FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Nov. 10, 2022 – Arkansans will switch from running the air conditioner to turning on the heat as weather reports predict a long-lasting cold front quickly moving in. Leading up to heating season, Black Hills Energy has been ramping up efforts to communicate with customers, sharing tips on how to use less natural gas in their homes, so they can save energy and save money. The company is also reminding customers of available resources to help with energy bills.

Customers have been seeing a steady stream of practical ideas and information to help them manage their energy use before colder winter temperatures arrive, and Black Hills Energy will continue to share resources throughout winter. Along with a redesigned more visual and personalized bill, outreach efforts include monthly emails and bill inserts; social media and website updates; and energy-efficiency promotions. Customers will also see more of the company’s Team Ready consumer education campaign, which features Mike and Maria sharing helpful energy efficiency tips. The goal has been to help customers be ready to manage their energy use before colder winter temperatures arrive.

“Most of our customers use more energy during the cold winter months to keep their homes warm and comfortable,” said Chad Kinsley, vice president of operations at Black Hills Energy in Arkansas. “We recognize there are many things impacting our customers’ household budgets, and our goal is to help them use less energy through conservation and energy efficiency projects, so they can better manage their bills or choose options, like Budget Billing, to help manage energy costs.”

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.

Customers are encouraged to visit blackhillsenergy.com/winter-ready to find energy usage monitoring tools; conservation tips; assistance programs; and information on Budget Billing, a free payment plan that supports avoiding the seasonal increases in bills that result during extreme weather by averaging usage over a 12-month period. Customers may learn about Black Hills Cares, administered by Salvation Army; Arkansas 211; and other Arkansas assistance programs.

For do-it-yourself videos and blogs to learn more on how to stay safe, be prepared and save energy, visit blackhillsenergy.com/teamready or check out Black Hills Energy posts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.