Grimes, Ia. – March 9, 2020 — On a chilly early spring morning, steam safely vents from neighborhood rooftops covered in frost. Inside those homes, families are safe and warm enjoying a hot shower or a freshly cooked breakfast on their natural gas range thanks in part to the natural gas utility workers in your community who keep the natural gas safely flowing - no matter the weather or time of day. It’s because of this focus on safety and dedication to customer service that National Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day is observed on March 18 of each year.

This year, Black Hills Energy will recognize their team members who take the time and care to ensure the safety of the natural gas system in your community by observing national Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day.

Black Hills Energy employees are responsible for safely maintaining approximately 5,622 total miles of natural gas transmission and distribution lines in the state. Our 170 employees carefully maintain those lines to make sure homes and businesses in Iowa receive the natural gas they need. In addition to making sure that customers’ homes are kept warm during the winter, our employees can also be counted on to volunteer in their communities and support annual United Way campaigns to lend a helping hand to neighbors in need.

“We are observing March 18 to recognize our natural gas utility workers who safely provide natural gas to our customers in Iowa,”

“We are observing March 18 to recognize our natural gas utility workers who safely provide natural gas to our customers in Iowa,” said Shirley Welte, vice president of gas operations. “Our first priority is always public safety, but we also want to recognize our team members for always being ready to answer the call to assist a neighbor or customer in need whether they’re volunteering for a non-profit or a local fire department or responding to an emergency call in the middle of the night. Our Black Hills Energy team members commit daily to deliver safe, reliable natural gas. It’s because of their safe work ethic and dedication to customer service that we celebrate their efforts, not just today, but every day.”