law enforcement and first responders, and also supports victims of child abuse.”

NorthWestern Energy retirees Dale Mahugh and Dusty Rhoads have also been involved in the Field of Honor project since its beginning.

Dale, a member of the Butte Exchange Club for about 45 years, deeply values the opportunity to be engaged in the community. After his retirement especially, Dale worked to expand his involvement and found the Field of Honor to be a great way to give back and honor the service men and women in both the community and country.

Dusty, who retired from NorthWestern Energy after more than 45 years of service, is also honored to be a member of the Butte Exchange Club for more than four decades and reflects on his time volunteering for the Field of Honor project.

“Hundreds of volunteers supported the Field of Honor this year,” Dusty said. “‘Many hands make small work,’ and without the help of many volunteers, including NorthWestern Energy, the Butte Exchange Club could not have sponsored this event. Seeing the completed project of 1,000 American flags swells your heart and restores your soul.”

NorthWestern Energy employees and retirees who volunteered with the Field of Honor included, kneeling left to right, Manager of Transmission Engineering Eddy Stewart, retiree Sid deBarathy, Engineer Kim McClafferty, Document Control Specialist Tiffany Triniman-Dixon, retiree Dale Mahugh, Engineer Mark Mallard, standing left to right, Intern Kinzie Quintana, Engineer Greg Scheeler, Design Drafter Travis Johnson, Manager of Electric Transmission Planning Ryan Munson, Supervisor of Electrical Transmission Dan Gustafson, Design Drafter Kevin Duncan, Surveyor John Hoechst, Project Manager Kyle Berkram and retiree Dusty Rhodes.

NorthWestern Energy volunteers help design the complex display for Butte’s annual Field of Honor.

E A T

L O C A L

By Amy Grisak

Has your food traveled more than you in the past year? On average, fresh produce ships 1,500 miles from the farm to your plate, but this modern reality doesn’t have to be the only way to dine. It’s possible to “eat local” to enjoy fresher - and more flavorful - food, while saving resources and supporting small producers. It only takes a few steps to find your favorite farmer.

“Up until 1950, Montana produced 70% of its own food supply. Today it's 37%,” explained Robin Kelson, Executive Director for Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO) and Abundant Montana, a directory of Montana’s local foods.

These figures go well beyond Montana. The practice of importing food, particularly from California, which grows half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, holds true throughout the country. Prior to World War II, family-owned truck farms in practically every state grew a variety of vegetables and fruits for local markets. In more rural areas, families raised gardens in their backyards, oftentimes with a few chickens for eggs and meat. And what people didn’t grow, oftentimes a neighbor did.

During and after World War II, there was a significant shift in agriculture to grow more food for the war effort, along with an increased need throughout the world. Relying on mechanization, along with additional chemical support to assist raising crops and reducing weeds, larger operations ultimately changed the face of farming.

By the 1970s, another perspective completely altered agricultural. “There was a push through the Department of Agriculture to ‘feed the world,’” Robin said.

The result was relinquishing small, diverse farms for corporate farm models. But therein lies its weakness.

“(We) had a wake-up call with the pandemic,” Robin said. Empty shelves were the norm for much of 2020, but it hit small towns the worst. The more rural the community, the harder it was for stores to receive the food their customers needed. It was an eye-opening problem.

The answer is a greater dependence on foods within reach of our community. In this scenario, a global crisis has less of an impact.

“We need to rebuild the demand for local food and maintain food stability for generations,” Robin noted.

Environmentally Sound

Local food also makes a difference when it comes to conserving resources. According to the USDA, food is considered “local” if it’s raised or produced within 400 miles of the end source, namely our dinner plate. By keeping food closer to home, it saves transportation costs and reduces emissions.

Smaller agricultural operations also tend to raise crops or livestock in a more sustainable manner. Robin said many small-scale farmers and ranchers grow their food without an enormous amount of, or in many situations any, pesticides and herbicides, nor do they use

Enjoy fresher and more flavorful food while supporting small, local producers.

Taking the First Bite

The best part of eating locally is having the opportunity to enjoy high-quality food combined with building relationships. Even though it might be daunting to consider shifting the entirety of your food choices, change begins with that first step.

“Buying locally is a great way to support your community,” Robin said. “There are lots of farmers markets and local farmers in your area. Make the effort to find them and source your fruits and vegetables from them. Anything you do makes a difference.”

“The supermarket is easy,” she said, which is true because the greatest challenge of local food is not finding everything together in one place. Even though people want to buy locally, sometimes it simply takes too much time. This is where intrepid entrepreneurs such as Rob and Sarah Ratowski of Kalispell, Montana, created a solution with Montana Milk Moovers.

Rob said their vision expands on the concept of the “milkman” dairy delivery to include locally grown beef, pork, eggs, pantry items, bread, flour and many other local selections. They even have meal kits that are the local answer to fast food.

“We kind of turned it into a farmers market on wheels,” he said. “There are all of these local farmers. It’s important for food to be local in order to support the local growers in our community."

He noted the regional food network is expanding, and the more people who tap into the availability of these locally grown options allows current producers to expand their offerings, as well as new growers to enter the scene. It creates connections and builds demand.

While many people in northern states still want to enjoy avocados for their breakfast, little steps such as buying locally baked bread from regionally grown wheat, or ham and eggs raised within your town, makes a big difference.

“We're trying to support local growers,” Rob said. “We’re not going

For Montana Milk Moovers, their pilot program during the pandemic started with 10 customers; now there are more than 15 times that amount.

Discovering restaurants that utilize locally grown food is another way to support the concept, and there is an increased effort to expand how people relate to food. Talented chefs appreciate the freshness and quality of homegrown ingredients, turning them into a sublime experience.

Robin said another way AERO, along with other regionally focused organizations, is helping people engage and connect with their home food systems is through agri-tourism. Many producers offer farm-to-table dinners, farm tours and specific events for kids because making local food the norm for younger generations is key to sustaining the practice.

“It's such a gift to get to know your farmer,” Robin said. “They care so much about the quality and what they're growing. If you're new to local food, go explore it.”

FIND YOUR FARMER

The best way to discover producers in your area, along with local food focused restaurants and events, is through the regional organizations in each state. Pick up one of their guides or check out the online listings to take your first steps in enjoying the bounty found in your backyard.

Buy Local Nebraska - buylocalnebraska.org

Abundant Montana - abundantmontana.com

South Dakota Specialty Producers Associationsdspecialtyproducers.org/find-local-foods/

Amy Grisak is an avid gardener and writer. Her writing appears in everything from the Farmers’ Almanac to Popular Mechanics, along with her books, “Nature Guide to Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks” and “Found Photos of Yellowstone.” Amy lives in Great Falls, Montana, with her two sons and her husband, Grant, who is a biologist with NorthWestern Energy.

NORTHWEST CORNER

RED LODGE, Montana

By Erin Madison

Red Lodge, Montana, is one of the most picturesque small towns around. It’s nestled against the breathtaking Beartooth Mountains and is rich in history. Local eateries and shops line the main street, and there is something to do in every season.

Long before the town of Red Lodge was officially established in 1884, the Crow tribe spent summers in the area, hunting, resting and worshipping.

Red Lodge boomed in the late 1880s, thanks to the discovery of coal. A few decades later, as coal mines began to close, Red Lodge worked to establish itself as the tourist destination it is today. Red Lodge is a perfect place to visit, whether you want to drive the Beartooth Highway, tour Yellowstone, go skiing or attend one of Red Lodge’s many festivals and events.

Step back in time – Take a self-guided walking tour of Red Lodge. The tour allows you to

ger (who dubbed his lucrative export “cough syrup”). To pick up a copy of the walking tour guide, visit the Red Lodge Visitors Center, 701 N. Broadway, or the Carbon County Historical Museum, 224 N. Broadway.

Sleep in the same room as Calamity Jane – Many of the most famous figures from the turn-of-the-century Wild West have stayed at Red Lodge’s Pollard Hotel. Past guests include Buffalo Bill Cody, William Jennings Bryan, Calamity Jane, Frederic Remington and many other colorful characters. Built in 1893, the hotel was Red Lodge’s first brick building. The Pollard gained national attention and became a popular gathering place for politicians, actors, cowboys and businessmen. In 1897, guests of The Pollard Hotel witnessed the Sundance Kid rob the Red Lodge Bank across the street. Today, The Pollard Hotel has been beautifully renovated, but keeps its historical charm. Even if you don’t plan to stay at the hotel, it’s worth popping into the lobby, which feels much like a museum. 2 Broadway Ave. N. thepollardhotel.com.

Taste the best coffee around – Visit Coffee Factory Roasters for what one reader described as “the BEST coffee around.” Coffee Factory Roasters air roasts coffee beans daily. They serve a variety of espresso drinks, along with breakfast sandwiches and baked goods made

– PREROGATIvE Kitchen was a James Beard Foundation Award nominee in 2022 and in 2021. After a meal there, it’s easy to see why. PREROGATIvE features a rotating a la carte chalkboard menu with a range of dishes from grilled broccolini to a Montana beef burger on a brioche bun. The restaurant works to use as much local food as possible. Reservations are only accepted for parties of nine or more. 104 S. prerogativekitchen.com.

Have a wild animal encounter – Visitors to the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary get a close-up view of bears, birds, wolves, foxes and more. The Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary takes in wild animals that have been orphaned, injured or habituated and cannot be returned to their natural environment. Opt for a guided tour or an animal encounter, where snakes and salamanders are brought out of their enclosures so visitors can meet them up close. 615 2nd St. E. yellowstonewildlifesanctuary.org.

Grab a slice – Red Lodge Pizza Co. offers scratch-made pizza, using Montana-grown wheat for the crust. When the owners first planned to open the eatery, they were going to open in the old post office. The restaurant, instead, found its home in a historic building downtown, but they kept the post office theme. You’ll find pizzas including mail bag (with pepperoni, sausage and Canadian bacon), zip code (chopped chicken, artichoke hearts, spinach and ricotta sauce) and parcel post (chopped chicken, bacon, tomato, spinach and pesto sauce). Red Lodge Pizza Co. also has an old-fashioned soda fountain, serving Montana-made Wilcoxson’s ice cream. 115 Broadway Ave. S. redlodgepizzaco.com.

Hit the slopes in the winter and hit balls in the summer –Whether you visit in winter or summer, Red Lodge Mountain offers something to do. With six lifts, 70 ski runs and 2,400 feet of vertical drop, skiers and snowboarders of all abilities will enjoy Red Lodge Mountain. In the summer, play a round of golf at the 160-acre Red Lodge Mountain Golf Course. redlodgemountain.com.

Sleep under the stars – The Red Lodge KOA offers RV sites, patio sites, one- and two-room cabins and plenty of places to pitch a tent. Campers will also find a playground, heated pool, GaGa ball pit, banana bike rentals, a craft area and a gem mining sluice. 7464 US-212. koa.com/campgrounds/red-lodge.

Taste a blend of Montana and the Mediterranean – Black Canyon Bistro describes itself as “where Montana meets Mediterranean,” and the menu lives up to this description. You’ll find everything from fig and honey goat cheese-filled dates to rib-eye steak. The menu also features numerous elk dishes, including elk medallions and elk stroganoff. 116 Broadway Ave. S. blackcanyonbistro.com

Indulge your sweet tooth – At the Montana Candy Emporium, you’ll find nostalgic old-time candies, such as candy necklaces, root beer barrels hard candy, Pop Rocks and a wide variety of salt water taffy. Much of the candy is available by the pound. The candy shop also makes its own handmade goodies, including fudge, nut clusters, peanut butter cups, caramels and more. 7 Broadway Ave. N. montanacandyemporium.net.

Find your next great read – Beartooth Books is everything you’d expect in a small-town bookstore. You’ll find a friendly staff that is eager to make book recommendations, whether you like mystery novels or science fiction. Beartooth Books specializes in Red Lodge and Montana history. You’ll also find a variety of guide books, covering everything from Yellowstone geology to nearby hikes. 24 S. Broadway. beartoothbookstore.com.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream – Made in Montana since 1912, Wilcoxson’s Ice Cream is a staple in the Treasure State. You’ll find numerous eateries in Red Lodge scooping Wilcoxson’s. For a Montana-themed treat, try a scoop of huckleberry fudge, buffalo chip or moose tracks. Hellroaring BBQ offers a wide variety of flavors. 224 Broadway Ave. S. hellroaringbbq.com.

Sip under the stars – Babcock & Miles originally opened as a fine foods and wine market, offering global items, including wine, cheese, beer, chocolate, spices and more. The Babcock & Miles Market is still a great place to stock up on food and drink. More recently, the business expanded with its new Wine Bar Café located next to the market. The wine bar has plenty of patio seating, as well as indoor seating. In addition to wine and beer, they serve a menu of small plates. The name pays homage to a hardware store in Red Lodge dating back to the 1880s. 105 12th St. W. babcockandmiles.com.

Support local artists – Housed in the old train depot, the Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery provides a venue for nearly 200 artists to show and sell their work. They also offer workshops, classes and lectures for people of all ages. 11 W. 8th St. carboncountydepotgallery.org.

Sit. Stay. Shop. – Pet lovers won’t want to miss Lewis & Bark’s Outpost. The store offers pet food, treats, collars, leashes and so many toys. 3 Broadway Ave. N. lewisandbarksoutpost.com.

Get that bread – Take some advice from a local, and get to Cattail Bakery before they sell out. Cattail offers sweet and savory pastries (try the éclair or the focaccia pizza), cakes, muffins, cookies and bread. They also serve coffee, tea and espresso drinks. Just be sure to get there before all the goodies are gone. 209 Broadway Ave. S. (406) 446-1600.

Take in the breathtaking views –Dubbed “the most beautiful roadway in America,” the Beartooth Highway lives up to its reputation. Completed in 1936, the roadway climbs to 10,947 feet above sea level. Along the way, you’ll be wowed by beautiful mountains, alpine lakes and fields of wildflowers.

The highway is open Memorial Day weekend through early October.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH RISOTTO

In the Instant Pot

Butternut squash risotto is perfect after an autumn day of hiking in and exploring the Beartooth Mountains. While risotto can be time consuming to make, this Instant Pot version is done in about 20 minutes, which means you’ll have plenty of time for adventures in and around Red Lodge.

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

1 tablespoon crushed garlic

1 small butternut squash

2 cups Arborio rice

4 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth

½ cup dry white wine or white cooking wine

8-ounce package baby bella mushrooms, sliced

2 teaspoons seasoned salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon dried parsley

5-ounce bag baby spinach

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

1

Peel butternut squash and dice into 1-inch cubes. Remove seeds. (You can also purchase pre-chopped butternut squash at some grocery stores. You’ll need about 20 ounces or 4 cups of diced squash.)

2

Turn the Instant Pot to sauté and add oil to the Instant Pot. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2 minutes, or until soft and lightly brown. Add diced butternut squash and stir with the onions. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. Next, add the mushrooms, stir and cook for another minute. Finally, add the garlic, stir with everything else and cook for another 3 minutes.

3

Add in the white wine. Allow to simmer for 2 minutes to burn off some of the alcohol.

Add rice and mix with everything in the pot. Then, add in the broth, seasoned salt, pepper, nutmeg, Italian seasoning and dried parsley. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot.

4

5 Place the spinach on top, but do not mix it with everything else.

6 Secure the lid, and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Quick release when done and stir the spinach in with the risotto.

7

Add in the grated Parmesan, stir and transfer to a serving bowl. Enjoy!

Customer Growth

Our data on customer growth offers a glimpse into the population changes taking place in communities across our service territory

Property Taxes

For tax year 2022, NorthWestern Energy is estimated to pay $174.4 million in Montana property taxes, or 36.4% of all centrally assessed property taxes in Montana. This is 4.7 times the next largest taxpayer (BNSF Railway Company). NorthWestern has consistently been the largest taxpayer in Montana for many years.

Our Economic Impact

Each year, we ask Circle Analytics to complete an economic impact analysis related to NorthWestern Energy. In 2023, NorthWestern Energy will generate $2.9 billion in total economic impact across our service territory, as determined by Bozeman, Montana-based Circle Analytics.

Circle Analytics uses a database model to calculate NorthWestern’s economic impact. The model uses our revenue and standard data for the impact of electric and natural gas energy companies.

Definitions:

Gross Economic Output: The aggregated market value of goods and services produced by enterprises in the economy. It is essentially equal to the revenue collected by a businesses.

Gross County Product: The total of value added created by the production of goods and services in the economy. It represents the sum of labor compensation, capital type income and indirect business taxes. Gross County Product is best described as new money added to the County.

Jobs: The number of jobs generated within the impact area including full-time and part-time positions, salaried workers and sole proprietors.

*Note: Butte totals include economic impacts of local NorthWestern Energy employee spending.

DO YOU RECOGNIZE THE LOCATION OF THESE PHOTOS?

Do you recognize the location of any of these photos? Send us your guesses to be placed in the drawing for a prize. Guesses should be specific, such as naming a feature in the photo or giving the exact location. Send your guesses to bright@northwestern.com. Be sure to include your name, mailing address and phone number so we can contact you if you’re a winner.

NEBRASKA

Answers from the People Issue

Montana: That is the “Guardian of the Gulch” fire lookout tower in Helena. A handful of readers correctly identified it, including retired Helena Lineman Clark C. of Depoe Bay, Oregon. Clark shares some history of the tower: “The 25-foot fire tower was built in 1876 after a fire destroyed the downtown area. The tower was manned around the clock to keep watch over the city of Helena.”

South Dakota: The metal corn sculpture is located near the Corn Palace in Mitchell. Several readers recognized the photo. Of those, we selected Drew P. of Huron, South Dakota, as the winner.

Nebraska: Kearney’s distinctive brick streets may help identify the photo as the World Theatre in downtown Kearney. Only one reader recognized the photo – Dave H. of Cathedral City, California. In fact, Dave correctly identified all three photos!