This pending case would raise Black Hills Energy bills in northeastern Wyoming by about 33 dollars a month; it has not been decided.
+$33a month
Black Hills Energy (Black Hills Power), South Dakota
2026 rate review and Lange II plant cost recovery
Pending Base rate case, docket EL26-003 before the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission.
+$45a month
on a typical bill, if approved as asked
As published, on a typical $99 bill.
What happens next
Next comes a hearing, then a decision from the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission. Many states give the commission a deadline of roughly seven to eleven months from filing. How rate cases work.
What it means for your bill
$
FiledFeb 19, 2026
Hearingnot scheduled yet
Decisionpending
On billsafter the decision
Black Hills Energy asked South Dakota regulators to reset base rates, last set in 2014, adding about 25 dollars a month for a typical residential customer, and separately to add a 19.70 dollar monthly surcharge to recover the 320 million dollar Lange II gas power plant near Rapid City. Combined, the average residential bill would rise from 98.96 to 143.70 dollars a month, a 45 percent increase, if both proposals are approved as filed. The Public Utilities Commission missed its 180 day review deadline, so Black Hills has been collecting the increase on an interim basis since August 18, 2026, subject to refund if regulators later reduce or reject the request. Eight parties, including local hospitals, businesses and forest product companies, have been granted intervenor status in the case, Docket EL26-003, which remains under staff review with no decision yet.
What it means for your bill: Black Hills Energy is already collecting this proposed increase on an interim basis while South Dakota regulators keep reviewing it; customers could get a refund if it is later reduced.
- Status
- Pending
- Utility
- Black Hills Energy (Black Hills Power)
- Commission
- South Dakota Public Utilities Commission
- Docket
- EL26-003
- Filed
- February 19, 2026
- Requested
- 45% residential
- Typical bill change
- +$44.74 a month on a $99 bill
- Last checked
- September 29, 2026
Common questions
How much will my Black Hills Energy (Black Hills Power) bill go up?
Would add about $45 a month on a typical bill. As published, on a typical $99 bill.
When would the new rates start?
Not yet set. That is decided along with the case, usually as part of the commission's final order.
When is the hearing?
Not scheduled yet. Check back, or ask for an email alert below.
How do I comment?
The South Dakota PUC accepts public comment on the docket; businesses and hospitals have already intervened in the proceeding. Comment page.
How to comment
The South Dakota PUC accepts public comment on the docket; businesses and hospitals have already intervened in the proceeding. Comment page.
Sources
- Average Black Hills Energy customer faces potential $45 increase in monthly bill, KOTA Territory News, 2026-08-26
- Average Black Hills Energy Customer Faces Potential $45 Increase In Monthly Bill, Yankton Press & Dakotan, 2026-08-26
- PUC begins Black Hills Energy rate case as businesses, hospitals join proceedings, KOTA-TV, 2026-05-10
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