Thank you to Black Hills Energy for sponsoring the August 2026 meals for our clients.
Black Hills Energy Announces $1.65 Billion Economic Impact to Communities
CHEYENNE, Wy. — July 17, 2026 — Black Hills Energy is releasing its annual Community Impact Report, detailing a year in which the regulated electric and natural gas provider generated $1.65 billion in direct economic impact across the eight states it serves including Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
The report underscores the company's mission of "Improving Life with Energy," translating that commitment into measurable support for the 1.37 million customers and 850+ communities Black Hills Energy serves.
"Being a good neighbor means showing up in the communities we are proud to serve and where our employees live and work. It is not just delivering safe, reliable energy, but continuing to invest in the people and organizations that make our communities thrive," said Wes Ashton, vice president of utilities for Wyoming and South Dakota. "The numbers in this report reflect thousands of individual acts: a line worker coaching little league, a crew donating their time and expertise to a Saturday community event, a team fundraiser or someone helping their neighbor find ways to lower their energy bill."
The examples below illustrate our commitment to supporting Wyoming organizations through charitable giving:
Wyoming 211
“With the funding we received from Black Hills Energy, we have been able to increase our attendance at events across the state,” said Wyoming 211 Executive Director, Ann Clement. “This helps ensure that residents in every community are aware of the ability to call 211 for connection to any support they may need.”
Meals on Wheels of Cheyenne
“As the cost of food, fuel, and other essentials continues to increase, the support of community partners like Black Hills Energy is critical to our ability to serve those in need throughout Cheyenne and Laramie County,” said Meals on Wheels Executive Director, Stephanie Freeman. “Their generous donations and the time their employees dedicate as volunteers help us meet growing demand while ensuring our clients continue to receive nutritious meals and the personal connections that are such an important part of our mission. We are incredibly grateful for Black Hills Energy's longstanding commitment to our community and the meaningful difference they make every day."
The commitment to the communities Black Hills Energy serves is most visible at the local level. 2025 highlights for Wyoming include.
- $123.7 million total direct economic impact, including charitable giving, employee compensation and taxes
- $308,000 in charitable giving to nonprofits, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, scholarships and community investments
- $79,000 raised for Black Hills Cares, the company's energy assistance program, helping hundreds of families in need pay their energy bills
- 2,100+ volunteer hours contributed by employees to local organizations
- $40,000 invested in economic development efforts to strengthen local business communities
- $39,000 in United Way pledges across the company's eight-state footprint, including over $30,800 in employee pledges plus a 25% match from Black Hills Corp. Foundation
- $30,800 in employee pledges plus a 25% match from the Black Hills Corp. Foundation
- $1,200+ first responders and excavators trained on emergency response and safe digging practices tied to 811 "Call Before You Dig" awareness
"Improving Life with Energy isn't just a slogan — it's a proactive and deliberate approach to how we see our role with our customers, and a promise we make to every community we serve," Ashton added.
Black Hills Energy employs nearly 2,800 community members dedicated to delivering safe, reliable energy through nearly 60,000 miles of pipelines and powerlines. Excluding dollars generously matched by customers through Black Hills Cares, the community impact dollars are from company profits reinvested into the community.
To learn more about how your business can sponsor meals visit our Corporate Sponsorship Page!