MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF NORTHWESTERN ENERGY.

• Author: Rowe, Robert C.

NorthWestern Energy is a proud sponsor of the 2020 Economic Outlook Seminar and we extend our welcome.

NorthWestern Energy's Montana customers face unprecedented exposure to volatile regional power markets when energy is critical. No other electric company depends on the market to meet almost half of its customers' peak needs as we do. As plants close, the supply in that regional market is shrinking.

Our plan to buy an additional share of Colstrip Unit 4 for $1 from Puget Sound Energy is the most affordable option to provide reliable and affordable energy, even in the harshest weather conditions. It allows for a smoother transition to an even more sustainable energy mix for Montana for years to come.

The Colstrip purchase is included in NorthWestern Energy's commitment to reduce the carbon intensity of our energy generation by 90 percent by 2045, from a 2010 baseline. We have already reduced carbon intensity by 50 percent since 2010.

Montana's capacity deficit is becoming a crisis for our state and for the region. We are quickly reaching a point where there may not be enough...