Rapid City, SD – On Wednesday, the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission gave final approval to a settlement that allows Black Hills Energy to increase its electric rates by over $27.3 million each year. The decision was made during the commission’s meeting in Pierre and reflects the utility’s request to cover rising operational costs.
Rate increase details
The approved settlement will adjust Black Hills Energy’s residential and commercial electricity rates, resulting in an additional $27.3 million in annual revenue for the company. The commission reviewed the joint settlement documents and the negotiations that preceded the vote before granting its consent.
Utility’s response to struggling customers
Black Hills Energy Vice President Wes Ashton emphasized that the company is aware of the financial strain many households are experiencing. “If there is any customer that’s struggling with making ends meet, I would encourage them to reach out to our company; we have solutions that are available not only on how a customer will pay a bill, but what options might be out there to support them to make sure that they have all the support they need to keep the lights on,” Ashton said.
Ashton outlined several assistance programs, including payment plans, budget billing, and potential discounts for qualifying low‑income customers. The utility encourages anyone facing difficulty to contact its customer service center to explore these options.
Commission’s perspective
Commissioners noted that the settlement balances the utility’s need to maintain reliable service and invest in infrastructure with the public’s interest in affordable electricity. While the rate increase adds a cost to consumers, the commission highlighted that the additional revenue will help fund system upgrades, improve reliability, and support future growth in the region.
Public Utilities Commissioners also stressed the importance of transparency and urged customers to stay informed about the upcoming changes. They indicated that the commission will continue to monitor the utility’s performance and ensure that the rate adjustments are justified by actual service improvements.
What this means for South Dakota residents
Customers can expect to see the new rates reflected on their next billing cycle. Those who receive a bill with the increased amount should review the details carefully and reach out to Black Hills Energy if they need assistance. The utility’s customer‑service team is prepared to answer questions and guide consumers through the available payment options.
Community leaders and consumer‑advocacy groups have been invited to provide feedback on the rate change, and the commission has pledged to keep an open dialogue with the public throughout the implementation period.
Looking ahead
The approval marks a significant step for Black Hills Energy as it seeks to modernize its grid and expand service reliability across the state. With the additional revenue, the utility plans to invest in renewable energy integration, grid resilience projects, and technology upgrades that aim to reduce outages and improve overall service quality.
Residents are encouraged to stay engaged with the Public Utilities Commission’s upcoming meetings, where further discussions on utility rates, service standards, and infrastructure projects will continue.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
