BHE Montana has energized the Glacier Battery System, a $100 million energy storage facility in Cut Bank, marking a significant expansion of Montana’s power infrastructure and clean energy capacity.

“The energization of the Glacier Battery System marks a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering reliable energy to the region,” Ed Rihn, CEO of BHE Montana, said. “This project strengthens our ability to balance supply and demand and ensures customers have the power they need, when they need it. Montana continues to be a great place to invest, and we are excited about our quickly expanding presence here.”

The 75 megawatt, two hour battery system can supply enough electricity to power roughly 60,000 homes for two hours, exceeding the total number of households in Great Falls and nearby communities. This matters to Montana residents because energy storage improves grid reliability, especially during peak demand and severe weather, and helps stabilize power costs over time. The project directly impacts residents and businesses across north central Montana by strengthening the regional electric system and reducing the risk of outages, while also reinforcing Montana’s role as a destination for large scale energy investment.

The Glacier Battery System also supports broader trends in Montana’s economy and technology sector by enabling the integration of renewable energy resources such as wind and solar. BHE Montana is currently constructing the 130 megawatt Glacier Solar Park and already operates multiple large wind facilities in Toole and Glacier counties, investments that together signal a long term shift toward diversified, modern energy generation.

These projects create construction and operations jobs, expand the state’s clean energy expertise, and align with workforce and education trends that increasingly emphasize energy technology, engineering, and grid management skills. As Montana continues to attract capital for advanced energy projects, facilities like the Glacier Battery System help position the state to meet future power needs while supporting economic growth and energy resilience.

BHE Montana opens Glacier Battery System energy storage facility

“The energization of the Glacier Battery System marks a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering reliable energy to the region,” Ed Rihn, CEO of BHE Montana, said. “This project strengthens our ability to balance supply and demand and ensures customers have the power they need, when they need it. Montana continues to be a great place to invest, and we are excited about our quickly expanding presence here.”