Town Hall Meetings and Interim Rates Planned in Black Hills Energy Rate Case

Lincoln, July 28, 2025 - The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) reminds consumers
that beginning August 1, Black Hills Energy will begin charging higher rates for its natural
gas customers in Nebraska. The interim rate increase is in conjunction with the company’s
rate case (NG-124) currently before the Commission.

On May 1, Black Hills Energy filed an application with the PSC seeking a $34.9 million
general rate increase. The proposal will increase Black Hills’ fixed customer charges and
distribution charges, the rates regulated by the Commission. State law allows a utility to charge
an interim rate during the Commission’s review of the application.

The Commission will hold a hearing on Black Hills’ proposal in October to gather evidence
from the company, the Public Advocate, and the other parties. Customers are represented by the
Public Advocate, an attorney with experience in natural gas matters. Lincoln lawyer Chris
Dibbern is currently serving as the Public Advocate. The Commission has until January 1, 2026,
to rule on the application. If the Commission approves a final rate that is lower than the interim
rate, the utility must refund the difference.

Customers will notice that bills are prorated. Because the rate change takes effect on the first of
the month, customers may have some usage that occurred before the rate change, billed at prior
rates.

Proceeding hearing officer, Commissioner Dan Watermeier said, “It’s important that customers
are aware of the general rate increase process and how that process will affect their bill in the
interim.”

Detailed information on the NG-124 Black Hills General Rate Increase application can be found
on the Natural Gas Department main page of the PSC website by clicking on the NG-124 Black
Hills Energy Rate Case link.

As part of the rate case application process, and in order to provide information and address
questions regarding the potential rate increase, the Commission will hold three Town Hall
meetings. The Town Hall meetings scheduled for Tuesday, August 19, and Wednesday, August
20, will be held virtually. A schedule of Town Hall meetings and information on how to
participate can be found on the PSC website at  https://psc.nebraska.gov/natural-gas/town-hall-meetings.

The Town Hall meetings will begin with a presentation by Black Hills Nebraska Gas, followed
by a presentation by the Public Advocate. The public will have the opportunity to ask questions
during the meetings. A recording of a Town Hall meeting will be made available when
completed on the PSC website.