Sioux Falls - Collective efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus mean more people are spending more time at home.

NorthWestern Energy is prepared for the energy load shifts resulting from this change. We will continue to provide reliable, safe energy to our customers.

Residential energy bills will likely be higher than expected for many who are spending their days at home, rather than at work or school. Customers can see the comparisons provided on their bill that displays usage patterns for the current billing period compared with the previous billing period and the same time last year.

NorthWestern Energy voluntarily suspended service disconnections for non-payment, effective immediately, to help customers who may be financially impacted as the result of this outbreak. This suspension will apply primarily to residential customers and will remain in effect until further notice.

We are ready to answer questions about your energy service and are here to help if you are having difficulty paying your bill. Customers can call 800-245-6977 to speak with a Customer Service Representative.

NorthWestern Energy Customer Service Representatives can provide contact information for programs such as the Low Income Energy Assistance Program.

NorthWestern Energy is here to assist our customers as we all work through this together. NorthWestern Energy is prepared to continue providing reliable, safe energy service.

Energy saving tips

Turn off lights when you leave a room, or open window shades rather than turning on lights.

Turn down your thermostat a couple degrees, and wear a sweater at home.

Limit screen time and turn off electronics when not in use.

Activate sleep mode when you're away from your computer.

Check your hot water heater's temperature to make sure it's safe and efficient - 120 degrees is plenty.

Check your refrigerator and freezer temperatures to make sure the refrigerator is set between 37 and 40 degrees F and your freezer temperature is between 0 and 5 degrees F.

Check your heating equipment to make sure it is working properly and clean or replace the furnace filters.

Inspect your windows and doors for air leaks. If you see daylight around a door or window frame, then the door or window leaks. Seal up the leaks by caulking, adding weather stripping, or installing a door sweep.

Wrap your hot water tank and install pipe insulation on the first 10 feet of the hot water pipe.

Install low-flow faucet aerators and showerheads.

Replace incandescent light bulbs that are used more than three hours a day with energy-efficient CFLs or LEDs.

About NorthWestern Energy (NYSE: NWE)

NorthWestern provides electricity and / or natural gas to approximately 734,800 customers in Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska. We have generated and distributed electricity in South Dakota and distributed natural gas in South Dakota and Nebraska since 1923 and have generated and distributed electricity and distributed natural gas in Montana since 2002.

Contact:

Jo Dee Black

Tel: (866) 622-8081

Email: Jodee.Black@northwestern.com

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