Complaints

This profile includes complaints for NorthWestern Energy's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

close

Find a Location

NorthWestern Energy has 12 locations, listed below.

*This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

BBB accredited

Near

Country

USUnited States

Please enter a valid location.

Filter

• 

  NorthWestern Energy

  890 N Meridian Rd Kalispell, MT 59901-3538

• 

  NorthWestern Energy

  PO Box 80330 Billings, MT 59108-0330

• 

  NorthWestern Energy

  40 E Broadway St Butte, MT 59701-9350

• 

  NorthWestern Energy

  Hebfen Dam Cabin West Yellowstone, MT 59758

• 

  NorthWestern Energy

  1944 Monad Road Billings, MT 59102

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/11/2024

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Price gouging and a monopoly business for *******.Northwest energy has hiked its prices up 28% this year. Im not sure or understand why we do not have another energy company in this ************** is the smallest poplatikn in the country and they have co-ops, they have two different electrical companies. Northwest energy being one and the other being Dakota utilites. The rates for my electric fluctuate $350 for the month of January and February. My regular bill for October November were $180. We had a cold snap in October and my bill was still around $180. we go into January and February and they price gouges to the point where you can barely pay the bill. As a person thats living with brain cancer they will not even work with me. I called the hotline to get assistance for energy sharing they said they are not taking further applications because theyre three months behind. So what exactly does Northwest energy expect us to do when we need assistance with the bill. They offer no assistance they offer no solution, and they can simply price ***** every single bit of money that they can possibly get , once again, Im not sure why ******* only has one electrical company. Theyre allowed to raise and lower rates as they feel and they have no justification for any of it.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/14/2024

  Thank you for reaching out. We are prepared to help with any concerns you may have.

  Upon speaking with the EnergyShare Department directly, we were able to confirm that the LIHEAP program and EnergyShare are currently accepting applications. They also expressed apologies for your negative experience. Please see the application attached. We also encourage you to get in touch with us at  as soon as possible so we can help provide you with the details you need to help elevate your application.

  NorthWestern Energy also offers other various programs to help you save energy and money. We have energy efficiency tips, Home EnergyChecks, energy-saving rebates and more. For more information visit NorthWesternEnergy.com/waystosave or give us a call at **************. 
  
  Colder winter weather can lead to increased electric and/or gas usage to keep your home warm, which has an impact on monthly bills. NorthWestern Energy is a regulated energy service company; thus, our price increases must be approved by the ******* ************************** We understand rising prices are a hardship. We know that our customers are facing other cost increases too. We invest heavily in our electric grid and natural gas system. Without that investment, we would not be able to consistently deliver reliable energy. We are committed to providing safe, reliable service to meet our customers needs.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/29/2024

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  2/29/24 ********** services were disconnected for non payment at 11:05 am and bill was paid in full at 10:30 am. Now they dont have to restore service until the end of the next business day. Meanwhile my house has no heat and no lights. Its criminal that Ive paid and now have to wait an entire day before my services are restored. I paid and was on the phone with the company before the services were terminated.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/05/2024

  We appreciate your communication, and we are sorry for any frustration you may have had. We strive is to prevent service interruptions by sending out several proactive notifications to our customers. There are times when service cannot be restored right away because we respond to emergencies.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/24/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Something's going on with northwestern energy natural gas charges. I have contacted them several times. While they say that their rates have not gone up, my natural gas charges have doubled or tripled. They show the usage of therms is double or triple what it was the previous year even though the previous year was warmer. I have called them several times and have yet to get this resolved.When I have talked to a northwestern energy agent, they cannot believe what they're seeing and agree with me that my usage is incorrect.Who regulates northwestern energy when the bill is obviously incorrect. Do I continue to allow them to overcharge me?Would it be possible for someone to contact me?

  Business Response

  Date: 01/31/2024

  As a result of this customer's concerns and the increased usage, our servicemen have checked the gas meter two different times. At both visits, the servicemen checked the pressure, the **** and read the meter, and no issues were found with the meter. We have provided the customer with interval usage to identify at what days and times the gas usage is being used; however, we are not able to determine what would be using gas inside the home.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/31/2024

  Northwestern energy came out to the house and sat in their truck but said that they came to the door which they did not. They said they went to the meter to check it which they did not. I have security cameras all around my home. They have tried to call me from a block number and left a quick 8 second message but have not got back to me with a resolution. I believe the new meters that they have installed are to their advantage for profit.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/09/2024

  We would advise the customer to call a plumber or HVAC specialist to have all of the equipment inspected and to confirm what would be consuming gas as we are unable to determine what would be using it after the meter.
  

  We apologize for any confusion that *** have resulted from our serviceman's visits to your premise, various scenarios can result in our serviceman remaining in their vehicle. During a visit the following day our serviceman came up to the home and knocked and then attempted to reach the customer two different times by phone. For safety and security reasons,the servicemans phone numbers are blocked. The serviceman attempted to call the following day from a number that was not blocked, but we were unable to reach the customer. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/09/2024

   
  Complaint: 21191255
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I have had a plumber and HVAC inspect all of my systems that use natural gas. They found no leaks. The first serviceman from NWE that replaced the meter said he found no leaks.

  NWE can make an appointment with me to inspect the premises again if they would like. They can email me or text the date that works for them so that we can meet.

  Because the weather was warmer and they show I used double the natural gas, I would like the meter that *** be causing all the problems replaced and a reasonable refund.

  My email is ******************* or ************************

  Text ************

  Thanks

   

   

  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/18/2024

   Northwestern Energy is overcharging. I continue to register this complaint. I have a previous complaint that has not been resolved. My bill has more than doubled for no reason that anyone can explain. I have asked that someone research this and contact me to set up an appointment. Is Northwestern Energy just able to do anything they want? Just in February, therms used went from 143 ** to 363 ** and no one can explain it. Other than them replacing the meter, I haven't done anything different. Did they replace it to charge more?

  Business Response

  Date: 02/20/2024

  We would be happy to assist you with your request, we will have an agent from our *********** contact you to complete your request. Thank you. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/20/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

   

  They have offered to contact me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/24/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This business is astoundingly horrible. They run a monopoly on electricity in ******* and **** prices, shut off power, and basically strong arm people into either paying EXORBITANT amounts of money for what amounts to very little electricity.Why is this allowed to continue? Currently I will be learning how to bring a co-op into our town, and I advise anyone who has to deal with this vile organization do that same. Northwestern, I hope to one day see your demise in *******. You are a stain that doesn't belong here.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/28/2023

  NorthWestern Energy is obligated to provide safe, reliable energy service at the most affordable rates to our ******* customers.

  For more than 100 years,NorthWestern Energy has been committed to delivering innovative energy solutions.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/22/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  The rising cost of electricity is getting to be just as bad as rent. We don't even get a choice on our rates because they have a monopoly on energy in *******. My bill more than doubled in just the past 6 months well over $200. The rates just keep going up and up. I want a choice I have never liked northwestern energy they are always rude and difficult to work with some other company needs to come in with better rates and push this company aside as a main electric company. Is there anything that can be done about this. Would a lawsuit benefit the people of ******* to get everyone better rates and not have to deal with this rude and overpriced company?Fix your company it's only a matter of time before the people stand up and push back. It's time to get out of the dark ages and move to the light of solar energy not only is it cheaper to maintain and distribute but it is better for our planet. Other states are already making it a law that coal be no longer used within their states it's time for us to embrace change and better our people and our planet. I don't want to pay such high rates in a state that is already over priced to live in. I was born here and I feel like I am being pushed out by companies that are not from here.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/31/2023

  We know many Americans are facing challenging times, and no one wants to see rising electric and natural gas bills. We are also committed to providing safe, reliable service to meet our customers needs, while working to build a smarter energy future that is better for you, our customers, and the environment. Customers concerned about their ability to pay their energy bill can contact NorthWestern Energy for information about energy assistance programs and to arrange flexible payment options.

  NorthWestern Energy provides natural gas and electricity services through tariffs filed with and approved by the ******* ************** Commission

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/11/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnresolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  NWE has admitted to me that I had an electrical usage of ***** KWH in a 24 hour period.The last two billing cycles have been incredibly high. I live in a 3 bedroom ***** sq/ft single family home and they are trying to claim Im using an average of over 3,000kwh/ month.I asked for a technician to come look at my meter because of this unexplained usage. His truck was in my driveway for 7 minutes total. At least 4 of those minutes were spent on the opposite side of the house fro the meter. He claimed it was working properly.I have reached out to professional electricians who have told me there is absolutely no way possible my house could use that sort of power in a 24 hour period without massive failure of the breaker system. There has been no problems with that.NWE wants me to conduct a virtual energy audit with them. All of my appliances with the exception of 1 are less than 5 years old. I have already been told by both them an an electrician that the usage is impossible, so I am no longer willing to jump through their hoops and waste my time

  Business Response

  Date: 01/20/2023

  Our ************** representatives reviewed and discussed the increased electric usage in detail and the decrease in natural gas usage with *****. The customer explained they have not been using their natural gas furnace this winter as they have been heating with wood and the forced air from the furnace pushes air through the duct work.  Referencing usage from last billed electric meter read and an out of route meter read obtained 6 days later the approximate per day usage was calculating at 116 kwh per day at that time. A check meter was completed, our technician verified the meter read and determined no issues were found with the meter at this time.

  On 1/16/2023, NorthWestern Energy visited with ***** at his home. At this time, our technician compared the out of route read from 10 days earlier to the current read on the meter, the customer had averaged *****/day. ********************** has installed a voltage recorder on the electric meter to determine if a jump in demand can be observed to help the customer further troubleshoot their issue. The voltage recorder will be removed after 1 week. NorthWestern Energy will download and review for any intermittent spikes in demand. We will provide this information with the customer, hopefully this will assist the customer to trouble shoot their issue.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/20/2023

   
  Complaint: 18721454
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

   

  i will be calling NWE today. The note in their response they are trying to troubleshoot MY issue. This is not MY issue. This is not an isolated incident, either. I find it convenient that my electricity usage has been cut in third since I filed this complaint yet I havent changed a single thing in my household. The technicians that came and installed the recorder to my meter even agreed that the usage did not seem correct. 
  this issue has something to do with their collection of meter readings. It is not an accurate number. This is an issue on their end that magically seems to have corrected itself with the filing of this report 

  Business Response

  Date: 02/01/2023

  NorthWestern Energy is in the process of reviewing the voltage recorder data, once we have the final results a representative from NorthWestern Energy will contact the customer and review the results.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/06/2023

   
  Complaint: 18721454
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  I was contacted by a representative. The results of the recording proved precisely what *** been saying. The only response I got from the representative was well, it was MUCH colder in those 2 months than it has been. Tell me, how does temperature affect electricity usage when you dont have a single electric heat source in the house? No one from NWE can answer that question. They continue to try to sell that lie though. I find it a bit more than a coincidence that two days after I filed this report my electricity consumption has been cut down to nearly a quarter of what it was even though I changed ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. They got caught and dont want to admit it. Im tired of them dragging their feet. Im tired of the excuses. Whatever it is they are doing, they have been obviously doing it since September, and Im not the only one experiencing this issue. They have tried to prove it was me, and that backfired. Its time they face the music and resolve this. Im not paying them for usage that wasnt accurately accrued. They can rip someone else off to help pay for the coal strip plant. Ill be furthering this claim with the public service commission. Enough is enough 

  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  Business Response

  Date: 02/17/2023

  NorthWestern Energy has contacted the customer to advise the results of the voltage recorder, the results showed normal usage. NorthWestern Energy has also completed a meter test on the meter.Three separate tests for accuracy were completed on the meter and the results for all three tests passed within the ******** of Meter Accuracy 9-8. NorthWestern Energy has provided the findings of the meter test with the customer and has offered to complete an ********************** Audit on the customers home. The Energy Audit is used to help customers determine where usage could be pulling from inside of their homes. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/23/2023

   

   Complaint: 18721454
  

  In correspondence with the ******* ************************** Northwestern Energy has claimed there is a direct correlation to my spike of 2,000-2,5000 kWH and my usage of my draft fan. 
  

  I took their recommendation and had a chat with the energy auditor who works for NWE. He claimed he had read what NWE stated, and believed it to be inaccurate. He provided me an equation to calculate how many KWh my draft fan would utilize in a 30 day period if it ran 24 hours per day. The total MAXIMUM output of that tan is 530 kWh. With wood heat that fan is rarely, if ever, on. As provided by their technician, even if it were running constantly, it would still only be able to utilize 1/4 of the energy they are claiming. This is the second time one of their employees has proven this theory wrong. I dont see that anywhere in their response. NWE is being dishonest and throwing darts at a wall just hoping for an excuse that will stick. Its time they do whats right and adjust my bill

   

  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  Business Response

  Date: 03/07/2023

  NorthWestern Energy has reviewed your request and found the meter passed all testing and the billing is correct; therefore, no adjustment will be made to the account. 
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/11/2023

   
  Complaint: 18721454
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  I asked to have my meter that was tested to be replaced. It has not been. There is nothing that could have utilized that amount of electricity through my house. *** has been dishonest throughout this entire process. Why is it every time they provide a supposed reason for what could have been the cause of this overage I easily prove it wrong? Adjust my bill or dont, Im not paying for energy I did not use. If *** wants to continue to play this game Ill start sending them bills for all the work I missed while jumping through all of their hoops that they assured me were critical to finding the problem. They wont find a problem because there never was one on my end. Seems awfully suspicious, and I believe my next step will be providing all of this information, including all of the *** emails that I obtained on this matter to someone who will actually do something about it as it seems the better business bureau is as much of a joke as *** is
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  Business Response

  Date: 03/22/2023

  We would be happy to discuss your request with you in more detail. To ensure your privacy and security, please contact NorthWestern Energy directly to discuss this matter.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/27/2023

   
  Complaint: 18721454
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I have contacted Northwestern Energy NUMEROUS times. In fact, over a month ago I spoke with someone who was going to do a home electricity audit (one more hoop to jump through). I was assured I would be contacted by the middle of this current month to set up a time to do the audit. I have yet to be contacted. This was the phone call in which the individual told me there was no way possible for my furnace draft fan to use the amount of electricity NWE claimed it was using. Im curious as to why this issue is continuously being put off by NWE. Could it be they already know there is nothing in my home that could potentially use the electricity they are claiming went through my meter and are delaying the inevitable? My guess is yes.

  Also, I requested to have my old meter back since it apparently passed multiple tests to ensure it was working properly. That request has not been met.

  Lastly, my new meter has been installed for 43 days now and just today it surpasses ***** KWH. We have changed absolutely nothing since NWE claims we used nearly ***** KWH in back to back months. NWE can claim it wasnt as cold as it was during the time period out outrageous claimed usage, but seeing as how we do not have any electric heat and our furnace draft fan at best utilizes 530 kWh if running 24/7 for a 30 day period, things still arent adding up.

   

  if NWE wants to address any of the above issues, they know how to get a hold of me. 

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/04/2023

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My kids and I have had on and off power thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. Then we had little to no power in negative degrees. Then Christmas Eve to now we have zero power no heat too! We are getting sick from this and lewistown northwestern energy needs to help in finding a electrician for us. This supposedly box they say I own but cannot access this box to flip it without killing myself is not ok! I am going to sue *********************** I pay way too much for power even with the business being slow!! Youre making a huge mistake if you dont ***na take this seriously. If I own that box on top of a light pole how is it I cant reach it! That is absurd! This not only my business here this is 6 children a mother and fathers home! This is a seriously big deal! Fix it!!!!******

  Business Response

  Date: 01/12/2023

  NorthWestern Energy owns the pole the meter base is on, the customer owns the meter base. Previously ********************** leased poles to customers to use to place their meter box on, this is no longer something NorthWestern Energy offers and often works with customers when it becomes necessary to replace either the pole or the customers meter base. The meter base (breaker) is located on the top of the pole, this meter currently serves both a commercial service to a hotel and to the customers residential home.Repairs to the customers electric service at this location are critical to ensure NorthWestern Energy is able to provide safe, reliable electric service to this customer. The customer has hired an electrician to relocate the current meter off the pole and will now be attached to the hotel. To diversify the load, provide a better service, and expedite the ability to get back in service for the customer, the electrician is installing a ********/240V single phase overhead electric service to be added to serve the Residential premise. NorthWestern Energy is providing the following services at no charge to the customer; Installation of a new 120V/240V single phase overhead electric service to the new residential 200A meter loop and relocation of the existing service to the new 400A 120V/240V CT cabinet for the commercial service. The electrician plans to be ready for the residential service on 1/12/22 and the hotel on 1/13/22, once NorthWestern Energy receives the signed customer agreement the meter can be set and turned on when the electrician is ready.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/02/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Northwestern energy retaliated against me for my last complaint. Just days after my previous Bbb complaint a contractor of northwestern had a scheduled outage my house where they replaced two poles on two different days for a total of four hours. The problem is my wife works from home which Northwestern learned in my last complaint. Had this been communicated, arrangements could have been made but the only notice we got was we are turning your power off right now. So how is this scheduled service not communicated? The answer is clear Northwestern Energy does not like how vocal I have been about their undeniable faulty electric meters. It is clear they are trying to cause myself and my family financial hardship. My wife earns roughly 21 dollars per hour, so we were robbed of another 84 dollars. These poles were sitting on my property for months so you cant tell me they didnt have adequate time to notify us, but the timing is no coincidence. I filled a claim with the company stating we were owed money and they replied we were given adequate notice. This company will stop at nothing to silence anyone who speaks against them. I would not be surprised if they retaliate against this complaint as well, they are the power mafia. Stop taking food out of my families mouth Northwestern Energy you should be ashamed of yourself.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/11/2023

  Our contractor and our operations department were unaware of the customers previous concerns when the pole change outs occurred. Maintenance of our facilities is critical to providing our customers with reliable power. Our operations manager did attempt to reach the customer to discuss his concerns, unfortunately he was not able to reach the customer, but did leave a message. We know our customers count on us every day for Safe, Reliable Energy service and we strive to provide the best customer service we can for our customers.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/18/2023

   
  Complaint: 18672506
  
  I am rejecting this response because it is a clear retaliation by northwestern energy. A simple notification wouldve sufficed for the outage, but the company was trying to cause my family financial hardship and take food out of our mouth. I will not stop so I believe the retaliation will continue from Northwestern Energy.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/02/2022

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  During January-March 2021 I received very high power bills. These bills were high due to electric usage. The highest was in March, which was very odd because it was not very cold and all of our vehicles were unplugged. But our usage showed **** kWh which I believe is the highest electric usage ever for us at this location. I disputed this to Northwestern Energy and I was told electric meters cannot overcharge. I later learned through the ************************* that this was a lie, one of many. I continued to complain and they came and installed a new meter and my electric usage has not reached half of what I supposedly used in March 2021. I argued this point and I was insulted, lied to and continually left on hold. They agreed to test my old meter and said nothing was wrong with it. I asked who tested the meter and they said they did. I asked if any third party verified these results and they said no. This whole process seems highly suspicious and it seems odd my power usage has been a fraction of March 2021 since the new meter was installed. Including the last couple Months which were colder than March 2021. The only variables that have changed at our house since then are a new electric meter and my wife works full time from home(which you would assume uses more power). I believe that I was significantly overcharged by Northwestern Energy for at least three months, possibly more. They refuse to accept any responsibility for this theft. There meter testing practices are done in house with no checks and balances. This company operates like an organized crime syndicate and needs to be held accountable. If you look at this situation logically it is pretty obvious I was ripped off by the Power Mafia, Northwestern Energy.

  Business Response

  Date: 12/07/2022

  When NorthWestern Energy was made aware of the customer concerns with the usage at the premise, a technician was dispatched to investigate the High Bill ******** The technician confirmed the read on the meter was correct and found no issues with the meter at that time. The meter at this premise was changed out on 3/29/2022 and sent to our meter shop for testing. The results of the meter test were found to be within the limits of acceptable accuracy as defined in Rule No. 9-8. The meter test results were shared with the ************************* at that time. In review of the communications with the customer, it was advised the customer was using multiple space heaters and 2 cars had been plugged in over the winter.

  NorthWestern Energy strives to achieve the highest levels of satisfaction, reliability, and performance in everything we do.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/08/2022

   
  Complaint: 18515431
  
  I am rejecting this response because:You offered no responses to why my power bill has never even come close to March 2021. As I stated previously in the initial complaints, these are the same vehicles plugged in and space heaters used every year for the last seven years. Northwestern energy refuses to answer why there are no checks and balances in the testing process and the continual response **** are right, because we are right. Stop stealing from me I am due money from your den of thieves. Answer my questions I am due a sincere response. Look at this logically, I was ripped off for at least three months and you dirtbags refuse to accept any responsibility or even a decent response. I rack up month after month of evidence, that these were incorrect charges and your continued response is we are right, with absolutely no evidence. Can you explain why I was told continuously that meters cannot overcharge, it has never happened. I called *******, they said these statements were untrue. Thieves and liars,do the right thing.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/13/2022

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This is serious i have tried several times to ask northwestern energy to dispute this electric bill of over 1,000.00$ in my name okay ive never had electricity in my name in ************ this bill comes from a ************** i reported to all credit bureaus of identity theft and i filed a report with government irs that someone is using my info to aquire service and loans in my name thats not ME this is negatively effecting my credit score and i cant get any utilities in my name or get approved for any loans because they dont trust im able to pay back anything i borrow. im not paying ******* i didnt use electric nor have i ever lived in *********** **. i want this taken off my credit please ive filed 8 or more disputes with zero resolved whoever lives in *********** at the address charged under my name ***** be charged not me.

  Business Response

  Date: 10/20/2022

  NorthWestern Energy is trying to obtain additional information to assist with the investigation of this concern and it may take **** days for us to get it and respond.