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Montana Electricity Information

Montana’s electricity generation comes from a mix of coal, hydroelectric power, wind, and natural gas. While coal has historically been the dominant source, hydropower provides a significant share of the state’s electricity, and wind energy is growing. Thanks to its abundant natural resources, Montana’s electricity prices are below the national average. Emissions have been gradually declining as the state shifts toward more renewable energy, though coal still plays a major role in power production. With its vast renewable energy potential, Montana is well-positioned to continue its transition toward cleaner energy sources.

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Electricity Production

Primary Source

Coal

Total Generation: 26,895,758 MWh
Ranks 40th Highest in the U.S.
Average Price: 14.85¢ /kWh
Ranks 24th Cheapest in the U.S.
Average Electric Bill: $117.51
Ranks 12th Cheapest in the U.S.

Electricity Production By Source

Emissions From Electricity Generation

Carbon Dioxide Emissions Rank

34th Highest

13,774 TMT

Sulfer Dioxide Emissions Rank

29th Highest

9,308 tn

Nitrogen Oxide Emissions Rank

36th Highest

13,036 tn

Renewable Electricity Generation

Renewable Production Rank

19th Highest

13,589,506 MWh
50.53% of Total Production

Source U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Based on data from 2023

Energy Usage in Montana

Energy Usage Per Capita Rank

37th Lowest

Average Per Person: 352 million BTU

Electricity consumption in Montana is relatively low due to its small population, but energy use is shaped by the state’s Mountain West climate. Winters are long and cold, driving up heating demand, while summers are generally mild, keeping air conditioning use lower than in many other states. The industrial sector, including mining and agriculture, also contributes to electricity demand.

Municipal Utilities in Montana

While most cities, towns, and villages throughout the state of Montana offer municipal essential services like providing clean water, sewage treatment and dealing with waste and storm water, some also offer other services like electricity, natural gas, sanitation or recycling. In Montana, 1 cities offer municipal electricity utility services to their residents.

Largest Electric Companies in Montana

The rest of Montana receives electric utility service from one of many primary providers. Here’s a list of some of the larger providers that might be available to your home:

Montana Natural Gas Information

Montana uses natural gas very differently from many states. About half of households heat primarily with gas, yet total statewide consumption sits among the ten lowest because populations are small and hydropower covers a lot of electricity needs. Winters are long and cold, which lifts residential demand, and hot spells push gas-fired plants to support the grid. By end use, the residential sector is about one quarter of deliveries and electric power is roughly one eighth, with industry and commercial use making up the rest. Montana also punches above its weight on storage, holding the largest single underground storage site in the U.S. at the Baker field and the most storage capacity in the Rocky Mountain region, which helps smooth out those seasonal swings.

Customer choice exists in part of the state. NorthWestern Energy offers a customer-choice program in western Montana that lets eligible customers take supply from a third-party while the utility delivers through its pipelines, while MDU customers in eastern Montana generally do not have that option. Transport and tariff provisions outline how larger users can arrange supply. The net effect is a patchwork, with limited retail choice in the west and bundled service more common elsewhere, all backed by significant in-state storage that boosts reliability in deep winter and during summer peaks.

Average Natural Gas Price

$1.134 /CCF

Ranks 3rd Cheapest in the U.S.

Average Natural Gas Bill

$52 /month

Ranks 1st Cheapest in the U.S.

Natural Gas Usage Per Capita

15th Lowest

Average Per Person: 109.38 MCFs Annually

Largest Natural Gas Companies in Montana

Many of the residents of Montana receive their natural gas utility service from one of the larger companies that service the state.

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Montana Internet Connectivity

Broadband Availability

66.88%

Ranks 1st in the U.S.

Percent of Ppopulation with access to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload

1 Gig Availability

18.47%

Ranks 6th in the U.S.

Percent of population with access to download speeds of 1 Gbps

Fiber Availability

25.45%

Ranks 9th in the U.S.

Percent of population with access to Fiber Internet

Largest Internet Providers in Montana

When it comes to high-speed internet, homes in Montana have plenty of options to stay connected! From bustling cities to quiet rural areas, a variety of providers offer reliable service across the state. Here are some of the biggest names keeping Montana homes online and in the loop:

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Know Your Rights: Winter Disconnection & Protections

Montana has specific laws to protect vulnerable residents from losing heat during the harsh winter months, but these protections are not automatic. You must take action to ensure you are covered.

Winter Moratorium (November 1 – April 1):Regulated utilities (like NorthWestern Energy and Montana-Dakota Utilities) generally cannot disconnect your service for non-payment during this period if you meet specific criteria.
- Who Qualifies: You may be protected if you receive public assistance (like SNAP/LIEAP), are age 62 or older, or have a disability.
- Important Action: You must contact your utility provider to declare your status. Do not assume they know you are eligible.
- Note on Co-ops: This law applies to regulated utilities. Electric Cooperatives (Co-ops) and propane suppliers often set their own disconnection policies.
Filing a Complaint:If you have a dispute with a regulated utility that you cannot resolve directly, you can contact the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) at 1-800-646-6150 for assistance.

Rural Living Guide: Propane & Firewood

For the many Montanans living outside natural gas coverage areas, managing fuel is a critical part of winter preparation.

Propane Tank Rules

Leased vs. Owned Tanks:
- Leased: If you rent your tank from a company (most common), legally only that company can fill it. You cannot shop around for cheaper fuel prices.
- Owned: If you own your tank, you can buy propane from any supplier.
When to Buy: Propane prices typically spike in mid-winter. The cheapest time to fill your tank or sign a "Pre-Buy" contract is usually late summer (August/September).

Firewood Permits

If you heat with wood, you can save money by cutting your own on public land.

National Forests: Permits are often free or very low-cost (e.g., $20) for personal use. Visit your local U.S. Forest Service office for a tag.
State Lands: You can purchase a firewood permit from the Montana DNRC for cutting on state trust lands.

[tip]Safety Tip: Never transport firewood across state lines to prevent the spread of pests.[/tip]

Montana-Specific Energy Efficiency

Generic energy tips don't always apply to Montana's Climate Zone 6. Here is what works best for our long, cold winters.

Insulation Standards:
- Attics: Aim for R-49 to R-60. If you can see your ceiling joists in the attic, you likely need more insulation.
- Walls: Standard recommendation is R-21.
Ice Dams:Icicles hanging from your roof are often a sign of heat escaping from your attic. The most effective fix is air sealing (plugging gaps in your attic floor) rather than just adding more insulation.
Heat Pumps:Modern "Cold Climate Heat Pumps" are now capable of heating efficiently even when Montana temperatures drop below -15°F. Look for models with a high HSPF2 rating specifically designed for northern climates.

Renewable Energy & Solar Policies

Net Metering:
- NorthWestern Energy Customers: You can earn credits for excess power your solar panels generate. However, systems are capped at 50 kW, and your "banked" credits typically reset once a year (often in April). It is best to size your system to match your usage rather than exceed it.
- Tax Credits:
  - Federal: You can claim 30% of the cost of your solar installation as a federal tax credit (Investment Tax Credit).
  - Property Tax: Montana offers a property tax exemption for the added value of a renewable energy system for 10 years.

Safety: Call Before You Dig

Whether you are putting in a new fence or planting a tree, Montana law requires you to locate underground utilities before excavating.

Montana 811:
- Dial 811 or visit Montana811.org at least two business days before you start digging.
- This service is free and prevents you from hitting dangerous gas lines or expensive fiber optic cables.

Utility Costs in Montana

The average monthly total utility bills in Montana is $210.63, which is 24% lower than the national average.

Average Electric Bill

$118

Lower than national average

Average Natural Gas Bill

$52

Lower than national average

Average Water Bill

$41

Lower than national average

Assistance for Paying Utility Bills in Montana

If you are struggling to pay your heating or electric bill in Montana, there are several statewide and local resources designed to help. Assistance is available for emergency situations, ongoing seasonal bills, and energy efficiency upgrades.

Statewide General Assistance Programs

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):
This federally funded program helps low-income households pay a portion of their winter heating bills. Eligibility is based on income and household size. The program typically runs from October 1 through April 30.
- How to Apply: You must apply through your local Human Resource Development Council (HRDC).
- Find your local HRDC and apply for LIHEAP here
Energy Share of Montana:
Energy Share is a private non-profit organization that helps Montanans facing energy emergencies who may not qualify for other government programs or who have exhausted other resources. They offer interest-free loans and grants to prevent shut-offs or help with unsafe heating systems.
- How to Apply: Applications are processed year-round by local HRDC offices.
- Learn more and find an application map here
Weatherization Assistance Program:
If you qualify for LIHEAP, you may also be eligible for free weatherization services (insulation, sealing, etc.) to permanently reduce your energy bills.
- Learn about Montana Weatherization Assistance

Special Programs for Seniors

Many utility cooperatives in Montana offer specific benefits for senior citizens, ranging from billing discounts to capital credit adjustments.

Utility Discounts & Credits:
- Lincoln Electric Cooperative: Offers a discount for low-income seniors over 65.
- Flathead Electric Cooperative: Members age 75 or older may request a discounted lump-sum payment of their capital credits.
- Park Electric Cooperative: Provides a Senior Income Eligible Discount for members 60+ who meet LIHEAP guidelines.
- Tip: Always call your specific provider to ask about “Senior Citizen Rates” or “Capital Credit retirements.”
Appliance Replacement:
Through Energy Share of Montana, NorthWestern Energy and MDU may fund the replacement of inefficient refrigerators or unsafe water heaters specifically for seniors or disabled homeowners.
- Contact Energy Share for appliance details

Assistance for Students

Students living off-campus often face tight budgets. While students can sometimes qualify for LIHEAP (depending on their dependency status), individual universities also offer emergency funds that can be used for utility bills.

University of Montana (UM) Emergency Student Support Fund:
UM provides short-term financial assistance to enrolled students for unexpected hardships, including utility bills and rent.
Montana State University (MSU) Student Emergency Fund:
MSU Bozeman offers limited financial assistance for students experiencing unforeseen financial emergencies, which can include essential utility costs.

Learn more in the Student Utility Guide

Resources for Veterans

Veterans in Montana have access to specialized grants and support services to ensure housing stability.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF):
Administered by organizations like Veterans Inc. and the HRDC, this program provides temporary financial assistance for rent and utility payments to veterans who are homeless or at risk of losing their housing.
- Find a Montana SSVF Provider
Operation Homefront:
This national non-profit offers Critical Financial Assistance for military families who are struggling with overdue utility bills, rent, or mortgage payments.
- Apply for Critical Financial Assistance
Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF):
The DVNF provides grants to help disabled veterans pay for essential utilities and prevent disconnection.
- Visit DVNF for grant information