$NWE

NorthWestern Energy Group's (NWE) shares rose 7% to a 52-week high, closing at $73.97. The increase, driven by high trading volume, marks a significant gain for the regulated utility serving Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Yellowstone National Park.

NorthWestern Energy (NWE) stock rose 8.4% after merger partner Black Hills Corp. agreed to a $1.8B deal with Google. The merger is pending regulatory approval. Barclays maintained an Overweight rating with a reduced price target of $70. NWE's gain is company-specific, as broader markets declined.

NorthWestern Energy and Montana cities (Missoula, Missoula County, Bozeman) filed a joint application for a Green Power Program with the Montana Public Service Commission. The program aims to support renewable energy development and offer voluntary participation for residential customers. If approved, it will seek proposals for new renewable energy resources in Montana. NorthWestern Energy serves ~850,300 customers across four states.

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.