Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has announced that its Beaver Creek wind farm, a utility-scale project located in Stillwater County in the US state of Montana, is now fully operational.

This marks a significant step in PSE's efforts to expand its renewable energy resources, aligning with Washington State's clean energy laws.

The wind farm's initial nameplate capacity is 248MW, sufficient to power 83,000 homes annually.

Montana's wind production is notably high, providing valuable energy during cold weather in the Pacific Northwest when local wind farms generate less power.

Puget Sound Energy president and CEO Mary Kipp stated:  "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.

The Beaver Creek project uses existing PSE transmission on the Colstrip Transmission System to deliver wind energy to its customers. The facility employed an estimated 200 to 300 skilled workers during construction and now employs 10 permanent on-site workers.

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte stated, "The Beaver Creek wind project is a great example of how we can harness Montana’s abundant natural resources while strengthening our economy." He acknowledged the project's contribution to Montana's diverse energy strategy and its benefits to local communities.

As part of its clean energy transition, PSE collaborates with energy producers in Montana. Among its recent agreements are power purchase agreements with Energy Keepers, the tribally owned corporation of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, for hydroelectric power, and with NextEra for power from Montana's largest wind farm, Clearwater Wind.

PSE also has a power purchase deal with Clearway Energy Group for energy from its Haymaker wind facility, to be constructed in the Wheatland and Meagher counties of Montana.