Fayetteville, Ark. – April 30, 2021 – Black Hills Energy continues to keep affordable energy for our customers a top priority in response to the dramatic increase in natural gas prices in February.
Black Hills Energy is working closely with the Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC) to determine the best path forward to manage the impact of increased natural gas costs for customers. Subject to approval from the APSC, beginning in June the natural gas costs incurred during the polar vortex period will appear as an additional line-item on customer bills. While the recovery of natural gas costs typically occurs over twelve months, Black Hills Energy has instead proposed recovery of these natural gas costs over the next 5 years to reduce the impact to customer bills. As proposed, the average residential customer using 57 Ccf will see an increase of $11.10 each month.
“The financial well-being of our customers is important to us and we recognize how these additional costs can impact a family budget”
“The financial well-being of our customers is important to us and we recognize how these additional costs can impact a family budget” said Chad Kinsley, vice president of Arkansas operations. “We remain committed to supporting reasonable energy costs. Spreading the cost over the course of 5 years will result in a lessened impact to customers’ bills,” said Kinsley.
Black Hills Energy stood ready to respond to dramatic increases in customer energy demand. Black Hills Energy team members continually monitored energy supply and adjusted as needed to support system integrity and meet extraordinary customer demand. Locally, technicians bundled up to physically inspect and monitor key infrastructure to be ready to respond.
Customers worried about affording their bill are encouraged to enroll in Budget Billing, which is a free payment plan that averages the amount you pay each month. This budget option supports customers looking to avoid the seasonal increases in bills that result during extreme weather by averaging out usage during the past year. Customers can also seek out other assistance options including Hearts Warming Homes administered by The Salvation Army or 211 to get access to emergency utility assistance services at blackhillsenergy.com
Black Hills Energy News
-
The safety and wellness committee at the Millsap office in Fayetteville, Arkansas, recently held a chili contest, with employees bringing in their best culinary creations to be sampled and voted on by their co-workers. Six great volunteers entered the event: David Larsen, Adriana Nava, Janice… -
When Arkansas team members think of positive energy and community service, Janet Worley, administrative assistant in the Rogers division, comes to mind. Recognized as the 2021 Arkansas Volunteer of the Year, Janet's passions for the United Way and Springdale Chamber of Commerce are evident. She… -
It hasn't been too long since David, business development senior account manager in Arkansas, and his wife were buying diapers for their son. So, when he heard about families in northwest Arkansas struggling to get a sufficient supply of diapers — particularly with substantially increased costs… -
EUREKA SPRINGS, Ark. — Jan. 23, 2023 — Black Hills Energy is continuing to invest in updating its natural gas system throughout Eureka Springs with modern materials. In this year’s construction phase, Black Hills Energy crews and contractors Barrows Construction and Stan Savage Plumbing will…