FAYETTEVILLE, AR. – July 1, 2020 – Black Hills Energy is much more than an energy company. The company believes in investing in local economies, helping families in need, and supporting the more than 100 communities where customers and employees work and live.
“At Black Hills Energy we believe strong communities help make for strong companies. If our communities are not strong, we won’t be either,”
“At Black Hills Energy we believe strong communities help make for strong companies. If our communities are not strong, we won’t be either,” said Linn Evans, president and chief executive officer at Black Hills Energy. “Our hearts go out to all those impacted by COVID-19, whether physically or economically. In addition to our community impact initiatives, as the pandemic became a reality in our hometowns this spring, we partnered with our communities to help fill basic needs by designating $375,000 for immediate relief efforts. And, we stand ready to partner with our communities as they emerge from the impact of coronavirus.”
In 2019, the direct economic impact of Black Hills Energy in Arkansas totaled $103 million. This included compensation for employees, charitable giving, payments to suppliers, and property, sales and use taxes paid to communities.
Part of this impact included more than $350,000 in charitable giving in the form of financial support for nonprofits, economic development, low-income energy assistance, investments in trees, and support for United Ways – all making a positive impact in the hometowns of employees and customers in Arkansas.
Giving back is more than just writing checks.
Black Hills Energy also supported communities in 2019 in other ways, including:
- More than 2,800 customers participated in energy efficiency programs; saving energy costs.
- More than 200 used I-pads and phones donated to help 25 nonprofits in 23 different communities.
- Over $50,000 in energy assistance provided to 136 families in need.
- More than 200 community organizations benefitted from volunteer time shared by more than 155 employees.
- Over 85 first responders learned emergency response techniques around natural gas systems.
“Providing safe reliable service to our more than 174,000 customers in Arkansas is our first priority,"
“Providing safe reliable service to our more than 174,000 customers in Arkansas is our first priority, It’s also important to us that we support those organizations working hard to create healthy, safe, viable communities. That’s why we give back to so many communities and organizations, and why we encourage our employees to be involved. It’s part of our culture and something I am proud to represent every day.” said Wes Ashton, Black Hills Energy’s vice president of gas operations in Arkansas.
Learn more about all the ways Black Hills Energy is supporting communities.