$NWE

NorthWestern Energy customers in Montana report sudden spikes in summer power bills, with some bills tripling or quadrupling. The company attributes this to increased energy usage due to extreme heat and a 6% rate increase. Customers have contacted the Montana Public Service Commission for assistance, which is investigating the issue. According to the company, the rate increase is generally around 6% for customers.

Montana's Public Service Commission deemed NorthWestern's power plan deficient, lacking details on cost analysis and energy-saving programs. The company has 30 days to revise it. NorthWestern claims the plan meets state needs affordably, but critics argue it prioritizes data centers over renewables, potentially raising consumer costs.

The Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) voted 3-1 to return NorthWestern Energy's 20-year energy plan, citing five deficiencies. The plan, required every three years, must be revised to meet minimum state requirements. Concerns include transparency about data centers, long-term energy needs, and potential cost impacts on customers. NorthWestern has 30 days to address the issues or request an extension. According to the company, the plan reflects extensive analysis and stakeholder engagement.

NorthWestern Energy said repairs and upgrades at Black Eagle Dam in Great Falls, Montana, expected to finish by mid-September, are installing new support structures and spillway components. The dam supplies more than 20 MW to the grid. Crews lowered Missouri River levels due to low water and heat, exposing mud and silt and raising safety risks near the river.

Montana Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar is challenging Gov. Greg Gianforte’s one-year, unpaid suspension in Montana District Court, seeking a preliminary injunction to return while the case proceeds. Court arguments were heard by Judge Mike Menehan. Separately, 350 Montana and the Montana Farmers Union sued to pause consideration of a NorthWestern Energy-Black Hills merger until the litigation ends.

NorthWestern Energy’s 20-year Integrated Resource Plan for Montana is facing criticism from a coalition of advocacy groups and the public, who say it underweights renewables and does not adequately account for data centers’ impact on electricity costs. The Montana Public Service Commission plans to review it in mid-August and can identify deficiencies. The groups cite a University of Michigan study and question fossil fuel and battery limits.

Cramer highlighted NorthWestern Energy Group (NWE) after it reported adjusted EPS of 50 cents, above the 44-cent estimate, and sales of $392.6 million versus $380.6 million. He also discussed Robinhood Markets (HOOD), citing an Overweight view with a price target cut to $115 from $130, and Origin Bancorp (OBK), with an Outperform rating and a $60 target. Shares moved up for NWE, HOOD, and OBK.

NorthWestern Energy said it is upgrading about one mile of 70-year-old natural gas transmission pipeline in the Casino Creek area near Lewistown. The company began construction in mid-June and expects completion by year-end, including restoration and remediation, using materials meeting current federal safety and reliability requirements.

Simply Wall St reports NorthWestern Energy Group (NWE) reaffirmed its 2026 earnings guidance and long-term rate base and EPS growth targets after its latest Q2 earnings report and a new quarterly dividend declaration. The article cites a fair value of $71.42 versus a $68.90 close and notes NWE trades at a 24.7x P/E versus 18.3x for integrated utilities.

Bank of America’s mid-quarter review of U.S. power and utilities for Q2 2026 says 12 of 14 covered companies beat earnings estimates. It cites rate relief, customer and load growth, and construction-related earnings. Annual guidance was mostly reaffirmed, with AEP, IDA, and XEL raising ranges. Data-center demand drove contracted load and pipeline growth.