RAPID CITY, S.D.  ̶ Nov. 5, 2020 ̶ Black Hills Energy today announced corporate-wide clean energy goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity for its electric and natural gas utility operations over the next 10 to 20 years.

For its electric operations in Wyoming, South Dakota and Colorado, the company has established a goal to reduce GHG emissions intensity by 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2040, based on 2005 baseline levels. The company’s electric operations have reduced total GHG emissions by 25% since 2005.

“This ensures reliability and affordability for our customers and affirms our commitment to leveraging the abundant energy resources in our region, which will continue to play a critical role in our 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,” said Marc Eyre, Black Hills Energy’s vice president of operations. “This ensures reliability and affordability for our customers and affirms our commitment to leveraging the abundant energy resources in our region, which will continue to play a critical role in our operations.”

“By taking a measured approach, we will seek further GHG emissions reductions through low-cost energy while leveraging our current assets and supporting our customers’ increasing demands for renewable energy,” added Eyre.

For its natural gas utility operations across six states, Black Hills Energy is seeking a 50% total reduction in GHG emissions intensity by 2035 based on 2005 baseline levels for its natural gas distribution system. The company has cut GHG emissions intensity from its natural gas utilities by more than 33% since 2005. Black Hills Energy operates a modern gas system with no cast iron pipe since 2014 and nearly 99% of infrastructure comprised of materials with the lowest emissions factors. 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.

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.