Weather information
More winter weather is on its way to parts of our service territory. As the temperatures dip, remember that your heating unit will be working harder to keep your home comfortable – even if your thermostat setting remains the same. And the more your heating system runs, the more energy it uses. Check out ways to conserve energy and manage monthly energy costs on our Winter Ready page.
We’re always ready to respond to issues caused by severe weather. Our highest priority is to provide you with safe, reliable service.
If you smell a gas or odor, immediately evacuate from the building or area. Once you're away from the building, call 911.
Electric outages
You can report your power outage online or call 888-890-5554.
Please choose your state below for the latest updates.
Arkansas
Natural gas safety during storms
Snow and ice buildup on your natural gas meter can create a safety hazard and even cut off the flow of natural gas to your heating equipment and appliances. To avoid trouble, gently remove snow and ice from on and around the meter with your hands or a broom.
Gas meters and regulators are durable and designed with the weather in mind, but a coating of ice or snow could cause a loss of service and become a critical safety issue. If at all possible, remove the snow before it has a chance to freeze.
Vent safety during storms
Our gas crews are experiencing numerous carbon monoxide reports. Many of these issues are being caused by drifting snow, causing furnace and water heater vents to become blocked.
Here are some important safety tips for you to know:
- Make sure that your furnace vent, gas fireplace vent and tankless/conventional water heater vents are free from drifting snow
- Gently brush the snow away using a soft broom or your hand, being careful to avoid vent damage
- Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors and inspect them regularly
- Make sure batteries are fresh
- Experts recommend placing one detector on every level of your home
- Install detectors at of slightly above eye level, as carbon monoxide is lighter than air and will float upward
More information
As the homeowner, you’re responsible for maintaining your home’s service mast. Learn more about maintaining and repairing your service mast.
Learn more about what to do when the lights go out.
Colorado
Electric safety during storms
In the event of an extended electric outage, we work with local news agencies to keep you informed about service restoration. If an electrical service interruption occurs, we will make every effort to restore your power as quickly as possible.
In the event of a power outage, follow these guidelines to stay safe:
- Never touch or attempt to pick up a fallen power line, and keep children and pets away. Assume any downed power line is energized. If you see a downed power line, call our emergency number 800-694-8989 or 911 immediately.
- Prepare for an outage by setting up an emergency drawer or kit that’s easy to access, even in the dark. Stock it with fresh batteries, a battery-powered radio and a flashlight. Avoid using candles, lanterns or oil lamps because of the fire risk.
- Unplug sensitive computer and electronic equipment or protect them with a high-quality surge protector.
- Do not open your refrigerator or freezer more than necessary. Undisturbed food will remain frozen in most freezers for 12 to 48 hours.
- Do not use charcoal grills to heat your home or cook indoors. Dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can build up and cause injury or death.
- If you use a portable generator, follow the manufacturer's safety and operating guidelines. Be sure to operate the generator in a well-ventilated area. Never operate it indoors or in your garage. Again, dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can build up and cause injury or death.
Natural gas safety during storms
Snow and ice buildup on your natural gas meter can create a safety hazard and even cut off the flow of natural gas to your heating equipment and appliances. To avoid trouble, gently remove snow and ice from on and around the meter with your hands or a broom.
Gas meters and regulators are durable and designed with the weather in mind, but a coating of ice or snow could cause a loss of service and become a critical safety issue. If at all possible, remove the snow before it has a chance to freeze.
Vent safety during storms
Our gas crews are experiencing numerous carbon monoxide reports. Many of these issues are being caused by drifting snow, causing furnace and water heater vents to become blocked.
Here are some important safety tips for you to know:
- Make sure that your furnace vent, gas fireplace vent and tankless/conventional water heater vents are free from drifting snow
- Gently brush the snow away using a soft broom or your hand, being careful to avoid vent damage
- Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors and inspect them regularly
- Make sure batteries are fresh
- Experts recommend placing one detector on every level of your home
- Install detectors at of slightly above eye level, as carbon monoxide is lighter than air and will float upward
More information
As the homeowner, you’re responsible for maintaining your home’s service mast. Learn more about maintaining and repairing your service mast.
Learn more about what to do when the lights go out.
Iowa
Natural gas safety during storms
Snow and ice buildup on your natural gas meter can create a safety hazard and even cut off the flow of natural gas to your heating equipment and appliances. To avoid trouble, gently remove snow and ice from on and around the meter with your hands or a broom.
Gas meters and regulators are durable and designed with the weather in mind, but a coating of ice or snow could cause a loss of service and become a critical safety issue. If at all possible, remove the snow before it has a chance to freeze.
Vent safety during storms
Our gas crews are experiencing numerous carbon monoxide reports. Many of these issues are being caused by drifting snow, causing furnace and water heater vents to become blocked.
Here are some important safety tips for you to know:
- Make sure that your furnace vent, gas fireplace vent and tankless/conventional water heater vents are free from drifting snow
- Gently brush the snow away using a soft broom or your hand, being careful to avoid vent damage
- Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors and inspect them regularly
- Make sure batteries are fresh
- Experts recommend placing one detector on every level of your home
- Install detectors at of slightly above eye level, as carbon monoxide is lighter than air and will float upward
More information
As the homeowner, you’re responsible for maintaining your home’s service mast. Learn more about maintaining and repairing your service mast.
Learn more about what to do when the lights go out.
Kansas
Natural gas safety during storms
Snow and ice buildup on your natural gas meter can create a safety hazard and even cut off the flow of natural gas to your heating equipment and appliances. To avoid trouble, gently remove snow and ice from on and around the meter with your hands or a broom.
Gas meters and regulators are durable and designed with the weather in mind, but a coating of ice or snow could cause a loss of service and become a critical safety issue. If at all possible, remove the snow before it has a chance to freeze.
Vent safety during storms
Our gas crews are experiencing numerous carbon monoxide reports. Many of these issues are being caused by drifting snow, causing furnace and water heater vents to become blocked.
Here are some important safety tips for you to know:
- Make sure that your furnace vent, gas fireplace vent and tankless/conventional water heater vents are free from drifting snow
- Gently brush the snow away using a soft broom or your hand, being careful to avoid vent damage
- Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors and inspect them regularly
- Make sure batteries are fresh
- Experts recommend placing one detector on every level of your home
- Install detectors at of slightly above eye level, as carbon monoxide is lighter than air and will float upward
More information
As the homeowner, you’re responsible for maintaining your home’s service mast. Learn more about maintaining and repairing your service mast.
Learn more about what to do when the lights go out.
Nebraska
Natural gas safety during storms
Snow and ice buildup on your natural gas meter can create a safety hazard and even cut off the flow of natural gas to your heating equipment and appliances. To avoid trouble, gently remove snow and ice from on and around the meter with your hands or a broom.
Gas meters and regulators are durable and designed with the weather in mind, but a coating of ice or snow could cause a loss of service and become a critical safety issue. If at all possible, remove the snow before it has a chance to freeze.
Vent safety during storms
Our gas crews are experiencing numerous carbon monoxide reports. Many of these issues are being caused by drifting snow, causing furnace and water heater vents to become blocked.
Here are some important safety tips for you to know:
- Make sure that your furnace vent, gas fireplace vent and tankless/conventional water heater vents are free from drifting snow
- Gently brush the snow away using a soft broom or your hand, being careful to avoid vent damage
- Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors and inspect them regularly
- Make sure batteries are fresh
- Experts recommend placing one detector on every level of your home
- Install detectors at of slightly above eye level, as carbon monoxide is lighter than air and will float upward
More information
As the homeowner, you’re responsible for maintaining your home’s service mast. Learn more about maintaining and repairing your service mast.
Learn more about what to do when the lights go out.
South Dakota
If you're experiencing a power outage, click the button below to report and monitor your outage.
Electric safety during storms
In the event of an extended electric outage, we work with local news agencies to keep you informed about service restoration. If an electrical service interruption occurs, we will make every effort to restore your power as quickly as possible.
In the event of a power outage, follow these guidelines to stay safe:
- Never touch or attempt to pick up a fallen power line, and keep children and pets away. Assume any downed power line is energized. If you see a downed power line, call our emergency number 800-694-8989 or 911 immediately.
- Prepare for an outage by setting up an emergency drawer or kit that’s easy to access, even in the dark. Stock it with fresh batteries, a battery-powered radio and a flashlight. Avoid using candles, lanterns or oil lamps because of the fire risk.
- Unplug sensitive computer and electronic equipment or protect them with a high-quality surge protector.
- Do not open your refrigerator or freezer more than necessary. Undisturbed food will remain frozen in most freezers for 12 to 48 hours.
- Do not use charcoal grills to heat your home or cook indoors. Dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can build up and cause injury or death.
- If you use a portable generator, follow the manufacturer's safety and operating guidelines. Be sure to operate the generator in a well-ventilated area. Never operate it indoors or in your garage. Again, dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can build up and cause injury or death.
More information
As the homeowner, you’re responsible for maintaining your home’s service mast. Learn more about maintaining and repairing your service mast.
Wyoming
Electric safety during storms
In the event of an extended electric outage, we work with local news agencies to keep you informed about service restoration. If an electrical service interruption occurs, we will make every effort to restore your power as quickly as possible.
In the event of a power outage, follow these guidelines to stay safe:
- Never touch or attempt to pick up a fallen power line, and keep children and pets away. Assume any downed power line is energized. If you see a downed power line, call our emergency number 800-694-8989 or 911 immediately.
- Prepare for an outage by setting up an emergency drawer or kit that’s easy to access, even in the dark. Stock it with fresh batteries, a battery-powered radio and a flashlight. Avoid using candles, lanterns or oil lamps because of the fire risk.
- Unplug sensitive computer and electronic equipment or protect them with a high-quality surge protector.
- Do not open your refrigerator or freezer more than necessary. Undisturbed food will remain frozen in most freezers for 12 to 48 hours.
- Do not use charcoal grills to heat your home or cook indoors. Dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can build up and cause injury or death.
- If you use a portable generator, follow the manufacturer's safety and operating guidelines. Be sure to operate the generator in a well-ventilated area. Never operate it indoors or in your garage. Again, dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can build up and cause injury or death.
Natural gas safety during storms
Snow and ice buildup on your natural gas meter can create a safety hazard and even cut off the flow of natural gas to your heating equipment and appliances. To avoid trouble, gently remove snow and ice from on and around the meter with your hands or a broom.
Gas meters and regulators are durable and designed with the weather in mind, but a coating of ice or snow could cause a loss of service and become a critical safety issue. If at all possible, remove the snow before it has a chance to freeze.
Vent safety during storms
Our gas crews are experiencing numerous carbon monoxide reports. Many of these issues are being caused by drifting snow, causing furnace and water heater vents to become blocked.
Here are some important safety tips for you to know:
- Make sure that your furnace vent, gas fireplace vent and tankless/conventional water heater vents are free from drifting snow
- Gently brush the snow away using a soft broom or your hand, being careful to avoid vent damage
- Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors and inspect them regularly
- Make sure batteries are fresh
- Experts recommend placing one detector on every level of your home
- Install detectors at of slightly above eye level, as carbon monoxide is lighter than air and will float upward
More information
As the homeowner, you’re responsible for maintaining your home’s service mast. Learn more about maintaining and repairing your service mast.
Learn more about what to do when the lights go out.
Wildfire safety and prevention
At Black Hills Energy, we work each day to enhance the safety and resiliency of our electric and natural gas systems to deliver safe and reliable energy to our customers, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. This includes taking proactive steps to maintain and upgrade our systems to protect against extreme weather conditions such as severe wind, snow and ice, flooding and wildfire.
As the temperatures drop, we’re ready. And, we’re here to help make sure you are too. Act now to keep your energy costs down and plan for unpredictable weather this heating season.
Here are ways to stay warm and safe in your home before, during and after the storm.
Temporary electrical outages can be caused by lightning, snowstorms, high winds or equipment failure. Follow these steps to prepare if an electrical service interruption occurs.
Before the storm
Before the storm, we prepare our crews and make sure we have the necessary people in place to mobilize. When the situation calls for it, we have arrangements with outside contractors and other utilities to send crews to help restore service.
- Set up an emergency drawer or kit that’s easy to access, even in the dark. Stock it with fresh batteries, a battery-powered radio and a flashlight. Avoid using candles, lanterns or oil lamps because they can present a fire risk. Be sure everyone in the family knows where the emergency drawer or kit is located.
- If any member of your family is on life support, plan for arrangements to get them to a location where their needs can be met if electric service is interrupted. Also call us at 888-890-5554 to make sure we've noted a life-support system exists at your home.
We deliver natural gas to your home or business through a system of underground pipelines. While natural gas has an excellent safety record, it’s important to know a few basic principles to stay safe.
We work to make sure you have safe and reliable energy, but occasionally the weather or other circumstances can create issues. Here’s how you can stay safe before, during and after a storm.
Heavy rains and large amounts of snowfall can cause flooding any time of the year. Here are steps to take to keep you and your appliances safe during and after a flood.
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