Did you spot a new electric or gas meter and a door hanger at your Harvest Creek home? You are not alone. Bozeman’s division recently wrapped up a utility upgrade that brings two-way “smart” metering to most local addresses. In this guide, you will learn what changed, how to use your meter data to manage costs, what to know about privacy and health, and how opt-out works in Montana. Let’s dive in.
Bozeman’s upgrade at a glance
What changed in Harvest Creek
NorthWestern Energy’s Montana Meter Upgrade began in 2021 and lists the Bozeman division as completed in May 2024. The program replaces older meters with two-way meters that can communicate with the utility for faster reads and outage response. NorthWestern used contracted technicians for installations, and many routine swaps did not require anyone to be home. A door hanger is typically left after a successful upgrade. NorthWestern’s project updates confirm Bozeman’s completion.
Meter ownership and costs
NorthWestern states that the electric meters and gas modules are purchased and owned by the utility. Customers do not pay for the meter hardware or a standard installation. These changes enable remote reads and service efficiencies that reduce estimated bills and truck rolls. Learn more in NorthWestern’s Montana Meter Upgrade overview and its customer service update.
How smart meters work
Two-way meters, simple benefits
Smart (advanced) meters record your energy use in short intervals, often hourly. They securely send that usage to the utility and can receive limited commands, like remote reads. For you, that means access to interval usage views, fewer estimated bills, and faster outage detection. See the basics in NorthWestern’s Montana Meter Upgrade page.
What they do not do
NorthWestern says the meters measure only total household usage. They do not collect, store, or transmit personally identifiable information, and they do not directly identify individual appliances. Academic work shows that detailed interval data can sometimes be analyzed to infer appliance patterns, so consider privacy settings that fit your comfort level. NorthWestern describes the data scope in its how to read your meter guide.
Quick wins with your new meter
- Create or log in to your NorthWestern online account and review the daily or hourly usage graphs. Ask customer service what interval resolution and refresh timing your account provides. If a “Green Button” download is available, you can export data to analyze or share with energy apps. Learn how Green Button works through certified solution examples.
- Turn on usage and outage alerts if your portal offers them. These notifications help you spot unusual spikes fast.
- Find your biggest loads. Electric water heating, HVAC cycles, laundry, ovens, and EV charging often stand out. Shift flexible use to later evening or overnight where practical. If a time-of-use or EV rate becomes available in the future, your interval data will make it easier to benefit.
- Build a baseline. Track a few days before and after any changes so you can see what actually saves energy.
- Consider small upgrades. A smart thermostat or a simple timer for an electric water heater can flatten peaks and trim bills. Check with NorthWestern about any local programs.
If your bill jumps after a meter swap
- Note the installation date on your door hanger or account.
- Download or review your interval data and look for new or longer run times.
- Call NorthWestern and request a usage investigation. Ask them to confirm meter configuration and your rate class, and to test the meter if needed. NorthWestern directs customers to contact them if a configuration issue or prior opt-out request needs correction. Their recent service update explains these steps and support options: NorthWestern’s customer service update.
Health, privacy, and safety
- RF exposure. Reviews by major health and standards groups indicate RF emissions from smart meters are low compared with common devices and are below safety limits. Some advocacy groups ask for more study, especially for sensitive individuals. For balanced reading, see a peer-reviewed overview on RF safety context via PubMed and the American Cancer Society’s smart meter summary.
- Privacy basics. NorthWestern states meters measure whole-home use, not specific appliances, and do not transmit personal identifiers. Higher-resolution data can sometimes be analyzed to infer patterns, so ask the utility what interval detail you can access, how long data are retained, and what sharing controls exist. NorthWestern outlines meter data in its how to read your meter guide.
- Avoid impostor scams. If someone claims to be a technician, ask for official ID and confirm with NorthWestern using the phone on your bill. Do not share payment or banking details at the door. See NorthWestern’s impostor-scam awareness notice.
Opting out in Montana
Montana law requires utilities to provide an opt-out or bypass path for advanced metering. The Montana Public Service Commission oversees these rules. If you want to keep or return to an alternative meter, contact NorthWestern Energy or the PSC.
- Start with NorthWestern’s opt-out team: 888-467-2669 or [email protected]. See the utility’s process and updates on opt-out options.
- If you need assistance, the PSC help line is 1-800-646-6150. You can also review the applicable rule here: Mont. Admin. R. 38.5.2603.
- If you previously opted out but still received a smart meter, NorthWestern says it will correct that at no charge. Call and confirm in writing, then keep your confirmation for your records.
Buyers and sellers: use meter data
The meter stays with the property and is owned by the utility, so it typically remains in place at closing. Buyers can request historic utility bills or interval downloads from the seller to estimate monthly costs more accurately. Sellers can share a simple one-page summary of recent usage to help buyers budget. NorthWestern confirms it owns the meters and uses remote services to improve billing accuracy in its service update and project overview.
Harvest Creek checklist
- Confirm your meter was upgraded and note the swap date.
- Log into your NorthWestern account and view hourly or daily usage.
- Enable high-usage and outage alerts.
- Identify big loads and shift what you can to later evening or overnight.
- Keep a two-week baseline, then test one change at a time.
- For concerns about privacy or health, review the resources above and choose settings that fit your comfort level.
- If you prefer an alternative meter, contact NorthWestern’s opt-out team and keep written confirmation.
Ready to pair smart energy use with smart real estate moves in Bozeman? For local guidance on homes, operating costs, and how utility details can support your plan, reach out to Bronson Neff.
FAQs
Are smart meters already installed in Harvest Creek?
- Yes. NorthWestern lists the Bozeman division as completed in May 2024, though you should still check your own meter or account to confirm.
Can a smart meter tell what appliances I am using?
- Not directly; the meter records whole-home usage, and while specialized analysis can sometimes infer patterns, the meter does not identify specific devices by itself.
Is RF radiation from smart meters harmful to my family?
- Major health and standards groups indicate exposure from smart meters is low and below safety limits; some advocacy groups recommend added caution for sensitive individuals.
How do I opt out or keep my older meter in Montana?
- Contact NorthWestern’s opt-out team at 888-467-2669 or [email protected], and contact the PSC at 1-800-646-6150 if you need help.
What should I do if my bill spikes right after the meter change?
- Mark the swap date, review interval data for new loads, and ask NorthWestern to check your meter configuration and perform a test if needed.
