Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions  -  March 3, 2022

NorthWestern Energy Sets 2050 Net Zero Goal

NorthWestern Corporation d/b/a NorthWestern Energy announced a goal to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The energy company invested in pilot projects, such as energy storage, microgrids, advanced controls and solar generation performance under a variety of conditions. NorthWestern Energy’s net zero commitment is also secured by:

• Existing and future enhancement of energy efficiency programs and potential demand response options such as time-of-use rates developed with stakeholders, that would allow customers and communities to reduce their emissions, while reducing the company’s emissions.
• Investments in a smarter, modernized power grid that will leverage the deployment of 700,000 advanced meters to enhance the grid’s reliability and efficiency and also to help customers reduce their carbon footprints by providing better information to allow them to manage their energy use.
• Clean electrification of the transportation sector, including our company’s fleet as we replace vehicles and equipment at the end of their useful lives with electric alternatives; and also support needed infrastructure to support EVs.
• The conversion of 88,000 street and other lights to LEDs.

 The company’s current electric generation portfolio provided 56% of our customers’ energy from carbon-free resources in 2021. Combined with investments in the natural gas system to reduce methane and carbon emissions, investments in a more efficient, reliable and flexible energy grid and energy efficiency efforts to reduce customer demand,  2050 is an achievable target.

“NorthWestern Energy begins this transition to an even cleaner energy future building on the considerable progress we have already made,” said NorthWestern Energy President and Chief Operating Officer Brian Bird in a statement. “Our total portfolio of electric generation is 56% carbon free, which is higher than the electric utility average of about 40%. Our natural gas system has a leak-per-mile rate that is better than the industry average thanks to our investments in pipeline infrastructure and leak detection capabilities.