Understanding Energy in Montana
Montana benefits from significant hydroelectric resources from the Missouri and Columbia River systems. NorthWestern Energy serves the majority of Montana's population across the mountain valleys, with rates kept competitive by hydro generation and growing wind energy capacity.
Montana has a regulated electricity market. Your utility is the only electricity provider in your area, but rates are reviewed and approved by the state's public utility commission to ensure they are fair and reasonable.
The state's primary electric utilities include NorthWestern Energy, Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU), Flathead Electric Cooperative. Natural gas distribution is handled by NorthWestern Energy, Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU). Montana's climate — cold semi-arid, cold mountain winters — is one of the main drivers of annual energy consumption patterns for households.
Electric Utilities in Montana
The following utilities operate in Montana. Your specific provider depends on your address.
- NorthWestern Energy
- Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU)
- Flathead Electric Cooperative
Natural Gas Utilities in Montana
- NorthWestern Energy
- Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU)
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Energy Assistance Programs in Montana
Low-income households and those facing energy emergencies may qualify for these programs:
- Montana LIHEAP
- Montana Weatherization Assistance
- Big Sky Energy (Montana LIEAP)
- NorthWestern Energy Rebate Programs
Energy Saving Tips for Montana Residents
These tips are tailored to Montana's climate — cold semi-arid, cold mountain winters:
- Washington's cheap hydroelectric power makes electric heating economical.
- Consider an electric heat pump — it's 2-3x more efficient than gas heating.
- Use weatherization to protect against cold and wet Pacific Northwest winters.
- Seattle City Light and PSE offer rebates for insulation and HVAC upgrades.
- Sign up for Washington's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
- With cheap electricity, switching from gas to an induction cooktop is cost-effective.
- Install heat pump water heaters — highly efficient in mild Pacific Northwest climates.
Gas & Electricity Rates by City in Montana
Select a city to view local utility rates, providers, and energy programs.
All Cities & Towns in Montana
Gas and electricity information for all 328 cities and towns in Montana. Jump to a letter or browse the full list.
A
B
- Bainville
- Baker
- Ballantine
- Basin
- Bearcreek
- Beaver Creek
- Belgrade
- Belle Fourche
- Belt
- Biddle
- Big Arm
- Big Sandy
- Big Sky
- Big Timber
- Bigfork
- Billings
- Black Eagle
- Bloomfield
- Blue Sky
- Bonner-West Riverside
- Boulder
- Box Elder
- Boyd
- Bozeman
- Brady
- Bridger
- Broadus
- Broadview
- Brockton
- Brockway
- Browning
- Brusett
- Busby
- Butte-Silver Bow (balance)
C
F
G
H
L
M
P
R
S
- Saco
- Saint Marie
- Saint Pierre
- Saltese
- Sand Coulee
- Sanders
- Sangrey
- Savage
- Scobey
- Seatonsville
- Selma
- Shawmut
- Shelby
- Shepherd
- Sheridan
- Shonkin
- Sidney
- Silver Gate
- Silver Star
- Simms
- Somers
- South Browning
- South Glastonbury
- South Hills
- Spion Kop
- Stanford
- Starr School
- Stevensville
- Stockett
- Stony Butte
- Stryker
- Sula
- Sun Prairie
- Sun River
- Sunburst
- Superior
- Sutter
U
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Frequently Asked Questions — Montana Energy
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The average residential electricity rate in Montana is approximately 14.67¢/kWh, compared to the national average of around 16¢/kWh. The average monthly electricity bill is $102.
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The average residential natural gas rate in Montana is approximately $0.78/therm per therm. The typical monthly gas bill is $74, though this varies significantly by season.
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The primary electric utilities serving Montana include NorthWestern Energy, Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU), Flathead Electric Cooperative. The right utility for you depends on your specific address.
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No — Montana has a regulated electricity market, meaning your utility is determined by your location.
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Montana residents may qualify for several assistance programs including Montana LIHEAP, Montana Weatherization Assistance. Contact your utility or the state energy office for eligibility details.
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To reduce your energy bills in Montana: schedule a free energy audit through your utility, check for state weatherization assistance, upgrade to LED lighting, and optimize your thermostat settings. Ask your utility about budget billing to smooth out seasonal costs.