BLACK HILLS CORP /SD/
For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Feb 11, 2026.
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A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2025 · Filed Feb 11, 2026
BKH$84.87+0.3%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-12.
0000950170-25-018647
Executive SummaryKey Elements of our Business StrategyRecent DevelopmentsResults of Operations - Consolidated Summary and OverviewNon-GAAP Financial MeasureElectric UtilitiesGas UtilitiesCorporate and OtherConsolidated Interest Expense, Other Income (Expense) and Income Tax Benefit (Expense)Liquidity and Capital ResourcesCash Flow ActivitiesCapital ResourcesCredit RatingsCapital RequirementsCritical Accounting EstimatesCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-12-31; filed 2026-02-11.
0001193125-26-046028
Executive SummaryRecent DevelopmentsResults of Operations - Consolidated Summary and OverviewNon-GAAP Financial MeasureElectric UtilitiesGas UtilitiesCorporate and OtherConsolidated Interest Expense, Other Income (Expense) and Income Tax Benefit (Expense)Liquidity and Capital ResourcesCash Flow ActivitiesCapital ResourcesCredit RatingsCapital RequirementsCritical Accounting EstimatesThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 221 previous paragraphs and 190 current paragraphs.
111 unchanged; 54 reworded; 23 added; 54 removed; 2 previous and 2 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 24 previous and 25 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (23)
Current report
On August 18, 2025, we entered into the Merger Agreement with NorthWestern and Merger Sub. See Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion about the pending Merger.
Current report
See Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for discussion surrounding the OBBBA.
Current report
Trade tariffs have been enacted over the last several months through presidential executive orders affecting products exported by several U.S. trading partners, and retaliatory tariffs have been imposed by some of these trading partners. While some tariffs scheduled to take effect were temporarily suspended, broad tariffs remain in effect with the possibility of additional tariffs being imposed. We are currently unable to predict the impact that recently imposed and possible future tariffs may have on our business. Trade tariffs have not had a material impact on our operations of financial performance to date. We are closely monitoring the impacts of trade tariffs and the potential effect they may have on our financial positions, results of operations, or cash flows.
Current report
In 2025, Wyoming Electric continued to grow its large-load demand from existing data center customers, Microsoft and Meta, under its LPCS Tariff. In July 2024, Wyoming Electric announced it would partner with Meta to provide power for its AI data center. Meta's new AI data center plans to transition from construction power to permanent service later in the first quarter of 2026. We are also actively negotiating with prospective new data center customers that would further grow our load pipeline under Wyoming Electric's LPCS Tariff and also through strategic investments in new transmission and generation.
Current report
On March 28, 2025, South Dakota Electric filed a CPCN with the WPSC for the Lange II project, which was approved in June 2025. The new facility began construction in the third quarter of 2025 and is anticipated to be in service in the fourth quarter of 2026. The addition of these resources will replace generation facilities planned for retirement and support updated planning reserve margin requirements.
Current report
In 2025, Colorado Electric received CPUC approval for the addition of 250 MW of new renewable generation resources in support of its Clean Energy Plan, which included a 50-MW utility-owned battery storage project and a 200-MW solar PPA. On November 3, the CPUC approved the CPCN for the 50-MW battery storage project. During the first quarter of 2026, Colorado Electric expects to execute the 200-MW solar PPA.
Current report
On March 6, 2025, the state of Wyoming enacted comprehensive wildfire liability mitigation legislation (HB0192), effective July 1, 2025. The legislation provides material liability protections for a utility that complies with its commission-approved wildfire mitigation plan. In November 2025, we filed our WMP with the WPSC and anticipate approval in March 2026.
Current report
Electric Utilities’ operating income decreased $10.5 million primarily due to higher operating expenses, unplanned generation outages, lower transmission services revenues and unfavorable weather partially offset by new rates and rider recovery;
Current report
Corporate and Other operating (loss) increased by $4.6 million primarily due to costs related to the pending Merger partially offset by a one-time favorable true-up from the consolidation of our Captive;
Current report
Operations and maintenance expenses which are deemed to be directly attributable to revenue-producing activities include plant operations and maintenance expenses at our electric generation facilities, operations and maintenance expenses at our WRDC coal mine, and electric and gas transmission and distribution expenses. These amounts are included in the table above to calculate gross margin in accordance with GAAP. These amounts excluded operations and maintenance expenses not directly attributable to revenue-producing activities of $100.9 million, $96.1 million, and $83.0 million for the years ended 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively, for the Electric Utilities and $157.4 million, $148.7 million, and $154.7 million for the years ended 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively, for the Gas Utilities.
Current report
Operations and maintenance expense increased primarily due to $5.5 million of higher outside services expenses, $4.8 million of expenses related to unplanned generation outages, $3.7 million of higher employee costs and $1.5 million from higher insurance expense primarily driven by higher excess liability premiums. Other unfavorable variances, none of which were individually significant, comprised the remainder of the difference when compared to the same period in 2024.
Current report
The increase in industrial revenues and quantities sold for 2025 compared to 2024 was primarily driven by Wyoming Electric LPCS Tariff and BCIS Tariff customers.
Current report
The decrease in coal generation for 2025 compared to 2024 was primarily driven by unplanned outages at Wygen III.
Current report
The increase in total purchases for 2025 compared to 2024 was primarily driven by increased demand from Wyoming Electric LPCS Tariff and BCIS Tariff customers and unplanned outages at Wygen III as discussed in (a) above.
Current report
Operations and maintenance expense increased primarily due to $3.2 million of higher insurance expense primarily driven by higher excess liability premiums, $1.3 million of increased bad debt expense attributable to higher customer billings and $1.3 million of higher IT-related costs. Other unfavorable variances, none of which were individually significant, comprised the remainder of the difference when compared to the same period in 2024.
Current report
Corporate and Other consists of certain unallocated expenses for administrative activities that support our operating segments. Corporate and Other also includes our Captive, business development activities that are not part of our operating segments, and inter-segment eliminations.
Current report
Operating loss increased primarily due to $9.9 million of costs related to the pending Merger partially offset by a one-time favorable true-up from the consolidation of our Captive.
Current report
Cash outflows increased $6.6 million for other investing activities primarily due to higher AFUDC debt driven by construction work-in-progress balances related to the Lange II and Ready Wyoming projects.
Current report
Cash outflows increased $15.6 million due to the increased dividend rate per share and increased number of common shares outstanding;
Removed paragraphs (54)
Previous report
Key Elements of our Business Strategy
Previous report
Explore opportunities as an energy solutions provider. A key strategic initiative is to grow our business through innovative energy solutions with new customers and partnerships. We see value creation by recruiting new customers and expanding existing partnerships with data centers and blockchain customers; exploring energy markets; and expanding our transmission capabilities. A few recent examples of our initiatives to grow our business as an energy solutions provider include:
Previous report
Announced Partnership with Meta. On July 11, 2024, Wyoming Electric announced it will partner with Meta to provide power for its newest AI data center to be constructed in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Wyoming Electric plans to procure market energy under its LPCS Tariff with customized energy resources essential to Meta's operations and sustainability objectives.
Previous report
Innovatively served LPCS load: In 2022, Wyoming Electric entered into two new PPAs with third parties to purchase up to 106 MWs of wind energy and up to 150 MWs of solar energy, upon construction of new renewable generation facilities (owned by third parties). The new wind generation facility was placed in service in December 2023 and the solar facility was placed in service in March 2024. The renewable energy from these PPAs is used to serve our expanding partnerships with LPCS customers.
Previous report
Expanded BCIS Load: We have supported enabling legislation in Wyoming for the growing blockchain businesses while implementing our own BCIS Tariff to serve these customers. We currently have agreements with two customers to provide up to 130 MWs in Cheyenne, Wyoming under this Tariff. Energy is sourced through the electric energy market and delivered through our Electric Utilities’ infrastructure. Under these agreements, the customers are responsible for costs of service, and the load is interruptible to prioritize the needs of Wyoming Electric’s existing retail customers.
Previous report
Modernize and operate utility infrastructure to provide customers with safe, reliable, cost-effective electric and natural gas service. Our utilities own and operate large electric and natural gas infrastructure systems with a geographic footprint that spans nearly 1,600 miles. Our Electric Utilities own and operate 1,394 MWs of generation capacity and 9,196 miles of transmission and distribution lines and our Gas Utilities own and operate approximately 49,000 miles of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines.
Previous report
Advanced South Dakota IRP: In June 2021, South Dakota Electric submitted an IRP to the SDPUC and WPSC. The IRP outlines a range of options over a 20-year planning horizon to meet long-term forecasted energy needs while strengthening reliability and resiliency of the grid. The analysis focused on the least-cost resource needs to best meet customers’ future peak energy needs while maintaining system flexibility and achieving the Company’s generation emissions reduction goals. South Dakota Electric's resource plan in the near-term planning period through 2026 includes the conversion of Neil Simpson II to dual fuel (natural gas and coal) in 2025, and addition of 99 MWs of utility-owned, dispatchable natural gas generation by the second half of 2026. Regarding the addition of 99 MWs of generation, South Dakota Electric expects to request a CPCN from the WPSC in the first quarter of 2025.
Previous report
Efficiently plan, construct and operate power generation facilities to serve our Electric Utilities. We best serve customers and communities when generation is vertically integrated into our Electric Utilities and we retain control of the fuel source. This business model remains a core strength and strategy today as we invest in and operate efficient power generation resources to supply cost-effective electricity to our customers. These generation assets can be rate-based or non-regulated assets within our Electric Utilities segment. However, we believe that generation assets that are rate-based provide the most effective long-term benefits to customers.
Previous report
Our power production strategy focuses on low-cost construction and efficient operation of our generating facilities. Our low power production costs result from a variety of factors including low fuel costs (operations located near energy hubs), efficiency in converting fuel into energy, and low per-unit operating and maintenance costs. In addition, we operate our plants with high levels of Availability as compared to industry benchmarks.
Previous report
Rate-Based Generation: Rate-based generation assets offer several advantages for customers and shareholders, including:
Previous report
When generating assets are included in the utility rate base and reviewed and approved by government authorities, customer rates are more stable and predictable, and typically less expensive in the long run; especially when compared to power otherwise purchased from the open market through wholesale contracts or PPAs that are periodically re-priced to reflect current and varying market conditions;
Previous report
Regulators participate in a planning process where long-term investments are designed to match long-term energy demand;
Previous report
The lower-risk profile of rate-based generation assets contributes to stronger credit ratings which, in turn, can benefit both customers and investors by lowering the cost of capital;
Previous report
The value of controlling load to most effectively serve our customer demand; and
Previous report
Investors are provided a long-term and stable return on their investment.
Previous report
Integrated Generation: Our Electric Utilities segment also includes a power generation business that owns non-regulated generating facilities that are contracted through long-term power purchase agreements with our electric utilities. Our power generation business has an experienced staff with significant expertise in planning, building and operating power plants. This team also provides shared services to our Electric Utilities’ generation facilities, resulting in efficient management of all of the Company’s generation assets. Our power generation business competitively bids for energy and capacity through requests for proposals by our Electric Utilities for energy resources necessary to serve customers. This business can bid competitively due to construction expertise, fuel supply advantages and by co-locating new plants at our existing Electric Utilities’ energy complexes, reducing infrastructure and operating costs. All power plants within this business are contracted to our Electric Utilities under long-term contracts, located at our utility-generating complexes and physically integrated into our Electric Utilities’ operations.
Previous report
Generation Fuel Supply: Our generating facilities are strategically located close to energy hubs that help reduce fuel supply costs. Our Colorado and Wyoming gas-fired generating facilities are located close to major natural gas energy hubs that provide trading liquidity and transparent pricing. Due to their location in the resource rich areas of Colorado and Wyoming, natural gas supply to fuel our gas-fired generation can be sourced at competitive prices. Our coal-fired power plants, all located at the Gillette Energy Complex in northeastern Wyoming, are supplied by our adjacent WRDC coal mine. WRDC provides approximately 3.7 million tons of low-sulfur coal directly to these power plants via a conveyor belt system, minimizing transportation costs. The fuel can be delivered to our adjacent power plants at very cost competitive prices (i.e., $1.19 per MMBtu for year ended December 31, 2024) when compared to alternatives. Nearly all the mine’s production is sold to these on-site generation facilities under long-term supply contracts. Approximately one-half of our production is sold under cost-plus contracts with affiliates.
Previous report
Reducing our carbon footprint by proactively integrating alternative and renewable energy into our utility energy supply while mitigating customer rate impacts. A critical component of our strategy involves sustainable operations and reducing emissions. We are committed to cleaner energy and a low carbon future, integrating the Energy Transition and more renewable energy into our overall strategy and decision making. We strongly believe that multiple energy sources, working together, will provide the solutions for a cleaner and resilient energy future.
Previous report
Many states have enacted, and others are considering, mandatory renewable energy standards, requiring utilities to meet certain thresholds of renewable energy generation. In addition, some states have either enacted or are considering legislation setting GHG emission reduction targets. Federal legislation for renewable energy standards and GHG emission reductions has been considered and may be implemented in the future. Mandates for the use of renewable energy or the reduction of GHG emissions will likely drive the need for significant investment in our Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities segments. These mandates will also likely increase prices for electricity and/or natural gas for our utility customers. As a regulated utility, we are responsible for providing safe, reliable and cost-effective sources of energy to our customers. Accordingly, we employ a customer-focused strategy for complying with standards and regulations that balances our customers’ rate concerns with environmental considerations and administrative and legislative mandates. We attempt to strike this balance by prudently and proactively incorporating renewable energy into our resource supply, while seeking to minimize the magnitude and frequency of rate increases for our utility customers.
Previous report
In November 2020, we announced clean energy goals to reduce GHG emissions intensity for our Electric Utilities by 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2040 and achieve GHG reductions of 50% by 2035 for our Gas Utilities. Our goals are compared to a 2005 baseline. Electric Utility goals include Scope 1 emissions from electric utility generating units and Scope 3 emissions from purchased power for sales. Our Gas Utilities goal initially included only Scope 1 emissions from distribution system main and service lines. In August 2022, we announced a new "Net Zero by 2035" target for our Gas Utilities, which doubled the previous target of a 50% reduction by 2035 and expanded the scope of the goal to all Scope 1 sources of methane emissions on our distribution system. Net Zero will be achieved through pipeline material and main replacements, advanced leak detection, third-party damage reduction, expanding the use of RNG and hydrogen, and utilizing carbon credit offsets.
Previous report
During the second quarter of 2024, we published our 2023 Corporate Sustainability Report, highlighting our environmental, social and governance impacts and our progress on major projects and climate goals. We reported a 27% reduction in GHG emissions from our natural gas distribution system since 2022 and are on track to achieve our goal of net zero emissions by 2035. Additionally, we have reduced our electric utility GHG emissions by nearly one-third since 2005 and are on track to achieve our goals to reduce electric emissions intensity by 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2040 compared to 2005.
Previous report
Our goals are based on prudent and proven solutions to reduce our emissions while minimizing cost impacts to our customers. This keeps our customers at the forefront of our decision-making, which is central to our values. More of our customers, particularly our larger customers, are demanding cleaner sources of energy to meet their sustainability goals. In addition, there is more interest from consumers, regulators and legislators to increase the use of renewable and other alternative energy sources. Recent efforts to support this interest include:
Previous report
Advanced Colorado Clean Energy Plan: Colorado Electric's Clean Energy Plan supports its voluntary election to reduce carbon emissions 80% from 2005 levels by 2030. On April 17, 2024, Colorado Electric filed its 120-Day report with the CPUC, recommending the addition of renewable energy resources to advance its Clean Energy Plan. In December 2024, the CPUC approved a preferred portfolio of 100 MWs of utility-owned solar generation, 50 MWs of utility-owned battery storage and a 200 MWs solar PPA. Colorado Electric plans to file a CPCN for utility-owned resources by mid-2025. New resources are expected to be placed in service in 2027-2028.
Previous report
Established Green Forward and Expanded RNG Interconnect Projects: In 2022 and 2023, we filed regulatory applications to launch Green Forward, a voluntary RNG and carbon offset program, to eligible residential and small business natural gas customers to offset up to 100% or more of the emissions from their natural gas usage. Our teams continue to evaluate attractive RNG investment opportunities across our agriculture-rich service territories and explore value generation with our natural gas storage assets. We also continue to expand our RNG interconnections, with 10 projects actively injecting RNG into our natural gas system.
Previous report
Acquired RNG Production Facility: In January 2024, Black Hills Energy Renewable Resources acquired a RNG production facility at a landfill in Dubuque, Iowa. The facility currently injects RNG into the natural gas distribution system serving Dubuque, which is owned and operated by Iowa Gas. This acquisition represents our entry into the production of RNG as a nonregulated business while leveraging our expertise in owning and operating regulated natural gas pipeline systems, including RNG interconnections. The RNG produced from the landfill facility captures methane that would otherwise vent into the atmosphere. It is delivered under long-term contracts to a third party that purchases the RNG and its related environmental attributes, in conformity with the EPA's Renewable Fuel Standard Program.
Previous report
The IRA, enacted in August 2022, features spending and tax incentives on clean energy provisions. Most notably, the IRA includes provisions that extend and expand the production and investment tax credits for wind and solar; includes energy storage, EVs, RNG, and carbon capture and sequestration; and contains a tax credit transferability provision that allows us to transfer (e.g. sell) PTCs produced after December 31, 2022, to third parties. In June 2024, under this transferability provision, we entered into an agreement with a third party to sell $16.9 million of our 2023 generated PTCs. In January 2025, we entered into a similar agreement with a third party to sell $17.0 million of our 2024 generated PTCs. We expect to continue to explore the ability to efficiently monetize our tax credits through third party transferability agreements. See Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.
Previous report
We require access to the capital markets to fund our planned capital investments or acquire strategic assets that support prudent and earnings-accretive business growth. We have demonstrated our ability to cost-effectively access the debt and equity markets, while maintaining our investment-grade issuer credit rating.
Previous report
See Key Elements of our Business Strategy section above for discussion of recent developments related to our partnership with Meta, construction progress on our Ready Wyoming project, Colorado Electric's Clean Energy Plan, South Dakota Electric's IRP and the addition of 99 MWs of new generation, and publishing of our first formal WMP and plans to formalize our PSPS.
Previous report
In 2024, Wygen I and Pueblo Airport Generation #4-5 experienced unplanned generation outages that had a $8.3 million negative impact to Operating income. We are currently assessing insurance recovery opportunities.
Previous report
See Key Elements of our Business Strategy section above for discussion of recent developments related to BHERR's purchase of a RNG production facility in Iowa.
Previous report
On May 31, 2024, we amended and restated our corporate Revolving Credit Facility. See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.
Previous report
Electric Utilities’ operating income decreased $15.8 million primarily due to unfavorable impacts from unplanned generation outages in 2024, lower off-system excess energy sales, higher insurance expense, and one-time benefits in 2023 from a gain on the sale of Northern Iowa Windpower assets, a gain on sale of land to support data center growth, and a recovery from our business interruption insurance. These unfavorable variances were partially offset by new rates and rider recovery and retail customer growth and usage.
Previous report
Corporate and other operating loss decreased $3.7 million due to lower unallocated operating expenses;
Previous report
In 2021, Wygen I experienced an unplanned outage which resulted in lost revenue. A claim for these losses was submitted under our business interruption insurance policy. In 2023, we recovered $5.0 million from our business interruption insurance which was recognized as Revenue.
Previous report
Operations and maintenance expense increased primarily due to $5.1 million of costs related to unplanned generation outages and $4.6 million of higher insurance expense partially offset by $3.5 million of lower employee-related expenses driven by lower headcount. In 2023, Electric Utilities benefited from one-time gains of $7.7 million on the sale of Northern Iowa Windpower assets and $3.9 million on sale of land.
Previous report
The shift in purchases by fuel type for 2024 compared to 2023 is primarily due to Wyoming Electric's new wind and solar energy PPAs, which replaced market purchases from other fuel types, and are used to serve our LPCS customers. See Key Elements of our Business Strategy section above for additional information.
Previous report
Operations and maintenance expense decreased primarily due to $10.8 million of lower employee-related expenses driven by lower headcount, $2.9 million decreased bad debt expense attributable to lower customer billings, and $1.2 million of lower training expense partially offset by $3.3 million of higher insurance expense and $2.8 million of higher IT-related expenses.
Previous report
Operating (loss) decreased primarily due to lower unallocated outside services expenses and a gain on the sale of a Corporate asset.
Previous report
Cash outflows increased $20.7 million for other investing activities primarily due to 2023 proceeds from the sale of Northern Iowa Windpower assets and a sale of land to support data center growth.
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Reworded paragraphs (54)
Previous wording
We are a customer-focused energy solutions provider with a mission of Improving Life with Energy for 1.35 million customers and 800+ communities we serve. Our aspiration is to be the trusted energy partner across our growing eight-state footprint, including Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Our strategy is centered on four priorities: People & Culture—build a team that wins together, Operational Excellence—relentlessly deliver on our commitment to serve our customers, Transformation—be a simple and connected company and Growth—grow to be a dominant long-term energy provider.
Current wording
We are a customer-focused energy solutions provider with a mission of Improving Life with Energy for 1.37 million customers and 800+ communities we serve. Our aspiration is to be the trusted energy partner across our growing eight-state footprint, including Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Our strategy is centered on four priorities: People & Culture—build a team that wins together, Operational Excellence—relentlessly deliver on our commitment to serve our customers, Transformation—transform to a simple and connected company and Growth—grow to be a dominant long-term energy provider.
Previous wording
We conduct our business operations through two operating segments: Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities. Certain unallocated corporate expenses that support our operating segments are presented as Corporate and Other. We conduct our utility operations under the name Black Hills Energy predominantly in rural areas of the Rocky Mountains and Midwestern states. We consider ourself a domestic electric and natural gas utility company.
Current wording
We conduct our business operations through two operating segments: Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities. Certain unallocated corporate expenses that support our operating segments are presented as Corporate and Other. We conduct our utility operations under the name Black Hills Energy predominantly in rural areas of the Rocky Mountains and Midwestern states. We consider ourselves a domestic electric and natural gas utility company.
Previous wording
We have provided energy and served customers for 141 years, since the 1883 gold rush days in Deadwood, South Dakota. Throughout our history, the common thread that unites the past to the present is our commitment to serve our customers and communities. By being responsive and service focused, we can help our customers and communities thrive while meeting rapidly changing customer expectations.
Current wording
We have provided energy and served customers for 142 years, since the 1883 gold rush days in Deadwood, South Dakota. Throughout our history, the common thread that unites the past to the present is our commitment to serve our customers and communities. By being responsive and service focused, we can help our customers and communities thrive while meeting rapidly changing customer expectations.
Previous wording
Continued Construction on Ready Wyoming Project: In November 2021, Wyoming Electric announced its Ready Wyoming electric transmission expansion initiative. Construction of the 260-mile, multi-phase transmission expansion project commenced in late 2023 and the first phase was placed in service in December 2024. The project is expected to be completed in multiple segments through 2025 and will interconnect South Dakota Electric’s and Wyoming Electric’s transmission systems. The project will provide customers long-term price stability and greater flexibility as power markets develop in the Western States. This project is also expected to attract data center and blockchain customers, enable economic growth in Wyoming, expand access to renewable resources and facilitate additional renewable development across wind- and sun-rich resource areas.
Current wording
In December 2025, the Ready Wyoming project was fully completed and placed in service and now interconnects South Dakota Electric’s and Wyoming Electric’s transmission systems. Ready Wyoming was originally announced in November 2021 and construction commenced in late 2023. The project provides customers long-term price stability and greater flexibility as power markets develop in the western United States. This project is also expected to enable economic growth in Wyoming, expand access to renewable resources and facilitate additional renewable development across wind- and sun-rich resource areas.
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On January 20, 2025, Wyoming Electric set a new all-time and winter peak load of 318 MWs, surpassing the previous all-time and winter peak load of 314 MWs set on January 11, 2024. Prior to 2024, the previous winter peak was 301 megawatts in December 2023 and the all-time peak was 312 megawatts in July 2023.
Current wording
In 2025, Wyoming Electric set multiple all-time and winter records for System Peak Demand. The most recent all-time peak of 379 MW was set on June 20, 2025 and the most recent winter peak of 375 MW was set on November 30, 2025. Prior to 2025, the previous all-time and winter peak was 314 MW set on January 11, 2024.
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Published Wildfire Mitigation Plan: In 2024, we published our first formal WMP, which is an overview of our three-layered approach to manage wildfire risks driven by asset-based risk assessments that include asset programs, integrity programs and operational response. Additionally, we continue to engage stakeholders including community and local agencies regulators, legislative bodies and our industry peers to define, review and advance our wildfire management and mitigation plans, including our PSPS, which we expect to formalize by mid-2025.
Current wording
In 2024, we published our first formal WMP, which is an overview of our three-layered approach to manage wildfire risks driven by asset-based risk assessments that include asset programs, integrity programs and operational response. On June 30, 2025, we established our Emergency PSPS program across all three of our electric utilities to promote customer safety and mitigate wildfire risk. In establishing the Emergency PSPS program, we engaged with wildfire experts and key stakeholders including customers, community and local agencies, regulators and community leaders.
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See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for recent rate review activity for Arkansas Gas, Colorado Gas, Iowa Gas, Kansas Gas and Wyoming Gas.
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See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for recent rate review activity for Arkansas Gas, Iowa Gas, Kansas Gas, and Nebraska Gas.
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See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding our recent ATM program activity and our May 16, 2024, debt offering.
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See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding our corporate Revolving Credit Facility, October 2, 2025 debt offering and ATM program activity.
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Gas Utilities’ operating income increased $42.5 million primarily due to new rates and rider recovery driven by the Colorado Gas, Iowa Gas, RMNG and Wyoming Gas rate reviews, retail customer growth and usage, favorable mark-to-market on commodity contracts, and lower employee-related expenses partially offset by $15.9 million of unfavorable weather and higher depreciation driven by capital expenditures;
Current wording
Gas Utilities’ operating income increased $49.5 million primarily due to new rates and rider recovery driven by the Arkansas Gas, Iowa Gas, Kansas Gas, and Nebraska Gas rate reviews and favorable weather partially offset by unfavorable retail customer usage and higher operating expenses;
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Net interest expense increased $13.8 million primarily due to higher interest rates partially offset by increased interest income and increased AFUDC debt driven by higher construction work-in-progress balances;
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Net interest expense increased $18.4 million due to higher interest rates on long-term debt, higher CP Program borrowings and lower interest income partially offset by higher AFUDC debt;
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Other (expense), net decreased $1.8 million primarily due to higher AFUDC equity driven by higher construction work-in-progress balances;
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Other income, net increased $7.5 million primarily due to higher AFUDC equity driven by construction work-in-progress balances and higher investment income from our Captive;
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Income tax (expense) increased $10.7 million driven by higher pre-tax income and a higher effective tax rate primarily due to an $8.2 million tax benefit in 2023 from a Nebraska income tax rate decrease; and
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Income tax (expense) increased $7.4 million primarily due to higher pre-tax income and a higher effective tax rate; and
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Net income attributable to non-controlling interest decreased $3.2 million due to lower net income from Black Hills Colorado IPP primarily driven by unplanned generation outages.
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Net income attributable to non-controlling interest decreased $2.4 million due to lower net income from Black Hills Colorado IPP primarily driven by unplanned generation outages.
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The following discussion includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP and a “non-GAAP financial measure", Electric and Gas Utility margin. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes (or includes) amounts that are included in (or excluded from) the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Electric and Gas Utility margin (revenue less cost of sales) is a non-GAAP financial measure due to the exclusion of operation and maintenance expenses, depreciation and amortization expenses, and taxes other than income taxes from the measure. Electric Utility margin is calculated as operating revenue less cost of fuel and purchased power. Gas Utility margin is calculated as operating revenue less cost of natural gas sold. Our Electric and Gas Utility margin is impacted by the fluctuations in power and natural gas purchases and other fuel supply costs. However, while these fluctuating costs impact Electric and Gas Utility margin as a percentage of revenue, they only impact total Electric and Gas Utility margin if the costs cannot be passed through to our customers. Our Electric and Gas Utility margin measure may not be comparable to other companies’ Electric and Gas Utility margin measures. Furthermore, this measure is not intended to replace operating income as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of operating performance.
Current wording
The following discussion includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP and a “non-GAAP financial measure", Electric and Gas Utility margin. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes (or includes) amounts that are included in (or excluded from) the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. We define Electric and Gas Utility margin as operating revenue less cost of fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold. Electric and Gas Utility margin is a non-GAAP financial measure due to the exclusion of operation and maintenance expenses determined to be directly attributable to revenue-producing activities, depreciation and amortization expenses, and taxes other than income taxes from the measure.
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Retail gas revenues decreased in 2024 compared to 2023 primarily due to lower commodity prices. Our Utilities have regulatory mechanisms that allow them to pass prudently incurred costs of energy through to the customer. Customer billing rates are adjusted periodically to reflect changes in our cost of energy.
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We believe that Electric and Gas Utility margin provides a useful basis for evaluating our segment operating results since our Utilities have regulatory mechanisms that allow them to pass prudently incurred costs of energy through to the customer in current rates. As a result, management uses Electric and Gas Utility margin internally when assessing the financial performance of our operating segments as this measure excludes the majority of revenue fluctuations caused by changes in these costs of energy. Similarly, the presentation of Electric and Gas Utility margin is intended to supplement investors’ understanding of operating performance.
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Taxes other than income taxes were comparable to 2024.
Previous wording
2024 included unplanned outages at Wygen I and Pueblo Airport Generation #4-5.
Current wording
2025 included unplanned outages at Wygen III, Pueblo Airport Generation #4-5 and Busch Ranch I and II. 2024 included unplanned outages at Wygen I and Pueblo Airport Generation #4-5.
Previous wording
Depreciation and amortization increased primarily due to higher asset base driven by capital expenditures.
Current wording
Depreciation and amortization increased primarily due to a higher asset base driven by capital expenditures.
Previous wording
Arkansas and Kansas have weather normalization mechanisms that mitigate the weather impact on Gas Utility margins.
Current wording
Arkansas Gas and Kansas Gas have weather normalization mechanisms that mitigate the weather impact on Gas Utility margins. Nebraska Gas received NPSC approval to implement a two-year pilot program for a weather normalization mechanism which was effective August 1, 2025.
Previous wording
Heating degree days are calculated based on a weighted average of total customers by state excluding Kansas due to its weather normalization mechanism. Arkansas Gas is partially excluded based on the weather normalization mechanism in effect from November through April.
Current wording
Heating degree days are calculated based on a weighted average of total customers by state excluding Kansas Gas and Nebraska Gas (effective in August 2025) due to their weather normalization mechanisms. Arkansas Gas is partially excluded based on the weather normalization mechanism in effect from November through April.
Previous wording
Corporate and Other operating results, including inter-segment eliminations, for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
Current wording
Corporate and Other operating results for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
Previous wording
Interest expense, net increased due to higher interest rates partially offset by higher interest income and higher AFUDC debt driven by higher construction work-in-progress balances.
Current wording
Interest expense, net increased primarily due to higher interest rates on long-term debt, higher CP Program borrowings and lower interest income partially offset by higher AFUDC debt driven by construction work-in-progress balances related to the Lange II and Ready Wyoming projects;
Previous wording
Other (expense), net decreased primarily due to higher AFUDC equity driven by higher construction work-in-progress balances.
Current wording
Other income, net increased due to higher AFUDC equity driven by construction work-in-progress balances related to the Lange II and Ready Wyoming projects and higher investment income from our Captive;
Previous wording
Income tax (expense) increased due to higher pre-tax income and a higher effective tax rate. The effective tax rate was 11.3% for 2024 and 8.5% for 2023. The effective tax rate was higher primarily due to a $8.2 million tax benefit in 2023 from a Nebraska income tax rate decrease. See Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details.
Current wording
Income tax (expense) increased primarily due to higher pre-tax income. The effective tax rate was 12.7% for 2025 and 11.3% for 2024. The higher effective tax rate was primarily driven by the non-deductibility of certain costs related to the pending Merger and lower flow-through tax benefits related to repair costs. See Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details.
Previous wording
We believe that our cash on hand, operating cash flows, existing borrowing capacity, and ability to complete new debt and equity financings, taken in their entirety, provide sufficient capital resources to fund our ongoing operating requirements, regulatory liabilities, debt maturities, anticipated dividends, and anticipated capital expenditures discussed in this section.
Current wording
We believe that our cash on hand, operating cash flows, existing borrowing capacity, and ability to complete new debt and equity financings, taken in their entirety, provide sufficient capital resources to support and grow our business.
Previous wording
We plan to fund our capital plan and strategic objectives by using cash generated from operating activities and various financing alternatives, which could include our Revolving Credit Facility, our CP Program, and the issuance of common stock under our ATM program or in an opportunistic block trade. In 2025, we plan to renew our Equity Distribution Sales Agreement and assess the renewal of our shelf registration statement. Our Equity Distribution Sales Agreement allows us to sell shares of common stock, from time to time, through our ATM program utilizing our shelf registration statement. We also plan to re-finance our $300 million, 3.95%, senior unsecured notes due January 2026, at or before maturity date.
Current wording
We plan to support and grow our business by using cash generated from operating activities and various financing alternatives, which could include our Revolving Credit Facility, our CP Program, and the issuance of common stock under our ATM program or in a secondary offering. We plan to re-finance our $400 million, 3.15%, senior unsecured notes due January 2027, at or before the maturity date. Additionally, our current shelf registration statement expires in 2026 and we expect to file a new shelf registration statement to replace it.
Previous wording
Net cash provided by operating activities was $225.1 million lower which was attributable to:
Current wording
Net cash provided by operating activities was $45.9 million lower which was attributable to:
Previous wording
Total earnings (net income plus non-cash adjustments) were $44.7 million higher primarily as a result of increased Electric and Gas Utility margins due to new rates, rider recovery and customer growth, partially offset by unfavorable weather, higher operating expenses and higher financing costs.
Current wording
Total earnings (net income plus non-cash adjustments) were $37.7 million higher primarily as a result of new rates and rider recovery, increased demand from LPCS Tariff and BCIS Tariff customers partially offset by higher operating expenses and higher net interest expense.
Previous wording
Net inflows from changes in certain operating assets and liabilities were $276.5 million lower, primarily attributable to:
Current wording
Net inflows from changes in certain operating assets and liabilities were $86.0 million lower, primarily attributable to:
Previous wording
Cash inflows decreased by approximately $268.4 million as a result of changes in accounts receivable and other current assets primarily due to lower collections on pass-through revenues and lower natural gas in storage inventories driven by fluctuations in commodity prices and timing of injections and withdrawals;
Current wording
Cash outflows increased by approximately $50.3 million as a result of changes in accounts receivable and other current assets primarily due to higher natural gas in storage inventories driven by fluctuations in commodity prices;
Previous wording
Cash outflows decreased by approximately $138.7 million as a result of increases in accounts payable and other current liabilities primarily driven by fluctuations in commodity prices, payment timing of natural gas and power purchases, and changes in other working capital requirements; and
Current wording
Cash inflows decreased by approximately $4.8 million as a result of changes in accounts payable and other current liabilities primarily driven by fluctuations in commodity prices, remediation costs for our manufactured gas plant site in Iowa and changes in other working capital requirements; and
Previous wording
Cash inflows decreased by approximately $146.8 million as a result of changes in our regulatory assets and liabilities primarily due to lower recoveries of deferred gas and fuel cost adjustments driven by fluctuations in commodity prices.
Current wording
Cash inflows decreased by approximately $30.9 million as a result of changes in our regulatory assets and liabilities primarily due to lower recoveries of our Winter Storm Uri regulatory asset as recovery is now complete in most of our jurisdictions.
Previous wording
Cash outflows decreased $6.7 million from other operating activities primarily due to lower costs from cloud computing arrangements.
Current wording
Cash outflows decreased $2.4 million from other operating activities.
Previous wording
Net cash used in investing activities was $209.3 million higher which was attributable to:
Current wording
Net cash used in investing activities was $82.2 million higher which was attributable to:
Previous wording
Cash outflows from capital expenditures (which are net of contributions in aid of construction) increased $188.6 million primarily as a result of Wyoming Electric's Ready Wyoming electric transmission expansion project and Black Hills Energy Renewable Resources' acquisition of a RNG production facility at a landfill in Dubuque, Iowa.
Current wording
Cash outflows from capital expenditures (which are net of contributions in aid of construction) increased $75.6 million primarily as a result of the Ready Wyoming and Lange II projects and prior year receipts related to contributions in aid of construction for data center projects in Wyoming partially offset by prior year expenditures from Black Hills Energy Renewable Resources' acquisition of an RNG production facility at a landfill in Dubuque, Iowa; and
Previous wording
Net cash used in financing activities was $298.8 million lower which was primarily attributable to:
Current wording
Net cash provided by financing activities was $364.7 million higher which was primarily attributable to:
Previous wording
Cash inflows increased $63.1 million due to higher issuances of common stock;
Current wording
Cash inflows increased $37.8 million due to increased issuances of common stock;
Previous wording
Net outflows from changes in short-term and long-term debt (repayments) borrowings decreased $244.4 million due to:
Current wording
Net inflows from changes in short-term and long-term debt (repayments) borrowings increased $332.4 million due to timing of repayments and borrowing activity. Proceeds from the issuance of $450 million of senior unsecured notes in October 2025 were used to repay our $300 million senior unsecured notes in January 2026. In 2024, proceeds from the issuance of $450 million senior unsecured notes in May 2024, along with available cash and short-term borrowings under our existing facilities, were used to repay $600 million senior unsecured notes in August 2024;
Previous wording
Cash outflows decreased by $4.6 million for other financing activities primarily due to lower financing costs from the May 2024 debt offering compared to the March 2023 and September 2023 debt offerings.
Current wording
Cash outflows decreased by $2.5 million for other financing activities.
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Rearranged current paragraphs (2)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Our Electric and Gas Utility margin measure may not be comparable to other companies’ Electric and Gas Utility margin measures. The following table includes a reconciliation of Electric and Gas Utility margin to Gross margin, the most directly comparable GAAP measure:
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Distributions to non-controlling interests decreased $7.6 million due to lower net income from Black Hills Colorado IPP primarily driven by unplanned generation outages; and
Rearranged previous paragraphs (2)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
A key strategic focus is to modernize and harden our utility infrastructure to meet customers’ and communities’ varied energy needs, ensure the continued delivery of safe, reliable and cost-effective energy and reduce GHG emissions intensity. In addition, we invest in the expansion, capacity, and integrity of our systems to meet customer growth.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Cash inflows decreased $350 million due to issuances of $450 million of senior unsecured notes in May 2024 compared to issuances of $350 million of senior unsecured notes in March 2023 and $450 million of senior unsecured notes in September 2023; and