APR 2018

ENERGY CONNECTIONS

A-maze-ing trees save energy

Zach M.

Vegetation Management

Coordinator

2 years of service

Sometimes navigating the MAZE of being a home owner and going to great lengths to conserve energy in this era of tight budgets and environmental awareness can be challenging!

However, many do not realize that the simple act of planting a tree can result in energy savings when you plant the right tree in the right place. The right tree in the right place will provide wind protection, shade, and cool air, while adding beauty, privacy, and wildlife habitat to the landscape.

Selecting and placing the right tree in the right place will minimize conflicts with power lines and other obstructions. Many residential power outages are caused by trees interfering with power lines.

1. Large and small evergreen trees and shrubs save energy by slowing cold winds in the winter. They also provide shade, but since they often have branches near the ground, their shade is most effective when the sun is not directly overhead.

2. Deciduous trees (trees that shed their leaves seasonally) save energy in summer by shading houses, paved areas, and air conditioners. Small deciduous trees and shrubs, and especially those with low, dense branches, also can serve as effective wind barriers.

3. Shade from trees reduces air conditioning needs and makes non-air conditioned homes more comfortable. Plant deciduous trees so they will shade east-facing walls and windows from 7 to 11 a.m. and west-facing surfaces from 3 to 7 p.m. during June, July, and August. Trees with mature heights of at least 25 feet should be planted 10 to 20 feet away from the house and overhead power lines.

4. Air conditioners should also be shaded from mid-morning through evening. Prune branches to allow at least several feet clearance around the air conditioning equipment to encourage air flow. Shrubs should not be planted near the air conditioner or they will reduce air flow and cooling efficiency.

5. Trees planted to the southeast, south, or southwest will only shade a building in the summer if they extend out over the roof. In the winter, when maximum sun is desired, such trees will provide too much shade. Even deciduous trees that have dropped their leaves cast quite a bit of shade in the winter.

6. Trees can reduce energy use for heating by blocking cold winter winds. These winds enter homes through small openings and also carry heat away from the building's outer surfaces.

7. Trees for winter wind protection should be planted upwind of the area to be protected. This will often mean planting on the west, northwest, and north sides of a building. However, local conditions like mountain ranges may cause prevailing winter winds to be from other directions.

8. Avoid creating future problems when planting trees. Remember that a four foot tall, two foot wide tree might end up being 60 feet tall and 30 feet across. Learn the mature size and crown characteristics of any tree you buy and plant accordingly.

9. Consider power line location when planting a tree. Trees that grow into power lines cause electrical outages and increased line maintenance costs. They also can end up in poor health because of the severe pruning that is sometimes necessary.

10. Wildfire hazards should also be considered when planning your landscape. In areas where grass, brush, or forest fires are likely, planting trees and shrubs near your home may not be appropriate. Contact your local fire department for more information on landscaping in fire-prone areas.

Louie the Lightning Bug reminds you to watch out for electric lines and be smart! Sniffy Sniffasaurus is all about watching for natural gas and power lines buried underground and always calling 811 before you dig. To learn more from Louie and Sniffy (for kids of all ages) visit NorthWesternEnergy.com/kids.

We strive to balance statutory requirements to provide cost-effective, reliable and stably priced energy with being good stewards of natural resources while maintaining a diligent focus on sustainability. We own a mix of clean and carbon-free energy resources balanced with traditional energy sources that help us deliver affordable and reliable electricity to our customers 24/7. Our policies support both the role of cost-effective energy efficiency and the potential value of low or carbon-free resources as part of our diverse supply portfolio. In 2017, approximately 56 percent of our retail needs originated from carbon-free resources.

MONTANACustomer Contact Center (888) 467-2669 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. M-F Emergency 24/7 ServiceCall Before You Dig 811Energy Efficiency (800) 823-5995

NEBRASKACustomer Contact Center (800) 245-6977 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. M-F Emergency 24/7 ServiceCall Before You Dig 811

SOUTH DAKOTACustomer Contact Center (800) 245-6977 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. M-F Emergency 24/7 ServiceCall Before You Dig 811

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Energy Connections Editor | 11 E Park St | Butte, MT 59701 | news2@northwestern.com | www.NorthWesternEnergy.com

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Nos preocupamos por su seguridad. Este anexo a su factura incluye mensajes importantes sobre seguridad que usted necesita saber con respecto al servicio público que le proporciona NorthWestern Energy. Comuníquese con nosotros si desea recibir la información de seguridad en español, llamando al teléfono 888-467-2669 (en Montana) 800-245-6977 (en South Dakota o Nebraska) y pregunte por las opciones de idiomas para los anexos de sus facturas.

We are required to translate important customer information for populations in our service area that meet a certain threshold. We have two languages that currently meet that threshold: Spanish and Karenic.

Plant a treeWhen planting trees, you want to pick a tree that you know can survive in your climate. In Montana, the state tree is the Ponderosa Pine, South Dakota has the Black Hills Spruce and in Nebraska, it is the Cottonwood. If you’re unsure about what kind of tree you should get, ask an employee at your local garden shop or inside the garden department of a store.

Before you plant a tree, get the facts. Find out how the tree will look in 5, 10 or even 50 years. Knowing the height the tree will reach at maturity can help you make smart decisions now.

Carefully planted trees stay clear of power lines while retaining their natural beauty. Trees with a mature height of 20 feet or less fit comfortably under power lines. It is unlikely they will ever need trimming to protect public safety and electric reliability. Trees with mature heights of 30 to 40 feet should be set at least 15 to 20 feet from the outside of a power pole.

And remember, anytime you are digging or planting – always call 811 at least two working days ahead of time for location of underground utilities.

Leading the way on Clean Energy

Other Thermal Owned

1%

CoalOwned63%

WindOwned24%

Wind Contracted12%

36%Carbon-Free

Other Thermal Owned

5%

WindOwned

2%

HydroOwned44%

CoalOwned22%

Thermal Contracted13%

Wind Contracted12%

HydroContracted

2%

60%Carbon-Free

Other Thermal Owned

4%

WindOwned

6%

HydroOwned36%

CoalOwned29%

Thermal Contracted

11%

Wind Contracted12%

HydroContracted

2%

56%Carbon-Free

South Dakota2017 Electric Generation Portfolio

Based on MWh Delivered

NorthWestern Energy2017 Electric Generation Portfolio

Based on MWh Delivered

Montana2017 Electric Generation Portfolio

Based on MWh Delivered

Solar Contractedless than 1%

less than 1%Solar Contracted

Other Thermal Owned

1%

CoalOwned63%

WindOwned24%

Wind Contracted12%

36%Carbon-Free

Other Thermal Owned

5%

WindOwned

2%

HydroOwned44%

CoalOwned22%

Thermal Contracted13%

Wind Contracted12%

HydroContracted

2%

60%Carbon-Free

Other Thermal Owned

4%

WindOwned

6%

HydroOwned36%

CoalOwned29%

Thermal Contracted

11%

Wind Contracted12%

HydroContracted

2%

56%Carbon-Free

South Dakota2017 Electric Generation Portfolio

Based on MWh Delivered

NorthWestern Energy2017 Electric Generation Portfolio

Based on MWh Delivered

Montana2017 Electric Generation Portfolio

Based on MWh Delivered

Solar Contractedless than 1%

less than 1%Solar Contracted

Planting trees near gas pipelinesUtilities are particularly interested in where and how trees are planted. In addition to ensuring your trees will not grow into overhead power lines, you should not plant closer than 25 feet from any natural gas transmission line.

When planting a tree, here's what you need to know.

• Trees often hide pipeline markers and the corridor that reminds neighbors and contractors of a pipeline in the area. Keeping the pipeline right-of-way clear reduces the risks of third party damage and increases the safety of all.

• No one wants to lose a tree after many years of growth. Pipelines need maintenance and may even need to be replaced. Trees growing in the pipeline right-of-way could be destroyed when these activities are required.

To assure that you are planting your new tree a good distance away from any buried pipes, make sure you Call Before

You Dig. One simple call to 811 will get all underground pipelines identified. You should plan to leave any pipeline right-of-way clear.

Properly located, planted, and cared for, your tree should continue to stand for many years, providing shade on sunny days and generating oxygen for us all to breathe.

Thanks to all those that entered our Legacy Tree Contest!

We will be announcing winners this Arbor Day online at

NorthWesternEnergy.com/trees and on our Facebook page.

Go Greener on your electric bill in Montana It’s easy for any home or business in NorthWestern’s Montana electric service territory to “green up” their electricity usage with green power. You don’t have to install anything or make a big investment. For as little as $2 extra a month added to your electric bill, you can reduce your energy carbon footprint with renewable resources from the northwest and Wyoming. Sign up for NorthWestern Energy’s E+ Green Program! And unlike other clean energy providers, your account information stays right here with NorthWestern Energy. Find out more at NorthWesternEnergy.com/GreenPower or by calling NorthWestern’s Montana customer service at 888-467-2669.