NorthWestern Energy
Bob Rowe is the retired CEO of NorthWestern Energy, also former Montana PSC Chair. Former NARUC President Paul Kjellander, also former Idaho PUC President, is Senior Advisor at Public Utilities Fortnightly.
Bob Rowe retired as CEO and a member of NorthWestern Energy's board of directors at the end of 2022. He led the utility over a fourteen-year period, an amazing length of time for any CEO.
Rowe in his tenure was pictured in these pages where he seemed most at home, usually outdoors, as part of a NorthWestern Energy team. Of course, that teamwork was only part of what made him a great leader, for he accomplished much during his time at the utility providing service to Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Yellowstone National Park.
Rowe is also known for having been a Commissioner and Chair on the Montana PSC in his early career. So, it was fitting that he discussed his professional life with former NARUC and Idaho PUC President Paul Kjellander, now with Public Utilities Fortnightly. Enjoy this farewell.
PUF's Paul Kjellander: Your history with NorthWestern Energy involves deregulation, bankruptcy, and being a Commissioner at the Montana Public Service Commission.
Bob Rowe: I started with the Montana Commission in '93 and was focused on telecommunications, but the energy sector was going through supply deregulation. It was a significant area of interest in the west.