FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Oct. 12, 2022 – The Arkansas Public Service Commission approved a general rate increase for Black Hills Energy to reflect critical infrastructure investments that meet the growing demand for energy and continued resilience of the safe delivery of natural gas to more than 180,000 homes and businesses in 100 Arkansas communities.

New rates, which are effective this month, include an average residential customer bill increase of approximately $4, or 4.6%, per month based on an average monthly use of 54 Ccf (hundred cubic feet). This will vary based on rate class and usage.

With increases for many goods and services and customer impacts in mind, Black Hills Energy will tap into the state’s corporate income tax rate reduction. The company will return over $3 million to Arkansas customers from Nov. 1 through April 30.

“Our priority is delivering the safe, reliable energy that our customers depend on,” said Chad Kinsley, vice president of operations at Black Hills Energy in Arkansas. “We are committed to supporting the growth in the Arkansas communities we serve while also prudently managing costs associated with operating a safe and sustainable natural gas system.”

Black Hills Energy filed a rate review application with the Arkansas Public Service Commission in December 2021 to recover key pipeline safety, reliability and integrity investments. Since its last base rate increase requested in 2017, the company has made over $220 million of infrastructure investments in its natural gas system to ensure the safe, reliable operation and compliance of its 7,200 miles of pipeline in the state, including the growing northwest region.

The energy company recently released its comprehensive 2021 sustainability report detailing environmental stewardship, social responsibility, sustainable growth and corporate governance pillars. Because of its clean energy investments and long-term commitment to energy efficiency, Black Hills Energy obtained the highly regarded 2022 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Award for its Arkansas service territory from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy for the fourth consecutive year. This includes receiving the highest Sustained Excellence designation the last two years.

Arkansas customers may find energy efficiency rebates, programs and services at energy-readyarkansas.com. In addition to regularly sharing tips directly with customers on how to use less natural gas in their homes to save energy and save money, Black Hills Energy posts helpful do-it-yourself tips to stay safe, be prepared and save energy at blackhillsenergy.com/teamready, as well as on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn , Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest.

Customers are also encouraged to visit blackhillsenergy.com/CustomerResources to find usage monitoring tools, energy conservation tips and bill payment assistance information. Customers who need help managing their bills may enroll in Budget Billing, a free payment plan that supports customers looking to avoid the seasonal increases in bills that result during extreme weather by averaging out their usage over a 12-month period. Customers may learn about Black Hills Cares, 211 and other Arkansas assistance programs by calling 888-890-5554 or submitting questions online.