Energy for Tomorrow
Emerging tech holds promise of generating reliable power By Jennah Denney and Nina Todea The ways electric utilities power communities have changed over...
Jun
2023
Jun
2023
Students Pursue Higher Education
Northern Lights awards educational and lineworker scholarships NLI congratulates this year’s recipients of the NLI educational and lineworker scholarships. Students were presented their...
May
2023
Call Before You Dig: It’s The Law
As warmer weather settles in for the season, many of us start working on projects involving digging on our properties. Planting trees, setting...
May
2023
Northern Lights’ 88th Annual Meeting & Barbecue
By Elissa Glassman On April 3, Northern Lights Inc. hosted the 88th annual meeting and barbecue at its Sagle headquarters. More than 300...
Apr
2023
A Day in the Life of a Lineworker
Every day is a different day at work for a lineworker. When a lineworker arrives in the morning, work for the day gets...
Apr
2023
More Comfort in Your Home. More Money in Your Wallet.
Maximize your comfort. Minimize your cost. Ductless heat pumps give you more control over your home’s heating and cooling — keeping you comfortable...
Apr
2023
Ensure a Safe Climb for NLI Lineworkers
By Elissa Glassman Here are a few steps NLI members can take to protect and help ensure the safety of our line crews...
Mar
2023
Northern Lights Extended Energy Rebate Offers
Rebates available April 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023. Proof of purchase required. Energy Star Clothes Washer Rebate: $30 Home must have an...
Mar
2023
Be Safe Planning Spring Projects
Spring is around the corner, which means you may be thinking about outdoor projects. As you plan, keep in mind how projects on...
Feb
2023
2023 Northern Lights, Inc. (NLI) Scholarships Available
Apply for 1 of 9 NLI scholarships by March 3, 2023 Continuing Northern Lights’ history of supporting education, the co-op is now accepting...
Feb
2023
Small Modular Nuclear Reactors
Public utilities explore nuclear power to meet electricity demands By Stephen Ernst With a growing demand for electricity—and in a state with aggressive...
Jan
2023
Powering Schweitzer
Northern Lights Inc. provides electric service to geographically diverse areas throughout our service territory. One of the unique areas we serve is the...
Jan
2023
Staying Safe in a Power Outage
Preparing for a power outage, especially an extended one, is much like preparing for other disasters or emergency situations. Taking these steps beforehand...
Dec
2022
Restoring Power During Major Storms
Northern Lights Inc. (NLI) has had a relatively quiet year for major outages caused by storms. We had an outage in April that...
Nov
2022
2023 MECA Memorial Scholarship for an NLI Montana Student
January 25 Deadline The Montana Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) will award one $500 scholarship to a deserving student in MECA’S Northwest District, who...
Nov
2022
The Data That Powers Your Cooperative
You may have used the Northern Lights Inc. (NLI) outage map on the website when experiencing a power outage. Behind this map is...
Oct
2022
Applying Cooperative Principles
October is National Cooperative Month making it an appropriate time to highlight several of the 7 Cooperative Principles that guide Northern Lights Inc....
Oct
2022
NLI Historic Moments
Photos from Northern Lights Inc. archives.
Sep
2022
Outage Preparedness
By Elissa Glassman Reliable service is a priority at Northern Lights Inc (NLI). NLI crews continuously work to maintain equipment by removing trees...
Sep
2022
The Importance of NLI Stakers
Northern Lights Inc. (NLI) has 6 full-time engineering technicians, whom we call stakers. Stakers provide an important service to NLI members while often...
Aug
2022
Proactive Wildfire Prevention
Wildfire prevention is an ongoing concern among all electric utilities, especially those serving heavily forested regions. Northern Lights Inc. performs proactive fire prevention...
Aug
2022
NLI Members Enjoy Annual Meeting Barbecue
Story and photos by Elissa Glassman On a pleasant evening in June, as the sun peeked through the clouds, Northern Lights Inc. (NLI)...
Jul
2022
Is Rooftop Solar Worth It?
Currently, 48 Northern Lights, Inc. (NLI) members have additional generation beyond the metered power they receive from the cooperative. One of these types...
Jul
2022
Aiming High for the Future
Northern Lights, Inc. (NLI) awards educational and lineworker scholarships By Elissa Glassman NLI congratulates the following students as this year’s recipients of eight...
Jun
2022
Keep Your Refrigerator Humming
Look for ways to maximize its energy efficiency The refrigerator is one of the home’s biggest energy hogs. You can help it run...
Jun
2022
NLI Lineworkers Build Safety Demo Trailer
Typically, Northern Lights Inc. lineworkers do not want to see things arcing and burning around power lines. However, when it comes to our...
May
2022
Community Solar Education
During summer 2017, Northern Lights Inc. (NLI) installed a community solar facility at its Sagle headquarters. The project was partially funded through grants....
Apr
2022
Northern Lights Revised Energy Rebate Offers
Rebates available April 1 to September 30, 2022. Proof of purchase required. Energy Star Clothes Washer Rebate: $30 Home must have an electric...
Mar
2022
NLI Provides Real-Time Outage Information
Northern Lights Inc. (NLI) regularly enhances its website for members to use and locate information. The website has a link to NLI’s outage...
Feb
2022
Delivering Power to NLI Members
Northern Lights (NLI) relies on the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA)—a federal power marketing administration based in the Pacific Northwest—for about 90% of its...
Feb
2022
2022 NLI Scholarships Available Now
Apply for an educational or lineworker school scholarship from NLI Continuing Northern Lights’ history of supporting education, the co-op is now accepting applications...
Jan
2022
What Causes Underground Outages?
It is easy to understand what causes an overhead power line outage. Heavy winds, trees, ice loading, and broken poles create visible damage....
Jan
2022
Report Your Power Outage Via Text
Northern Lights, Inc. (NLI) is pleased to offer a simple and fast way for you to communicate with us when your power is...
Dec
2021
NLI Fleet Helps Power Your Life
Northern Lights Inc. (NLI) lineworkers are fundamental to keeping the power on and building and maintaining a reliable electric system for members. To...
Nov
2021
Stay Clear of Danger
A downed power line may not be dead. It could cause serious injury or death. The early months of 2021 brought Northern Lights...
Nov
2021
2022 MECA Memorial Scholarships Available to NLI Montana Students
The Montana Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) will award one $500 scholarship to a deserving student in MECA’S Northwest District, who will attend college...
Oct
2021
How NLI Deals With Material Shortages
Material shortages have been a concern for Northern Lights Inc. (NLI) this past year. Like many industries, we also have faced supply chain...
Oct
2021
NLI Historic Moments
Flipping the switch at Schweitzer Mountain Resort
Sep
2021
Northern Lights Apprenticeship Program
Northern Lights, Inc (NLI’s) journeyman lineman apprenticeship program is a 3-year training and development program for new linemen. The program follows the recommended...
Aug
2021
Managing Load, Regardless of Weather
As warm weather brought record-setting temperatures at the end of June, utilities in the region made the news for having to shut power...
Aug
2021
Sandpoint’s Fourth of July Celebration
Northern Lights Inc.’s colorfully decorated trucks rolled through downtown Sandpoint at the Lions Club Fourth of July parade. The theme was “It Takes...
Jul
2021
Fire Season Means Extra Precautions
With the dry spring we had this year and going into our generally dry summer, the Northern Lights (NLI) Operation Department has wildfire...
Jul
2021
Faces of the Future
Area students earn college scholarships Northern Lights, Inc. (NLI) awarded 10 $1,500 scholarships this year to area students planning to attend college in...
Jun
2021
An Annual Meeting Like No Other
Members attended NLI’s first virtual annual meeting in May By Elissa Glassman Northern Lights, Inc.’s (NLI’s) first virtual annual membership meeting was Wednesday,...
Jun
2021
2020 Annual Report
Financial information presented herein was compiled from complete financial statements audited by the firm of Moss Adams LLP, Certified Public Accountants, Portland, Oregon,...
Jun
2021
NLI Takes Protecting Birds Seriously
As you drive around, you may notice some Northern Lights, Inc. (NLI) power poles have a white cover on top of the crossarm....
May
2021
Trout Creek Warehouse
A new warehouse and office space will better serve members Northern Lights Inc.’s (NLI) Trout Creek, Montana, warehouse has served your cooperative well...
May
2021
Ensure a Safe Climb for NLI Linemen
By Elissa Glassman Here are a few steps Northern Lights, Inc. (NLI) members can take to protect and help ensure the safety of...
Apr
2021
Outlying Area Line Crews
Some NLI crews are based in communities for faster response times As we recognize linemen in April, I would like to highlight our...
Apr
2021
Northern Lights, Inc. Scholarships
By Elissa Glassman Continuing Northern Lights’ history of supporting education, the co-op is accepting applications for its scholarship program. The NLI Board of...
Mar
2021
Power Blinks Mean the Grid Protection System Is Working
Have you ever wondered why your power blinked on and off? This is the work of the protection system on the Northern Lights,...
Feb
2021
Northern Lights, Inc. Scholarships
By Elissa Glassman Continuing Northern Lights’ (NLIs) history of supporting education, the co-op is accepting applications for its scholarship program. The NLI Board...
Feb
2021
Shifting to Winter Work
Winter is well upon us, and it is the season our line crews shift their daily work tasks to work within the bounds...
Feb
2021
It’s Board Election Time at NLI
Northern Lights, Inc. (NLI) holds elections every year, rotating the terms for the seven districts. This year, directors will be elected for Districts...
Jan
2021
Use Backup Generators Safely
Northern Lights, Inc. (NLI) aims to keep the power on for you, but extended power outages could happen. It may be helpful for...
Jan
2021
You Can Help
Northern Lights (NLI) offers Project Share, a program that provides home heating assistance when families need it the most. Project Share provides one-time...
Jan
2021
2021 MECA Memorial Scholarships Available to NLI Montana Students
January 25 Deadline The Montana Electric Cooperative Association will award one $500 scholarship to a deserving student in MECA’S Northwest District, who will...
Dec
2020
Simple Tips to Dial in Savings
December, January, and February are peak months for residential and seasonal electricity use at Northern Lights Inc. That means NLI members’ bills are...
Dec
2020
Making Connections
Board member Jill Vandegrift enjoys learning what is important to NLI members By Elissa Glassman Interacting with people and staying engaged with Northern...
Nov
2020
The Meaning of Veterans Day
Veterans Day means a lot to David Pemberton, a Northern Lights board member since 2012, and a Vietnam war veteran who served in...
Nov
2020
Alta Forest Products Wins Energy Award
By Elissa Glassman Alta Forest Products of Naples is one of four 2020 Idaho award recipients for Excellence in Industrial Energy Efficiency. Headquartered...
Nov
2020
Northern Lights Earns Communications Awards
The Northwest Public Power Association recognized the top communications efforts at its 27th annual Northwest Communications and Energy Innovations Conference. This year’s conference...
Oct
2020
Remembering Our Roots
October is National Cooperative Month. Here’s a quick look at some of our first members. ...
Oct
2020
Lineworker Safety Has Improved
As we look at the past 85 years, much has changed at Northern Lights Inc. to improve the safety and efficiency of tools,...
Sep
2020
Why Not Underground Lines?
Members often ask why Northern Lights Inc. doe not install all power lines underground. The answer is not simple. It comes down to...
Sep
2020
Project Share
Northern Lights offers a program called Project Share, which provides one-time home heating assistance when families need it the most. It is a...
Sep
2020
Report Your Power Outage Via Text
Northern Lights Inc. (NLI) is pleased to offer a simple and fast way for you to communicate with us when your power is...
Aug
2020
A Powerful Highway of Lines
The electricity grid is an incredibly complex and important system, and an impressive engineering feat. The grid is a large, interconnected system of...
Aug
2020
Safety First
NLI lineworkers practice pole-top rescue By Elissa Glassman Becoming a journeyman lineman requires an incredible amount of training. A Northern Lights Inc. lineman...
Jul
2020
NLI 2019 Annual Report
Statement Of Revenue & Expenses 2019 Operating Revenues and Patronage Capital $35,457,278 Operating Expenses Cost of purchased power (1) 14,153,258 Power production expense...
Jul
2020
Be Ready for Summer Storms
Planning ahead can make unplanned power outages less inconvenient The past few months, we all have had to alter our lifestyles and think...
Jul
2020
Ensure a Safe Climb for NLI Linemen
By Elissa Glassman Here are a few steps NLI members can take to protect and help ensure the safety of our line crews...
Jun
2020
Lighting the Way
NLI awards educational and lineworker scholarships NLI awarded eight $1,500 scholarships and one $3,000 lineworker scholarship. Although this year’s annual meeting scholarship presentation...
Jun
2020
A Hidden Gem of Hydropower
By Kristin Mettke Tucked away along Lake Creek, just outside of Troy Montana, is NLI’s Lake Creek Hydroelectric Dam. Built in 1917 for...
May
2020
NLI Congratulates Dr. Elgar and Anderson
NLI Board Directors Dr. Steve Elgar and Dave Anderson retained their seats on the NLI board. Both ran unopposed in this years’ election*....
May
2020
Call Before You Dig: It’s The Law
As warmer weather is settling in for the season, many of us start working on projects that involve digging on our properties. The...
Mar
2020
Help Us With Project Helping Hand
Project Helping Hand, Northern Lights’ cooperative energy- assistance program, needs your help. Completely funded by member and employee donations, this program helps qualifying...
Mar
2020
Maintenance is Key to Reliability
Northern Lights Inc. has been around for 85 years. The electric system serving our members is a spread out, complex conglomeration of different...
Feb
2020
Trimming Trees Prevents Outages
Specialized tree crews trim trees within NLI’s rights-of-way year-round Trees are a beautiful part of our landscape and a part of our local...
Feb
2020
NLI Board Elections
NLI holds elections every year, rotating the terms for its seven districts. This year, directors will be elected for Districts 3 and 6....
Jan
2020
Be Cautious Around Generators
During a power outage, the only options used to be lighting a candle or finding a flashlight and patiently waiting by the fireplace....
Jan
2020
Report Your Power Outage Via Text
Northern Lights is pleased to announce a new simple and fast way for you to communicate with us when your power is out....
Jan
2020
Project Share
Northern Lights offers a program called Project Share, which provides one-time home heating assistance when families need it the most. It is safety...
Dec
2019
Invested in the Community
By Elissa Glassman Northern Lights Inc. is proud to support the communities it serves. During the past year, NLI contributed to the following...
Dec
2019
More Powerful Together
The Power of Partnership Northern Lights is incredibly proud to support Canine Companions for Independence®, a national non-profit organization that provides expertly-trained assistance...
Nov
2019
Northern Lights Wins Communications Awards
The Northwest Public Power Association recognized the top communications efforts at the 26th annual Northwest Communications and Energy Innovations Conference awards banquet in...
Nov
2019
NLI Rebates Help You Save
UPDATED FOR 2020 Only purchases made between October 1, 2019, and September 30, 2020, qualify. Proof of purchase is required. Northern Lights offers...
Nov
2019
NLI Board Members Visit New Substations
Northern Lights Inc. is experiencing a great deal of growth and is building two new substations to provide continued reliable service to members....
Nov
2019
2020 MECA Memorial Scholarships Available to NLI Montana Students
The Montana Electric Cooperative Association will award one $500 scholarship to a deserving student in MECA’S Northwest District, who will attend college in...
Oct
2019
More Powerful Together
Northern Lights is proud to support the Angels Over Sandpoint with their successful Back to School program. For the 17th year students in...
Oct
2019
Oct
2019
Ice Cream Social Brings Community Together
NLI-sponsored event brings members and co-op board and staff together for an evening of fun On a beautiful bright summer evening in August,...
Sep
2019
Report Your Power Outage Via Text
Northern Lights is pleased to announce a new simple and fast way for you to communicate with us when your power is out....
Sep
2019
NLI Apprentice Linemen Place Second and Third at Montana Lineman Rodeo
By Elissa Glassman NLI Apprentice Linemen Dusten Hongslo and Nate Kane placed second and third in the cooperative division at this year’s Lineman’s...
Aug
2019
Come Celebrate Summer, You’re Invited!
Come meet your NLI Board of Directors and Employees, tour the NLI Community Solar Array, and Learn about Electric Safety! Enjoy complimentary Wood’s...
Aug
2019
Storm Preparedness
An emergency kit is helpful to have year-round By Elissa Glassman The mission of Northern Lights Inc. is to provide members with reliable...
Aug
2019
NLI Celebrates Our Nation’s Birth
Northern Lights’ colorfully decorated trucks rolled through downtown Sandpoint at this year’s Fourth of July parade. Leading the way, NLI proudly sponsored the...
Jul
2019
Area Students Earn College Scholarships
NLI awards students $1,500 in educational scholarships NLI congratulates the eight recipients of this year’s $1,500 educational/ vocational scholarships. Award certificates were presented...
Jul
2019
Keep Signs Off Utility Poles
Hanging signs and objects on utility poles is against the law By Elissa Glassman Now that summer is here, many like to post...
Jul
2019
Brighten Up Your World by Joining NLI Community Solar
By Elissa Glassman In June 2017, Northern Lights launched the first community solar project in Idaho. The project was originally conceived by NLI’s...
Jun
2019
Helping Heroes Move On
Veterans returning home from a tour of duty in a war zone will tell you that getting back to everyday life is not...
Jun
2019
NLI 2018 Annual Report
Statement Of Revenue & Expenses 2018 2017 Operating Revenues and Patronage Capital $34,146,551 $33,761,295 Operating Expenses Cost of purchased power (1) 13,285,938...
Jun
2019
Northern Lights’ 84th Annual Membership Meeting
By Elissa Glassman Photos by Doug Marshall The Panida Theater in Sandpoint hosted Northern Lights’ 84th Annual Membership meeting May 11. The Sandpoint...
May
2019
Safety, Electricity, Economy
NLI’s right-of-way maintenance program By Elissa Glassman What is a right-of-way? A right-of-way allows utilities to build and operate their facilities on private...
May
2019
Your Annual Membership Meeting is May 11
A $25 energy credit will be awarded to all registered members* in attendance. The purpose of this meeting is to hear and pass...
Apr
2019
Scholarship Deadline is April 12
By Elissa Glassman Continuing Northern Lights’ history of supporting education, the co-op is now accepting applications for the scholarship program. The NLI Board...
Apr
2019
Ensure A Safe Climb For Your Linemen
By Elissa Glassman Spring is here and it’s time to start advertising garage and yard sales. Here are a few steps NLI members...
Apr
2019
Your Annual Membership Meeting is May 11
A $25 energy credit will be awarded to all registered members* in attendance. Date: Saturday, May 11, 2019 Registration: 8:30 a.m. to...
Mar
2019
2019 NLI Scholarships Available
Eight $1,500 educational/vocational scholarships One $3,000 lineworker school scholarship By Elissa Glassman Continuing Northern Lights’ history of supporting education, the co-op is now...
Mar
2019
Project Share
<img class=”alignnone size-medium wp-image-35997″ src=”https://www.nli.coop/wp-content/uploads/ProjectShare-800×242.jpg” alt=”Project Share. Working together to keep our neighbors warm.” width=”800″ height=”242″ /> Northern Lights offers a program called...
Feb
2019
84th Annual Membership Meeting of Northern Lights Inc.
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2019 Registration: 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. (PDT) Meeting: 10 a.m. (PDT) Place: Panida Theater Address: 300 N 1st...
Feb
2019
NLI Board Positions
NLI holds elections every year, rotating the terms for the seven districts. This year, directors will be elected for Districts 1, 5 and...
Feb
2019
Give Us a Hand With Helping Hand and Operation Round-Up
Northern Lights Inc. and its members are working hand in hand to make a difference in the community. Funded through employee and member...
Feb
2019
Report Your Power Outage Via Text
Northern Lights is pleased to announce a new simple and fast way for you to communicate with us when your power is out....
Jan
2019
Be Cautious Around Generators
During a power outage, the only options used to be lighting a candle or finding a flashlight and patiently waiting by the fireplace....
Dec
2018
High School Students Tour NLI Solar Plant
Northern Lights sponsored the first educational solar tour and workshop last week for Sagle High School students. SHS chemistry teacher Mamie Brubaker led...
Dec
2018
Committed to Our Communities
Publicly owned utilities are invested in improving the lives of those they serve Northern Lights Inc. is dedicated to giving back to the...
Nov
2018
Billing System Changes
NLI has upgraded its billing system with SmartHub, a new self-serve solution for making electronic bill paying easier than ever – to view...
Nov
2018
NLI Board Members Tour New NLI Substations
NLI General Manager Annie Terracciano in front of the new Schweitzer Substation switchgear with board members, from left, Dave Anderson, Jim Woodward and...
Oct
2018
A Smile You Can Count On
When applying for a new service at Northern Lights, Member Service Specialist Jamie McNall Williams makes you feel like family. After all, the...
Oct
2018
Cooperative Month Blast from the Past
Northern Lights Inc. first began providing electric power to area homes in 1935. For the first time, area residents could retire their manual...
Sep
2018
NLI Linemen Place Third at Montana Lineman’s Rodeo
By Elissa Glassman NLI journeymen linemen, Carl Moore, Brian Lanaville and Bruce Campbell, placed third in the cooperative division at this year’s Lineman’s...
Aug
2018
Summer Storm Preparedness
An emergency kit is helpful to have year-round By Elissa Glassman The mission of Northern Lights Inc. is to provide members with reliable...
Jul
2018
Faces of the Future
Northern Lights awards students $1,500 educational scholarships By Elissa Glassman NLI congratulates the eight scholarship recipients of this year’s $1,500 educational/vocational scholarship awards....
Jul
2018
Keep Signs Off Utility Poles
Hanging signs and objects on utility poles is against the law. By Elissa Glassman Now that summer is here, many like to post...
Jul
2018
Brighten Up Your World by Joining NLI Community Solar
By Elissa Glassman Last July, Northern Lights launched the first community solar project in Idaho. It was conceived by NLI’s board of directors...
Jun
2018
Northern Lights 83rd Annual Membership Meeting
Two bylaw changes pass and two incumbent board members were re-elected By Elissa Glassman Northern Lights celebrated 83 years of dedicated service to...
Jun
2018
Is a Ductless System Right For You?
Ductless heating and cooling systems distribute warm air more evenly and efficiently than traditional electric heaters. They reduce electric heating costs by 25%–50%...
May
2018
Your Annual Membership Meeting is May 12
A $25 energy credit will be awarded to all registered* members in attendance Date: Saturday, May 12, 2018 Registration: 8:30 a.m. to 10...
May
2018
Ensure A Safe Climb For Your Linemen
By Elissa Glassman Spring is here and it’s time to start advertising garage and yard sales. Here are a few steps NLI members...
May
2018
NLI 2017 Annual Report
Statement Of Revenue & Expenses 2017 2016 Operating Revenues and Patronage Capital $33,761,295 $30,852,935 Operating Expenses Cost of purchased power (1) 12,948,977 11,662,970...
May
2018
Safety, Electricity, Economy
NLI’s right-of-way maintenance program By Elissa Glassman What is a right-of-way? A right-of-way allows utilities to build and operate their facilities on private...
Mar
2018
Call Before You Dig!
One easy call gets your utility lines marked and helps protect you from injury and expense. Safe Digging Is No Accident: Always Call...
Dec
2017
Linemen Assist with National Christmas Tree
Photos by Randy Beacham The Kootenai National Forest in Yaak Valley, Montana, was this year’s choice to locate the perfect “People’s Christmas Tree”...
Dec
2017
Invested in the Community
As a hometown fixture, NLI provides more than electrical service to you, our members and neighbors In 2017, Northern Lights Inc. contributed to...
