Utility customers in much of the U.S. are seeing increased costs this winter, due in large part to the increased cost of natural gas and the temporary recovery of costs associated with the extreme cold temperatures and natural gas price spike in February 2021.
We recognize the impact that any bill increases have on customers and we’re committed to helping customers use less energy and manage their monthly utility budgets.
Conservation and energy efficiency can help, but we know that some customers may need additional assistance. We encourage any of our customers who may be struggling to pay their bills to reach out to our customer service team to learn more about our assistance programs like Black Hills Cares.
While our delivery system reliably met our customers’ extraordinary demand, the 2021 record cold event contributed to the largest natural gas price increase in the last 20 years. As an energy provider, these commodity costs flow directly to our customers with no markup from Black Hills Energy.
Average your bill over a 12-month period so your payment is about the same each month.
Customers can seek out energy assistance programs supported by Black Hills Energy, such as Black Hills Cares.
Reduce wasted energy
We want to encourage our customers to be energy aware by taking advantage of easy and affordable upgrades that conserve energy and provide a quick pay-back for homeowners seeking to save.
These simple, easy tips and projects will help reduce wasted energy and manage energy use.
- Weather-strip your windows and doors – Did you know as much as 7-12% of a building's heating and cooling loss occurs around windows and doors? Installing foam-backed tape around windows and doors is an easy and inexpensive way to keep chilly temperatures outside.
- Seal cracks with caulk – Check the perimeters of windows, doors or where wood siding meets concrete foundation for signs of air leaks. Apply caulk to seal cracks and joints to keep drafts and moisture out of your home.
- Plug up the holes around outlets – Hardware stores sell Styrofoam plugs to seal off energy loss around outlet plugs and light switches inside your home or business. Be sure to follow installation and safety recommendations.
- Keep up with regular furnace maintenance – Your heating system, whether gas or electric, is probably your home's largest energy user in the winter. It can be an energy waster if you don't use it wisely. Clean furnace filters each month, replace filters at least every three months and have a professional check-up each year.
- Install a programmable thermostat – Installing a programmable thermostat is an excellent way to reduce wasted energy overnight and while you’re out of the house. If health concerns aren’t a factor, set your thermostat to 68 degrees during winter months and reduce it by a couple of degrees while you’re sleeping.
- Let the sun do the work – Open blinds on all south-facing windows to let the sun naturally heat your home during the day. Particularly for those spending more time at home these days, this prevents you from having to run the heat 24/7 and will save you from having to turn on additional lights.
- Switch your bulbs – Replace incandescent light bulbs with more efficient LED light bulbs, which use less energy and save money — especially since you’re likely home more often and have the lights on during the colder months of the year.
Monitor your energy usage directly in your Black Hills Energy account. By changing a few habits and monitoring your usage more closely, you might just find you’re able to lower your energy bill. Log into your account and see where you are using the most energy.
When it comes to energy usage, you might be surprised to learn that you have more control than you think. By changing a few habits and monitoring your usage more closely, you might just find you’re able to lower your energy bill.
Storm safety
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.