Rapid City, SD– April 1, 2020 – Black Hills Energy announced today plans to donate $375,000 to coronavirus relief efforts across its eight-state service area, including $102,000 for South Dakota. This investment is supported by Black Hills Energy South Dakota Community Giving Program as well as the Black Hills Corporation Foundation, the charitable arm of Black Hills Energy
As the impact of the coronavirus grows, Black Hills Energy’s number one priority is the continued safety of its customers, employees and communities. After assessing the growing needs in communities it serves, Black Hills Energy designated $375,000 for immediate relief efforts in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.
“Our hearts go out to all those impacted by COVID-19, whether physically or economically, as we witness it impact communities where our families, friends and customers live, work and raise families,” said Black Hills Energy president and chief executive officer, Linn Evans. “As a provider of critical electric and gas services, we are committed to ensuring all the communities we serve maintain access to these services, but our care for our customers goes well beyond providing these services. We have been by our customers’ sides throughout all of the challenges over the last 136 years and will continue to do so through this challenge too.”
Black Hills Energy partnered with state and local non-profits to identify and address needs and allocated $102,000 for immediate relief efforts in South Dakota.
“We continue to adapt to the ever-changing environment and are working daily to play our part in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and helping those who are impacted,” said Black Hills Energy Marc Eyre, Vice President of Electric Operations for South Dakota. “In South Dakota we will partner with the following organizations: United Way of the Black Hills, Meals on Wheels, Feeding South Dakota, Ellsworth Development Authority, Salvation Army of the Black Hills and the South Dakota Helpline Center, to name a few.”
Additionally, Black Hills Energy offers assistance options for customers who may be financially impacted by COVID-19, including 12-month payment arrangements and budget billing, as well as temporary suspension of nonpayment disconnections. Visit www.blackhillsenergy.com for more information about these programs and others.