Newcastle, WY – June 12, 2020-- Black Hills Energy has received reports from customers of scam attempts via phone and in person where the customer is told their bill is delinquent and service will be disconnected pay the caller or the individual. We urge customers with concerns about the identity of someone claiming to represent the company to call Black Hills Energy at 1-888-890-5554 to verify employment. Calling local law enforcement is also an option.

Additional tips:

• Don’t give in to a high-pressure call or conversation seeking personal information – if someone calls or confronts you claiming to represent your local utility and they demand immediate payment or personal information, end the conversation and call the customer service number on your utility bill.

• To verify whether an employee was dispatched to your location, call your utility using the number on your bill or the company’s website. Black Hills Energy employees wear shirts with a Black Hills Energy logo, carry a company-issued photo ID and drive logoed vehicles. Employees will gladly wait outside while you call the company to verify their identity.

• Do not provide your Social Security number, credit card numbers or bank account information to anyone during an unsolicited phone call or an unannounced visit.

• Black Hills Energy has suspended nonpayment disconnections for our customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. We realize that due to possible extended periods of isolation, customers may face financial hardships effecting their ability to timely pay their energy bills. Please visit www.blackhillsenergy.com/ to explore options to assist in those hardships.