BUTTE, Mont. - With an estimated 3 million homes and businesses without power in Florida as a result of Hurricane Jeanne, NorthWestern Energy has committed to send 17 linemen and one supervisor to assist in power restoration efforts.

"Florida has taken another pounding from Hurricane Jeanne, leaving millions of customers without power," said Mike Hanson, NorthWestern Energy's chief operating officer. "Utility workers have been working around the clock for more than a month dealing with the impact of three major hurricanes. These heroes need some additional assistance, and our crews have volunteered to answer the call to help."