Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has announced that the Beaver Creek Wind Farm in Stillwater County, Montana, is now fully operational. With a generation capacity of 248 megawatts, the facility can supply enough electricity to power about 83,000 homes each year.
The wind farm transitioned from groundbreaking to full-scale operations in just over 12 months, a timeline made possible through strong cooperation with state and local officials. “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, PSE’s president and CEO. The project proves the ability to bring projects to completion in the shortest time possible as required by the new credit term rules set by the Trump Administration in August.
Supporting Washington’s Clean Energy Goals
The project is part of PSE’s broader push to meet Washington State’s clean energy requirements. By 2030, the company will need to integrate more new non-emitting generation resources than it has accumulated in its entire 150-year history. Montana’s high wind output is especially critical to the Pacific Northwest during cold weather, when Washington’s own wind resources are less productive.
Local Benefits and Jobs
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The Beaver Creek Wind Farm, owned and operated by PSE, connects to the existing Colstrip Transmission System. Construction involved 200–300 skilled workers, and the site now supports 10 permanent employees. The investment reflects PSE’s long-standing partnership with Montana, where it has operated since the 1970s.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte praised the project as a milestone for the state’s energy economy: “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.”
Broader Clean Energy Partnerships
Alongside Beaver Creek, PSE continues to expand renewable partnerships in Montana. These include hydroelectric power from Energy Keepers, Inc., wind energy from NextEra’s Clearwater Wind project, and future supply from Clearway Energy Group’s Haymaker Wind facility.
Factsheet: Beaver Creek Wind Farm
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Location: Stillwater County, Montana
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Owner/Operator: Puget Sound Energy (PSE)
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Capacity: 248 MW
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Households Powered: ~83,000 annually
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Construction Workforce: 200–300 workers
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Permanent Staff: 10 employees
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Transmission: Connected via Colstrip Transmission System
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Timeline: Construction to full operation in just over 1 year
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Significance: Supports Washington’s clean energy targets, strengthens Montana’s energy economy
