Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has announced that its Beaver Creek wind farm, a utility-scale renewable facility located on the high plains of Stillwater County, Montana, is now fully operational.
The Beaver Creek wind farm represents the latest step in PSE’s long-term strategy to expand its inventory of renewable energy sources pursuant to Washington state’s clean energy laws. By 2030, the utility will need to have more non-emitting power generation resources than it has built in its entire 150-year history.
At a nameplate capacity of 248 megawatts (MW), the Beaver Creek wind farm will produce enough electricity to power about 83,000 homes per year.
Montana’s wind energy carries particular value due to its high production rate, which provides critical support during extreme winter conditions in the Pacific Northwest, when regional wind resources tend to deliver reduced output.
“The Beaver Creek project moved from construction to full operation in just over a year, demonstrating what’s possible when we combine innovative planning with strong partnerships,” said Mary Kipp, president and CEO of Puget Sound Energy. “I want to particularly thank Montana’s state and local officials for their support and collaborative approach that helped make this aggressive timeline possible. Their partnership has been instrumental in bringing this important energy resource online to serve our customers.”
PSE has been active in Montana’s energy market since the 1970s and continues to solidify its base in the state and its communities. The Beaver Creek wind farm is provided access through the existing Colstrip Transmission System, providing assurance that Montana wind energy is delivered reliably to PSE’s customers. The project has created long-term value by employing local workers, with an estimated 200–300 skilled jobs during the construction phase and 10 permanent on-site positions to support ongoing operations.
“The Beaver Creek Wind project is a great example of how we can harness Montana’s abundant natural resources while strengthening our economy,” said Montana Governor Greg Gianforte. “This is another important milestone in Montana’s all-of-the-above energy approach. I appreciate this investment in our state, and I look forward to seeing the benefits it brings to families and businesses in Stillwater County and beyond.”