LINCOLN, Neb. – Jan. 26, 2021 – Black Hills Energy today announced that the Nebraska Public Service Commission (NPSC) completed the utility’s rate review request to recover safety, reliability and system integrity investments for natural gas service for its approximately 300,000 customers in 319 communities in Nebraska.

Black Hills Energy had not requested a rate review in Nebraska in nearly a decade, and since then has invested over $450 million in its infrastructure in the state. These investments include replacing, upgrading and maintaining more than 500 miles of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines in the state – critical infrastructure required to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to customers’ homes and businesses and support the growth needs of local communities. Not only have these investments in modern pipeline material improved safety and reliability for customers, they have contributed to a 33% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions intensity for the company’s pipeline system since 2005.

“Our customers expect safe, reliable and affordable natural gas service in our growing system. To meet those expectations, we have invested, and will continue to invest, in our infrastructure, which features a robust pipeline safety program,”

“Our customers expect safe, reliable and affordable natural gas service in our growing system. To meet those expectations, we have invested, and will continue to invest, in our infrastructure, which features a robust pipeline safety program,” said Kevin Jarosz, vice president of natural gas operations for Black Hills Energy in Nebraska. “This change in our service rates enables us to continue our investments and allows us to meet the needs of our thriving Nebraska communities.”

Black Hills Energy’s proposed rates were implemented, subject to refund, on September 1, 2020. The final rates for Black Hills Energy as now approved by the NPSC will become effective on March 1, 2021. As approved, the typical residential customer bill is estimated to increase by $4.02 per month, based on an average monthly usage of 58 therms. The increase for commercial customers will vary, based on rate class and usage.

As a final component of the company’s 2020 general rate review application, Black Hills Energy will give a refund to its residential and commercial customers in Nebraska. Any residential or commercial customer of Black Hills Energy who received tariff service during the interim rate period of September 1, 2020, through February 28, 2020, will receive an interim-rate refund. The refund, once approved by the Commission in the coming months, will appear as a credit on the customer’s monthly bill.

Customers who would like information about managing their energy bills should call Black Hills Energy at 888-890-5554 or visit www.blackhillsenergy.com/assistance.

For more information about this rate review, please visit www.blackhillsenergy.com/reliableNE.