Since 1910, Rainbow Dam has provided clean, renewable energy from the power of the Missouri River near Great Falls. After more than three years of construction, a new Rainbow hydroelectric plant has begun a second century of production.
“PPL Montana is proud to invest in the state of Montana and make responsible use of our state’s valuable natural resources,” said vice president and Chief Operating Officer of PPL Montana, Pete Simonich. “We thank everyone who was involved in the design and construction of this project, and appreciate the outstanding support we have received at every step along the way.”
PPL Montana’s $209 million Rainbow project is the largest single private investment in Cascade County’s history. It created more than 200 local construction jobs, spurred business activity and boosted the local economy. With the project complete, the company also expects to qualify for investment tax credits or a federal grant made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The incentives were a major factor in the company’s decision to build the facility after it was delayed in 2008 due to the financial crisis.
With a single, 60-megawatt unit in the new powerhouse, PPL Montana increased the amount of clean, renewable power it generates at Rainbow by 70 per cent. Smaller units, installed between 1910 and 1930 with a combined capacity of 35 megawatts, were replaced with the single unit that can generate enough electricity to power about 45,000 homes.
With a single, 60-megawatt unit in the new powerhouse, PPL Montana increased the amount of clean, renewable power it generates at Rainbow by 70 per cent. Smaller units, installed between 1910 and 1930 with a combined capacity of 35 megawatts, were replaced with the single unit that can generate enough electricity to power about 45,000 homes.