City of Pueblo and Pueblo County receive $209,387 in energy efficiency rebates from Black Hills Energy across four projects

City of Pueblo and Pueblo County receive $209,387 in energy efficiency rebates from Black Hills Energy across four projects

City and County leaders secure energy savings for three new City of Pueblo fire stations and new Pueblo County Detention Center

PUEBLO, Colo., January 19, 2026 — Black Hills Energy today announced that the City of Pueblo has received a $84,374 rebate for energy efficiency projects at three of its newest fire stations. Pueblo County has also received a $125,013 rebate from Black Hills Energy for energy-efficiency implementation at the new Pueblo County Detention Center. The incentives and rebates from Black Hills Energy are part of the company’s Commercial New Construction Program, which helps organizations identify and implement energy efficiency strategies for new construction projects.

The City of Pueblo initiated the project after receiving $34.4 million through certificates of participation to construct and equip the new fire stations, which provides numerous benefits to the Pueblo community and its firefighters, including improved response times and safety. In partnership with Black Hills Energy and Willdan Energy Solutions, the City of Pueblo identified and implemented energy conservation measures for three new fire stations: Fire Stations 6, 8 and 11. In 2024, the City received a geothermal grant of $270,000 awarded from Governor Jared Polis to support the fire stations net-zero efficiency. The implemented conservation and energy-efficient features are expected to reduce electricity use by 444,070 kilowatt-hours (kWh) each year, lower peak electrical demand by 362 kilowatts and generate approximately $60,705 in annual energy cost savings. The three stations are now complete, with the most recent opening on December 12, 2025.

“This project has been a culmination of hard work and community support, and we’re proud that these new facilities can now be used for the benefit of the Pueblo community,” said Barb Huber, City of Pueblo Fire Chief. “Our goal for this project was to create safer spaces for our firefighters, improve response times for the community and deliver modernized facilities. We were glad to work with Black Hills Energy to also make these stations more energy efficient.”

Pueblo County also partnered with Black Hills Energy to install energy-efficient features at the new Pueblo County Detention Center, which is expected to open in spring 2026. The new detention center includes 150 additional beds, improved facilities for employees and is designed to serve Pueblo County for decades to come. The County is expected to save $91,281 annually in energy costs and reduce electricity use by 880,372 kWh each year.

“The new center is designed to better meet the needs of a growing community while improving efficiency and, most importantly, safety for our employees and the people in our care,” said David J. Lucero, Pueblo County Sheriff. “The center was designed from the start with a net-zero energy goal to reduce long term operating costs and save Pueblo County taxpayers money overtime. We’re thankful to Black Hills Energy for helping us achieve this goal.”

Some of the energy efficiency upgrades implemented in the projects include high-quality wall and roof insulation, high efficiency indoor and outdoor lighting, lighting controls and sensors, high efficiency HVAC systems and ENERGY STAR rated high-efficiency kitchen equipment. Overall, the projects are expected to result in annual energy savings of more than 1.3 million kWh.

Black Hills Energy offers several customizable energy-efficiency programs for commercial, industrial, small business and residential customers. The programs are designed to encourage customers to optimize buildings, equipment and energy systems through potential energy savings and may include rebates for specific energy-efficiency products. For more information on the company’s energy efficiency programs, visit www.energy-ready.com.

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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 1.35 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.

About City of Pueblo Fire Department

The Pueblo Fire Department is dedicated to protecting the lives and property of the City of Pueblo’s residents and visitors. Operating 24 hours a day, the department’s highly trained professionals provide comprehensive emergency response, including fire suppression, rescue operations, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, fire prevention and public education. Guided by a commitment to safety, customer service excellence, integrity, dedication and vision, the Pueblo Fire Department upholds all applicable laws, safety practices and professional standards. To learn more visit, https://www.pueblo.us/93/Fire-Department.

About Pueblo County Detention Center

The mission of the Pueblo County Detention Center is to provide community safety through a secure, constitutional detention facility. The facility strives to maintain a safe, clean and secure environment for staff and offenders. The center provides education, counseling, physical and mental health and personal development opportunities to assist offenders toward successful re-entry into the community. The center is committed to excellence and dedicated to managing its offenders in a professional manner, treating all with dignity and respecting their constitutional rights. To learn more visit, https://www.pueblosheriff.com/31/Detention-Center.