PUEBLO, Colo., July 24, 2023 – Black Hills Energy strives to improve the communities we serve, and today’s release of our 2022 Sustainability Report shows those efforts are paying off. The annual report not only details the progress we’ve made toward achieving our climate goals, but also the economic and charitable impact our natural gas and electric utilities have on those cities and towns.

“We are pleased to share our sustainability journey to create a cleaner energy future for our customers while also demonstrating the ways Black Hills Energy is making a positive impact in our communities,” said Kellie Ashcraft, Black Hills Energy vice president of Colorado operations. “Our report provides insight and transparency into our values-driven priorities.”

Throughout 2022, Black Hills Energy continued to achieve progress toward its corporate-wide goal to reduce electric utility greenhouse gas emissions intensity 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2040 and has already reduced emissions by one third since 2005. Last year, the company increased its gas utilities’ greenhouse gas emissions target to Net Zero by 2035 and plans to achieve its Net Zero target through ongoing infrastructure investment, damage prevention and integration of low carbon fuels.

Our Colorado Clean Energy Plan, “2030 Ready”
In early 2023, Black Hills Energy achieved a unanimous settlement agreement with all interested parties for our Clean Energy Plan – the company’s roadmap to cost-effectively reduce carbon emissions from our electric utility operations by at least 80% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels as required by the state of Colorado. Our plan, as approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, will add approximately 400 megawatts (MW) of new renewable energy resources to our Colorado electric system, providing customers with electricity from about 70% renewable sources including wind, large-scale solar and battery storage.

Report highlights include:

• Energy efficiency and conservation: In 2022, Black Hills Energy distributed approximately $5 million in energy efficiency rebates and incentives to Colorado residential and business customers, leading to annual energy savings of over 12 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and about 193 dekatherms of natural gas. More than 7,900 Colorado customers participated in programs in 2022 to reduce their energy use and environmental footprint.
• Caring for the community: In 2022, the company’s community support in Colorado totaled $880,000 including over $130,00 in support of United Way agencies across the state and more than $169,000 in direct energy assistance support to customers from the company’s energy assistance fund, which matches customers’ and employees’ contributions dollar-for-dollar. Additionally, Colorado employees volunteered over 1,300 hours of their personal time in 2022 to improve our communities.
• Creating value: The company’s investment in the safety, reliability and sustainability of its extensive utility systems delivers meaningful growth and sustains jobs, families and communities. In 2022, Black Hills Energy’s direct economic impact in Colorado totaled $205 million spanning 119 communities and over 308,500 natural gas and electric utility customers served. 
• Advancements in renewable natural gas (RNG): In 2022, the company successfully launched a voluntary renewable natural gas (RNG) attribute and carbon offset program, providing customers with a cost-effective path to offset up to 100% or more of the emissions associated with their own natural gas carbon footprint. To further RNG development, the company established a new business, Black Hills Energy Renewable Resources. This new business builds on our expertise and experience in both RNG and natural gas asset operations and aligns with market demand and the path to a cleaner energy future.

Learn more at www.blackhillsenergy.com/sustainability.