Fitch Ratings Upgrades NorthWestern's Credit Ratings

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., April 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NorthWestern Corporation d/b/a NorthWestern Energy (NYSE: NWE) today announced that Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") upgraded NorthWestern's ratings as follows:

Fitch cited the Company's improved operating profile derived from recent investments in rate base assets.  In addition, Fitch acknowledged the fact that NorthWestern's service area has proven to be more resilient to the nationwide recession and NorthWestern has less exposure to industrial demand than most other integrated utilities.

All of NorthWestern's senior secured debt is now low single "A" rated by Moody's, Standard and Poor's Rating Group, and Fitch.

"This is further indication that the rating agencies continue to recognize our strong credit profile with consistent cash flows derived from our regulated electric and gas jurisdictions," said Chief Financial Officer, Brian Bird.  "Our strong ratings are extremely important to the Company, as well as our regulators and our customers, in delivering value to our service territories."

In addition, Bob Rowe, President and CEO said, "This action recognizes our long-term focus on our core business and our unwavering commitment to maintaining and improving our operating profile through prudent investments in our existing infrastructure and growth projects."

Below is a chart outlining NorthWestern's credit ratings at a glance.

About NorthWestern Energy

NorthWestern Energy is one of the largest providers of electricity and natural gas in the Upper Midwest and Northwest, serving approximately 661,000 customers in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska.  For more information about NorthWestern Energy, visit our Web site at www.northwesternenergy.com.

SOURCE NorthWestern Corporation

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