Northwestern Energy is responding to multiple power outages across the state due to strong winds that have caused downed trees and power lines.

Public Information Specialist JoDee Black provides details.

“Right now crews are responding,” said Black.  “We've got outages that are happening right now, all the way from Fort Benton in central Montana through to the western part of the state in our service territory which extends up from Missoula down the Bitterroot Valley and up through the Thompson Falls area in Montana.”

Black confirmed that the wind has been the chief culprit in the power outages throughout the state.

“Crews are responding to outages with a cause such as trees through the line,” she said. “It's very important for our customers to know that safety is our priority, to stay away from any downed or low hanging service lines and report those as well as the outages. Outages can be reported at Northwestern energy.com or on our service line 888-467-2669.”

Black singled out the power outages here in western Montana.

“We've got some outages in the Missoula area, and then on up through Thompson Falls,” she said. “In a wind event like this that we are seeing right now, often outages are caused by tree or other debris that is going through line so that can create multiple outages that are impacting customers that are served by that line.”

Black provided helpful advice to anyone who may experience a power outage at their home or business.

“First of all, please report the outage to Northwestern Energy,” she said. “That helps us identify where outages are and to respond and get those restored. Our priority is to restore service as quickly as possible safely to our customers. Once an outage is reported, you can go to our outage map that is available online to check the status of an outage and also to sign up to get outage alerts.”

Once again the number to call to report power outages to Northwestern Energy is 888-467-2669.

 

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