Montanans have the Right to a Brighter Future
Montanans can have a bright future with affordable, clean energy and thousands of new jobs, but Northwestern Energy’s leadership is heading in the wrong direction. When Montanans come together, we will rein in this monopoly and give our families the future they deserve.
We are the Majority.
We are Montanans. We are families and individuals. No matter where we live in this state, we want energy we can afford. We want to protect our kids from the devastating effects of megafires and drought. We want a vibrant economy with good jobs. And we are the majority.
Two out of three Montanans think that corporations should be doing more to fight climate change! There is real power our numbers.
Hear personal stories from Montanans asking for their futures to be considered.
This campaign is part of Families for a Livable Climate’s family-led Clean Energy Working Group of volunteers that spearhead events, lead legislative actions, and advance local climate action.
Please support our work in Montana that will continue to promote and educate about clean energy potentials and the need for a just transition to affordable, fossil-free energy now.
The Current Moment
Electricity from renewables (wind, solar and storage) is now less expensive than that from fossil fuels like coal and methane and is just as reliable. Cheaper energy helps all aspects of Montana's economy, from healthcare to industry, and supports our way of life. 2023 was a record year for the addition of renewable energy across the country (and planet), but not for Montana. There is an existing potential for thousands of new jobs in Montana. Our workers and communities deserve the chance to participate in the fastest growing sector of the energy economy.
But there is a problem…
The executives at Northwestern Energy, together with the oil and gas lobby and the elected officials that they influence, are fighting to expand coal and methane power generation even though less expensive, renewable options exist. They have violated state laws in order to limit renewable energy development.
Why would a business choose a more expensive option to deliver the same product? In a free market that would be foolish. But Northwestern Energy is a MONOPOLY. Their customers — the majority of Montanans - have no choice about who provides their electricity and gas.
Our elected officials have guaranteed this monopoly a fixed profit on all infrastructure investment. They are incentivized to pursue the most expensive energy options.
Northwestern Energy successfully lobbied the PSC to raise our rates by 28% over the last year, and are planning additional rate increases with hundreds of millions more spent on new fossil fuel plants. They are actively misleading the public and lawmakers - despite the cost and harm that will come from using coal and gas to generate power.
Did You Know?
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Northwestern Energy is planning to triple their use of coal in less than 2 years, with no commitments to add cheaper renewable energy. They are the only utility in the United States (or Canada) going this direction.
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Less than a year after raising our electric rates by 28%, NWE is asking the PSC to approve another price increase, and are planning an even bigger one for 2025.
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NWE does not have ANY new renewable energy commitments in their recently proposed 20-year power plan even though it would cost us less overall than their planned expansion of methane and coal generation.
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Northwestern Energy customers pay more for electricity than anyone else in Montana, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, or the Dakotas.
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NWE’s leadership is now prioritizing more expensive power generation options over cheaper ones and charging us for it.
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Northwestern Energy is planning to increase their overall emissions of climate warming pollution for years to come (NWE Net-Zero Plan, p.14).
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Northwestern Energy is a monopoly, whose primary duty is to make money for it’s mostly out of state owners.
There are Solutions
Investing in renewable infrastructure will create thousands of jobs, improve our economy, provide cheap power, create energy independence, and make a real difference in the fight against climate change.
To achieve this future, we must change the relationship between the legislature, the Public Service Commision (PSC) and Northwestern Energy. Together, Montanans can demand our elected officials to act to ensure that we all have access to clean, affordable, reliable energy.
Our existing hydro plants will continue to provide clean base-load power. Wind, solar, and storage will provide the rest. Participation in regional markets will mitigate the risks of extreme weather events for us and our neighbors, and save both money and lives. Increased energy efficiencies and peak shaving strategies will help with this process. The only role for methane gas generation will be to fill occasional gaps in renewable generation. Pushing for new methane (or coal) in the absence of new renewables is just a delay tactic by a monopoly utility incentivized to build the most expensive option.
Together, we will protect our kids’ future.
Take Action, Take Back Our Power!
Connect with local climate organizations taking urgent actions to ensure a fossil free Montana.
Take Action With:
QUICK ACTION
Northwestern Energy recently announced plans to dramatically expand their use of coal in Montana. Click here to learn more and to join us in asking them to change course and end the use of coal for generating electricity.
Connecting in community is not only a critical part of building power to make change, it also strengthens our courage, builds community resiliency, and deepens our resolve to act now to ensure a thriving future for our kids.
Join a climate action community
Find a group that inspires you and is already taking action, and join in! Join one of our volunteer working groups or find a local climate organization or club, join a virtual community (like Climate Changemakers, Climate Wayfinding, or Climate Awakening), or gather together with friends!
Talk about climate change regularly
Just talking about climate can seem inconsequential. But there is good evidence that this may be one of the most important things we can do. Think about it: the majority of Montanans are concerned about climate change (and our power bills). But few of us regularly talk about it. If we all get talking, make some noise and work together, we will create a brighter future.
Mention your hopes and concerns about climate change, and focus on climate solutions that inspire when talking to friends, family, and coworkers. We must talk about utilities, carbon pollution and climate change in order to have a real impact on our elected officials.
Speak up
Speak up about the need for urgent action. Montana Environmental Information Center has some great resources for getting involved in public policy and advocacy - check them out here. Additionally, here is a constituent meeting guide and a guide to writing Letters to the Editor.
