Black Hills Energy Announces Decline in Natural Gas Prices

Woodland Park and Lower Ute Pass Customers May See 12 Percent Decline

Black Hills Energy Community Affairs

Are you ready for some positive economic news for a change? Black Hills Energy, which serves many communities in Colorado and much of Teller County, is pleased to report that the cost of natural gas is going down starting Feb. 1.

We understand the current economic pressures facing the communities we serve and want to focus on providing our customers with the lowest bills possible. So, when the price of natural gas drops – as it has recently – Black Hills Energy moves as quickly as possible to pass those savings on to you.

Depending on where you live in Colorado, your bill is set to go down between $0.04 and $0.14 per therm, or between about 3% and 12% per month, beginning on Feb. 1. Please see the table below to determine the exact amount that natural gas will decrease in your area. The price of natural gas itself is known as a “pass through cost,” meaning we make no money on it and our customers pay market rates and no more.

Black Hills Energy understands that for some of our customers, this may not be enough to offset budget pressures. That’s the reason we offer several options if you need help with your bill, including extended payment arrangements, budget billing and payment assistance. Please visit blackhillsenergy.com/assistance-programs for more information.

At Black Hills Energy, our focus is on delivering the safe, reliable energy that allows our customers to live their lives comfortably. Our employees are your neighbors, and we are committed to serving our communities now and for decades to come.

Frequently asked questions

Why are energy bills so much higher this winter?

Natural gas costs and weather-driven usage are the primary factors behind the increased costs our customers are seeing this winter.

• Natural gas: Natural gas prices have increased substantially over the past year-plus – doubling and even tripling from the historically low prices that we’ve become accustomed to over the past 8-10 years. Black Hills Energy customers in Colorado see the cost of natural gas reflected in their monthly bills via an annual gas cost adjustment, though that can be adjusted down throughout the year if lower market prices allow.
• Customer usage: Additionally, Colorado has seen more winter weather and colder temperatures compared to last winter. When temperatures outside are colder, we use more energy to keep our homes and businesses warmer – even if the thermostat is set to the same temperature.

If my thermostat is consistently set at 68 degrees, how could my usage be up?

Weather plays a significant role in how much natural gas we use – the bigger difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the more energy is being consumed by a heating system.

What can customers do to protect themselves from higher natural gas costs?

It’s not every day companies encourage customers to buy less of what they sell, but that’s exactly what Black Hills Energy is doing this winter. We’re ramping up efforts to communicate with customers, sharing tips on how to use less energy in their homes to help save money.

Among the things you can do today to cut back on your energy usage is allow your dishes to air dry in the dishwasher, pay close attention to your thermostat and the outside temperature and make sure your insulation is up to par. Go to blackhillsenergy.com/winter-ready and blackhillsenergy.com/teamready for even more conservation tips.

The lower rates in the table below reflect changes approved Jan. 25 by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission: