NorthWestern Energy

Data Center Signal is tracking 36 clips about NorthWestern Energy data center developments across 2 states, including MT, WY.

36Clips

2States

States

Topics

electricity100%

government86%

opposition61%

environmental50%

announcement25%

water19%

zoning14%

moratorium8%

legal6%

News ClipNonstop Local News Montana·Helena, Lewis and Clark County, MT

Montana U.S. Senate Candidates weigh in on Data Centers and AI

Montana's US Senate candidates are actively debating data center development and AI, focusing on transparency, local control, and potential impacts on ratepayers, the environment, and water resources. Several candidates voiced opposition to unchecked growth, with one specifically calling for a moratorium on large data center projects until impacts can be thoroughly studied.

government opposition electricity environmental water moratorium zoning announcement

9/2/2026

News ClipBozeman Daily Chronicle·MT

NorthWestern Energy’s power plan found ‘deficient’ by independent review

Montana state regulators have ordered NorthWestern Energy to revise its 20-year power plan, known as the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), after an independent review found it deficient. The plan, which estimates future power needs and supply, was criticized by commissioners, public commenters, and environmental groups for failing to adequately justify investments in new power resources, address affordability, or account for climate change. A key deficiency highlighted was the plan's uncertainty regarding future power needs for data centers and the potential for costs to be passed to existing customers.

electricity environmental government opposition

8/30/2026

News ClipThe Glasgow Courier·MT

NorthWestern Energy's resource plan gets criticisms for ignoring data centers

NorthWestern Energy's long-term resource plan is facing criticism from the public and advocacy groups for not adequately addressing the impact of data centers on power bills and the environment, and for favoring fossil fuels over renewable energy. The Montana Public Service Commission is set to review the plan in mid-August, though it only has the authority to identify deficiencies. Critics allege the plan fails to accurately project data center demand and lacks transparency regarding agreements with developers.

electricity environmental opposition government announcement

8/5/2026

News ClipMissoula Current·MT

NW Energy’s resource plan criticized for ignoring data centers

NorthWestern Energy's Integrated Resource Plan for Montana is facing criticism from the public and advocacy groups like Earthjustice and Climate Smart Missoula. Critics argue the plan fails to adequately address climate change, understates the impact of data centers on electricity rates, and prioritizes fossil fuels over renewables. The Montana Public Service Commission is reviewing the plan, but its authority is limited to identifying deficiencies.

electricity environmental government opposition

8/3/2026

News ClipDaily Inter Lake·Kalispell, Flathead County, MT

Kalispell forum fleshes out the economics behind data centers

A forum in Kalispell, Montana, discussed the economic impacts of data centers, highlighting that only a small portion of construction capital stays local while significant tax revenue is generated post-construction. Proposed data center projects in Montana face widespread local opposition due to concerns about environmental impacts, water usage, noise pollution, and the substantial energy demands on public utilities.

electricity environmental opposition government

8/2/2026

News ClipDaily Montanan·MT

NorthWestern Energy’s resource plan gets criticisms for ignoring data centers

NorthWestern Energy's long-term energy plan is drawing criticism from the public and advocacy groups for failing to adequately address climate change, suppress fossil fuels, and properly account for the impact of data centers on consumer electricity bills. Stakeholders are urging the Montana Public Service Commission to identify deficiencies in the plan, which they say could lead to increased costs for Montanans due to data center demand. Draft consumer protection legislation is also being developed for the 2027 session.

electricity environmental government opposition

7/31/2026

News ClipThe Livingston Enterprise·Missoula County, MT

High interest in data center discussion at Public Service Commission

NorthWestern Energy has proposed a new electricity tariff for data centers to the Montana Public Service Commission. Many stakeholders, including state and local government entities, consumer groups, and environmental organizations, are seeking to intervene in the case. These groups aim to ensure that the new tariff is fair, transparent, and does not unduly burden existing customers or the environment.

electricity government environmental

7/16/2026

News ClipThe Independent Record·Billings, Yellowstone County, MT

Billings council member intervenes in NorthWestern data center rate case$

A Billings City Council member and former Public Service Commissioner, Tony O'Donnell, is intervening in a NorthWestern Energy rate case to ensure data centers using 5MW or more fully cover their electricity and infrastructure costs. O'Donnell aims to protect ratepayers from the financial risks associated with power-hungry data centers, advocating that company shareholders should bear the risks of potential obsolescence. This intervention supports a proposed tariff designed to prevent existing customers from being harmed by the demands of new data facilities.

electricity government

7/2/2026

News ClipDaily Montanan·Helena, Lewis And Clark County, MT

Public Service Commission reduces public meetings on NorthWestern Energy plan

The Montana Public Service Commission has reduced the number of public meetings for NorthWestern Energy's Integrated Resource Plan, which addresses major data center electricity loads. Advocacy groups, including the Montana Environmental Information Center, have voiced concerns over the limited opportunities for public input. The PSC cites staffing shortages and a shortened review period mandated by a new state law for the reduction.

electricity government opposition

6/28/2026

News ClipMissoula Current·Missoula, Missoula County, MT

High interest in data center discussion at Montana PSC

NorthWestern Energy has proposed new electricity tariffs for data centers in Montana, prompting a high level of interest and intervention requests from various groups, including state government and the City of Missoula. Concerns are primarily focused on the potential for increased energy costs for existing customers and the transparency of data center development projects.

electricity government

6/23/2026

News ClipDaily Montanan·Missoula, Missoula County, MT

High interest in data center discussion at Public Service Commission

NorthWestern Energy has proposed a new tariff for data centers in Montana, prompting concerns from various groups, including senior citizens, industrial customers, environmental advocates, and the City of Missoula, about potential electricity cost increases for existing customers. The Montana Public Service Commission will address the case, with several entities having formally intervened to participate.

electricity government opposition

6/22/2026

News ClipMontana Free Press·Broadview, Yellowstone County, MT

Agreement between data center developer and union federation thin on details

Quantica Infrastructure announced a memorandum of understanding with the Southeastern Montana Building and Construction Trades Council for a massive 5,000-acre data center campus near Broadview, Montana. While the agreement focuses on union labor, details remain scarce. Environmental groups have raised concerns about the project's potential impacts and its demand for 7,000 megawatts of power.

announcement environmental electricity government

6/18/2026

News ClipBillings Gazette·Broadview, Yellowstone County, MT

Opposition wants NorthWestern merger case reopened after Broadview data center plans emerged$

Opposition groups are calling for the reopening of a hearing on the proposed NorthWestern Energy merger. This demand comes after news emerged about a data center and power plant planned by Quantica near Broadview, Montana, raising concerns about consumer financial risks.

opposition government electricity announcement

6/10/2026

News ClipRavalli Republic·MT

Opinion: Montana debates NorthWestern Energy's data center electricity supply$

Former Senator Thomas E. Towe questions whether NorthWestern Energy should be prohibited from supplying electricity to data centers in Montana. He raises concerns about potential increases in electricity bills for ratepayers and serious environmental damage. The discussion is framed around protecting Montana residents from the impacts of data center development.

electricity environmental government

5/31/2026

News ClipKTVQ·Billings, Yellowstone County, MT

Yellowstone County officials hear proposal for 10-acre battery energy storage facility

NextEra Energy introduced plans for the "McFarland Energy Storage Project," a 10-acre battery energy storage facility, to Yellowstone County Commissioners. This proposed facility aims to enhance grid reliability and meet growing energy demand in Montana, although it is still in its early stages. The project is explicitly stated as being unrelated to a separate proposed AI data center.

electricity announcement government

5/23/2026

News ClipBillings Gazette·Billings, Yellowstone County, MT

Data center developer unveils huge power plans north of Billings$

Quantica Infrastructure, a data center company planning to build north of Billings, announced plans to generate 7,235 megawatts of power, exceeding Montana's current generation capacity. This massive proposal includes 1,785 megawatts of gas-fired generation and is currently in the interconnection study phase with NorthWestern Energy. The company states it will cover all associated costs to avoid impacting ratepayers.

electricity environmental announcement government

5/22/2026

News ClipKTVQ·Broadview, Yellowstone County, MT

Proposed Data Center in Broadview, Montana Raises Environmental Concerns

A Laurel resident is reflecting on the negative effects of an existing gas plant built by NorthWestern Energy as a new proposal for a large data center emerges near Broadview, Montana. The proposed Quantica data center would require substantial energy, potentially from multiple new gas plants, raising significant environmental concerns about air pollution and water use among local residents and conservation groups.

environmental electricity opposition

5/22/2026

News ClipMontana Free Press·Bonner, Missoula County, MT

Water, energy, land use: Missoula data center proposal prompts questions

A proposed data center in Bonner, Montana, by Krambu, is prompting public concern over its potential impacts on water, energy, and land use. Over 100 people attended a panel discussion in Missoula to address these issues, as Missoula County reviews the facility's application. Broader statewide concerns exist regarding data centers straining Montana's electrical grid and increasing rates for residents.

zoning opposition environmental electricity water

5/21/2026

News ClipMontana State Exponent·Missoula, Missoula County, MT

'We've never seen anything like this': Groups warn of data centers at Missoula meeting

Environmental nonprofits held a public meeting in Missoula, Montana, to raise concerns about the substantial electricity consumption of proposed data centers in the state. They warned that these centers could significantly increase residential electricity rates and expressed worry about potential environmental and financial costs. The Montana Public Service Commission is currently reviewing a proposed "large load tariff" by NorthWestern Energy to regulate power supply to these facilities.

electricity environmental opposition government

5/21/2026

News ClipMontana State Exponent·Billings, Yellowstone County, MT

Opposing parties present closing arguments on proposed NorthWestern merger

The Montana Public Service Commission concluded hearings on a proposed merger between NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills Energy. Opponents, including environmental groups, warned the merger could open the door for more data centers, burdening ratepayers with electricity costs. The commission will decide in coming months whether the merger is in the public interest.

electricity government opposition

5/19/2026