Public Safety Power Shutoffs
If extreme weather conditions threaten our ability to safely operate the electrical grid, we may turn off power to help protect public safety.
Wildfire Safety
NorthWestern Energy works year-round to reduce wildfire risk. In extreme circumstances, we may need to temporarily turn off power to protect public safety. This last-resort measure is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).
Explore wildfire safety
Learn about the many ways we prepare for wildfire season and work to protect the communities we serve. From vegetation management and system improvements to wildfire monitoring and emergency preparedness, our interactive map highlights the actions we take to reduce wildfire risk. Click the numbered locations to learn more.
Wildfire Mitigation Strategies infographic
Select a hotspot on the infographic to open a dialog with more information about that wildfire mitigation strategy.
Our emergency line is available 24 hours a day.
Montana: 888-467-2669 | South Dakota/Nebraska: 800-245-6977 | In case of a life-threatening emergency, dial 911.
Sign up for alerts
Make sure your contact information is up to date and sign up to be notified in the case of an outage.
Preparing your property for wildfire
You can take steps today to prepare yourself, your home and your community.
Smoke-detection cameras and weather stations
NorthWestern Energy has installed smoke detection cameras across our Montana service territory to help identify wildfires as soon as they start. Our network of weather stations helps us keep track of changing conditions.
Preventing wildfires is a group effort
With humans causing more than 85% of wildfires, it’s more important than ever to help prevent wildfires from starting. At NorthWestern Energy, our Vegetation Management team works year-round to clear any trees and bushes that could contact our power lines, start fires, and cause outages. Our Wildfire Mitigation team, along with emergency response agencies, invests in proactive strategies to protect our system, our customers, and our favorite playground: Montana’s forests.
Wildfire Mitigation
Wildfire Mitigation
Due to the growing threat of catastrophic wildfires, NorthWestern Energy is exploring new ways to protect our customers and communities from wildfires. Our Wildfire Mitigation Plan represents our commitment to protecting our customers and the communities in Montana from this growing threat.
Public Safety Power Shutoffs
NorthWestern Energy works year-round to reduce wildfire risk. In extreme circumstances, we may need to temporarily turn off power to protect public safety. This last-resort measure is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).