Powered by people: meet Rhett

In Colorado, our team members, like journeyman lineman Rhett, are hard at work improving and maintaining the electric system serving homes, businesses, schools, farms and communities across the region. His work highlights an important reality: reliability doesn't happen by accident. We build it through planning, proactive maintenance, investment and the commitment of employees who live in the communities they serve.

"Electricity never stops and never takes a break," Rhett said. "The elements, the wind, everything is working against reliability. We're working against that every day to make sure the power stays on."

A significant part of that work happens long before customers have a problem. 

On the surface, replacing a piece of equipment on a utility pole may not seem like a major project. But as Rhett explained, every component plays a critical role in delivering reliable energy. It’s important to constantly inspect, upgrade and strengthen the electric system. 

Regular maintenance and ongoing work are necessary to support a reliable energy system today while preparing for the needs of tomorrow. Each year, our crews conduct detailed line patrols, inspecting all the parts of the system to make sure they’re working properly, and identifying necessary upgrades. 

"It's important to invest in the system now," Rhett explained, “Proactive maintenance helps create reliable service for the future.”

For customers, the benefit is straightforward: fewer disruptions and a more dependable energy system. But for employees, being proactive also creates opportunities to work more efficiently and safely while serving customers more effectively.

Those everyday investments are especially meaningful because the people performing the work are often serving the communities where they live.
In Colorado, employees are more than utility workers. They’re coaches, parents, grandparents, volunteers and neighbors. They attend local events, support community organizations and build relationships with the people who rely on the energy system every day.

"We all play a part in our community," Rhett said. "It's a very small, tight-knit community where everyone knows everyone."

That local connection creates a strong sense of responsibility. When crews work to improve reliability, they’re not just serving customers — they’re helping friends and neighbors.

For Rhett, that personal connection gives additional meaning to his work.

"I think it helps me to serve a purpose in the community," he said. "Knowing that I'm doing what I can to keep the community online, to keep the lights on, the heaters on, the air conditioning on. It's a vital role, and I feel honored to do it." 

That commitment extends beyond routine maintenance. Our crews are available around the clock to respond when needed. Whether temperatures climb into triple digits during the summer or plunge below freezing during the winter, employees remain focused on restoring and maintaining reliable service for customers.

Equally important is a culture built around safety.

For line workers like Rhett, safety is a personal commitment that guides every task and every decision. Working around energized equipment requires training, preparation, teamwork and constant awareness.

"Safety is of the utmost importance," Rhett said. "It's the first thing."

The focus on safety, reliability and community is what ultimately connects Black Hills Energy's investments to the people we serve.

Every part we replace, every system inspection and every infrastructure improvement represents an investment in Colorado communities. These projects help strengthen reliability today while supporting the energy needs of tomorrow.

Customers may never see the work happening high on a utility pole or along miles of electric line, but the results are felt every day in homes, businesses and throughout our Colorado communities.

Behind that reliability are local employees like Rhett. Neighbors serving neighbors, working safely and investing in the systems that help keep their communities powered, connected and moving forward.

Learn more about how we’re investing in our Colorado communities.