Caring for our community

At Black Hills Energy, our commitment goes beyond delivering safe, reliable energy. We’re proud to invest in the people, places, and programs that make our communities stronger. From volunteerism and local partnerships to sustainability and safety initiatives, everything we do is rooted in one goal: powering the communities we call home.

We believe strong communities create a brighter future. Each year, we contribute millions of dollars to local programs, nonprofits, and educational initiatives that make a difference. These investments support economic growth, provide essential resources, and help our neighbors thrive.

Highlights:

• $640,000 donated to charitable organizations
• $156,000 raised to help families with energy assistance
• Over 700 hours volunteered to lend a helping hand

Volunteerism

Our employees live and work in the same communities we serve — and they’re passionate about giving back. Through volunteer projects, charity drives, and local events, our team dedicates hundreds of hours each year to making a difference.

Examples of Impact:

• Supporting area higher education, community organizations and chamber and economic development agencies
• Providing aid to first responders during emergencies
• Helping with community clean-up and improvement projects

Safety and preparedness

Safety is at the heart of everything we do. We partner with first responders, schools, and community organizations to promote emergency preparedness and energy safety. From wildfire mitigation to storm readiness, we’re here to keep our communities safe and informed.

Key initiatives:

• Wildfire mitigation and vegetation management: we are committed to strengthening relationships with our local Offices of Emergency Management and Public Safety Partners, providing electrical safety training to first responders and responding to residential and commercial fires
• Supporting jobs and tax revenue growth: we filed a request with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission for a new economic development rate to help attract large manufacturers to Pueblo and nearby communities. We worked with local leaders and Southern Colorado legislators to advance HB 25‑1177, which expands eligible loads and allows longer-term discounted rates. We already offer discounted rates for large users, and the updated structure strengthens our ability to support new business growth. Independent analysis shows the plan could bring jobs and new tax revenue to the region.
• Community development: we are working with Cañon City to prepare the former W.N. Clark power plant site for future redevelopment. After more than a century of service, we decommissioned the plant, completed demolition and remediation in 2015 and later advanced additional cleanup through the state’s Voluntary Clean Up Program. We also gifted water share proceeds to support the city’s riverfront plans. Our investments helped make the property ready for purchase and future recreational use as part of the community’s broader vision.

Learn more about our giving and foundation.