Black Hills Energy shares tips for summer energy conservation with Southern Colorado customers

Black Hills Energy shares tips for summer energy conservation with Southern Colorado customers   

PUEBLO, Colo., – July 22, 2026 – Summer is in full swing, with high temperatures throughout Southern Colorado. Black Hills Energy is encouraging customers to try several tips to stay cool and use less energy.

“The summer heat increases demand on the electric grid, making it especially important to conserve energy during the peak hours of the day, when temperatures are at their hottest,” said Erik Anderson, general manager of operations at Black Hills Energy. “When our customers take steps to conserve energy, they can save money on their bills while staying comfortable. This allows us to continue to deliver the safe, reliable energy Southern Colorado depends on – it’s a win for everyone.”  

To support customers in planning ahead for the hottest days of summer, Black Hills Energy recommends the following tips to help lower energy use:

• Clean your filters for your HVAC and air conditioning units at least once a month during peak temperatures. Dirty or clogged filters can make your systems work harder, using more energy and increasing costs.
• Use a programmable thermostat to manage energy use. Set the thermostat at 75 degrees Fahrenheit or higher – 78 degrees is even more economical – and use ceiling fans to circulate air.
• Unplug electronics and devices that are not being actively used. TVs, chargers, gaming consoles, kitchen appliances and other electronics can draw power even when not in use. Smart power strips are also a good option to trim energy usage.
• Insulate your home to lower your heating and cooling costs. Attic insulation and sealed air leaks can dramatically reduce how hard your AC unit must work. This includes ceiling and wall insulation, caulking windowsills, adding window film and more.
• Cook outside on a grill or try non-cook recipes to avoid heat inside the home and strain on your AC unit. If you need to use the oven or stove, try to avoid cooking during the hottest time of day, typically between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
• Plant a tree or shrub to provide shade for your air-conditioning unit. With the proper spacing, the shade can increase AC operational efficiency by up to 10%, as it keeps the condenser cool. 
• Monitor your energy usage. Visit your online Black Hills Energy account to review your energy use and download monthly bills, which offer month-to-month comparisons and temperature changes at blackhillsenergy.com/my-account.

Customer Resources

To help customers save on their energy bills, Black Hills Energy offers rebates on smart thermostats along with a variety of different energy efficient equipment. Customers looking to upgrade equipment may be able to utilize a rebate, including through the Moderate-Income program. For more information on energy conservation and residential rebates, visit blackhillsenergy.com/efficiency. 

Customers are also encouraged to review the information included on their monthly bill to understand energy usage, charges and billing history. This makes it easier to track consumption and identify changes from month to month. Learn more at blackhillsenergy.com/understanding-your-bill.

For more information on Black Hills Energy in Southern Colorado, visit www.blackhillsenergy.com/community/powering-colorado.   

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Media Contact

Natalie Falbo, Public Affairs Manager           (719) 601-7991

Black Hills Energy                                          natalie.falbo@blackhillscorp.com

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888-242-3969                                       

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 1.37 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.