Great Falls, Mont. – Oct. 12, 2026 – NorthWestern Energy will be purging natural gas from a pipeline in the 900 block of 9th Street between 2nd Avenue North and 4th Avenue South in Great Falls, Mont., on Oct. 14.
As part of this planned work, natural gas will be safely removed from a pipeline that will no longer be in service. During the purge, people in the area may notice the odor of mercaptan, the substance NorthWestern Energy adds to natural gas to make it detectable. Mercaptan has a distinctive odor often described as a rotten egg smell.
Trained professionals following established safety procedures will conduct the work and use gas monitoring equipment, maintain controlled work zones and vent gas in a safe manner away from the public.
For the safety of crews and the public, stay clear of work areas and do not approach equipment, personnel or vehicles associated with the purging operation.
While this odor is expected during the pipeline purging work, anyone who observes conditions that may indicate a natural gas leak should leave the area immediately, move to a safe location and call 911. Do not create a spark or use anything that could ignite the gas, including telephones, cell phones, matches, lighters, electrical switches, vehicles or other electronic devices.
NorthWestern Energy appreciates the public's patience and understanding while this work is completed.
NorthWestern Energy – Delivering a Bright Future
NorthWestern Energy provides essential energy infrastructure and valuable services that enrich lives and empower communities while serving as long-term partners to our customers and communities. We work to deliver safe, reliable and innovative energy solutions that create value for customers, communities, employees and investors. We do this by providing low-cost and reliable service performed by highly adaptable and skilled employees. We provide electricity and natural gas to approximately 850,300 customers in Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska and Yellowstone National Park. Our operations in Montana and Yellowstone National Park are conducted through our subsidiary, NW Corp, and our operations in South Dakota and Nebraska are conducted through our subsidiary, NWE Public Service. We have provided service in South Dakota and Nebraska since 1923 and in Montana since 2002.
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