Bellevue, Washington-based Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has announced groundbreaking on the Battle Butte Solar Project, a 130 MW utility-scale solar facility near Rapelje, Montana, that the company says will significantly contribute to its clean energy goals in compliance with Washington's Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA).

The project is forecasted to generate enough energy to power about 20,000 homes every year. According to the company, the facility is strategically positioned to leverage existing transmission infrastructure due to its proximity to PSE's existing Beaver Creek wind facility in Stillwater County, Montana.

Local Economic Impact and Construction Timeline

The project will sit in the high plains near Rapelje on 1,400 acres of flat, open ranch land with full site control. PSE anticipates that construction will require approximately 250 skilled workers, with an ongoing need for a small number of permanent on-site staff to support operations. Project spending, impact fees, and property taxes are expected to generate a range of benefits and services for the local community and surrounding area.

Construction is expected to start this fall, with an anticipated completion date in mid-2028. As part of its commitment to community engagement, PSE hosted an open house in Rapelje at the end of January, sharing information and answering questions about the project.

"Battle Butte solar represents a critical component of our clean energy strategy," said Craig Pospisil, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer for PSE.

"This project will give us the opportunity to build upon the positive relationships we've forged with our neighbors in Stillwater County through the development of the Beaver Creek Wind facility, and it positions PSE to meet our customers' growing clean energy needs."

County Officials Welcome New Investment

Stillwater County Commissioner Roger Webb said the county looks forward to Battle Butte bringing construction jobs, tax revenue, and new economic activity to Stillwater County while adding another piece to Montana's all-of-the-above energy portfolio.

Webb said that throughout the development of both Beaver Creek and Battle Butte, PSE has shown a commitment to working with the county and investing in Montana while being a good neighbor, and the county looks forward to an ongoing partnership.

Long-Standing Montana Presence

PSE has been a partner in Montana's energy economy since the 1970s and continues to invest in the state and its communities. The company recently completed the 248 MW Beaver Creek Wind Project and holds power purchase agreements with Energy Keepers, Inc., the tribally owned corporation of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, for hydroelectric power.

PSE also has an agreement with NextEra for power from Clearwater Wind, Montana's largest wind farm, based in Rosebud, Custer, and Garfield Counties, as well as a long-term contract with Clearway Energy Group for wind from the Haymaker Wind Farm in Wheatland and Meagher Counties.

Clean Energy Portfolio Milestones

PSE has already eliminated coal from its energy portfolio at the end of 2025 and has added 22 long-term clean energy resources totaling more than 4,000 MW since 2019, when the Clean Energy Transformation Act was passed.

The company says it is undergoing the most significant transformation in its history as it works to meet some of the most ambitious clean energy laws in the nation while delivering safe and reliable energy to its customers.

PSE serves customers in 10 Washington counties and is the state's largest utility, supporting approximately 1.2 million electric customers and 900,000 natural gas customers.

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