LINCOLN, Neb.– July 27, 2023 – Black Hills Energy today announced the release of its 2022 Sustainability Report highlighting the company’s progress on climate goals and its economic and charitable impact in Nebraska.  

“We are pleased to share our progress 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,” Kevin Jarosz, vice president of Nebraska and Iowa operations. “Our sustainability report provides insight and transparency into our values-driven priorities.” 

Throughout 2022, Black Hills Energy continued to achieve progress toward 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.  

“We have set challenging yet realistic goals for delivering cleaner energy and have a clear path to reduce our emissions while minimizing cost impacts to our customer,” continued Jarosz. 

Report highlights include:  

• Advancements in renewable natural gas (RNG): In 2022, the company successfully filed and received approval for Green Forward, 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 its own natural gas carbon footprint. To further RNG development, Black Hills Corporation 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.  
• Caring for the community: In 2022, the company’s community support totaled $6.1 million, including over 758,000 in for United Way and more than $760,000 from the company’s energy assistance fund, which matches customers’ and employees’ contributions dollar-for-dollar. In Nebraska, our combined charitable impact totaled $934,000 and our employees volunteered 9,400 hours to improve our communities.  This total includes donations from the Black Hills Corporation Foundation to community centers, parks and recreation facilities in the communities of Chappell, Fairbury, Juniata, Laurel, Polk, Roseland and Shickley. Building on a legacy of supporting childcare facilities, the Foundation provided funding to the Women’s Empowering Lifeline certified daycare in Norfolk and the Gothenburg Impact Center. 
• 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 totaled $1.34 billion. In Nebraska, the direct economic impact to the communities we serve exceeded $119 million. 
• Emissions Reduction Commitment: Black Hills Energy continued best practice management to reduce emissions to net zero by 2035, leveraging the company’s focus on safety and system integrity, continued efforts to prevent damaged gas lines and advanced leak detection. In Nebraska, Black Hills Energy continued construction work to improve system safety and reduce emissions with projects across the state, including work in Wayne to upgrade the community’s system and replacing approximately 3,500 feet of gas main in Lincoln.   

Learn more at www.blackhillsenergy.com/sustainability.