c o n n e c t i o n sMAY 2012

energYPayment and Billing choices

spring cleaning tips

the following are payment and billing options that can help you manage your utility bills. to verify if you qualify for these options, call (888) 467-2669 in Montana, or (800) 245-6977 in south Dakota and nebraska.

Budget Billing – Budget Billing amounts are calculated based on your past 12 months of usage and the rates currently in effect. northWestern energy will review your Budget Billing amount periodically to prevent an overpayment or underpayment from accumulating on your account. changes may be necessary in your Budget Billing amount due to an increase or decrease in your usage patterns and/or the rates currently in effect.

eZ Pay – Pay via electronic funds transfer (eFt) by having your northWestern energy monthly payment withdrawn automatically from your checking or savings account on the due date of your bill. You still will receive a monthly bill statement and have time to review it, but you

will not have to write a check and mail it.

• Preferred Due Dates – are available if you are enrolled in eZ Pay. this gives you the ability to specify payment dates for monthly bills. call to select a preferred due date that fits your needs!

e-Billing – go paperless and enroll in our free electronic program. With northWestern energy e-bill, you’ll receive an email notification when your bill is available to review online. it’s fast, convenient and completely secure.

Pay by text – is fast and easy!

Pay online – by check or credit card at northwesternenergy.com.

Pay by speedPay Automated Phone – Pay via checking, savings or money market account, (800) 218-4959.

Pay by speedPay Automated Phone – Pay via credit card, (877) 361-4927.

spring is a great time to inspect and service your heating or cooling systems to ensure they operate efficiently and safely. this includes cleaning or replacing dirty furnace filters. When filters are clogged, air cannot flow easily, which causes your furnace to work harder than normal.

check your insulation levels. Make sure your attic has at least an r-value of 38 and basement walls and crawl spaces are at an r-19 or more.

install a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts heating or cooling temperatures at night and when no one is home. Also repair leaky water faucets and install aerators. Find more tips at northwesternenergy.com/eplus.

When cleaning outside, be sure to call 811 at least two working days before beginning any digging project. this includes power raking,

planting trees or installing a fence. the depth of utility lines varies and there may be multiple lines in a particular area. calling 811 to have lines marked prevents damage to you and those around you, and best of all - it’s free!

Linemen being trained on hot stick operations on 230 kV lines at high voltage n the summer of 1967 near Ana-conda, Mont.

A Look Back in time...this year, northWestern energy will celebrate its fi rst century of service by focusing not only on its colorful past but also on the potential of the future.

From the 1880s through about 1910, hundreds of local, gas, electric and steam energy companies formed in the U.s. to supply customers with their growing energy demands. Many of these, like the Montana Power company and northWestern Public service, were formed through a merger of these regional utilities. on Dec. 12, 1912, Butte electric & Power co., Madison river Power co., Billings eastern Montana Power co., and Missouri river electric & Power co., which had been formed through the joining of close to 40 small power companies, merged to become Montana Power. northWestern Public service formed in a similar way with an offi cial incorporation date in 1923; however, its roots in Huron date back to 1909.

in recognition of the commitment of retirees’ and employees’ to provide customers with safe, reliable electricity and natural gas service across Montana, nebraska and south Dakota, the entire company will celebrate its tradition of service during 2012. employees and retirees interested in participating in the events or activities can complete an online form on our website by searching centennial. View photos by joining us on Facebook!

contact...

This 1912 billboard was located in Billings, Mont.

Yankton, S.D., offi ceA 1971 billboard sign at the Bozeman, Mont., offi ce.

in recognition of the commitment of retirees’ and employees’ to provide customers with safe, reliable

of service during 2012. employees and retirees interested in participating in the events or activities can complete an online form on our website by searching centennial. View photos by joining us

Hebgen Dam, The Montana Power Company reconstruction in

1960, after the 1959 earthquake.

Linemen being trained on hot stick operations on 230 kV lines at high voltage n the summer of 1967 near Ana-conda, Mont.

This 1912 billboard was located in Billings, Mont.

Hebgen Dam, The Montana Power Company reconstruction in

1960, after the 1959 earthquake.

Kearney, Neb., offi ce in the 1930s.

MontAnAcustomer contact center (888) 467-2669 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. M-F emergency 24/7 servicecall Before You Dig 811energy effi ciency (800) 823-5995

neBrAsKAcustomer contact center (800) 245-6977 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. M-F emergency 24/7 servicecall Before You Dig 811

soUtH DAKotAcustomer contact center (800) 245-6977 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. M-F emergency 24/7 servicecall Before You Dig 811

PAYMentAutomated PhonePayment option: (800) 218-4959(via checking, savings, or money market account)

speedPay AutomatedPhone Payment option: (877) 361-4927(via credit card account)

Energy Connections Editor | 40 E. Broadway Street | Butte, MT 59701 | news2@northwestern.com | www.northwesternenergy.com

Linemen being trained on hot stick operations on 230 kV lines at high voltage in the summer of 1967 near Anaconda, Mont.

One of the earlier cooking ranges comprised of square bricks in the surface burners.