Black Hills Energy is much more than an energy company. The company believes in investing in local economies, helping families in need, and supporting the communities employees work and live in.
In 2019, the direct economic impact of Black Hills Energy in Wyoming totaled $144 million. This included compensation for employees, charitable giving, payments to suppliers, and property, sales and use taxes paid to communities.
As part of this, charitable impact totaled $345 thousand dollars, including financial support for nonprofits, economic development, low-income energy assistance, investments in trees, and support for United Ways – all making a positive impact in the hometowns of employees and customers in Wyoming.
Giving back is more than just writing checks. Black Hills Energy also supported communities in 2019 in other ways, including:
- More than 2,400 customers participated in energy efficiency programs; saving energy costs.
- More than 65 families received energy assistance funds as part of the Black Hills Cares program.
- More than 50 community organizations benefitted from volunteer time shared by 40 employees.
- Over 25 first responders learned emergency response techniques around natural gas and electrical lines.
“At Black Hills Energy we believe strong communities help make for strong companies. If our communities are not strong, we won’t be either,” said Linn Evans, president and chief executive officer at Black Hills Energy. “Our hearts go out to all those impacted by COVID-19, whether physically or economically. In addition to our community impact initiatives, as the pandemic became a reality in our hometowns this spring, we partnered with our communities to help fill basic needs by designating $375,000 for immediate relief efforts. And, we stand ready to partner with our communities as they emerge from the impact of coronavirus.”
“Seeing our company and its employees give back to so many communities and organizations, exhibits the Black Hills Energy’s culture at its finest, and it is something I am glad to represent every day,” said Mark Stege, Wyoming’s vice president of operations.
To learn more about all the ways Black Hills Energy is supporting communities please visit: www.blackhillsenergy.com/community and click on the Community section.
About Black Hills Energy
Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) is a customer focused, growth-oriented utility company with a tradition of improving life with energy and a vision to be the energy partner of choice. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, the company serves 1.28 million natural gas and electric utility customers in eight states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. More information is available at www.blackhillscorp.com and www.blackhillsenergy.com.
