Kansas regulatory rate review
Kansans deserve safe and reliable natural gas
Every day, we provide the essential energy that our customers rely on. From cooking and heating to fueling manufacturing and agriculture, Black Hills Energy is here for you.
That’s why we’ve been updating our natural gas system throughout Kansas to deliver safe and reliable service to our customers. Infrastructure investments in our natural gas system improve the safety, reliability, sustainability and regulatory compliance of our 4,800 miles of pipeline in the state.
Update to natural gas rates
Earlier this year, we went before the Kansas Corporation Commission to seek approval to adjust customer rates so the actual cost of delivering natural gas service better reflects and supports the cost to operate, maintain and upgrade the system to meet customers’ needs. The rate adjustment was approved by the Commission through a unanimous settlement agreement reached in July 2025 with the Kansas Corporation Commission General Staff, Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board, and others.
Starting in August 2025, residential customers can expect to see a monthly bill increase of approximately $5.97 based on an average monthly usage of approximately 54 therms. This equates to a 2.5% annual increase over three years since base rates last changed on January 1, 2022. The increase for commercial customers will vary, based on rate class, load factors and usage.
Black Hills Energy’s natural gas rates were last updated in 2022. Since our last rate filing in 2021, we have invested approximately $118 million in critical natural gas infrastructure projects to support the safety and continued resilience of the system while also experiencing inflationary cost pressures that led to substantial increases in all aspects of providing safe, reliable natural gas service to customers.
This rate update does not affect the cost of natural gas, which is adjusted monthly in Kansas. Natural gas prices are a pass-through cost without any markup from Black Hills Energy.
What's changing on the bill?
Starting in August 2025, typical residential customers will see a monthly bill increase of about $5.97 based on an average usage of approximately 54 therms of natural gas per month. Other bill adjustments customers will see include:
- A tax adjustment refund – customers will see a refund of approximately $3 million from November 2025 through April 2026.
- Residential customer charge – the residential customer charge will move to $21 and small commercial customer charge will be $32.
To view the natural gas rate sheet for all customer classes, visit the Kansas rates and regulatory information page. For more information, visit the Understanding your bill page.
| Customer class | Current rate bill amount | Updated rate bill amount | Monthly change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential service | |||
| 54 therms | $66.30 | $72.27 | $5.97 |
| Small commercial sales | |||
| 107 therms | $128.90 | $141.45 | $12.55 |
| Small volume firm sales | |||
| 843 therms | $784.90 | $814.92 | $30.02 |
| Large volume firm sales | |||
| 13,316 therms | $6,448.35 | $6,510.40 | $62.05 |
| Irrigation sales | |||
| 1,770 therms | $835.48 | $861.75 | $26.27 |
How we’re supporting our customers
We recognize the impact that cost increases have on our customers, especially at times of high inflation. That’s why we’ve increased our efforts to provide support for customers, including launching a new Energy Assistance team to help our most vulnerable customers access programs and resources to help make their bills more affordable. We’re also helping our customers find ways to use less energy through our energy efficiency programs and rebates.
- Customers who experience challenges paying their bills are encouraged to contact us at 888-890-5554 or submit an online form on our customer service page as soon as they think they may be experiencing financial difficulties to discuss payment arrangements.
- Enrolling in Budget Billing, a free payment plan that averages the amount owed each month, is a great way to avoid seasonal spikes in bills.
- Black Hills Energy is committed to helping customers save energy and money through energy efficiency programs and tips. Find ways to save money by saving energy, including energy efficiency rebates and tips to reduce energy consumption, at blackhillsenergy.com/ready.
- Kansas 211 administers the Black Hills Cares energy assistance program in Kansas. Customers may dial 2-1-1 to speak with a community resource specialist.
- For payment assistance resources in Kansas, go to blackhillsenergy.com/assistance.