-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----
Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR
Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov
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 TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB
MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA,
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 A4oKXym4ToNN+o3k8k/nlw==

<SEC-DOCUMENT>0000919574-05-001609.txt : 20050504
<SEC-HEADER>0000919574-05-001609.hdr.sgml : 20050504
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20050504163041
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0000919574-05-001609
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	4
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		1
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20050419
FILED AS OF DATE:		20050504
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20050504

ISSUER:		

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			NORTHWESTERN CORP
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000073088
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	ELECTRIC & OTHER SERVICES COMBINED [4931]
		IRS NUMBER:				460172280
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		125 S DAKOTA AVENUE
		STREET 2:		SUITE 1100
		CITY:			SIOUX
		STATE:			SD
		ZIP:			57104
		BUSINESS PHONE:		6059782908

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		125 S DAKOTA AVENUE
		STREET 2:		SUITE 1100
		CITY:			SIOUX
		STATE:			SD
		ZIP:			57104

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	NORTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE CO
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	19920703

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			LUCE MICHAEL D
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001233573

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-10499
		FILM NUMBER:		05799577

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		BUSINESS PHONE:		2125216972

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		ONE RIVERCHASE PARKWAY SOUTH
		CITY:			BIRMINGHAM
		STATE:			AL
		ZIP:			35244

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			HARBERT RAYMOND J
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001233571

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-10499
		FILM NUMBER:		05799578

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		BUSINESS PHONE:		2125216972

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		ONE RIVERCHASE PARKWAY SOUTH
		CITY:			BIRMINGHAM
		STATE:			AL
		ZIP:			35244

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			FALCONE PHILIP
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001233569

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-10499
		FILM NUMBER:		05799580

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		BUSINESS PHONE:		2125216972

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		555 MADISON AVE
		STREET 2:		16TH FLOOR
		CITY:			NEW YORK
		STATE:			NY
		ZIP:			10022

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			HMC INVESTORS LLC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001233566

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-10499
		FILM NUMBER:		05799581

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		ONE RIVERCHASE PARKWAY SOUTH
		CITY:			BIRMINGHAM
		STATE:			AL
		ZIP:			35244
		BUSINESS PHONE:		2125216972

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		ONE RIVERCHASE PARKWAY SOUTH
		CITY:			BIRMINGHAM
		STATE:			AL
		ZIP:			35244

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			HMC DISTRESSED INVESTMENT OFFSHORE MANAGER LLC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001224055

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-10499
		FILM NUMBER:		05799582

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		ONE RIVERCHASE PARKWAY SOUTH
		CITY:			BIRMINGHAM
		STATE:			AL
		ZIP:			35244
		BUSINESS PHONE:		2059875500

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		ONE RIVERCHASE PARKWAY SOUTH
		CITY:			BIRMINGHAM
		STATE:			AL
		ZIP:			35244

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			HARBERT DISTRESSED INVESTMENT MASTER FUND LTD
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001233563

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-10499
		FILM NUMBER:		05799583

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		C/O INTERNATIONAL FUND SERVICES
		STREET 2:		THIRD FL BISHOP SQUARE REDMONDS HILL
		CITY:			DUBLIN IRELAND
		STATE:			L2
		ZIP:			00000
		BUSINESS PHONE:		2125216972

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		C/O INTERNATIONAL FUND SERVICES
		STREET 2:		THIRD FL BISHOP SQUARE REDMONDS HILL
		CITY:			DUBLIN IRELAND
		STATE:			L2
		ZIP:			00000
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>4
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>p568581_ex.xml
<TEXT>
<XML>
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ownershipDocument>

    <schemaVersion>X0202</schemaVersion>

    <documentType>4</documentType>

    <periodOfReport>2005-04-19</periodOfReport>

    <notSubjectToSection16>0</notSubjectToSection16>

    <issuer>
        <issuerCik>0000073088</issuerCik>
        <issuerName>NORTHWESTERN CORP</issuerName>
        <issuerTradingSymbol>NWEC</issuerTradingSymbol>
    </issuer>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001233563</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>HARBERT DISTRESSED INVESTMENT MASTER FUND LTD</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>C/O INTERNATIONAL FUND SERVICES</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>THIRD FL BISHOP SQUARE REDMONDS HILL</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>DUBLIN IRELAND</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>L2</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>00000</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription>IRELAND</rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001224055</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>HMC DISTRESSED INVESTMENT OFFSHORE MANAGER LLC</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>ONE RIVERCHASE PARKWAY SOUTH</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2></rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>BIRMINGHAM</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>AL</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>35244</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001233566</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>HMC INVESTORS LLC</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>ONE RIVERCHASE PARKWAY SOUTH</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2></rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>BIRMINGHAM</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>AL</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>35244</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001233569</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>FALCONE PHILIP</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>555 MADISON AVE</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>16TH FLOOR</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>NEW YORK</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>NY</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>10022</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001233571</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>HARBERT RAYMOND J</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>ONE RIVERCHASE PARKWAY SOUTH</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2></rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>BIRMINGHAM</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>AL</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>35244</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001233573</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>LUCE MICHAEL D</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>ONE RIVERCHASE PARKWAY SOUTH</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2></rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>BIRMINGHAM</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>AL</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>35244</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <nonDerivativeTable>
        <nonDerivativeTransaction>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <transactionDate>
                <value>2005-04-19</value>
            </transactionDate>
            <transactionCoding>
                <transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType>
                <transactionCode>J</transactionCode>
                <equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved>
            </transactionCoding>
            <transactionAmounts>
                <transactionShares>
                    <value>42015</value>
                </transactionShares>
                <transactionPricePerShare>
                    <footnoteId id="F4"/>
                </transactionPricePerShare>
                <transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
                    <value>A</value>
                </transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
            </transactionAmounts>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>7185354</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F1"/>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>D</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeTransaction>
        <nonDerivativeTransaction>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <transactionDate>
                <value>2005-04-19</value>
            </transactionDate>
            <transactionCoding>
                <transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType>
                <transactionCode>J</transactionCode>
                <equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved>
            </transactionCoding>
            <transactionAmounts>
                <transactionShares>
                    <value>0</value>
                </transactionShares>
                <transactionPricePerShare>
                    <value>0</value>
                </transactionPricePerShare>
                <transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
                    <value>A</value>
                </transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
            </transactionAmounts>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>7185354</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F2"/>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Harbert Distressed Investments Master Fund, Ltd.</value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeTransaction>
        <nonDerivativeTransaction>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <transactionDate>
                <value>2005-04-19</value>
            </transactionDate>
            <transactionCoding>
                <transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType>
                <transactionCode>J</transactionCode>
                <equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved>
            </transactionCoding>
            <transactionAmounts>
                <transactionShares>
                    <value>10025</value>
                </transactionShares>
                <transactionPricePerShare>
                    <footnoteId id="F4"/>
                </transactionPricePerShare>
                <transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
                    <value>A</value>
                </transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
            </transactionAmounts>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>84731</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F3"/>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Alpha US Sub Fund VI, LLC</value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeTransaction>
        <nonDerivativeTransaction>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>CommonStock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <transactionDate>
                <value>2005-04-20</value>
            </transactionDate>
            <transactionCoding>
                <transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType>
                <transactionCode>J</transactionCode>
                <equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved>
            </transactionCoding>
            <transactionAmounts>
                <transactionShares>
                    <value>30195</value>
                </transactionShares>
                <transactionPricePerShare>
                    <footnoteId id="F4"/>
                </transactionPricePerShare>
                <transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
                    <value>A</value>
                </transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
            </transactionAmounts>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>7215549</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F1"/>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>D</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeTransaction>
        <nonDerivativeTransaction>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <transactionDate>
                <value>2005-04-20</value>
            </transactionDate>
            <transactionCoding>
                <transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType>
                <transactionCode>J</transactionCode>
                <equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved>
            </transactionCoding>
            <transactionAmounts>
                <transactionShares>
                    <value>0</value>
                </transactionShares>
                <transactionPricePerShare>
                    <value>0</value>
                </transactionPricePerShare>
                <transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
                    <value>A</value>
                </transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
            </transactionAmounts>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>7215549</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F2"/>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Harbert Distressed Investments Master Fund, Ltd.</value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeTransaction>
        <nonDerivativeTransaction>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <transactionDate>
                <value>2005-04-20</value>
            </transactionDate>
            <transactionCoding>
                <transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType>
                <transactionCode>J</transactionCode>
                <equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved>
            </transactionCoding>
            <transactionAmounts>
                <transactionShares>
                    <value>6115</value>
                </transactionShares>
                <transactionPricePerShare>
                    <footnoteId id="F4"/>
                </transactionPricePerShare>
                <transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
                    <value>A</value>
                </transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
            </transactionAmounts>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>90846</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F3"/>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Alpha US Sub Fund VI, LLC</value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeTransaction>
    </nonDerivativeTable>

    <footnotes>
        <footnote id="F1">These securities are owned by Harbert Distressed Investment Master Fund, Ltd., which is a Reporting Person.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F2">These securities may be deemed to be beneficially owned by HMC Distressed Investment Offshore Manager, L.L.C. (&quot;HMC
 Management&quot;), the investment manager of Harbert Distressed Investment Master Fund, Ltd., HMC Investors, L.L.C., its managing
 member (&quot;HMC Investors&quot;), Philip Falcone, a member of HMC Management and the portfolio manager of Harbert Distressed
 Investment Master Fund, Ltd., Raymond J. Harbert, a member of HMC Investors, and Michael D. Luce, a member of HMC Investors.
  Each such Reporting Person disclaims beneficial ownership of the reported securities except to the extent of his or its
 pecuniary interest therein, and this report shall not be deemed an admission that such Reporting Person is the beneficial
 owner of the securities for purposes of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or for any other
 purpose.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F3">These securities may be deemed to be beneficially owned by HMC Investors, Philip Falcone, who is the portfolio manager of
 Alpha US Sub Fund VI, LLC, Raymond J. Harbert and Michael D. Luce.  Each such Reporting Person disclaims beneficial
 ownership of the reported securities except to the extent of his or its pecuniary interest therein, and this report shall
 not be deemed an admission that such Reporting Person is the beneficial owner of the securities for purposes of Section 16
 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or for any other purpose.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F4">Received as a distribution pursuant to Northwestern Corporation's Second Amended and Restated Plan of Reorganization.</footnote>
    </footnotes>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>Harber Distressed Investment Master Fund, Ltd., HMC Distressed Investments Offshore Manager, L.L.C., By: HMC Investors, L.L.C., Managing Member, By: /s/ Joel S. Piassick</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2005-05-04</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>HMC Distressed Investment Offshore Manager, L.L.C., By: HMC Investors, L.L.C., Managing Member., By: /s/ Joel Piassick</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2005-05-04</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>HMC Investors, L.L.C., By: /s/ Joel Piassick</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2005-05-04</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>By: /s/ Philip Falcone</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2005-05-04</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>By: /s/ Raymond J. Harbert</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2005-05-04</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>By: /s/ Michael D. Luce</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2005-05-04</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>
</ownershipDocument>
</XML>
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SEC-DOCUMENT>
-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----