LAWRENCE, Kan. Nov. 24, 2020 – Black Hills Energy announced Tuesday its annual giving amount to Warm Hearts of Douglas County totaled more than $115,000 over the past year to support energy relief efforts in Douglas County.

“A staggering one third of U.S. households face energy insecurity, which means they struggle to pay their energy bills or keep their home at a comfortable temperature. The pandemic has clearly pushed more people closer to homelessness,” said Black Hills Energy Lawrence Operations Manager Mario Gradillas. “But we want to do our part to help. We’re proud to work with Warm Hearts of Douglas County to ensure everyone has access to affordable and clean natural gas.”

“Families in Lawrence were already struggling to make ends meet,” said Mary Grob, a long-term board member and current treasurer of Warm Hearts of Douglas County. “Compounded by the pandemic, these challenges have created an increased demand for utility assistance by nearly 75 percent according to the number of households we’ve helped.” 

“Now more than ever, the need is great,” added Grob. “But thanks to our community and Black Hills Energy, we’re able to tell families they’ll continue receiving the energy that fuels their lives. Lawrence has always risen to the occasion, and I know they will continue to do so.”

Please visit the Black Hills Cares section on our website for more information about the Black Hills Cares program and Black Hills Cares partners. Additionally, Black Hills Energy offers other assistance options for customers who may be financially impacted by COVID-19, including 12-month payment arrangements and budget billing.