FOUNTAIN, Colo.  ̶  Nov. 5, 2020  ̶  Black Hills Energy today announced corporate-wide clean energy goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity 50% by 2035 for its natural gas utility operations and 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2040 for its electric operations. 

The company’s goals are based on 2005 baseline levels of GHG emissions intensity for its natural gas distribution system and electric operations. Since 2005, the company has reduced GHG emissions intensity from its natural gas utility operations by more than 33% and achieved a 25% reduction from its electric operations. The company’s Colorado electric utility has achieved an approximate 50% reduction in GHG emissions since 2005 and is on track to reach 80% by 2030.

“Our clean energy goals keep the needs of our customers at the forefront of our decision-making and reflect commitments that are achievable using technology available today,”

“Our clean energy goals keep the needs of our customers at the forefront of our decision-making and reflect commitments that are achievable using technology available today,” said Vance Crocker, Black Hills Energy’s vice president of operations. “Our goal of 50% emissions intensity reduction will be realized by executing upon our distribution integrity management plans, which calls for programmatic upgrades of our natural gas system to ensure safety and integrity.”

Black Hills Energy operates a modern gas system across six states, including Colorado and nearly 99% of infrastructure comprised of protected steel or plastic materials with the lowest emissions factors.

“Natural gas is dependable, economical, clean, abundant and an incredible resource for our customers,” said Crocker. “It’s also a source that must be treated with the utmost focus on safety and maintenance to ensure the safe transport and delivery to customers. Investing in infrastructure safety and the environment are a priority for Black Hills Energy and the company is committed to completing replacement of all remaining unprotected pipe on its system before 2035.”

Black Hills Energy has electric utility operations in Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. In Colorado, with its all-renewable and natural gas generation fleet – the cleanest in the state – Black Hills Energy has achieved an approximate 50% reduction in GHG emissions since 2005. With Renewable Advantage, the company’s planned 200-megawatt (MW), utility-scale solar project to be built in Pueblo County, Black Hills Energy is on pace to achieve a 70% reduction in GHG emissions by the end of 2023, ahead of state GHG roadmap targets and well positioned to achieve the state’s requirement of 80% reduction by 2030.

“Our clean energy goals are based on methodical, proven solutions to reduce our emissions while ensuring reliability and affordability for our customers and, as new technologies become available, we hope to build on these goals and find deeper carbon emission reductions,” said Crocker. 

Additional information about the company’s GHG emissions reduction goals and environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies and initiatives are available in Black Hills Energy’s newly published corporate responsibility report at blackhillsenergy.com/sustainability.