Last year, the Company contributed $1.6 million to South Dakota non-profit partners
RAPID CITY, S.D. – May 10, 2021 – Black Hills Energy, a Rapid City-based energy company, today released its 2020 Community Impact Report, highlighting corporate contributions, volunteerism efforts and overall economic impact during the past year. Unprecedented challenges called for renewed commitment to the unique needs of each of the 823 communities Black Hills Energy serves, resulting in $5.6 million in charitable contributions to non-profits organizations, Chambers of Commerce and economic development organizations, and energy assistance programs.
In South Dakota, the company’s charitable giving in 2020 exceeded $1.6 million and direct economic impact totaled $167 million. This included charitable giving, compensation for more than 800 employees, franchise fees, payments to suppliers, and property, sales and use taxes paid to our communities. Black Hills Energy serves roughly 71,000 electric utility customers in 29 communities across South Dakota.
“We want to see the Black Hills thrive, because this is our home, too,” said Marc Eyre, Black Hills Energy’s vice president of electric operations in South Dakota. “We’re proud to serve the South Dakota and work hard to be an engaged, responsible community partner. When COVID-19 threw us all for a loop, we searched for ways to immediately step up and help, including an initial focus on helping communities meet basic needs like food insecurity and later, with an increased commitment to energy assistance for families experiencing financial hardship.”
2020 Community Impact Totals
Black Hills Energy supported South Dakota communities in many ways during 2020, including:
More than half of Black Hills Energy’s South Dakota-based employees pledged nearly $300,000 to United Way of the Black Hills, including a 25 percent match from the corporate foundation. South Dakota employees volunteered with nearly 300 local and regional groups working to make the Black Hills a better place, serving on dozens of local boards and work as hands-on volunteers for many community organizations. Black Hills Energy supported South Dakota’s signature events and traditions, including the Black Hills Stock Show, Days of ’76 in Deadwood, and Neutrino Days in Lead.
Sponsorship of energy efficiency programs helped more than 1,700 South Dakota customers save on energy costs.
Employees helped train 40 first responders about safety near electric lines and equipment, helping keep South Dakota communities safe.
Stepping Up for South Dakota
Black Hills Energy nearly quadrupled support for energy assistance programs in its home state in 2020, supporting organizations that provide needed bill assistance for customers. More than $90,000 in funding was provided to organizations, including the Salvation Army of the Black Hills.
Kelsie Moreno, captain of The Salvation Army of the Black Hills, shared the story of a young family with a baby.
“Both were employed, but their car broke down,” explained Moreno. “They knew they had to fix the car to be able to continue to work. Between the cost of the car repair and the few days of work they missed when they were without transportation, they fell behind on their energy bill. They then made the tough decision to buy diapers and food instead of pay that utility bill.”
“When they came to us, they were pretty desperate. It was cold outside. They had made small payments as they could, but it became too much for them. The Salvation Army was able to take care of that bill for them with funds provided by Black Hills Cares, the energy assistance program of Black Hills Energy. We are grateful for that partnership because we see firsthand, how it helps real families in the Black Hills.”
Black Hills Energy serves 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers in eight states and is committed to bringing energy to local communities through charitable giving, outreach and employee volunteerism. The company’s direct economic impact last year totaled nearly $1.4 billion.
To learn more about Black Hills Energy’s total community impact please visit our website at www.blackhillsenergy.com/our-community-impact.