Sioux Falls, S.D./Butte, Mont. – Jan. 8, 2025 – NorthWestern Energy was announced as an Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Emergency Response Award recipient. Presented to EEI member companies twice a year, the Emergency Response Awards recognize recovery and assistance efforts of electric companies following service disruptions caused by extreme weather or other natural events. The winners were chosen by a panel of judges following an international nomination process. The awards were presented during EEI’s winter Board of Directors and CEO meeting.
On July 24, Missoula, Mont. was hit with a severe thunderstorm with wind speeds of 81 mph, lightning, heavy rain and gusts of wind up to 109 mph. The force of the storm’s winds were equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane, and took down hundreds of trees, leaving thousands out of power.
In less than 24 hours after the storm, NorthWestern Energy had 22 contract tree crews and 35 electric line crews working to get the power back on. Crews replaced 86 distribution poles and 29 transmission poles.
“Throughout 2024, America’s electric companies and their dedicated workforce answered the call to help restore power and hope to communities impacted by extreme weather events and natural disasters,” said EEI interim President and CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn. “EEI commends NorthWestern Energy for its efforts to respond safely and efficiently to the aftermath of Missoula, Montana July wind storm event. NorthWestern Energy and its storm response team are extremely deserving of this well-earned recovery award.”
“Our employees’ response to get our customers back in service safely as quickly as possible is incredible,” said President and CEO Brian Bird. “They work through difficult circumstances and conditions, are prepared and always focused on our customers. This award honors the dedication everyone at NorthWestern Energy displays every day to providing the best energy service possible.”
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