Black Hills Corp. Colorado Gas Utility Reaches Settlement Agreement for Rate Review

Rhea-AI Summary

Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) announced an agreement for a general rate increase via its Colorado utility, Black Hills Energy, aimed at enhancing safe and reliable natural gas services. The plan, awaiting final approval, could yield $6.49 million in additional annual revenues starting January 1, 2022. This follows over $150 million in investments since 2018 in its 7,000-mile pipeline system, which serves over 194,000 customers. These upgrades have improved resilience during extreme weather and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by a third since 2005.

Positive

• Estimated $6.49 million in new annual base rate revenues starting January 1, 2022.
• Over $150 million invested in infrastructure improvements since last rate filing.
• Significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions intensity by more than one-third since 2005.

Negative

• None.

DENVER, Oct. 05, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) today announced that its Colorado natural gas utility, Black Hills Colorado Gas, Inc., doing business as Black Hills Energy, reached an agreement with parties to its rate review for a general rate increase to support the company’s efforts to continue delivering safe and reliable natural gas service to its customers.

“I want to thank the Colorado Public Utilities staff, the Colorado Office of Utility Consumer Advocate, Energy Outreach Colorado, and other parties to the settlement for good faith negotiations and coming together on the issues,” said Linn Evans, president and CEO of Black Hills Corp. “The ongoing investments reflect our commitment to our Colorado customers for safe and reliable service, support economic growth in the communities we serve, and meet our clean energy goals.”

Black Hills Energy has invested more than $150 million in its 7,000-mile natural gas pipeline system in Colorado since its last approved general rate filing in 2018. These investments include safety replacements and upgrading and expanding its natural gas system serving more than 194,000 customers in 119 communities throughout the state.

The importance of these investments has been demonstrated by the excellent performance of Black Hills’ pipeline system to serve extraordinary demand during extreme weather events. Investments in replacing and upgrading pipeline materials have also contributed to more than a one-third reduction in greenhouse gas emissions intensity for the company’s pipeline system since 2005.

The settlement agreement is contingent upon final review and approval by the administrative law judge and Colorado Public Utilities Commission. If approved, the settlement will result in an estimated $6.49 million in new annual base rate revenues starting Jan. 1, 2022, to recover Black Hills Energy’s investments in utility infrastructure and operating expenses. The new revenue is based on a return on equity of 9.2% and a capital structure of 50.3% equity and 49.7% debt.

Black Hills Corporation
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 1.3 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.

Investor Relations
Jerome E. Nichols
605-721-1171
jerome.nichols@blackhillscorp.com

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888-242-3969

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statement
This news release includes “forward-looking statements” as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. We make these forward-looking statements in reliance on the safe harbor protections provided under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this news release that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward looking statements, including approval of the settlement and anticipated revenues from new rates. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions which we believe are reasonable based on current expectations and projections about future events and industry conditions and trends affecting our business. However, whether actual results and developments will conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that, among other things, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, the risk factors described in Item 1A of Part I of our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, and other reports that we file with the SEC from time to time.

New factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward looking statements emerge from time-to-time, and it is not possible for us to predict all such factors, or the extent to which any such factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statement. We assume no obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

FAQ

What is the purpose of Black Hills Corp's recent rate increase announcement?

The rate increase aims to support improvements in safe and reliable natural gas service.

How much additional revenue does Black Hills project from the new rate?

The projected additional revenue is estimated at $6.49 million annually.

When will the new rates take effect for Black Hills Energy customers?

The new rates are expected to take effect on January 1, 2022.

What investments has Black Hills made in its Colorado gas utility?

Black Hills has invested over $150 million in infrastructure improvements since its last rate filing in 2018.

How has Black Hills improved its environmental impact?

The company has achieved a reduction of more than one-third in greenhouse gas emissions intensity since 2005.