Golden Kilowatts: Water Power and the Early Growth of Montana

Montana’s hydroelectric dams have powered the Treasure State for 130 years, with Black Eagle Dam the first, completed in 1891, just two years after Montana achieved statehood.

NorthWestern Energy is commemorating the history of these environmental and cultural assets with the book “Golden Kilowatts: Water Power and the Early Growth of Montana” written by longtime Montana journalist Butch Larcombe, who retired in 2019 from NorthWestern Energy after seven years with corporate communications.

NorthWestern Energy inherited the care of hydroelectric facilities that have powered the state of Montana for more than a hundred years. The upkeep and upgrade of these historic facilities will ensure future generations can continue to build on this proud tradition for a hundred more.