Nebraska regulatory rate review
Providing you with the energy you depend on
At Black Hills Energy, our most important responsibility is providing safe, reliable natural gas service to our Nebraska customers and communities – over 304,000 customers in more than 300 communities across the state. This requires continuous investment in the natural gas pipeline infrastructure that serves homes and businesses including over 8,700 miles of pipeline mains, approximately 327,300 service lines and over 1,300 miles of transmission pipeline.
Update to natural gas rates
Earlier this year, we went before the Nebraska Public Service Commission requesting an increase in rates for the first time in five years, to support critical system costs needed for the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas for our customers. We also requested approval to continue using the System Safety Investment Rider (SSIR) to support accelerated, safety-focused pipeline replacement across the state.
The rate adjustment was approved through a unanimous settlement agreement reached with the Nebraska Public Advocate and intervening parties, and approved by the Nebraska PSC on Dec. 9, 2025. With this approval, the System Safety and Integrity rider (SSIR) was renewed for five years.
Final approved rates start on Jan. 1, 2026
New rates will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, reflecting Black Hills Energy’s investments to safely and reliably serve our Nebraska customers.
- The average residential customer will see a total monthly bill increase of $2.85, lower than the temporary rate increase of $6.27 per month. This is based on an average monthly usage of 54 therms.
- The new final rate does not affect the cost of natural gas, which is adjusted monthly in Nebraska. Natural gas prices are a pass-through cost without any markup from Black Hills Energy.
- Because the new final rates are less than the temporary rates implemented on Aug. 1, 2025, customers will receive a one-time bill credit in mid-2026, refunding the difference between the two rates.
Interim Rate Refunds
As permitted under Nebraska law and part of the Nebraska PSC’s rate review process, customers began to see interim rates applied to their bills effective on Aug. 1, 2025.
Following the Commission’s final rate approval, customers will receive a refund (with interest) for the difference charged by Black Hills Energy from Aug. 1, 2025, to Jan. 1, 2026. Those refunds are currently estimated to appear on customer bills in mid-2026 after the Nebraska PSC reviews and approves the company’s refund plan.
New Approved Rates - Total Bill Impacts
Average Residential Customer Bill Impacts – Interim and Settled Rates
| Interim Residential Average | Final Residential Average |
| 54 therms | 54 therms |
| $6.27/mo. increase | $2.85/mo. increase |
| 9.4% Higher | 4.3% Higher |
| Interim Residential Winter | Final Residential Winter | Interim Residential Summer | Final Residential Summer |
| 95 therms | 95 therms | 25 therms | 25 therms |
| $6.27/mo. increase | $2.85/mo. increase | $6.27/mo. increase | $2.85/mo. increase |
| 6.5% Higher | 3.0% Higher | 13.7% Higher | 6.2% Higher |
Average Small Commercial Customer Bill Impacts– Interim and Settled Rates
| Interim Small Commercial Average | Final Small Commercial Average |
| 119 therms | 119 therms |
| $6.29/mo. increase | $5.34/mo. increase |
| 4.4% Higher | 3.7% Higher |
| Interim Small Commercial Winter | Final Small Commercial Winter | Interim Small Commercial Summer | Final Small Commercial Summer |
| 218 therms | 218 therms | 47 therms | 47 therms |
| $6.29/mo. increase | $5.34/mo. increase | $6.29/mo. increase | $5.34/mo. increase |
| 2.9% Higher | 2.5% Higher | 6.7% Higher | 5.7% Higher |
Average Large Commercial Customer Bill Impacts– Interim and Settled Rates
| Interim Large Commercial Average | Final Large Commercial Average |
| 1,514 therms | 1,514 therms |
| $100.52/mo. increase | $72.01/mo. increase |
| 8.8% Higher | 6.3% Higher |
| Interim Large Commercial Winter | Final Large Commercial Winter | Interim Large Commercial Summer | Final Large Commercial Summer |
| 2,403 therms | 2,403 therms | 879 therms | 879 therms |
| $100.52/mo. increase | $72.01/mo. increase | $100.52/mo. increase | $72.01/mo. increase |
| 5.7% Higher | 4.1% Higher | 14.6% Higher | 10.5% Higher |
How we’re supporting our customers
We recognize the impact that cost increases have on our customers, especially at times of high inflation. That’s why we’ve increased our efforts to provide support for customers, including launching a new Energy Assistance team to help our most vulnerable customers access programs and resources to help make their bills more affordable. We’re also helping our customers find ways to use less energy through our energy efficiency programs and rebates.
- Customers who experience challenges paying their bills are encouraged to contact us at 888-890-5554 or submit an online form on our customer service page as soon as they think they may be experiencing financial difficulties to discuss payment arrangements.
- Enrolling in budget billing, a free payment plan that averages the amount owed each month, is a great way to avoid seasonal spikes in bills.
- Black Hills Energy is committed to helping customers save energy and money through energy efficiency programs and tips. Find ways to save money by saving energy, including energy efficiency rebates and tips to reduce energy consumption, at blackhillsenergy.com/ready.
- For payment assistance resources in Nebraska, go to blackhillsenergy.com/assistance.