HANNA, Wy. – September 6, 2020 Black Hills Energy technicians have started the process of bringing natural gas customers back online following the request of local firefighters to completely shut down the Hanna, Wyoming, system last night.

“The process of bringing customers back on to the system requires several steps,” said Bo Secrest, gas operations manager for Black Hills Energy Wyoming. “We must first make sure all gas meters are off, then purge the system so that it’s ready for the reintroduction of the natural gas supply. Finally, our technicians will need to go door-to-door and relight each customer’s gas appliances.”

Black Hills Energy customers can assist in expediting the relighting efforts by providing access to gas meters and restraining pets who may be on the premises. Additionally, it is required that someone over 18 years of age be present during the relighting process.
Black Hills Energy is aware that the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the area, and will work diligently to make sure that all customers are back on the system as quickly as possible. Our technician’s top priority is to safely return our customers to service

CHEYENNE, Wyoming –  Black Hills Energy in Wyoming has activated its emergency response plan and is working with firefighters to safely maintain natural gas infrastructure threatened by a wildfire burning in the area of Hanna, Wyoming. 

As a precaution, the local fire department has issued an evacuation order for residents in the area.  At the request of fire officials, Black Hills Energy has safely shut off natural gas service to customers in Hanna. At this time there are no reported injuries. 

“We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of our customers as our highly trained crews continue to focus on safety and customer service,” said Mark Stege, vice president of Wyoming operations for Black Hills Energy. “The safety of our customers, employees and communities is our highest priority and we are committed to restoring service as soon as safely possible.”  

After firefighters resolve the fire danger at hand, and it is safe for Black Hills Energy crews to be in the area, repairing service to our customers will be the priority. 

Black Hills Energy will work to provide customers with updates regarding restoration of their natural gas service as soon as they become available.