Gov. Greg Gianforte joined leaders from BHE Montana in Great Falls to celebrate the opening of the company’s new office and to emphasize the need for affordable, reliable energy as demand continues to grow across the state.
Gianforte said Montana must continue investing and innovating to meet increasing energy needs for homes, schools, businesses, and growing communities. He pointed to projects like the new BHE Montana office as part of the state’s broader strategy to expand energy capacity.
Established in 2022, BHE Montana is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy that provides energy services to customers in Montana and throughout the region. The company’s portfolio includes wind, solar, and battery storage technology.
The new Great Falls office will support customer service operations, field operations, and regional engagement as the company continues expanding its footprint in Montana.
BHE Montana CEO Ed Rihm said Montana offers strong long-term opportunities in electricity generation, natural gas, and broader energy development. He also credited pro-growth policies and a business-friendly environment for helping attract investment.
Gianforte highlighted Great Falls historic role in powering Montana’s early economic growth, saying the city once served as a key source of electricity during the copper boom that helped drive the state’s economy in the early 20th century.
He said Montana now faces a new era of energy demand, with electricity needed to power advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, mining, and national defense industries.
According to the Western Electricity Coordinating Council, electricity demand in the region is projected to grow by 20 percent over the next decade. That forecast is up sharply from a 9 percent growth estimate issued just two years ago.
Since taking office, Gianforte has promoted what he calls an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy aimed at diversifying Montana’s energy resources and increasing production.
Last year, the governor launched a bipartisan energy task force charged with developing recommendations to expand American-made energy production in Montana. The group is expected to deliver a written report to the governor in September 2026.
By: DNU staff