NORTHWESTERN CORP - FORM 10-Q

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EX-32.2 - CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER - NORTHWESTERN CORP	ex322certification033111.htm
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q



(mark one)
x		QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011

OR

o		TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 1-10499

NORTHWESTERN CORPORATION



Delaware		46-0172280
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
3010 W. 69^th Street, Sioux Falls, South Dakota		57108
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 605-978-2900

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non- accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.



Large Accelerated Filer x	Accelerated Filer o	Non-accelerated Filer o	Smaller Reporting Company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

Common Stock, Par Value $0.01

36,257,086 shares outstanding at April 22, 2011

NORTHWESTERN CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

INDEX



		Page
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		3
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION		4
Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)	4
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets — March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income — Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010	6
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010	7
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	8
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	24
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk	37
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	38
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION		39
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	39
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	39
Item 6.	Exhibits	43
SIGNATURES		45

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

On one or more occasions, we may make statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q regarding our assumptions, projections, expectations, targets, intentions or beliefs about future events. All statements other than statements of historical facts, included or incorporated by reference in this Quarterly Report, relating to management's current expectations of future financial performance, continued growth, changes in economic conditions or capital markets and changes in customer usage patterns and preferences are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Words or phrases such as “anticipates," “may," “will," “should," “believes," “estimates," “expects," “intends," “plans," “predicts," “projects," “targets," “will likely result," “will continue" or similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed. We caution that while we make such statements in good faith and believe such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, including without limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in records and other data available from third parties, we cannot assure you that we will achieve our projections. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to:


•	potential adverse federal, state, or local legislation or regulation, including costs of compliance with existing and future environmental requirements, as well as adverse determinations by regulators, could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition;


•	we have capitalized approximately $17.3 million in preliminary survey and investigative costs related to our proposed Mountain States Transmission Intertie (MSTI) transmission project. If our efforts to complete MSTI are not successful we may have to write-off all or a portion of these costs which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations;


•	changes in availability of trade credit, creditworthiness of counterparties, usage, commodity prices, fuel supply costs or availability due to higher demand, shortages, weather conditions, transportation problems or other developments, may reduce revenues or may increase operating costs, each of which could adversely affect our liquidity and results of operations;


•	unscheduled generation outages or forced reductions in output, maintenance or repairs, which may reduce revenues and increase cost of sales or may require additional capital expenditures or other increased operating costs; and


•	adverse changes in general economic and competitive conditions in the U.S. financial markets and in our service territories.

We have attempted to identify, in context, certain of the factors that we believe may cause actual future experience and results to differ materially from our current expectation regarding the relevant matter or subject area. In addition to the items specifically discussed above, our business and results of operations are subject to the uncertainties described under the caption “Risk Factors” which is part of the disclosure included in Part II, Item 1A of this Report.

From time to time, oral or written forward-looking statements are also included in our reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, Proxy Statements on Schedule 14A, press releases, analyst and investor conference calls, and other communications released to the public. We believe that at the time made, the expectations reflected in all of these forward-looking statements are and will be reasonable. However, any or all of the forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our reports on Forms 10-K and 8-K, our other reports on Form 10-Q, our Proxy Statements on Schedule 14A and any other public statements that are made by us may prove to be incorrect. This may occur as a result of assumptions, which turn out to be inaccurate, or as a consequence of known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, certain of which are beyond our control, will be important in determining our future performance. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from those that might be anticipated from forward-looking statements. In light of these and other uncertainties, you should not regard the inclusion of any of our forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or other public communications as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved, and you should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

We undertake no obligation, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. However, your attention is directed to any further disclosures made on related subjects in our subsequent annual and periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K and Proxy Statements on Schedule 14A.

Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “NorthWestern Corporation,” “NorthWestern Energy,” and “NorthWestern” refer specifically to NorthWestern Corporation and its subsidiaries.

PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM 1.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NORTHWESTERN CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share data)



	March 31, 2011			December 31, 2010

ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	7,180		$	6,234
Restricted cash	12,596			12,862
Accounts receivable, net	144,725			143,304
Inventories	26,853			50,701
Regulatory assets	50,771			59,993
Deferred income taxes	20,234			24,052
Other	8,673			5,908
Total current assets	271,032			303,054
Property, plant, and equipment, net	2,127,254			2,117,977
Goodwill	355,128			355,128
Regulatory assets	224,896			222,341
Other noncurrent assets	38,129			39,169
Total assets	$	3,016,439		$	3,037,669
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of capital leases	$	1,300		$	1,276
Current maturities of long-term debt	6,750			6,578
Short-term borrowings	85,989			—
Accounts payable	52,052			75,042
Accrued expenses	225,485			203,900
Regulatory liabilities	23,187			17,173
Total current liabilities	394,763			303,969
Long-term capital leases	33,957			34,288
Long-term debt	905,003			1,061,780
Deferred income taxes	248,487			232,709
Noncurrent regulatory liabilities	256,079			251,133
Other noncurrent liabilities	337,318			333,443
Total liabilities	2,175,607			2,217,322
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock, par value $0.01; authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 39,820,239 and 36,252,743 shares, respectively; Preferred stock, par value $0.01; authorized 50,000,000 shares; none issued	398			398
Treasury stock at cost	(90,373		)	(90,427		)
Paid-in capital	814,955			813,878
Retained earnings	107,584			87,984
Accumulated other comprehensive income	8,268			8,514
Total shareholders' equity	840,832			820,347
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	3,016,439		$	3,037,669

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

NORTHWESTERN CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2011			2010
Revenues
Electric	$	208,622		$	203,839
Gas	129,212			130,019
Other	426			315
Total Revenues	338,260			334,173
Operating Expenses
Cost of sales	162,071			172,827
Operating, general and administrative	67,383			58,308
Property and other taxes	25,396			22,968
Depreciation	25,315			22,875
Total Operating Expenses	280,165			276,978
Operating Income	58,095			57,195
Interest Expense, net	(17,147		)	(17,050		)
Other Income	805			753
Income Before Income Taxes	41,753			40,898
Income Tax Expense	(9,178		)	(12,180		)
Net Income	$	32,575		$	28,718
Average Common Shares Outstanding	36,242			36,169
Basic Earnings per Average Common Share	$	0.90		$	0.79
Diluted Earnings per Average Common Share	$	0.89		$	0.79
Dividends Declared per Average Common Share	$	0.360		$	0.340

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

NORTHWESTERN CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2011			2010
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income	$	32,575		$	28,718
Items not affecting cash:
Depreciation	25,315			22,875
Amortization of debt issue costs, discount and deferred hedge gain	398			531
Amortization of restricted stock	560			490
Equity portion of allowance for funds used during construction	(261		)	(848		)
Gain on sale of assets	—			(78		)
Deferred income taxes	19,596			16,927
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	266			200
Accounts receivable	(1,421		)	9,478
Inventories	23,848			19,169
Other current assets	(2,765		)	2,214
Accounts payable	(17,369		)	(17,467		)
Accrued expenses	26,490			21,693
Regulatory assets	6,123			412
Regulatory liabilities	6,014			(2,719		)
Other noncurrent assets	(2,751		)	809
Other noncurrent liabilities	5,462			3,866
Cash provided by operating activities	122,080			106,270
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Property, plant, and equipment additions	(37,580		)	(57,796		)
Cash used in investing activities	(37,580		)	(57,796		)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Treasury stock activity	55			25
Dividends on common stock	(12,975		)	(12,231		)
Repayments on long-term debt	(3,623		)	(3,396		)
Line of credit borrowings	80,000			201,000
Line of credit repayments	(233,000		)	(231,000		)
Issuances of short-term borrowings, net	85,989			—
Financing costs	—			(88		)
Cash used in financing activities	(83,554		)	(45,690		)
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	946			2,784
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	6,234			4,344
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	$	7,180		$	7,128
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Income Taxes	—			—
Interest	9,584			9,529
Significant non-cash transactions:
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable	1,695			5,950

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Reference is made to Notes to Financial Statements included in NorthWestern Corporation’s Annual Report)

(Unaudited)


(1)	Nature of Operations and Basis of Consolidation

NorthWestern Corporation, doing business as NorthWestern Energy, provides electricity and natural gas to approximately 665,000 customers in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. We have generated and distributed electricity in South Dakota and distributed natural gas in South Dakota and Nebraska since 1923 and have generated and distributed electricity and distributed natural gas in Montana since 2002.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Financial Statements) reflect all adjustments (which unless otherwise noted are normal and recurring in nature) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The actual results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for a full year or for other interim periods. Events occurring subsequent to March 31, 2011, have been evaluated as to their potential impact to the Financial Statements through the date of issuance.

The Financial Statements included herein have been prepared by NorthWestern, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations; however, management believes that the condensed disclosures provided are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Management recommends that these unaudited Financial Statements be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related footnotes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Variable Interest Entities

A reporting company is required to consolidate a variable interest entity (VIE) as its primary beneficiary, which means it has a controlling financial interest, when it has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance, and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. An entity is considered to be a VIE when its total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, or its equity investors, as a group, lack the characteristics of having a controlling financial interest. The determination of whether a company is required to consolidate an entity is based on, among other things, an entity’s purpose and design and a company’s ability to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance.

Certain long-term purchase power and tolling contracts may be considered variable interests. We have various long-term purchase power contracts with other utilities and certain Qualifying Facility (QF) plants. We identified one QF contract that may constitute a VIE. We entered into a power purchase contract in 1984 with this 35 Megawatt (MW) coal-fired QF to purchase substantially all of the facility's capacity and electrical output over a substantial portion of its estimated useful life. We absorb a portion of the facility's variability through annual changes to the price we pay per Megawatt Hour (MWH) (energy payment). After making exhaustive efforts, we have been unable to obtain the information from the facility necessary to determine whether the facility is a VIE or whether we are the primary beneficiary of the facility. The contract with the facility contains no provision which legally obligates the facility to release this information. We have accounted for this QF contract as an executory contract. Based on the current contract terms with this QF, our estimated gross contractual payments aggregate approximately $435.5 million through 2024.

(2) New Accounting Standards

There have been no new accounting pronouncements or changes in accounting pronouncements issued or adopted during the three months ended March 31, 2011 that are of significance, or potential significance, to us.


(3)	Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate was 22.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The effective tax rate is significantly lower than the statutory rate primarily due to a tax benefit of approximately $4.0 million recognized for repair costs and $2.6 million related to accelerated tax depreciation based on flow-through regulatory treatment.

Uncertain Tax Positions

We have unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $120.7 million as of March 31, 2011, including approximately $80.2 million that, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate. We do not anticipate that total unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change due to the settlement of audits or the expiration of statutes of limitations within the next twelve months.

Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we have not recognized expense for interest or penalties, and do not have any amounts accrued at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, for the payment of interest and penalties.

Our federal tax returns from 2000 forward remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.


(4)	Goodwill

There were no changes in our goodwill during the three months ended March 31, 2011. Goodwill by segment is as follows for both March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):



Electric	$	241,100
Natural gas	114,028
	$	355,128


(5)	Other Comprehensive Income

The following table displays the components of Other Comprehensive Income (OCI), which is included in Shareholders’ Equity on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands).



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2011			2010
Net income	$	32,575		$	28,718
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Reclassification of net gains on hedging instruments from OCI to net income	(297		)	(297		)
Foreign currency translation	51			63
Comprehensive income	$	32,329		$	28,484


(6)	Risk Management and Hedging Activities

Nature of Our Business and Associated Risks

We are exposed to certain risks related to the ongoing operations of our business, including the impact of market fluctuations in the price of electricity and natural gas commodities and changes in interest rates. Commodity price risk is a significant risk due to our minimal ownership of natural gas reserves and our reliance on market purchases to fulfill a portion of our electric supply requirements within the Montana market. Several factors influence price levels and volatility. These factors include, but are not limited to, seasonal changes in demand, weather conditions, available generating assets within regions, transportation availability and reliability within and between regions, fuel availability, market liquidity, and the nature and extent of current and potential federal and state regulations.

Objectives and Strategies for Using Derivatives

To manage our exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices we routinely enter into derivative contracts, such as fixed-price forward purchase and sales contracts. The objective of these transactions is to fix the price for a portion of anticipated energy purchases to supply our customers. These types of contracts are included in our electric and natural gas supply portfolios and are used to manage price volatility risk by taking advantage of seasonal fluctuations in market prices. While we may incur gains or losses on individual contracts, the overall portfolio approach is intended to provide price stability for consumers; therefore, these commodity costs are included in our cost tracking mechanisms. We do not maintain a trading portfolio, and our derivative transactions are only used for risk management purposes. In addition, we may use interest rate swaps to manage our interest rate exposures associated with new debt issuances or to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates on variable rate debt.

Accounting for Derivative Instruments

We evaluate new and existing transactions and agreements to determine whether they are derivatives. The permitted accounting treatments include: normal purchase normal sale; cash flow hedge; fair value hedge; and mark-to-market. Mark-to-market accounting is the default accounting treatment for all derivatives unless they qualify, and we specifically designate them, for one of the other accounting treatments. Derivatives designated for any of the elective accounting treatments must meet specific, restrictive criteria both at the time of designation and on an ongoing basis. The changes in the fair value of recognized derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and the type of hedge transaction.

Normal Purchases and Normal Sales

We have applied the normal purchase and normal sale scope exception (NPNS) to most of our contracts involving the physical purchase and sale of gas and electricity at fixed prices in future periods. During our normal course of business, we enter into full-requirement energy contracts, power purchase agreements and physical capacity contracts, which qualify for NPNS. All of these contracts are accounted for using the accrual method of accounting; therefore, there were no amounts recorded in the Financial Statements at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Revenues and expenses from these contracts are reported on a gross basis in the appropriate revenue and expense categories as the commodities are received or delivered.

Mark-to-Market Accounting

Certain contracts for the purchase of natural gas associated with our gas utility operations do not qualify for NPNS. These are typically forward purchase contracts for natural gas where we lock in a fixed price; however, the contracts are settled financially and we do not take physical delivery of the natural gas. We use the mark-to-market method of accounting for these derivative contracts as we do not elect hedge accounting. Upon settlement of these contracts, associated proceeds or costs are refunded to or collected from our customers consistent with regulatory requirements; therefore, we record a regulatory asset or liability based on changes in market value.

The following table represents the fair value and location of derivative instruments subject to mark-to-market accounting (in thousands). For more information on the determination of fair value see Note 7.



Mark-to-Market Transactions	Balance Sheet Location	March 31, 2011		December 31, 2010

Natural gas net derivative liability	Accrued Expenses	$	26,622	$	29,712

The following table represents the net change in fair value for these derivatives (in thousands):



	Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in Regulatory Assets
	Three Months Ended
Derivatives Subject to Regulatory Deferral	March 31, 2011		March 31, 2010

Natural gas	$	3,090	$	(13,249	)

Credit Risk

We are exposed to credit risk primarily through buying and selling electricity and natural gas to serve customers. Credit risk is the potential loss resulting from counterparty non-performance under an agreement. We manage credit risk with policies and procedures for, among other things, counterparty analysis and exposure measurement, monitoring and mitigation. We may request collateral or other security from our counterparties based on the assessment of creditworthiness and expected credit exposure. It is possible that volatility in commodity prices could cause us to have material credit risk exposures with one or more counterparties.

We enter into commodity master enabling agreements with our counterparties to mitigate credit exposure, as these agreements reduce the risk of default by allowing us or our counterparty the ability to make net payments. The agreements generally are: (1) Western Systems Power Pool agreements – standardized power purchase and sales contracts in the electric industry; (2) International Swaps and Derivatives Association agreements – standardized financial gas and electric contracts; (3) North American Energy Standards Board agreements – standardized physical gas contracts; and (4) Edison Electric Institute Master Purchase and Sale Agreements – standardized power sales contracts in the electric industry.

Many of our forward purchase contracts contain provisions that require us to maintain an investment grade credit rating from each of the major credit rating agencies. If our credit rating were to fall below investment grade, the counterparties could require immediate payment or demand immediate and ongoing full overnight collateralization on contracts in net liability positions.

The following table presents, as of March 31, 2011, the aggregate fair value of forward purchase contracts that do not qualify for NPNS that contain credit risk-related contingent features. If the credit risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements were triggered as of March 31, 2011, the collateral posting requirements would be as follows (in thousands):



Contracts with Contingent Feature	Fair Value Liability		Posted Collateral		Contingent Collateral

Credit rating	$	16,447	$	—	$	16,447

Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedges

If we enter into contracts to hedge the variability of cash flows related to forecasted transactions that qualify as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of such derivative instruments are reported in other comprehensive income. The relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item must be documented to include the risk management objective and strategy and, at inception and on an ongoing basis, the effectiveness of the hedge in offsetting the changes in the cash flows of the item being hedged. Gains or losses accumulated in other comprehensive income are reclassified to earnings in the periods in which earnings are affected by the variability of the cash flows of the related hedged item. Any ineffective portion of all hedges would be recognized in current-period earnings. Cash flows related to these contracts are classified in the same category as the transaction being hedged.

We have used interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges to manage our interest rate exposures associated with new debt issuances. These swaps were designated as cash flow hedges with the effective portion of gains and losses, net of associated deferred income tax effects, recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI). We reclassify these gains from AOCI into interest expense during the periods in which the hedged interest payments occur. The following table shows the effect of these derivative instruments on the Financial Statements (in thousands):

Approximately $9.0 million of the gain on these cash flow hedges is remaining in AOCI as of March 31, 2011, and we expect to reclassify approximately $1.2 million from AOCI into interest expense during the next twelve months. These gains relate to swaps previously terminated, and we have no current interest rate swaps outstanding.


(7)	Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., an exit price). Measuring fair value requires the use of market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, corroborated by market data, or generally unobservable. Valuation techniques are required to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

A fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value, and requires fair value measurements to be categorized based on the observability of those inputs has been established by the applicable accounting guidance. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 inputs) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:


•	Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices available in active markets at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities;


•	Level 2 – Pricing inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date; and


•	Level 3 – Significant inputs that are generally not observable from market activity.

We classify assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement of each individual asset and liability taken as a whole. The table below sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the gross components of our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Normal purchases and sales transactions are not included in the fair values by source table as they are not recorded at fair value. There were no transfers between levels for the periods presented. See Note 6 for further discussion.



March 31, 2011	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Margin Cash Collateral Offset		Total Net Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Restricted cash	$	12,057	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	12,057
Rabbi trust investments	6,295		—			—		—		6,295
Derivative liability (1)	—		(26,622		)	—		—		(26,622		)
Total	$	18,352	$	(26,622	)	$	—	$	—	$	(8,270	)

December 31, 2010
Restricted Cash	$	12,297	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	12,297
Rabbi Trust Investments	5,495		—			—		—		5,495
Derivative asset (1)	—		1,620			—		—		1,620
Derivative liability (1)	—		(31,332		)	—		—		(31,332		)
Net derivative liability	—		(29,712		)	—		—		(29,712		)
Total	$	17,792	$	(29,712	)	$	—	$	—	$	(11,920	)

_________________________


(1)	The changes in the fair value of these derivatives are deferred as a regulatory asset or liability until the contracts are settled. Upon settlement, associated proceeds or costs are passed through the applicable cost tracking mechanism to customers.

We present our derivative assets and liabilities on a net basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The table above disaggregates our net derivative assets and liabilities on a gross contract-by-contract basis as required and classifies each individual asset or liability within the appropriate level in the fair value hierarchy, regardless of whether a particular contract is eligible for netting against other contracts. These gross balances are intended solely to provide information on sources of inputs to fair value and do not represent our actual credit exposure or net economic exposure. Increases and decreases in the gross components presented in each of the levels in this table also do not indicate changes in the level of derivative activities. Rather, the primary factors affecting the gross amounts are commodity prices.

Restricted cash represents amounts held in money market mutual funds. Rabbi trust assets represent assets held for non-qualified deferred compensation plans, which consist of our common stock and actively traded mutual funds with quoted prices in active markets. Fair value for the commodity derivatives was determined using internal models based on quoted forward commodity prices. We consider nonperformance risk in our valuation of derivative instruments by analyzing the credit standing of our counterparties and considering any counterparty credit enhancements (e.g., collateral). The fair value measurement of liabilities also reflects the nonperformance risk of the reporting entity, as applicable. Therefore, we have factored the impact of our credit standing as well as any potential credit enhancements into the fair value measurement of both derivative assets and derivative liabilities. Consideration of our own credit risk did not have a material impact on our fair value measurements.

Financial Instruments

The estimated fair value of financial instruments is summarized as follows (in thousands):



	March 31, 2011				December 31, 2010
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Liabilities:
Long-term debt (including current portion)	$	911,753	$	992,387	$	1,068,358	$	1,137,148

The estimated fair value amounts have been determined using available market information and appropriate valuation

methodologies; however, considerable judgment is necessarily required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that we would realize in a current market exchange.

Short-term borrowings includes commercial paper, which is recorded at carrying value as a reasonable estimate of fair value and excluded above. We determined fair values for long-term debt based on interest rates that are currently available to us for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities, except for publicly traded debt, for which fair value is based on market prices for the same or similar issues or upon the quoted market prices of U.S. treasury issues having a similar term to maturity, adjusted for our bond issuance rating and the present value of future cash flows.


(8)	Financing Activities

On February 8, 2011, we entered into a commercial paper program under which we may issue unsecured commercial paper notes on a private placement basis up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time of $250 million to provide an alternative financing source for our short-term liquidity needs. The maturities of the commercial paper issuances will vary, but may not exceed 270 days from the date of issue. Commercial paper issuances are supported by available capacity under our $250 million unsecured revolving line of credit, which expires in June 2012.


(9)	Regulatory Matters

Montana General Rate Case

In December 2010, we received a final order from the Montana Public Service Commission (MPSC) approving our joint Stipulation and Settlement Agreement (Stipulation) with the Montana Consumer Counsel (MCC) regarding the revenue requirement portion of the rate filing. Key provisions of the final order are as follows:


•	An increase in base electric rates of $6.4 million;


•	A decrease in base natural gas rates of approximately $1.0 million; and


•	An authorized return on equity of 10.0% and 10.25% for base electric and natural gas rates, respectively.


•	The overall authorized rates of return are based on the equity percentages above, long-term debt cost of 5.76% and a capital structure of 52% debt and 48% equity.

The order included an additional MPSC requirement to implement a modified lost revenue adjustment mechanism (previously proposed as a decoupling mechanism), an inclining block rate structure for electric energy supply customers, and a reduction to the authorized return on equity in the Stipulation for base electric rates from 10.25% to 10.0%. The change in return on equity reduced the electric revenue requirement increase from $7.7 million to $6.4 million. We have recognized revenue and implemented rates consistent with the MPSC's final order; however, we appealed the MPSC's decision to the Montana district court due to the required implementation of a modified lost revenue adjustment mechanism and the related reduction in return on equity and the block rate design. We exchanged counter offers with the MPSC to settle this matter. In April 2011, the MPSC accepted our district court counter offer, which removes the modified lost revenue adjustment mechanism, inclining block rate structure, and reinstates a 10.25% return on equity, previously contained in the Stipulation. In addition, to settle the district court case we agreed to a $0.7 million reduction of electric rates as compared to the original Stipulation.

Montana Electric Supply Tracker

Each year we submit electric and natural gas tracker filings for recovery of supply costs for the 12-month period ended June 30 and for the projected supply costs for the next 12-month period. The MPSC reviews such filings and makes its cost recovery determination based on whether or not our electric and natural gas energy supply procurement activities were prudent. During April 2011, the MPSC found that our electric supply costs through the period ended June 30, 2010 were prudently incurred.

Dave Gates Generating Station at Mill Creek (formerly Mill Creek Generating Station) (DGGS)

On December 31, 2010, we completed construction of DGGS, a 150 MW natural gas fired facility and began commercial operations on January 1, 2011. The facility provides regulating resources (in place of previously contracted costs for ancillary services) to balance our transmission system in Montana to maintain reliability and enable wind power to be integrated onto the network to meet renewable energy portfolio needs. Total project costs through March 31, 2011 were approximately $183

million.

Approximately 80% of our revenues related to the facility are subject to jurisdiction of the MPSC and approximately 20% are subject to jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). In October 2010, the FERC approved interim rates to reflect the estimated cost of service under Schedule 3 (Regulation and Frequency Response) of the Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT). In November 2010, the MPSC approved interim rates based on the originally estimated construction costs of $202 million. The interim rates under both orders became effective beginning January 1, 2011. The respective interim rates are subject to refund plus interest pending final resolution in both jurisdictions.

On March 31, 2011, we made a compliance filing with the MPSC that will be used to conduct a final cost review and establish final rates. As a result of the lower than estimated construction costs and estimated impact of the flow-through of accelerated tax depreciation, we also reduced our interim rate request, which the MPSC authorized to take effect beginning May 1, 2011. We anticipate this review process will take approximately nine months; however a procedural schedule has not been established.

During March 2011, we began settlement discussions with FERC Staff and large customers receiving service under Schedule 3 of the OATT. We anticipate the settlement discussions will take approximately nine months.

We have recognized revenues associated with DGGS based on our current best estimate of final resolution before the MPSC and the FERC. There is significant uncertainty related to the ultimate resolution of cost allocations between the two jurisdictions, which could result in an inability to fully recover our costs, as well as requiring us to refund more interim revenues than our current estimate.

Mountain States Transmission Intertie (MSTI) Project

We have been involved in an open season process for our proposed MSTI line . Under our original timeline, we anticipated completing the open season process by the end of 2010. During 2010, a lawsuit was filed against the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) by Jefferson County, Montana, regarding the County's ability to be more involved in the siting and routing of MSTI. On September 8, 2010, the Montana District Court agreed with Jefferson County and (i) required the MDEQ to consult with Jefferson County in the preparation of the environmental impact statement (EIS) concerning the project and (ii) enjoined the MDEQ from releasing the draft EIS until that consultation occurs. In January 2011, MDEQ appealed the decision to the Montana Supreme Court. In February 2011, we also appealed the decision to the Montana Supreme Court. In addition to this lawsuit, due to general economic conditions, lack of clarity around federal legislation on renewables and uncertainty in the California renewable standards we have extended the open season process for the proposed MSTI line until December 31, 2011. We have capitalized approximately $17.3 million of preliminary survey and investigative costs associated with the MSTI transmission project. If our efforts to complete MSTI are not successful we may have to write-off all or a portion of these costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Distribution System Infrastructure Project

In March 2011, the MPSC approved a request for an accounting order to defer and amortize certain incremental operating and maintenance costs up to $16.9 million for 2011 and 2012 over a five-year period beginning in 2013 associated with the phase-in portion of the Montana Distribution System Infrastructure Project (DSIP). The order does not specify the future regulatory treatment of the costs. We have not deferred any costs to date. We expect incremental costs related to the DSIP project to be approximately $7.2 million and $9.7 million, respectively in 2011 and 2012. In addition, we are currently projecting capital expenditures under the DSIP to be approximately $287 million over a seven-year time span beginning in 2011. We are evaluating both the form and timing of our next DSIP related filing with the MPSC. Filing alternatives could consist of (i) a formal advanced approval for the DSIP or (ii) an informational filing followed by more frequent general rate cases. Based on current circumstances, along with the MPSC's recent approval of the accounting order, we anticipate the latter.


(10)	Segment Information

Our reportable business segments are primarily engaged in the electric and natural gas business. The remainder of our operations are presented as other. While it is not considered a business unit, other primarily consists of a remaining unregulated natural gas capacity contract, the wind down of our captive insurance subsidiary and our unallocated corporate costs.

We evaluate the performance of these segments based on gross margin. The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as the parent except that the parent allocates some of its operating expenses to the operating segments

according to a methodology designed by management for internal reporting purposes and involves estimates and assumptions. Financial data for the business segments are as follows (in thousands):



Three Months Ended
March 31, 2011	Electric			Gas			Other			Eliminations		Total
Operating revenues	$	208,622		$	129,212		$	426		$	—	$	338,260
Cost of sales	84,446			77,625			—			—		162,071
Gross margin	124,176			51,587			426			—		176,189
Operating, general and administrative	45,286			21,448			649			—		67,383
Property and other taxes	18,741			6,652			3			—		25,396
Depreciation	20,354			4,953			8			—		25,315
Operating income (loss)	39,795			18,534			(234		)	—		58,095
Interest expense	(13,527		)	(2,665		)	(955		)	—		(17,147		)
Other income	615			164			26			—		805
Income tax expense	(3,921		)	(4,570		)	(687		)	—		(9,178		)
Net income (loss)	$	22,962		$	11,463		$	(1,850	)	$	—	$	32,575
Total assets	$	2,123,470		$	880,688		$	12,281		$	—	$	3,016,439
Capital expenditures	$	26,094		$	11,486		$	—		$	—	$	37,580



Three Months Ended
March 31, 2010	Electric			Gas			Other			Eliminations		Total
Operating revenues	$	203,839		$	130,019		$	315		$	—	$	334,173
Cost of sales	91,065			81,762			—			—		172,827
Gross margin	112,774			48,257			315			—		161,346
Operating, general and administrative	40,016			17,893			399			—		58,308
Property and other taxes	16,773			6,154			41			—		22,968
Depreciation	18,504			4,363			8			—		22,875
Operating income (loss)	37,481			19,847			(133		)	—		57,195
Interest expense	(13,193		)	(3,145		)	(712		)	—		(17,050		)
Other income	457			269			27			—		753
Income tax (expense) benefit	(6,534		)	(5,739		)	93			—		(12,180		)
Net income (loss)	$	18,211		$	11,232		$	(725	)	$	—	28,718
Total assets	$	1,975,156		$	824,754		$	14,727		$	—	$	2,814,637
Capital expenditures	$	52,248		$	5,548		$	—		$	—	$	57,796


(11)	Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing earnings applicable to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution of common stock equivalent shares that could occur if all unvested restricted shares were to vest. Common stock equivalent shares are calculated using the treasury stock method, as applicable. The dilutive effect is computed by dividing earnings applicable to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effect of the outstanding unvested restricted stock and performance share awards.

Average shares used in computing the basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:



	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2011	March 31, 2010
Basic computation	36,241,904	36,168,703
Dilutive effect of
Restricted stock and performance share awards (1)	221,966	337,371

Diluted computation	36,463,870	36,506,074

_________________________

(1) Performance share awards are included in diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding based upon what would be issued if the end of the most recent reporting period was the end of the term of the award.


(12)	Employee Benefit Plans

Net periodic benefit cost (income) for our pension and other postretirement plans consists of the following (in thousands):



	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	Three Months Ended March 31,						Three Months Ended March 31,
	2011			2010			2011			2010
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)
Service cost	$	2,782		$	2,333		$	126		$	121
Interest cost	6,087			6,019			327			391
Expected return on plan assets	(7,535		)	(7,353		)	(296		)	(296		)
Amortization of prior service cost	62			61			(488		)	(441		)
Recognized actuarial loss	592			—			122			495
Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)	$	1,988		$	1,060		$	(209	)	$	270

We expect to contribute approximately $11.7 million to our pension plans during 2011.


(13)	Commitments and Contingencies

ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES AND REGULATION

The operation of electric generating, transmission and distribution facilities, and gas transportation and distribution facilities, along with the development (involving site selection, environmental assessments, and permitting) and construction of these assets, are subject to extensive federal, state, and local environmental and land use laws and regulations. Our activities involve compliance with diverse laws and regulations that address emissions and impacts to air and water, and protection of natural resources. We continuously monitor federal, state, and local environmental initiatives to determine potential impacts on our financial results. As new laws or regulations are promulgated, our policy is to assess their applicability and implement the necessary modifications to our facilities or their operation to maintain ongoing compliance.

Our environmental exposure includes a number of components, including remediation expenses related to the cleanup of current or former properties, and costs to comply with changing environmental regulations related to our operations. At present, the majority of our environmental reserve relates to the remediation of former manufactured gas plant sites owned by us. We use a combination of site investigations and monitoring to formulate an estimate of environmental remediation costs for specific sites. Our monitoring procedures and development of actual remediation plans depend not only on site specific information but also on coordination with the different environmental regulatory agencies in our respective jurisdictions; therefore, while remediation exposure exists, it may be many years before costs become fixed and reliably determinable.

Our liability for environmental remediation obligations is estimated to range between $29.3 million to $38.9 million. As of March 31, 2011, we have a reserve of approximately $32.4 million. Environmental costs are recorded when it is probable we are liable for the remediation and we can reasonably estimate the liability. Over time, as specific laws are implemented and we gain experience in operating under them, a portion of the costs related to such laws will become determinable, and we may seek authorization to recover such costs in rates or seek insurance reimbursement as applicable; therefore, although we cannot guarantee regulatory recovery, we do not expect these costs to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or ongoing operations.

Manufactured Gas Plants - Approximately $27.8 million of our environmental reserve accrual is related to manufactured gas plants. A formerly operated manufactured gas plant located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, has been identified on the Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System list as contaminated with coal tar residue. We are currently investigating, characterizing, and initiating remedial actions at the Aberdeen site pursuant to work plans approved by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Our current reserve for remediation costs at this site is approximately $14.1 million, and we estimate that approximately $8.9 million of this amount will be incurred during the next five years.

We also own sites in North Platte, Kearney and Grand Island, Nebraska on which former manufactured gas facilities were located. During 2005, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) conducted Phase II investigations of soil and groundwater at our Kearney and Grand Island sites. During 2006, the NDEQ released to us the Phase II Limited Subsurface Assessments performed by the NDEQ's environmental consulting firm for Kearney and Grand Island. In February 2011, NDEQ completed an Abbreviated Preliminary Assessment and Site Investigation Reports for Grand Island, which recommended additional ground water testing. Our reserve estimate includes assumptions for additional ground water testing. At present, we cannot determine with a reasonable degree of certainty the nature and timing of any risk-based remedial action at our Nebraska locations.

In addition, we own or have responsibility for sites in Butte, Missoula and Helena, Montana on which former manufactured gas plants were located. An investigation conducted at the Missoula site did not require entry into the MDEQ voluntary remediation program, but required preparation of a groundwater monitoring plan. The Butte and Helena sites were placed into the MDEQ's voluntary remediation program for cleanup due to excess regulated pollutants in the groundwater. We have conducted additional groundwater monitoring at the Butte and Missoula sites and, at this time, we believe natural attenuation should address the conditions at these sites; however, additional groundwater monitoring will be necessary. Monitoring of groundwater at the Helena site is ongoing and will be necessary for an extended time. At this time, we cannot estimate with a reasonable degree of certainty the nature and timing of risk-based remedial action at the Helena site or if any additional actions beyond monitored natural attenuation will be required.

Global Climate Change

There are national and international efforts to adopt measures related to global climate change and the contribution of emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) including, most significantly, carbon dioxide. These efforts include legislative proposals and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations at the federal level, actions at the state level, as well as litigation relating to GHG emissions.

Specifically, coal-fired plants have come under scrutiny due to their emissions of carbon dioxide. We have joint ownership interests in four electric generating plants, all of which are coal fired and operated by other companies. We have undivided interests in these facilities and are responsible for our proportionate share of the capital and operating costs while being entitled to our proportionate share of the power generated. In addition, a significant portion of the electric supply we procure in the market is generated by coal-fired plants.

In September 2009, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled that several states and public interest groups could sue five electric utility companies under federal common law for allegedly causing a public nuisance as a result of their emissions of greenhouse gases. The decision was appealed in the U.S. Supreme Court, which has granted certiorari and is expected to hear the case this year. In October 2009, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that individuals damaged by Hurricane Katrina could sue a variety of companies that emit carbon dioxide, including electric utilities, for allegedly causing a public nuisance that contributed to their damages. In May 2010, due to a lack of quorum, the Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit dismissed its decision, which essentially reinstated the district court's dismissal of the claim. The U.S. Supreme Court has denied the plaintiffs' request to order the Fifth Circuit to hear the appeal. Additional litigation in federal and state courts over these issues is continuing.

Numerous bills have been introduced in Congress that address climate change from different perspectives, including direct regulation of GHG emissions and the establishment of Federal Renewable Portfolio Standards. We cannot predict when or if Congress will pass legislation containing climate change provisions.

The EPA issued a finding during 2009 that GHG emissions endanger the public health and welfare. The EPA's finding indicated that the current and projected levels of six GHG emissions - carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride contribute to climate change. In a related matter, in June 2010, the EPA also adopted rules that would phase in requirements for all new or modified “stationary sources,” such as power plants, that emit 100,000 tons of greenhouse gases per year or modified sources that increase emissions by 75,000 tons per year to obtain permits incorporating the “best available control technology” for such emissions. These thresholds were effective January 2, 2011, apply for six years and will be reviewed by the U.S. EPA for future applicability thereafter. Under the regulations, new and modified major stationary sources could be required to install best available control technology, to be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Also, in December 2010, the EPA entered into an agreement to settle litigation brought by states and environmental groups whereby the EPA agreed to issue New Source Performance Standards for GHG emissions from certain new and modified

electric generating units and “emissions guidelines” for existing units over the next two years. Pursuant to this settlement agreement, EPA agreed to issue proposed rules by July 2011 and final rules by May 2012.

Requirements to reduce GHG emissions from stationary sources could cause us to incur material costs of compliance. In addition, there is a gap between the possible requirements and the current capabilities of technology. The EPA has indicated that carbon capture and sequestration is not currently feasible as a GHG emission control technology. To the extent that such technology does become feasible, we can provide no assurance that it will be suitable or cost-effective for installation at the generation facilities in which we have a joint interest. We believe future legislation and regulations that affect carbon dioxide emissions from power plants are likely, although technology to efficiently capture, remove and sequester carbon dioxide emissions may not be available within a timeframe consistent with the implementation of such requirements.

Interstate Transport - On July 6, 2010, the EPA published its proposed Transport Rule as the replacement to the Clean Air Interstate Rule that had been remanded by a Federal court decision due to a number of legal deficiencies. The proposed Transport Rule is the first of a number of significant regulations that the EPA expects to issue that will impose more stringent requirements relating to air, water and waste controls on electric generating units. Beginning with the proposed Transport Rule, the air requirements are expected to be implemented through a series of increasingly stringent regulations relating to conventional air pollutants (e.g., nitrogen oxide (NO_x), sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and particulate matter) as well as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) (e.g., acid gases, mercury and other heavy metals). Under the proposal, the first phase of the NO_x and SO₂ emissions reductions under the proposed Transport Rule would commence in 2012, with further reductions of SO₂ emissions proposed to become effective in 2014.

Coal Combustion Residuals (CCRs) - In June 2010, the EPA proposed two approaches to regulating the disposal and management of CCRs under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). CCRs include fly ash, bottom ash and scrubber wastes. Under one approach, the EPA would regulate CCRs as a hazardous waste under Subtitle C of RCRA. This approach would have very significant impacts on any coal-fired plant, and would require plants to retrofit their operations to comply with full hazardous waste requirements from the generation of CCRs and associated waste waters through transportation and disposal. This could also have a negative impact on the beneficial use of CCRs and the current markets. The second approach would regulate CCRs as a solid waste under Subtitle D of RCRA. This approach would only affect disposal and most significantly affect any wet disposal operations. Under this approach, many of the current markets for beneficial uses of CCRs would not be affected. Currently, the plant operator of Colstrip Unit 4, a coal-fired generating facility in which we have a 30% interest, expects it could be significantly impacted by either approach. We cannot predict at this time the final requirements of the EPA's Transport Rule or CCR regulations and what impact, if any, they would have on our facilities, but the costs could be significant.

Hazardous Air Pollutant Emission Standards - Citing its authority under the Clean Air Act, in 2005, the EPA issued the Clean Air Act Mercury Regulations (CAMR) affecting coal-fired power plants. Since CAMR was overturned by a 2008 decision by the U.S. Circuit Court, the EPA is now proceeding to develop standards imposing Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) for mercury emissions and other hazardous air pollutants from electric generating units. In order to develop these standards, the EPA has collected information from coal- and oil-fired electric utility steam generating units. In March 2011, EPA proposed emission limits for acid gases, mercury and other hazardous metals. EPA is under a consent decree deadline to issue final MACT standards by November 2011, and compliance is statutorily required three years later. The costs of complying with the final MACT standards are not currently determinable, but could be significant.

Water Intakes - Section 316(b) of the Federal Clean Water Act requires that the location, design, construction and capacity of any cooling water intake structure reflect the “best available technology” for minimizing environmental impacts. Permits required for existing facilities are to be developed by the individual states using their best professional judgment until the EPA takes action to address several court decisions that rejected portions of previous rules and confirmed that EPA has discretion to consider costs relative to benefits in developing cooling water intake structure regulations. In March 2011, EPA proposed rules to address impingement and entrainment of aquatic organisms at existing cooling water intake structures. When final rules are issued and implemented, additional capital and/or increased operating costs may be incurred. The costs of complying with the final water intake standards are not currently determinable, but could be significant.

Regional Haze and Visibility - The Clean Air Visibility Rule was issued by the EPA in June 2005, to address regional haze or regionally-impaired visibility caused by multiple sources over a wide area. The rule requires the use of Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) for certain electric generating units to achieve emissions reductions from designated sources that are deemed to contribute to visibility impairment in Class I air quality areas. The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has proposed a draft Regional Haze State Implementation Plan (SIP), which recommends SO₂ and particulate matter emission control technology and emission rates that generally follow the EPA rules. We have a 23.4%

joint interest in Big Stone, which is potentially subject to these emission reduction requirements. At the request of the DENR, the plant operator submitted an analysis of control technologies that should be considered BART to achieve emissions reductions consistent with both the EPA and DENR rules. In addition to scrubbers that were included in the analysis, the DENR recommended Selective Catalytic Reduction technology for NO_x emission reduction instead of the plant operator recommended separated over-fire air. We are working with the joint owners to evaluate BART options. Based upon current engineering estimates, capital expenditures for these BART technologies are currently estimated to be approximately $500 - $550 million for Big Stone (our share is 23.4%).

The DENR proposes to require that BART be installed and operating as expeditiously as practicable, but no later than five years from the EPA's approval of the South Dakota Regional Haze SIP, which was filed in January 2011. We cannot predict the timing of the EPA's approval. We will not incur any costs unless the EPA approves the South Dakota Regional Haze SIP and the plant operator's plan for emissions reduction technology is accepted. We will seek to recover any such costs through the ratemaking process. The SDPUC has historically allowed timely recovery of the costs of environmental improvements; however, there is no precedent on a project of this size.

In addition, we have been notified by the operator of the Neal 4 generating facility, of which we have an 8.7% ownership, that the plant will require a scrubber similar to the Big Stone project to comply with the Clean Air Act. Capital expenditures are currently estimated to be approximately $230 - $240 million (our share is 8.7%), and are scheduled to commence in 2011 and be spread over the next three years.

Our incremental capital expenditures projections include amounts related to our share of the BART technologies at Big Stone and Neal 4 based on current estimates. Impacts could include future capital expenditures for environmental equipment beyond what is currently planned, financing costs related to additional capital expenditures and the purchase of emission allowances from market sources. We believe the cost of purchasing carbon emissions credits, or alternatively the proceeds from the sale of any excess carbon emissions credits would be included in our supply trackers and passed through to customers.

Other

We continue to manage equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) oil in accordance with the EPA's Toxic Substance Control Act regulations. We will continue to use certain PCB-contaminated equipment for its remaining useful life and will, thereafter, dispose of the equipment according to pertinent regulations that govern the use and disposal of such equipment.

We routinely engage the services of a third-party environmental consulting firm to assist in performing a comprehensive evaluation of our environmental reserve. Based upon information available at this time, we believe that the current environmental reserve properly reflects our remediation exposure for the sites currently and previously owned by us. The portion of our environmental reserve applicable to site remediation may be subject to change as a result of the following uncertainties:


•	We may not know all sites for which we are alleged or will be found to be responsible for remediation; and


•	Absent performance of certain testing at sites where we have been identified as responsible for remediation, we cannot estimate with a reasonable degree of certainty the total costs of remediation.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Colstrip Energy Limited Partnership

In December 2006 and June 2007, the MPSC issued orders relating to certain QF long-term rates for the period July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2006. Colstrip Energy Limited Partnership (CELP) is a QF with which we have a power purchase agreement through June 2024. Under the terms of the power purchase agreement with CELP, energy and capacity rates were fixed through June 30, 2004 (with a small portion to be set by the MPSC's determination of rates in the annual avoided cost filing), and beginning July 1, 2004 through the end of the contract, energy and capacity rates are to be determined each year pursuant to a formula, with the rates to be used in that formula derived from the annual MPSC QF rate review. CELP initially appealed the MPSC's orders and then, in July 2007, filed a complaint against NorthWestern and the MPSC in Montana district court, which contested the MPSC's orders. CELP disputed inputs into the underlying rates used in the formula, which initially are calculated by us and reviewed by the MPSC on an annual basis, to calculate energy and capacity payments for the contract years 2004-2005 and 2005-2006. CELP claimed that NorthWestern breached the power purchase agreement causing damages, which CELP asserted to be approximately $23 million for contract years 2004-2005 and 2005-2006. The parties stipulated that

NorthWestern would not implement the final derived rates resulting from the MPSC orders, pending an ultimate decision on CELP's complaint. The Montana district court, on June 30, 2008, granted both a motion by the MPSC to bifurcate, having the effect of separating the issues between contract/tort claims against us and the administrative appeal of the MPSC's orders and a motion by us to refer the claims against us to arbitration. The order also stayed the appellate decision pending a decision in the arbitration proceedings. Arbitration was held in June 2009 and the arbitration panel entered its interim award in August 2009, holding that although NorthWestern failed to use certain data inputs required by the power purchase agreement, CELP was entitled to neither damages for contract years 2004-2005 or 2005-2006, nor to recalculation of the underlying MPSC filings for those years, effectively finalizing CELP's contract rates for those years. We requested clarification from the arbitration panel as to its intent regarding the applicable rates. On November 2, 2009, we received the final award from the arbitration panel which confirmed that the filed rates for 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 are not required to be recalculated. In affirming its interim award, the arbitration panel also denied CELP's request for attorney fees, holding that each party would be responsible for its own fees. On June 15, 2010, the Montana district court confirmed the final arbitration panel award and denied CELP's motion to vacate, modify or correct the award. CELP has appealed the decision to the Montana Supreme Court (MSC). We participated in a court-ordered mediation with CELP on September 13, 2010, but were unable to resolve the claims. All appellate briefs have been submitted to the MSC, which has advised the parties that it will not hold oral argument on the appeal. Thus, we await a decision on the merits by the MSC. On October 31, 2010, NorthWestern filed with the MPSC, consistent with the direction of the arbitration panel, for a determination of the inputs that will be used to calculate contract rates for periods subsequent to June 30, 2006. Due to the uncertainty around resolution of this matter, we currently are unable to predict its outcome. In addition, settlement discussions concerning these claims are ongoing.

Gonzales

We are a defendant - along with the Montana Power Company (MPC) and pre-bankruptcy NorthWestern Corporation (NOR) - in an action (Gonzales Action) pending in the Montana Second Judicial District Court, Butte-Silver Bow County (Montana State Court), alleging fraud, constructive fraud and violations of the Unfair Claim Settlement Practices Act all arising out of the adjustment of workers' compensation claims. Putnam and Associates, the third party administrator of such workers' compensation claims, also is a defendant.

The Gonzales Action was first filed on December 18, 1999, against MPC (NOR acquired MPC in 2002) and was stayed due to the chapter 11 bankruptcy filing of NOR. On August 10, 2005, the Bankruptcy Court approved a “Bankruptcy Settlement Stipulation” which permitted the Gonzales Action to proceed, assigned to plaintiffs NOR's interest in MPC's insurance policies (to the extent applicable to the allegations made by plaintiffs), released NOR from any and all obligations to the plaintiffs concerning such claims, and preserved plaintiffs' right to pursue claims arising after November 1, 2004, relating to the adjustment of workers' compensation claims. To date, no insurance carrier has indicated that coverage is available for any of the claims.

We and Putnam and Associates have agreed to settle the Gonzales Action and have executed a settlement agreement which remains subject to the approval of the Montana State Court. We paid the settlement agreement amount of $2.5 million to the Clerk of the Montana State Court in full satisfaction of all Gonzales Action claims. The Clerk of the Montana State Court will hold these funds pending final Montana State Court approval of the settlement, which could take approximately 12 months.

Maryland Street

On March 16, 2009, Monsignor John F. McCarthy, the duly appointed personal representative for the Estate of his brother, Father James C. McCarthy, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against NorthWestern and one of our employees in the District Court of Butte-Silver Bow County, Montana for injuries that Fr. McCarthy received in an April 2007 natural gas explosion at his residence. The lawsuit alleged negligence and strict liability with respect to the maintenance and operation of the natural gas distribution system that served the residence. Fr. McCarthy died in November 2007, allegedly because of injuries sustained in the explosion. The plaintiff sought unspecified compensatory and punitive damages and other equitable relief, costs and attorneys' fees. The lawsuit was settled in January 2011 without a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The District Court signed a stipulated motion for dismissal, with prejudice, on March 29, 2011.

Bozeman Explosion

On March 5, 2009, a natural gas explosion occurred in downtown Bozeman, Montana, resulting in one fatality, the destruction of or damage to several buildings and the businesses in them, and damage to other nearby properties and businesses. Thirty-three lawsuits have been filed against NorthWestern in the District Court of Gallatin County, Montana, and a number of additional claims not currently in litigation also have been made against us. We have approximately $150 million of

insurance coverage available for known and potential claims arising from the explosion. We tendered our self-insured retention under those policies to our insurance carriers, who accepted the tender and assumed the defense and handling of the existing and potential additional lawsuits and claims arising from the incident.

Settlements were reached in eight cases, including the wrongful death case, during mediations in November 2010, and we subsequently have settled a number of the remaining cases and claims. There are currently thirteen remaining property damage and business loss cases pending, three of which are scheduled for trial in the fall of 2011. While we cannot predict an outcome, we intend to continue vigorously defending against the lawsuits. An additional number of claims not in litigation remain pending and are being handled by our primary insurance carrier.

We are also subject to various other legal proceedings, governmental audits and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these other actions will not materially affect our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.


ITEM 2.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

NorthWestern Corporation, doing business as Northwestern Energy, provides electricity and natural gas to approximately 665,000 customers in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. For a discussion of NorthWestern’s business strategy, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

SUMMARY

Significant achievements during the three months ended March 31, 2011 include:


•	Improvement in net income of approximately $3.9 million as compared with 2010, due primarily to improved margin and lower income tax expense, offset in part by increased operating expenses;


•	Began commercial operations of the 150 MW Dave Gates Generating Station at Mill Creek on January 1, 2011, with total project costs of approximately $183 million (see additional discussion below);


•	Received approval from the MPSC of an accounting order to defer and amortize certain incremental operating and maintenance costs up to $16.9 million for 2011 and 2012 associated with our Distribution System Infrastructure Project;


•	Upgrade of our senior secured and senior unsecured credit ratings by Moody's Investors Service (Moody's); and


•	Entering into a commercial paper program under which we may issue unsecured commercial paper notes on a private placement basis up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time of $250 million to provide an alternative financing source to fund short-term liquidity needs.

Supply Investments

Dave Gates Generating Station at Mill Creek

On March 19, 2011, our Vice President of Wholesale Operations, David G. Gates, was tragically killed in a private plane crash. On March 26, 2011 our Board of Directors renamed the Mill Creek Generating Station as the Dave Gates Generating Station at Mill Creek (DGGS) to posthumously recognize Gates’ significant contributions to the company. On December 31, 2010, we completed construction of DGGS, a 150 MW natural gas fired facility and began commercial operations on January 1, 2011. The facility provides regulating resources (in place of previously contracted costs for ancillary services) to balance our transmission system in Montana to maintain reliability and enable wind power to be integrated onto the network to meet renewable energy portfolio needs.

Approximately 80% of our revenues related to the facility are subject to jurisdiction of the MPSC and approximately 20% are subject to jurisdiction of the FERC. In October 2010, the FERC approved interim rates to reflect the estimated cost of service under Schedule 3 of the OATT. In November 2010, the MPSC approved interim rates based on the originally estimated construction costs of $202 million. The interim rates under both orders became effective beginning January 1, 2011. The respective interim rates are subject to refund plus interest pending final resolution in both jurisdictions.

As compared to the year ended December 31, 2010, we expect the inclusion of DGGS in rate base to positively impact net income by approximately $6 - $8 million in 2011 after considering allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) capitalized during 2010, lower than estimated construction costs, lower debt rates and the estimated impact of the flow-through of accelerated tax depreciation. There is significant uncertainty regarding the ultimate resolution of cost allocations between the MPSC and FERC jurisdictions, and we have recognized revenues associated with DGGS based on our current best estimate of final resolution. The ultimate resolution of the allocation of costs between jurisdictions could result in an inability to fully recover our costs, as well as requiring us to refund more interim revenues than our current estimate and have a material adverse affect on our results of operations.

Wind Generation

We had previously announced entering into memoranda of understanding with two wind developers that would have provided approximately 48 MWs. We have decided to move forward with only one of those developers. In April 2011, we executed an agreement to purchase a wind project in Judith Basin County in Montana to be developed and constructed by Spion Kop Wind, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Compass Wind, LLC (Compass) that would provide approximately 40 MWs of capacity for $77.9 million, with an estimate for the total project of approximately $85 - $90 million. Both the energy and associated renewable energy credits will be placed into the electric supply portfolio and used to meet future renewable portfolio standards obligations.

The purchase is conditioned on pre-approval by the MPSC to include the project in regulated rate base as an electric supply resource. We expect to file an application for pre-approval with the MPSC during the second quarter of 2011, which would be followed by a procedural process of up to nine months. If the MPSC fails to grant approval on or before April 1, 2012, then either party may terminate this agreement. Material construction would not commence until we receive a favorable ruling from the MPSC, with commercial operation projected to begin by the end of 2012.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Our consolidated results include the results of our reportable business segments, which are primarily engaged in the electric and natural gas business. The overall consolidated discussion is followed by a detailed discussion of gross margin by segment.

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

The following discussion includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as another financial measure, Gross Margin, that is considered a “non-GAAP financial measure.” Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s financial performance, financial position or cash flows that exclude (or include) amounts that are included in (or excluded from) the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Gross Margin (Revenues less Cost of Sales) is a non-GAAP financial measure due to the exclusion of depreciation from the measure. The presentation of Gross Margin is intended to supplement investors’ understanding of our operating performance. Gross Margin is used by us to determine whether we are collecting the appropriate amount of energy costs from customers to allow recovery of operating costs. Our Gross Margin measure may not be comparable to other companies’ Gross Margin measure. Furthermore, this measure is not intended to replace operating income as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of operating performance.

OVERALL CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 Compared with the Three Months Ended March 31, 2010



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2011		2010		Change			% Change
	(in millions)
Operating Revenues
Electric	$	208.6	$	203.8	$	4.8		2.4	%
Natural Gas	129.2		130.0		(0.8		)	(0.6	)
Other	0.4		0.3		0.1			33.3
	$	338.2	$	334.1	$	4.1		1.2	%



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2011		2010		Change			% Change
	(in millions)
Cost of Sales
Electric	$	84.4	$	91.0	$	(6.6	)	(7.3	)%
Natural Gas	77.6		81.8		(4.2		)	(5.1	)
	$	162.0	$	172.8	$	(10.8	)	(6.3	)%



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2011		2010		Change		% Change
	(in millions)
Gross Margin
Electric	$	124.2	$	112.8	$	11.4	10.1	%
Natural Gas	51.6		48.2		3.4		7.1
Other	0.4		0.3		0.1		33.3
	$	176.2	$	161.3	$	14.9	9.2	%

Consolidated gross margin was $176.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $14.9 million, or 9.2%, from gross margin in 2010. Primary components of this change include the following:



	Gross Margin 2011 vs. 2010
	(in millions)
DGGS interim rates (subject to refund)	$	7.5
Electric and natural gas retail volumes	6.2
Montana electric rate increase	1.9
Expiration of a power sales agreement	1.5
South Dakota wholesale electric	(0.7		)
Transmission capacity	(0.6		)
Reclamation settlement received during 2010	(0.5		)
Montana natural gas rate decrease	(0.3		)
Other	(0.1		)
Increase in Consolidated Gross Margin	$	14.9

This $14.9 million increase in gross margin includes the following:


•	DGGS revenues based on our current best estimate of final resolution of applicable rate proceedings as discussed above in the "Summary" section. DGGS rates charged to Montana retail customers are based on total Montana retail volumes and will fluctuate quarterly based on the cyclical nature of our business;


•	An increase in electric and natural gas retail volumes due primarily to colder winter weather;


•	An increase in Montana electric transmission and distribution rates; and


•	The expiration in December 2010 of a power sales agreement related to Colstrip Unit 4.

These increases were partly offset by the following:


•	Lower wholesale electric sales in South Dakota;


•	Lower transmission capacity revenues due to decreased demand;


•	Higher cost of sales due to a settlement in 2010 to recover previously incurred reclamation costs associated with the coal supply at Colstrip; and


•	A decrease in Montana natural gas transmission and distribution rates.



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2011		2010		Change		% Change
	(in millions)
Operating Expenses (excluding cost of sales)
Operating, general and administrative	$	67.4	$	58.3	$	9.1	15.6	%
Property and other taxes	25.4		23.0		2.4		10.4
Depreciation	25.3		22.9		2.4		10.5
	$	118.1	$	104.2	$	13.9	13.3	%

Consolidated operating, general and administrative expenses were $67.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, as compared with $58.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Primary components of this change include the following:



	Operating, General & Administrative Expenses
	2011 vs. 2010
	(Millions of Dollars)
Labor	$	3.4
Operating and maintenance	2.0
Insurance reserves	1.3
DGGS	1.3
Pension	0.4
Other	0.7
Increase in Operating, General & Administrative Expenses	$	9.1

The increase in operating, general and administrative expenses of $9.1 million was primarily due to the following:


•	Increased labor costs due primarily to compensation increases and more time spent by employees on maintenance projects (which are expensed) rather than capital projects;


•	Increased operating and maintenance costs, primarily due to proactive line maintenance;


•	Higher insurance reserves due to workers compensation and general liability matters. In addition, results for the three months ended March 31, 2010 included a favorable arbitration decision of $0.8 million;


•	The operations of DGGS in 2011; and


•	Higher pension expense, however, based on current assumptions we expect the annual pension expense for 2011 to be comparable with 2010 due to the regulatory treatment of our Montana pension plan.

Property and other taxes was $25.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared with $23.0 million in the first quarter of 2010, due primarily to plant additions, including the addition of DGGS.

Depreciation expense was $25.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared with $22.9 million in the first quarter of 2010. This increase was primarily due to plant additions, including DGGS.

Consolidated operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $58.1 million, as compared with $57.2 million in the first quarter of 2010. This increase was primarily due to an increase in gross margin partially offset by higher operating, general and administrative expenses discussed above.

Consolidated interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2011 remained flat as compared to the same period in 2010, with lower rates on debt outstanding offset by lower capitalization of AFUDC as DGGS began operating in January 2011.

Consolidated income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $9.2 million as compared with a $12.2 million in the same period of 2010. The effective tax rate in 2011 was 22.0% as compared with 29.8% for the same period of 2010. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the regulatory flow-through treatment of state accelerated depreciation deductions.

In September 2010, the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 was signed into law extending bonus depreciation. This Act

provides a bonus tax depreciation deduction ranging from 50% - 100% for qualified property acquired or constructed and

placed into service during 2010 - 2012. We are continuing to assess the impact of this Act due to our regulatory tax accounting

method that provides for the flow-through of certain state tax adjustments, including accelerated depreciation. Based on guidance from the Internal Revenue Service, we believe DGGS will qualify for a 50% bonus tax depreciation deduction in 2011. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, we recognized a total bonus depreciation related tax benefit of approximately $2.6 million as compared with no related benefit during the same period in 2010.

We currently expect our effective tax rate to range between 20% - 24% for 2011. We are currently reviewing tax planning strategies that may allow us to utilize more state NOL carryforwards that were set to expire in 2010 than our original estimate. This could result in a favorable tax benefit. We anticipate finalizing our review and filing our 2010 Federal tax return during the second quarter of 2011.

Consolidated net income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $32.6 million as compared with $28.7 million for the first quarter of 2010. This increase was primarily due to higher operating income and lower income tax expense as discussed above.

ELECTRIC SEGMENT

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 Compared with the Three Months Ended March 31, 2010



	Results
	2011		2010		Change			% Change
	(in millions)
Retail revenue	$	196.2	$	170.4	$	25.8		15.1	%
Transmission	10.9		11.5		(0.6		)	(5.2	)
Wholesale	0.3		11.0		(10.7		)	(97.3	)
Regulatory amortization and other	1.2		10.9		(9.7		)	(89.0	)
Total Revenues	208.6		203.8		4.8			2.4
Total Cost of Sales	84.4		91.0		(6.6		)	(7.3	)
Gross Margin	$	124.2	$	112.8	$	11.4		10.1	%



	Revenues				Megawatt Hours (MWH)		Avg. Customer Counts
	2011		2010		2011	2010	2011	2010
	(in thousands)
Retail Electric
Montana	$	75,663	$	63,596	731	680	272,526	270,923
South Dakota	13,393		12,845		179	176	48,705	48,422
Residential	89,056		76,441		910	856	321,231	319,345
Montana	77,133		66,218		820	788	61,459	60,799
South Dakota	16,309		15,808		238	238	11,789	11,622
Commercial	93,442		82,026		1,058	1,026	73,248	72,421
Industrial	9,183		7,767		692	676	72	71
Other	4,520		4,205		24	24	4,620	4,623
Total Retail Electric	$	196,201	$	170,439	2,684	2,582	399,171	396,460
Wholesale Electric
Montana	$	—	$	9,934	—	204	N/A	N/A
South Dakota	309		1,078		31	39	N/A	N/A
Total Wholesale Electric	$	309	$	11,012	31	243	—	—

The following summarizes the components of the changes in electric margin for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:



	Gross Margin 2011 vs. 2010
	(Millions of Dollars)
DGGS interim rates (subject to refund)	$	7.5
Retail volumes	3.1
Montana electric rate increase	1.9
Expiration of a power sales agreement	1.5
South Dakota wholesale	(0.7		)
Operating expenses recovered in supply trackers	(0.7		)
Transmission capacity	(0.6		)
Reclamation settlement received during 2010	(0.5		)
Other	(0.1		)
Increase in Gross Margin	$	11.4

The improvement in margin is primarily due to DGGS interim rates, as discussed above, an increase in retail volumes due primarily to colder weather in Montana and to a lesser extent customer growth, an increase in Montana rates, and the expiration in December 2010 of a power sales agreement related to Colstrip Unit 4.

These increases were offset in part by lower wholesale sales in South Dakota at lower average prices, lower revenues for operating expenses recovered in supply trackers primarily related to customer efficiency programs, a decline in transmission capacity demand, and the inclusion in the first quarter of 2010 of a settlement to recover previously incurred reclamation costs associated with the coal supply at Colstrip, which reduced cost of sales. Demand for transmission capacity can fluctuate substantially from year to year based on weather and market conditions in states to the South and West. For example, increased availability of local natural gas fired generation due to low natural gas prices and increased generation in the Pacific Northwest due to favorable hydro conditions may make it more economically viable to utilize local generation rather than transmit electricity from Montana over our transmission lines. We expect Pacific Northwest hydro conditions will continue to negatively affect demand for transmission capacity during the second quarter of 2011.

Retail volumes increased primarily due to colder weather and customer growth. Wholesale volumes decreased in South Dakota from lower plant utilization due to market conditions. We no longer have Montana wholesale volumes due to the expiration of a remaining wholesale supply contract associated with Colstrip. Beginning January 1, 2011 these volumes are used to supply our retail demand.

NATURAL GAS SEGMENT

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 Compared with the Three Months Ended March 31, 2010



	Results
	2011		2010		Change			% Change
	(in millions)
Retail revenue	$	121.0	$	118.4	$	2.6		2.2	%
Wholesale and other	8.2		11.6		(3.4		)	(29.3	)
Total Revenues	129.2		130.0		(0.8		)	(0.6	)
Total Cost of Sales	77.6		81.8		(4.2		)	(5.1	)
Gross Margin	$	51.6	$	48.2	$	3.4		7.1	%



	Revenues				Dekatherms (Dkt)		Customer Counts
	2011		2010		2011	2010	2011	2010
	(in thousands)
Retail Gas
Montana	$	51,100	$	44,620	5,638	4,954	159,029	158,294
South Dakota	13,306		14,551		1,599	1,567	37,712	37,574
Nebraska	11,486		12,833		1,382	1,448	36,949	36,875
Residential	75,892		72,004		8,619	7,969	233,690	232,743
Montana	26,438		22,413		2,915	2,484	22,273	22,090
South Dakota	9,302		13,268		1,332	1,732	5,954	5,962
Nebraska	8,242		9,506		1,287	1,355	4,636	4,606
Commercial	43,982		45,187		5,534	5,571	32,863	32,658
Industrial	691		826		78	94	282	292
Other	449		390		58	51	145	146
Total Retail Gas	$	121,014	$	118,407	14,289	13,685	266,980	265,839



	2011 as compared with:
Heating Degree-Days	2010	Historic Average
Montana	11% Colder	4% Colder
South Dakota	2% Colder	11% Colder
Nebraska	3% Warmer	5% Colder

The following summarizes the components of the changes in natural gas margin for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:



	Gross Margin 2011 vs. 2010
	(Millions of Dollars)
Retail volumes	$	3.1
Operating expenses recovered in supply trackers	0.7
Montana natural gas rate decrease	(0.3		)
Other	(0.1		)
Increase in Gross Margin	$	3.4

This increase in margin was primarily due to colder winter weather in Montana and South Dakota and higher revenues for operating expenses recovered in supply trackers primarily related to customer efficiency programs. These increases were offset in part by a decrease in Montana natural gas rates. Our wholesale and other revenues are largely gross margin neutral as they are offset by changes in cost of sales. In addition, average natural gas supply prices increased resulting in higher retail revenues and cost of sales in 2011 as compared with 2010, with no impact to gross margin.

Retail residential and commercial volumes increased in Montana due to colder weather and customer growth. Retail residential volumes increased in South Dakota due to colder weather, while commercial volumes declined in South Dakota due primarily to higher usage for grain drying requirements during the first quarter of 2010.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We utilize short-term borrowings, including our revolving credit facility and commercial paper program to manage our cash flows due to the seasonality of our business, and utilize any cash on hand in excess of current operating requirements to invest in our business and reduce borrowings. As of March 31, 2011, our total net liquidity was approximately $170.7 million, including $7.2 million of cash and $163.5 million of revolving credit facility availability. Revolving credit facility availability was $186.5 million as of April 22, 2011.

The following table presents additional information about short term borrowings during the first quarter of 2011 (in millions):



March 31, 2011	Short-term Borrowings
Amount outstanding	$	86.0
Weighted average interest rate	0.42		%
Daily average amount outstanding	$	103.0
Weighted average interest rate	2.14		%
Maximum amount outstanding	$	153.0

Factors Impacting our Liquidity

Supply Costs - Our operations are subject to seasonal fluctuations in cash flow. During the heating season, which is primarily from November through March, cash receipts from natural gas sales and transportation services typically exceed cash requirements. During the summer months, cash on hand, together with the seasonal increase in cash flows and utilization of our existing revolver, are used to purchase natural gas to place in storage, perform maintenance and make capital improvements.

The effect of this seasonality on our liquidity is also impacted by changes in the market prices of our electric and natural gas supply, which is recovered through various monthly cost tracking mechanisms. These energy supply tracking mechanisms are designed to provide stable and timely recovery of supply costs on a monthly basis during the July to June annual tracking period, with an adjustment in the following annual tracking period to correct for any under or over collection in our monthly trackers. Due to the lag between our purchases of electric and natural gas commodities and revenue receipt from customers, cyclical over and under collection situations arise consistent with the seasonal fluctuations discussed above; therefore we usually under collect in the fall and winter and over collect in the spring. Fluctuations in recoveries under our cost tracking mechanisms can have a significant effect on cash flow from operations and make year-to-year comparisons difficult.

As of March 31, 2011, we are under collected on our current Montana natural gas and electric trackers by approximately $2.7 million, as compared with an under collection of $14.1 million as of December 31, 2010, and an under collection of $4.0 million as of March 31, 2010.

Dodd-Frank – On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed into law new federal financial reform legislation, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. This financial reform legislation includes a provision that requires over-the-counter derivative transactions to be executed through an exchange or centrally cleared. Such clearing requirements would result in a significant change from our current practice of bilateral transactions and negotiated credit terms. An exemption to such clearing requirements is outlined in the legislation, and included in proposed regulations, for end users that enter into hedges to mitigate commercial risk. We expect to qualify under the end user exemption. At the same time, the

legislation includes provisions under which the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) may impose collateral requirements for transactions, including those that are used to hedge commercial risk. In addition, although the CFTC's proposed rules would not impose specific margin requirements on end users, the CFTC's proposed regulations would require swap dealers and major swap participants to have credit support arrangements with their end user counterparties. In addition, to the extent that our counterparties were banking entities, proposed rules issued by banking regulators would require the banking entities to calculate credit exposure limits for end user counterparties and collect margin when the credit exposure exceeds the limit.

Therefore, despite the end user exemption, concern remains that counterparties that do not qualify for the exemption will pass along the increased cost and margin requirements through higher prices and reductions in unsecured credit limits. We are unable to assess the impact of the financial reform legislation pending issuance of the final regulations implementing these provisions, which will not take effect until the later of July 16, 2011, or at least 60 days following publication of the applicable final rule.

Credit Ratings

Credit ratings impact our ability to obtain short- and long-term financing, the cost of such financing, and vendor payment terms, including collateral requirements. These ratings indicate the agencies’ assessment of our ability to pay interest and principal when due on our debt. Fitch Ratings (Fitch), Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s Ratings Service (S&P) are independent credit-rating agencies that rate our debt securities. As of April 22, 2011, our current ratings with these agencies are as follows:



	Senior Secured Rating	Senior Unsecured Rating	Commercial Paper	Outlook
Fitch	A-	BBB+	N/A	Stable
Moody’s	A2	Baa1	Prime-2	Stable
S&P	A-	BBB	A-2	Stable

In general, less favorable credit ratings make debt financing more costly and more difficult to obtain on terms that are favorable to us and impact our trade credit availability. A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. Such rating may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the credit rating agency and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our consolidated cash flows (in millions):



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2011			2010
Operating Activities
Net income	$	32.6		$	28.7
Non-cash adjustments to net income	45.6			39.9
Changes in working capital	41.2			33.0
Other	2.7			4.7
	122.1			106.3

Investing Activities
Property, plant and equipment additions	(37.6		)	(57.8		)
	(37.6		)	(57.8		)

Financing Activities
Net repayment of debt	(70.6		)	(33.4		)
Dividends on common stock	(13.0		)	(12.2		)
Other	0.1			(0.1		)
	(83.5		)	(45.7		)

Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	1.0		$	2.8
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	$	6.2		$	4.3
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	$	7.2		$	7.1

Cash Provided by Operating Activities

As of March 31, 2011, cash and cash equivalents were $7.2 million as compared with $6.2 million at December 31, 2010 and $7.1 million at March 31, 2010. Cash provided by operating activities totaled $122.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared with $106.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010. This increase in operating cash flows is primarily related to improvements in the collection of our supply costs discussed above and increased net income.

Cash Used in Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities decreased by approximately $20.2 million as compared with the first quarter of 2010 due primarily to additions related to the DGGS project in the prior year.

Cash Used in Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities totaled approximately $83.5 million in the first quarter of 2011 as compared with approximately $45.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010. During the first quarter of 2011, net cash used in financing activities consisted of the net revolving credit facility repayments of $153.0 million, net issuance of commercial paper of $86.0 million, the repayment of long-term debt of $3.6 million and the payment of dividends of $13.0 million. During the first quarter of 2010 we made debt repayments of $33.4 million and paid dividends on common stock of $12.2 million.

Financing Activities - On February 8, 2011, we entered into a commercial paper program under which we may issue unsecured commercial paper notes on a private placement basis up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time of $250 million to provide an additional financing source for our short-term liquidity needs. The maturities of the commercial paper issuances will vary, but may not exceed 270 days from the date of issue. Commercial paper issuances are supported by available capacity under our $250 million unsecured revolving line of credit, which expires in June 2012.

Sources and Uses of Funds

We require liquidity to support and grow our business and use our liquidity for working capital needs, capital expenditures, investments in or acquisitions of assets, to repay debt and, from time to time, to repurchase common stock. We anticipate that our ongoing liquidity requirements will be satisfied through a combination of operating cash flows, borrowings, and as necessary, the issuance of debt or equity securities, consistent with our objective of maintaining a capital structure that will support a strong investment grade credit rating on a long-term basis. The amount of capital expenditures and dividends are subject to certain factors including the use of existing cash, cash equivalents and the receipt of cash from operations. A material adverse change in operations or available financing could impact our ability to fund our current liquidity and capital resource requirements, and we may defer capital expenditures as necessary.

Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments

We have a variety of contractual obligations and other commitments that require payment of cash at certain specified periods. The following table summarizes our contractual cash obligations and commitments as of March 31, 2011. See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 for additional discussion.



	Total		2011		2012		2013		2014		2015		Thereafter
	(in thousands)
Long-term Debt	$	911,753	$	2,958	$	3,792	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	905,003
Capital Leases	35,257		969		1,370		1,468		1,582		1,705		28,163
Notes Payable	85,989		85,989		—		—		—		—		—
Future minimum operating lease payments	4,277		1,398		1,569		638		291		142		239
Estimated Pension and Other Postretirement Obligations (1)	71,417		14,617		15,400		13,800		13,800		13,800		N/A
Qualifying Facilities (2)	1,317,861		49,178		67,111		69,816		72,354		74,135		985,267
Supply and Capacity Contracts (3)	1,621,924		255,711		249,434		214,933		136,526		98,990		666,330
Contractual interest payments on debt (4)	559,420		38,233		50,861		50,565		50,565		50,565		318,631
Total Commitments (5)	$	4,607,898	$	449,053	$	389,537	$	351,220	$	275,118	$	239,337	$	2,903,633

_________________________


(1)	We have only estimated cash obligations related to our pension and other postretirement benefit programs for five years, as it is not practicable to estimate thereafter. These estimates reflect our expected cash contributions, which may be in excess of minimum funding requirements.


(2)	The QFs require us to purchase minimum amounts of energy at prices ranging from $65 to $167 per MWH through 2029. Our estimated gross contractual obligation related to the QFs is approximately $1.3 billion. A portion of the costs incurred to purchase this energy is recoverable through rates authorized by the MPSC, totaling approximately $1.0 billion.


(3)	We have entered into various purchase commitments, largely purchased power, coal and natural gas supply and natural gas transportation contracts. These commitments range from one to 19 years.


(4)	We have assumed a weighted average interest rate of 0.42% on outstanding short-term borrowing amounts through maturity.


(5)	Potential tax payments related to uncertain tax positions are not practicable to estimate and have been excluded from this table.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that are believed to be proper and reasonable under the circumstances.

As of March 31, 2011, there have been no significant changes with regard to the critical accounting policies disclosed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. The policies disclosed included the accounting for the following: goodwill and long-lived assets, qualifying facilities liability, revenue recognition, regulatory assets and liabilities, pension and postretirement benefit plans, and income taxes. We continually evaluate the appropriateness of our estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.


ITEM 3.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risks, including, but not limited to, interest rates, energy commodity price volatility, and credit exposure. Management has established comprehensive risk management policies and procedures to manage these market risks.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risks include exposure to adverse interest rate movements for outstanding variable rate debt and for future anticipated financings. We manage our interest rate risk by issuing primarily fixed-rate long-term debt with varying maturities, refinancing certain debt and, at times, hedging the interest rate on anticipated borrowings. All of our debt has fixed interest rates, with the exception of our revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility bears interest at the lower of prime or available rates tied to the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a credit spread, ranging from 2.25% to 4.0% over LIBOR. To more cost effectively meet short-term cash requirements, we established a program where we may issue commercial paper; which is supported by our revolving credit facility. Since commercial paper terms are short-term, we are subject to interest rate risk. As of March 31, 2011, we had approximately $86.0 million of commercial paper outstanding and no borrowings on our revolving credit facility. A 1% increase in interest rates would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $0.9 million.

Commodity Price Risk

Commodity price risk is a significant risk due to our minimal ownership of natural gas reserves and our reliance on market purchases to fulfill a large portion of our electric supply requirements within the Montana market. We also participate in the wholesale electric market to balance our supply of power from our own generating resources, primarily in South Dakota. Several factors influence price levels and volatility. These factors include, but are not limited to, seasonal changes in demand, weather conditions, available generating assets within regions, transportation availability and reliability within and between regions, fuel availability, market liquidity, and the nature and extent of current and potential federal and state regulations.

As part of our overall strategy for fulfilling our electric and natural gas supply requirements, we employ the use of market purchases, including forward purchase and sales contracts. These types of contracts are included in our supply portfolios and are used to manage price volatility risk by taking advantage of seasonal fluctuations in market prices. While we may incur gains or losses on individual contracts, the overall portfolio approach is intended to provide price stability for consumers. As a regulated utility, our exposure to market risk caused by changes in commodity prices is substantially mitigated because these commodity costs are included in our cost tracking mechanisms and are recoverable from customers subject to prudence reviews by applicable state regulatory commissions.

Counterparty Credit Risk

We are exposed to counterparty credit risk related to the ability of our counterparties to meet their contractual payment obligations, and the potential non-performance of counterparties to deliver contracted commodities or services at the contracted price. We have risk management policies in place to limit our transactions to high quality counterparties, and continue to monitor closely the status of our counterparties, and will take action, as appropriate, to further manage this risk. This includes, but is not limited to, requiring letters of credit or prepayment terms. There can be no assurance, however, that the management tools we employ will eliminate the risk of loss.


ITEM 4.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We have established disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and accumulated and reported to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

We conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

See Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, to the Financial Statements for information about legal proceedings.


ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the risk factors described below, as well as all other information available to you, before making an investment in our common stock or other securities.

We are subject to extensive and changing governmental laws and regulations that affect our industry and our operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and results of operations.

The profitability of our operations is dependent on our ability to recover the costs of providing energy and utility services to our customers and earn a return on our capital investment in our utility operations. We provide service at rates approved by one or more regulatory commissions. These rates are generally regulated based on an analysis of our costs incurred in a historical test year. Thus, the rates we are allowed to charge may or may not match our costs at any given time. While rate regulation is premised on providing a reasonable opportunity to earn a reasonable rate of return on invested capital, there can be no assurance that the applicable regulatory commission will judge all of our costs to have been prudently incurred or that the regulatory process in which rates are determined will always result in rates that will produce full recovery of such costs. In addition, supply costs are recovered through adjustment charges that are periodically reset to reflect current and projected costs. Inability to recover costs in rates or adjustment clauses could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and results of operations.

We are also subject to the jurisdiction of FERC with regard to electric system reliability standards. We must comply with the standards and requirements established, which apply to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) functions for which we have registered in both the Midwest Reliability Organization for our South Dakota operations and the Western Electricity Coordination Council for our Montana operations. The FERC can now impose penalties for violation of FERC statutes, rules and orders of $1 million per violation per day. In addition, more than 120 electric reliability standards are mandatory and subject to potential financial penalties by NERC or FERC for violations. If a serious reliability incident did occur, it could have a material adverse effect on our operations or financial results.

In addition, existing regulations may be revised or reinterpreted, new laws, regulations, and interpretations thereof may be adopted or become applicable to us and future changes in laws and regulations may have a detrimental effect on our business. In July 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which is intended to improve regulation of financial markets was signed into law. Certain provisions of the Act relating to derivatives could result in increased capital and/or collateral requirements. Despite certain exemptions in the law, we will not know if we qualify for the exemptions until the rule making has been completed, and, even if we qualify for the exemptions, concern remains that counterparties that do not qualify for the exemption will pass along the increased cost and margin requirements through higher prices and reductions in unsecured credit limits. We are unable to assess the impact of the financial reform legislation pending issuance of the final regulations implementing these provisions.

We are subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations and potential environmental liabilities, which could result in significant costs and liabilities.

We are subject to extensive laws and regulations imposed by federal, state, and local government authorities in the ordinary course of operations with regard to the environment, including environmental laws and regulations relating to air and water quality, solid waste disposal, coal ash and other environmental considerations. We believe that we are in compliance with environmental regulatory requirements and that maintaining compliance with current requirements will not materially affect our financial position or results of operations; however, possible future developments, including the promulgation of more stringent environmental laws and regulations, and the timing of future enforcement proceedings that may be taken by environmental authorities could affect the costs and the manner in which we conduct our business and could require us to make substantial additional capital expenditures.

There are national and international efforts to adopt measures related to global climate change and the contribution of emissions of GHGs including, most significantly, carbon dioxide. These efforts include legislative proposals and agency regulations at the federal level, actions at the state level, as well as litigation relating to GHG emissions, including a U.S. Supreme Court decision holding that the EPA relied on improper factors in deciding not to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from motor vehicles under

the Clean Air Act and a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit reinstating nuisance claims against emitters of carbon dioxide, including several utility companies, alleging that such emissions contribute to global warming. The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear the Second Circuit's decision. Increased pressure for carbon dioxide emissions reduction also is coming from investor organizations. If legislation or regulations are passed at the federal or state levels imposing mandatory reductions of carbon dioxide and other GHGs on generation facilities, the cost to us of such reductions could be significant.

Many of these environmental laws and regulations create permit and license requirements and provide for substantial civil and criminal fines which, if imposed, could result in material costs or liabilities. We cannot predict with certainty the occurrence of private tort allegations or government claims for damages associated with specific environmental conditions. We may be required to make significant expenditures in connection with the investigation and remediation of alleged or actual spills, personal injury or property damage claims, and the repair, upgrade or expansion of our facilities to meet future requirements and obligations under environmental laws.

To the extent that our environmental liabilities are greater than our reserves or we are unsuccessful in recovering anticipated insurance proceeds under the relevant policies or recovering a material portion of remediation costs in our rates, our results of operations and financial position could be adversely affected.

Our plans for future expansion through capital improvements to current assets and transmission grid expansion involve substantial risks. Failure to adequately execute and manage significant construction plans, as well as the risk of recovering such costs, could materially impact our results of operations and liquidity.

We have proposed capital investment projects in excess of $1 billion, which includes investment in capital improvements and additions to modernize existing infrastructure, generation investments and transmission capacity expansion. The age of our existing assets may result in them being more costly to maintain and susceptible to outages in spite of diligent efforts by us to properly maintain these assets through inspection, scheduled maintenance and capital investment. The failure of such assets could result in increased expenses which may not be fully recoverable from customers and/or a reduction in revenue.

The completion of generation investments and transmission projects are subject to many construction and development risks, including, but not limited to, risks related to financing, regulatory recovery, escalating costs of materials and labor, meeting construction budgets and schedules, and environmental compliance. Construction of new transmission facilities required to support future growth is subject to certain additional risks, including but not limited to: (i) our ability to obtain necessary approvals and permits from regulatory agencies on a timely basis and on terms that are acceptable to us; (ii) potential changes in federal, state and local statutes and regulations, including environmental requirements, that prevent a project from proceeding or increase the anticipated cost of the project; (iii) inability to acquire rights-of-way or land rights on a timely basis on terms that are acceptable to us; and (iv) insufficient customer throughput commitments. In addition, there are projects proposed by other parties that may result in direct competition to our proposed transmission expansion.

As of March 31, 2011, we have capitalized approximately $17.3 million in preliminary survey and investigative costs related to MSTI. If we are unable to complete the development and ultimate construction of MSTI or decide to delay or cancel construction for any reason, including failure to receive necessary regulatory approvals and/or siting or environmental permits, we may not be able to recover our investment. Even if MSTI is completed, the total costs may be higher than estimated and there is no assurance that we will be able to recover such costs from customers. If our efforts to complete MSTI are not successful we may have to write-off all or a portion these costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. See Note 9 - Regulatory Matters to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of this project.

Our capital projects will require a significant amount of capital expenditures. We cannot provide certainty that adequate external financing will be available to support these projects. Additionally, borrowings incurred to finance construction may adversely impact our leverage, which could increase our cost of capital. We may pursue joint ventures or similar arrangements with third parties in order to share some of the financing and operational risks associated with these projects, but we cannot be certain we will be able to successfully negotiate any such arrangement. Furthermore, joint ventures or joint ownership arrangements also present risks and uncertainties, including those associated with sharing control over the construction and operation of a facility and reliance on the other party's financial or operational strength.

Our proposed capital investment projects are based on assumptions regarding future growth and resulting power demand that may not be realized. This planning process must look many years into the future in order to accommodate the long lead times associated with the permitting and construction of new generation facilities. Inherent risk exists in predicting demand this far into the future as these future loads are dependent on many uncertain factors, including regional economic conditions,

customer usage patterns, efficiency programs, and customer technology adoption. We may increase our transmission and/or baseload capacity and have excess capacity if anticipated growth levels are not realized. The resulting excess capacity could exceed our obligation to serve retail customers or demand for transmission capacity and, as a result, may not be recoverable from customers.

Our revenues, results of operations and financial condition are impacted by customer growth and usage in our service territories and may fluctuate with current economic conditions. We are also impacted by market conditions outside of our service territories related to demand for transmission capacity and wholesale electric pricing.

Our revenues, results of operations and financial condition are impacted by customer growth and usage, which can be impacted by population growth as well as by economic factors. The consequences of a prolonged recession may include a lower level of economic activity and uncertainty regarding energy prices and the capital and commodity markets. While our service territories have been less impacted than other parts of the country, residential customer consumption patterns may change and our revenues may be negatively impacted. Our commercial and industrial customers have been impacted by the economic downturn, resulting in a decline in their consumption of electricity. Additionally, our customers could voluntarily reduce their consumption of electricity in response to increases in prices, decreases in their disposable income or individual energy conservation efforts. In addition, demand for our Montana transmission capacity and wholesale supply fluctuate with regional demand, fuel prices and contracted capacity and are dependent on market conditions. The timing and extent of the recovery of the economy cannot be predicted.

Our natural gas distribution activities involve numerous risks that may result in accidents and other operating risks and costs.

Inherent in our natural gas distribution activities are a variety of hazards and operating risks, such as leaks, explosions and mechanical problems, which could cause substantial financial losses. In addition, these risks could result in loss of human life, significant damage to property, environmental pollution, impairment of our operations and substantial losses to us. In accordance with customary industry practice, we maintain insurance against some, but not all, of these risks and losses. The occurrence of any of these events not fully covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations. For our distribution lines located near populated areas, including residential areas, commercial business centers, industrial sites and other public gathering areas, the level of damages resulting from these risks is greater.

To the extent our incurred supply costs are deemed imprudent by the applicable state regulatory commissions, we would not recover some of our costs, which could adversely impact our results of operations and liquidity.

Our wholesale costs for electricity and natural gas are recovered through various pass-through cost tracking mechanisms in each of the states we serve. The rates are established based upon projected market prices or contractual obligations. As these variables change, we adjust our rates through our monthly trackers. To the extent our energy supply costs are deemed imprudent by the applicable state regulatory commissions, we would not recover some of our costs, which could adversely impact our results of operations.

We currently procure almost all of our natural gas supply and a large portion of our Montana electric supply pursuant to contracts with third-party suppliers. In light of this reliance on third-party suppliers, we are exposed to certain risks in the event a third-party supplier is unable to satisfy its contractual obligation. If this occurred, then we might be required to purchase gas and/or electricity supply requirements in the energy markets, which may not be on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. If prices were higher in the energy markets, it could result in a temporary material under recovery that would reduce our liquidity.

Poor investment performance of plan assets of our defined benefit pension and post-retirement benefit plans, in addition to other factors impacting these costs, could unfavorably impact our results of operations and liquidity.

Our costs for providing defined benefit retirement and postretirement benefit plans are dependent upon a number of factors. Assumptions related to future costs, return on investments and interest rates have a significant impact on our funding requirements related to these plans. These estimates and assumptions may change based on economic conditions, actual stock market performance and changes in governmental regulations. Without sustained growth in the plan assets over time and depending upon interest rate changes as well as other factors noted above, the costs of such plans reflected in our results of operations and financial position and cash funding obligations may change significantly from projections.

Our obligation to include a minimum annual quantity of power in our Montana electric supply portfolio at an agreed upon price per MWH could expose us to material commodity price risk if certain QFs under contract with us do not perform during a time of high commodity prices, as we are required to supply any quantity deficiency. In addition, we are subject to price escalation risk with one of our largest QF contracts.

As part of a previous stipulation in 2002 with the MPSC and other parties, we agreed to include a minimum annual quantity of power in our Montana electric supply portfolio at an agreed upon price per MWH. The annual minimum energy requirement is achievable under normal QF operations, including normal periods of planned and forced outages. Furthermore, we will not realize commodity price risk unless any required replacement energy cost is in excess of the total amount recovered under the QF obligation.

However, to the extent the supplied QF power for any year does not reach the minimum quantity set forth in the settlement, we are obligated to secure the quantity deficiency from other sources. The anticipated source for any quantity deficiency is the wholesale market which, in turn, would subject us to commodity price volatility.

In addition, we are subject to price escalation risk with one of our largest QF contracts due to variable contract terms. In estimating our QF liability, we have estimated an annual escalation rate of 1.9% over the term of the contract (through June 2024). To the extent the annual escalation rate exceeds 1.9%, our results of operations and financial position could be adversely affected.

Our owned and jointly owned electric generating facilities are subject to operational risks that could result in unscheduled plant outages, unanticipated operation and maintenance expenses and increased power purchase costs.

Operation of electric generating facilities involves risks, which can adversely affect energy output and efficiency levels. Most of our generating capacity is coal-fired. We rely on a limited number of suppliers of coal for our electric generation, making us vulnerable to increased prices for fuel as existing contracts expire or in the event of unanticipated interruptions in fuel supply. We are a captive rail shipper of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway for shipments of coal to the Big Stone Plant (our largest source of generation in South Dakota), making us vulnerable to railroad capacity and operational issues and/or increased prices for coal transportation from a sole supplier. Operational risks also include facility shutdowns due to breakdown or failure of equipment or processes, labor disputes, operator error, catastrophic events such as fires, explosions, floods, and intentional acts of destruction or other similar occurrences affecting the electric generating facilities; and operational changes necessitated by environmental legislation or regulation. The loss of a major electric generating facility would require us to find other sources of supply, if available, and expose us to higher purchased power costs.

Weather and weather patterns, including normal seasonal and quarterly fluctuations of weather, as well as extreme weather events that might be associated with climate change, could adversely affect our results of operations and liquidity.

Our electric and natural gas utility business is seasonal, and weather patterns can have a material impact on our financial performance. Demand for electricity and natural gas is often greater in the summer and winter months associated with cooling and heating. Because natural gas is heavily used for residential and commercial heating, the demand for this product depends heavily upon weather patterns throughout our market areas, and a significant amount of natural gas revenues are recognized in the first and fourth quarters related to the heating season. Accordingly, our operations have historically generated less revenues and income when weather conditions are milder in the winter and cooler in the summer. In the event that we experience unusually mild winters or cool summers in the future, our results of operations and financial position could be adversely affected. In addition, exceptionally hot summer weather or unusually cold winter weather could add significantly to working capital needs to fund higher than normal supply purchases to meet customer demand for electricity and natural gas.

There is also a concern that the physical risks of climate change could include changes in weather conditions, such as an increase in changes in precipitation and extreme weather events. Climate change and the costs that may be associated with its impacts have the potential to affect our business in many ways, including increasing the cost incurred in providing electricity and natural gas, impacting the demand for and consumption of electricity and natural gas (due to change in both costs and weather patterns), and affecting the economic health of the regions in which we operate. Extreme weather conditions creating high energy demand on our own and/or other systems may raise market prices as we buy short-term energy to serve our own system. Severe weather impacts our service territories, primarily through thunderstorms, tornadoes and snow or ice storms. To the extent the frequency of extreme weather events increase, this could increase our cost of providing service. Changes in precipitation resulting in droughts or water shortages could adversely affect our ability to provide electricity to customers, as well as increase the price they pay for energy. In addition, extreme weather may exacerbate the risks to physical infrastructure. We may not recover all costs related to mitigating these physical and financial risks.

Our business is dependent on our ability to successfully access capital markets on favorable terms. Limits on our access to capital may adversely impact our ability to execute our business plan or pursue improvements that we would otherwise rely on for future growth.

Our cash requirements are driven by the capital-intensive nature of our business. Access to the capital and credit markets, at a reasonable cost, is necessary for us to fund our operations, including capital requirements. We rely on a revolving credit facility and commercial paper market for short-term liquidity needs due to the seasonality of our business, and on capital markets to raise capital for growth projects that are not otherwise provided by operating cash flows. Instability in the financial markets may increase the cost of capital, limit our ability to draw on our revolving credit facility, access the commercial paper market and/or raise capital. If we are unable to obtain the liquidity needed to meet our business requirements on favorable terms, we may defer growth projects and/or capital expenditures.

We must meet certain credit quality standards. If we are unable to maintain investment grade credit ratings, our liquidity, access to capital and operations could be materially adversely affected.

A downgrade of our credit ratings to less than investment grade could adversely affect our liquidity. Certain of our credit agreements and other credit arrangements with counterparties require us to provide collateral in the form of letters of credit or cash to support our obligations if we fall below investment grade. Also, a downgrade below investment grade could hinder our ability to raise capital on favorable terms, including through the commercial paper markets. Higher interest rates on short-term borrowings with variable interest rates or on incremental commercial paper issuances could also have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our secured credit ratings are also tied to our ability to invest in unregulated ventures due to an existing stipulation with the MPSC and MCC, which establishes diminishing limits for such investment at certain credit rating levels. The stipulation does not limit investment in unregulated ventures so long as we maintain credit ratings on a secured basis of at least BBB+ from S&P and Baa1 from Moody's.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a) Exhibits

Exhibit 10.1—Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement between NorthWestern Corporation and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, dated as of February 3, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of NorthWestern Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 8, 2011, Commission File No. 1-10499).

Exhibit 10.2—NorthWestern Energy 2011 Annual Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.01 of NorthWestern Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 10, 2011, Commission File No. 1-10499).

Exhibit 10.3—Form of NorthWestern Corporation Long-Term Performance Incentive Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.02 of NorthWestern Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 10, 2011, Commission File No. 1-10499).

Exhibit 10.4—NorthWestern Corporation 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended April 8, 2011.

Exhibit 31.1—Certification of chief executive officer.

Exhibit 31.2—Certification of chief financial officer.

Exhibit 32.1—Certification of chief executive officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 32.2—Certification of chief financial officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 101.INS—XBRL Instance Document

Exhibit 101.SCH—XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

Exhibit 101.CAL—XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

Exhibit 101.DEF—XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

Exhibit 101.LAB—XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document

Exhibit 101.PRE—XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



			Northwestern Corporation
Date:	April 27, 2011	By:	/s/ BRIAN B. BIRD
			Brian B. Bird
			Chief Financial Officer
			Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer

EXHIBIT INDEX



Exhibit Number		Description
10.1		Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement between NorthWestern Corporation and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, dated as of February 3, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of NorthWestern Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 8, 2011, Commission File No. 1-10499).
10.2		NorthWestern Energy 2011 Annual Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.01 of NorthWestern Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 10, 2011, Commission File No. 1-10499).
10.3		Form of NorthWestern Corporation Long-Term Performance Incentive Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.02 of NorthWestern Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 10, 2011, Commission File No. 1-10499).
*10.4		NorthWestern Corporation 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended April 8, 2011.
*31.1		Certification of chief executive officer.
*31.2		Certification of chief financial officer.
*32.1		Certification of chief executive officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*32.2		Certification of chief financial officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*101.INS		XBRL Instance Document
*101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
*101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
*101.DEF		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
*101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
*101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

_________________________

* Filed herewith

Location of gain reclassified from AOCI to Income

Three months ended
March 31, 2011 and 2010

Amount of gain reclassified from AOCI

Interest Expense