$NWE

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.

Northwestern Energy says it has deployed 95 weather stations to monitor 18,000 miles of overhead power lines in Montana, collecting real-time wind, temperature, and humidity data to reduce wildfire risk. The company also uses smoke cameras, vegetation management, and grid hardening, and can de-energize segments as a last resort, though it has never been needed, according to Jason Merkel. Data will inform future decisions.

Members of the public and a coalition of advocacy groups want NorthWestern Energy’s long-term plan for power to include more renewable energy and account for data centers’ impacts on their pocketbooks. They also want the utility’s Integrated Resource Plan, a projection of how it will meet energy needs the next 20 years, to address climate change head on.

NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc. (NWE) filed an SEC Form 8-K — Results of Operations and Financial Condition. EX-99.1 2 ex991pressreleaseq22026.htm EX-99.1 EARNINGS RELEASE Q2 2026 Document NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc. d/b/a NorthWestern Energy 3010 W. 69 th Street Sioux Falls, SD 57108 www.northwesternenergy.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NorthWestern Energy Reports Second Quarter 2026 Fi

NorthWestern Energy says routine monitoring at Hebgen Reservoir found anatoxin-A in the Corey Springs area of the Grayling Arm, triggering a caution or warning stage with public outreach and signage. The reported level is 2.12 micrograms per liter. Beach closures are considered if levels exceed 8 micrograms per liter. The company will keep monitoring and update if restrictions change.

Montana’s Public Service Commission will close public comments on NorthWestern Energy’s 20-year plan on July 28. Critics, including environmental groups, argue it relies heavily on fossil fuels, increases production for data centers, and raises consumer costs. NorthWestern says the plan will meet customer needs reliably, safely, and affordably. Separately, Trump announced a change to the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, signed by major AI firms.