How to Pay Your Northwestern Energy Bill Online and by Mail

Northwestern Energy's bill pay options and how to use them

Northwestern Energy serves parts of Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska. You can pay your bill online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The online method is fastest — your payment posts within one business day — and you can set it up in minutes without calling anyone. If you prefer not to use the internet, phone and mail both work, though mail takes longer to reach the company.

The company does not charge a fee for any of these payment methods. If you use a third-party bill pay service through your bank, your bank may charge a fee, but Northwestern Energy itself does not.

Key Takeaways

• Pay online at northwestern-energy.com by logging into your account or paying as a guest without creating an account.
• Phone payments go through when ready and require your account number and a debit card or bank account; call the number on your bill.
• Mail payments should include your account number and a check or money order, and take one to two weeks to post to your account.
• Northwestern Energy does not charge a fee for any payment method, but your bank may charge a fee if you use your bank's bill pay service.
• If your payment does not post within the stated timeframe, contact Northwestern Energy with your confirmation number or receipt.

Paying online through Northwestern Energy's website

Go to northwestern-energy.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" button, usually on the homepage. You have two choices: log in with your account username and password, or pay as a guest without creating an account. Both routes take you to the same payment screen.

Enter your account number (found on your bill), the amount you want to pay, and your payment method. Northwestern Energy accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers. Choose your payment date — you can pay today or schedule a payment for a future date up to 30 days out. Review the details and submit. You will receive a confirmation number on screen; write it down or take a screenshot. Your payment will post within one business day.

If you want to pay the same amount every month on the same date, you can set up automatic payments through your account. Log in, find the autopay or recurring payment section, and enter your payment method once. Northwestern Energy will charge you on the date you choose each month until you cancel.

Paying by phone

Call the phone number on your Northwestern Energy bill. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay. Have a debit card or bank account information ready — Northwestern Energy does not take credit cards over the phone. The payment posts when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number. Write down the confirmation number and the date and time you called.

Phone lines are usually open during business hours, Monday through Friday. Wait times vary by season; they are typically longer in winter when more people call about heating bills.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order for the amount you owe. On the check or money order, write your account number in the memo line. Include your bill or a note with your account number and the amount you are paying. Mail it to the address shown on your bill under "Payment Address" or "Mail Payments To."

Mail payments take one to two weeks to reach Northwestern Energy and post to your account. If your payment is due soon, do not rely on mail — use online or phone payment instead. If you are mailing a payment close to your due date and want to confirm it arrives, keep a copy of the check or money order and the mailing receipt. Contact Northwestern Energy after two weeks if the payment has not posted, and provide your confirmation details.

Paying in person at a payment center

Northwestern Energy has payment centers in some towns within its service area. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or money order at these locations. Bring your bill or account number. The payment posts the same day or the next business day.

To find a payment center near you, call the number on your bill or visit northwestern-energy.com and search for "payment centers" or "pay in person." Hours and locations change, so confirm before you go.

What to do if your payment does not post on time

Online and phone payments should post within one business day. Mail payments take one to two weeks. If your payment does not show up by the expected date, gather your confirmation number or receipt and contact Northwestern Energy. Have your account number ready.

If you paid online or by phone, provide your confirmation number. If you mailed a check, provide the check number and the date you mailed it. Northwestern Energy can look up the payment and tell you whether it has been received. If the payment was lost in the mail, you may need to stop payment on the check and submit a new payment through another method.

Using your bank's bill pay service instead

Many banks offer bill pay through their online banking platform. You enter Northwestern Energy's mailing address, your account number, and the amount, and your bank mails a check on your behalf. This works, but it adds an extra step — the check has to travel from your bank to Northwestern Energy — so it takes longer than paying directly.

Some banks charge a fee for bill pay, usually a few dollars per transaction or a monthly subscription. Northwestern Energy does not charge a fee, but your bank might. Check your bank's bill pay terms before you use it. If your bank charges a fee and Northwestern Energy's online payment is free, paying directly through Northwestern Energy's website saves you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Northwestern Energy bill with a credit card online?

Yes, Northwestern Energy accepts credit cards on their website. However, some credit card companies treat utility payments as cash advances and charge a fee. Check with your credit card issuer before paying with a credit card to avoid unexpected charges.

What if I want to pay only part of my bill?

You can pay any amount, not just the full bill. Enter the amount you want to pay when you submit your payment online or by phone. Northwestern Energy will explore the partial payment to your account, and you will owe the remainder on your next due date.

Can I set up automatic payments and still pay extra some months?

Yes. If you have automatic payments set up, you can make an additional one-time payment anytime through the website or by phone. The automatic payment will still go through on its scheduled date. Both payments will post to your account.

How do I know if my online payment went through?

You will see a confirmation number on screen when ready after you submit your payment. Write it down or take a screenshot. You can also log into your account and check your payment history, which updates within a few hours of your payment.

What happens if I miss my due date?

If your payment does not arrive by the due date, Northwestern Energy may charge a late fee. Pay as soon as you realize you are late — online or phone payment posts the same day or next business day. Contact Northwestern Energy if you need to discuss a payment plan or hardship options.