Rapid City, SD. – February 11, 2021 – Whether you believe the ground hog or not, below normal wintery cold temperatures will be felt across the Black Hills region for the next several days. With frigid air on the way, Black Hills Energy wants you to be prepared.

Here are some tips to keep you and your family warm and safe:

• Make sure that your furnace vent, gas fireplace vent and tankless/conventional water heater vents are free from any obstructions or debris.
• An annual furnace inspection will ensure your heating system is working efficiently and provide peace-of-mind from a safety perspective. Routine maintenance is a must. Be sure to follow the manufacture guidelines for changing furnace filters and inspect them monthly. 
• Never use gas or electric ranges, ovens or grills to heat your home.
• Install and maintain carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Be sure to test them regularly. That includes replacing batteries.
• Natural gas smells like rotten eggs for a reason. If your nose picks up this scent, immediately leave the area, and then call 911 once you’re safely away from the site.
• Wait for your local fire department or utility professional to arrive before re-entering the building. Emergency personnel will let you know when it’s safe to return.
• Never use a mobile phone, touch a light switch or start an engine while near a suspected gas leak.
• If you own a back-up power generator, be sure to inspect it to ensure it is operating safely.

Black Hills Energy suggests the following energy-saving tips:

• Adjust your humidity. A well-humidified house at 68 degrees Fahrenheit is as comfortable as a dry house at 75 degrees.
• Make sure your fireplace damper closes tightly when you're not using it. Closing the damper could save 8 percent of your home's heat.
• Use kitchen, bath and other ventilating fans only as needed. In just one hour, these fans can exhaust a house full of warmed air.
• If health concerns aren’t a factor, set your thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter. Check the thermostat on your water heater, too. It should still be hot enough to wash dishes and take a steamy shower without having it at its highest level.
• You could save as much as 30 percent of your energy costs by better insulating your attic or top floor. You can save about 8 percent of your energy costs by insulating the floor over any unheated areas, such as crawl spaces, basements and garages.
• For more energy saving tips and rebates visit us at blackhillsenergy.com.

Black Hills Energy offers payment programs to help customers effectively manage their energy bills. To help customers level out monthly payments and spread winter bills over the entire year, the company offers a budget billing program.  Energy payment assistance for any heating source is also available to Black Hills Energy customers and other residents in the Black Hills Energy service area. Those seeking energy payment assistance can contact The Salvation Army of the Black Hills; your local ministerial association; or the SD211 Helpline.

To learn more about what the company is doing to assist customers, please visit blackhillsenergy.com/assistance or give us a call at 888-890-5554 to discuss options that may be available for you.