LAWRENCE, Kan. – Nov. 5, 2020 – Black Hills Energy today announced corporate-wide clean energy goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity for its natural gas utility operations of 50% by 2035 and for its electric operations achieve GHG reductions of 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2040.
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.
“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 Jerry Watkins, Black Hills Energy’s general manager 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 Kansas with no cast iron pipe since 2014. 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 steel pipe on its system before 2035.
“Our goals are ambitious, yet achievable,” Watkins added. “They are based on methodical, prudent and proven solutions to reduce our emissions while minimizing cost impacts to our customers. Looking forward, we will continue to embrace new technologies to further reduce emissions and keep customer rates affordable.”
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.