FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TOWN HALL MEETINGS & 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. ###
Contact:
Deb Collins- Communications & Media Mgr.
(402) 471-0226 /deb.collins@nebraska.gov
