![smart thermometer](/sites/blackhillsenergy.com/files/2023-09/smart-thermometer_891x608.jpg)
CHEYENNE, WY — Nov. 15, 2023 — Temperatures outside are rapidly dropping, time to be mindful of the energy we use and how it impacts our lives.
On a quarterly basis, Black Hills Energy’s natural gas utility (Black Hills Wyoming Gas) updates its Gas Cost Rate to reflect the cost of gas purchased from natural gas suppliers on behalf of customers. Going into the 2023/2024 heating season, the winter Gas Cost Rate for Wyoming customers taking service under the GCA option will be $0.3776, which is approximately 48% lower compared to last winter’s $0.7291 per therm Gas Cost Rate. Natural gas prices are a pass-through cost without any markup from Black Hills Energy.
“Historic production and above-average storage have provided a stable market to power this winter’s heating,” said Dustin McKen, Black Hills Energy’s general manager of Wyoming operations. “As we do throughout the year, we’re encouraging customers to use less energy through energy conservation and energy efficiency projects,” said McKen.
Tips range from easy and inexpensive – like lowering the thermostat by a couple of degrees and closing curtains to keep warm air inside – to more involved projects like insulating the attic or installing weather-stripping around doors and windows to keep out drafts.
Additional energy efficiency tips include:
- When you are home and awake, set the thermostat as low as is comfortable on cold days. A smart or programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature.
- Run complete loads of laundry and dishes to avoid using more hot water and energy than necessary.
- Skip the drying cycle on your dishwasher. Instead, prop the door open once dishes are washed and allow them to air dry.
- Use weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows to seal any holes or gaps, reducing energy waste.
- Turn down your hot water heater to 120 degrees and ensure the water heater is insulated properly. Water heaters are the second largest energy user in a house, accounting for about 18% of an energy bill.
For more videos, conservation tips and safety reminders, customers can visit: Team Ready where they’ll see more of the company’s Team Ready consumer education campaign, which features a duo – Mike and Maria – sharing helpful energy efficiency tips. The goal of this stepped-up activity is to help customers be ready to manage their energy use before colder winter temperatures arrive.
Black Hills Energy News
-
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – July 27, 2023 – Black Hills Energy released its 2022 sustainability report highlighting progress on climate goals and its economic and charitable impact in Arkansas. “We are pleased to share our progress to create a cleaner energy future for our customers while also…
-
CHEYENNE, Wyo.– July27, 2023 – Black Hills Energy strives to improve the communities we serve, and today’s release of our 2022 Sustainability Report shows those efforts are paying off. The annual report not only details the progress we’ve made toward achieving our energy strategy goals, but also…
-
PUEBLO, Colo., July 24, 2023 – Black Hills Energy strives to improve the communities we serve, and today’s release of our 2022 Sustainability Report shows those efforts are paying off. The annual report not only details the progress we’ve made toward achieving our climate goals, but also the…
-
CHEYENNE, Wy – July19, 2023 –Black Hills Energy is announcing an exciting new chapter within the company’s Wyoming leadership team by recognizing a tenured employee’s retirement, the promotion of a new general manager, and a new vice president. After more than 28 years, of employment with Black…