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CommunityLINK SPRING 2012 | ISSUE 7, VOLUME 1 Dear Community Partners: Here at Black Hills Power, we’re proud to serve 68,000 customers in 34 communities with safe, reliable electric service. We also provide another kind of energy through community involvement, which includes charitable giving, civic support, employee involvement and economic development programs. I’m pleased to share with you some highlights of those efforts from the past year. Our employees enjoy being actively involved in the communities we serve. This was evident throughout the year in efforts like the annual United Way campaign where Black Hills Power, Black Hills Corp and our employees donated $197,301.90, the General Beadle Elementary School Angel Tree where our employees generously donated their time and money to make sure 350 first through fifth graders would have a gift on Christmas morning, and when our employees planted 117 trees and weatherized 34 homes along side our community partners during our annual Power of Trees and Weatherization programs. Our team puts great effort into meeting your energy needs for years to come. We will continue to share with you how we are planning to meet many new Environmental Protection Agency rules and regulations. Finally, I’m pleased to introduce you to some of the team members who help make all this happen. This year we realigned our operations at Black Hills Power to streamline our services, combine functions and be more efficient. I named two new operations managers, Glynda Rahn and Ken Meirose, who will lead operations including oversight of construction, operation and maintenance, service, estimating, and workforce relations and development. I’m confident that our 129-year history of delivering exceptional service will continue under Glynda and Ken’s leadership. Black Hills Power is committed to “improving life with energy”. That means providing safe, reliable service and much more. We value our partnership with you, and welcome your feedback as to how we can better serve our communities and customers. BHP_0242_12 Chuck Loomis (pictured second from right) commemorates Black Hills Power’s partnership with the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology during BHP’s Power of Trees Program. Students and BHP employees planted 125 trees to celebrate the school’s 125 year anniversary.

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Page 1: CommunityLINK - Black Hills Corporation...Provo Rapid City Silver City Spearfish St. Onge Sturgis Summerset Tilford Whitewood Newcastle Osage Upton Chuck loomis (pictured second from

CommunityLINK

CommunityLINKNews from Black Hills Power, your energy provider and community partner

VIsIoN: Be the energy partner of choice

MIssIoN: Improving life with energy

VaLues: Agility We embrace change and challenge ourselves to adapt quickly to opportunities.

Communication Consistent, open and timely communication keeps us focused on our strategy and goals.

Creating Value We are committed to creating exceptional value for our shareholders, employees, customers and the communities we serve … always.

Customer Service We are committed to providing a superior customer experience every day.

Integrity We hold ourselves to the highest standards based on a foundation of unquestionable ethics.

Leadership Leadership is an attitude. Everyone must demonstrate the care and initiative to do things right.

Partnership Our partnerships with shareholders, communities, regulators, customers and each other make us all stronger.

Respect We respect each other. Our unique talents and diversity anchor a culture of success.

spring 2012 | issue 7, Volume 1

Dear Community partners:

Here at Black Hills power, we’re proud to serve 68,000 customers in 34 communities with safe, reliable electric service. We also provide another kind of energy through community involvement, which includes charitable giving, civic support, employee involvement and economic development programs. i’m pleased to share with you some highlights of those efforts from the past year.

our employees enjoy being actively involved in the communities we serve. This was evident throughout the year in efforts like the annual united Way campaign where Black Hills power, Black Hills Corp and our employees donated $197,301.90, the general Beadle elementary school Angel Tree where our employees generously donated their time and money to make sure 350 first through fifth graders would have a gift on Christmas morning, and when our employees planted 117 trees and weatherized 34 homes along side our community partners during our annual power of Trees and Weatherization programs.

our team puts great effort into

meeting your energy needs for years to come. We will continue to share with you how we are planning to meet many new environmental protection Agency rules and regulations.

Finally, i’m pleased to introduce you to some of the team members who help make all this happen. This year we realigned our operations at Black Hills power to streamline our services, combine functions and be more efficient. i named two new operations managers, glynda rahn and Ken meirose, who will lead operations including oversight of construction, operation and maintenance, service,

estimating, and workforce

relations and development. i’m confident that our 129-year history of delivering exceptional service will continue under glynda and Ken’s leadership.

Black Hills power is committed to “improving life with energy”. That means providing safe, reliable service and much more. We value our partnership with you, and welcome your feedback as to how we can better serve our communities and customers.

P.O. Box 1400Rapid City, SD 57709

CoNtaCt us

Chuck Loomis, Vice President OperationsMike theis, Director Utility StrategiesGlynda Rahn, Manager Operations – Rapid CityKen Meirose, Manager Operations - Black HillsJim Keck, Manager Energy Services

Mutch usera, Director External [email protected] - 605-716-3951C – 605-484-1476

sarah Folsland, Communication [email protected] – 605-721-1609C – 605-787-0799

www.blackhillspower.comBHP_0242_12

2011 saFe, ReLIaBLe, seRVICe saFetYOur employees work safely. BHP experienced only five recordable incidents and NO lost time incidents in 2011.

ReLIaBILItYOur customers receive reliable electric service. JD Powers rated BHP’s power quality and reliability at 713 (based on 1,000 points). That is 24 points higher than the Midwest average.

CustoMeR seRVICeWe provide our customers with exceptional customer service. JD Powers reported BHP overall customer satisfaction rating was 755 (based on 1,000 points) which is above the industry Midwest average of 680.

CoMMuNItY CoNtRIButIoNs Black Hills Power contributed to 108 organizations in 2011 throughout the Black Hills region. These organizations range from economic development, sports, school, service clubs, trade associations, and health and human services. BHP 2011 CoNtRIButIoNs

EducationHealthArtsYouthCommunity

BHP seRVICe teRRItoRY68,000 CustoMeRs, 287 eMPLoYees, 34 CoMMuNItIes seRVed:

soutH daKota WYoMING:Ardmore Belle Fourche Black Hawk Box Elder Buffalo Gap Central City Custer Deadwood Edgemont Fruitdale Galena Hill City Hot Springs Keystone Lead

Nemo Newell Nisland Oral Piedmont Pringle Provo Rapid City Silver City Spearfish St. Onge Sturgis Summerset Tilford Whitewood

Newcastle Osage Upton

Chuck loomis (pictured second from right) commemorates Black Hills power’s partnership with the south Dakota school of mines and Technology during BHp’s power of Trees program. students and BHp employees planted 125 trees to celebrate the school’s 125 year anniversary.

Page 2: CommunityLINK - Black Hills Corporation...Provo Rapid City Silver City Spearfish St. Onge Sturgis Summerset Tilford Whitewood Newcastle Osage Upton Chuck loomis (pictured second from

CommunityLINK

CommunityLINKNews from Black Hills Power, your energy provider and community partner

VIsIoN: Be the energy partner of choice

MIssIoN: Improving life with energy

VaLues: Agility We embrace change and challenge ourselves to adapt quickly to opportunities.

Communication Consistent, open and timely communication keeps us focused on our strategy and goals.

Creating Value We are committed to creating exceptional value for our shareholders, employees, customers and the communities we serve … always.

Customer Service We are committed to providing a superior customer experience every day.

Integrity We hold ourselves to the highest standards based on a foundation of unquestionable ethics.

Leadership Leadership is an attitude. Everyone must demonstrate the care and initiative to do things right.

Partnership Our partnerships with shareholders, communities, regulators, customers and each other make us all stronger.

Respect We respect each other. Our unique talents and diversity anchor a culture of success.

spring 2012 | issue 7, Volume 1

Dear Community partners:

Here at Black Hills power, we’re proud to serve 68,000 customers in 34 communities with safe, reliable electric service. We also provide another kind of energy through community involvement, which includes charitable giving, civic support, employee involvement and economic development programs. i’m pleased to share with you some highlights of those efforts from the past year.

our employees enjoy being actively involved in the communities we serve. This was evident throughout the year in efforts like the annual united Way campaign where Black Hills power, Black Hills Corp and our employees donated $197,301.90, the general Beadle elementary school Angel Tree where our employees generously donated their time and money to make sure 350 first through fifth graders would have a gift on Christmas morning, and when our employees planted 117 trees and weatherized 34 homes along side our community partners during our annual power of Trees and Weatherization programs.

our team puts great effort into

meeting your energy needs for years to come. We will continue to share with you how we are planning to meet many new environmental protection Agency rules and regulations.

Finally, i’m pleased to introduce you to some of the team members who help make all this happen. This year we realigned our operations at Black Hills power to streamline our services, combine functions and be more efficient. i named two new operations managers, glynda rahn and Ken meirose, who will lead operations including oversight of construction, operation and maintenance, service,

estimating, and workforce

relations and development. i’m confident that our 129-year history of delivering exceptional service will continue under glynda and Ken’s leadership.

Black Hills power is committed to “improving life with energy”. That means providing safe, reliable service and much more. We value our partnership with you, and welcome your feedback as to how we can better serve our communities and customers.

P.O. Box 1400Rapid City, SD 57709

CoNtaCt us

Chuck Loomis, Vice President OperationsMike theis, Director Utility StrategiesGlynda Rahn, Manager Operations – Rapid CityKen Meirose, Manager Operations - Black HillsJim Keck, Manager Energy Services

Mutch usera, Director External [email protected] - 605-716-3951C – 605-484-1476

sarah Folsland, Communication [email protected] – 605-721-1609C – 605-787-0799

www.blackhillspower.comBHP_0242_12

2011 saFe, ReLIaBLe, seRVICe saFetYOur employees work safely. BHP experienced only five recordable incidents and NO lost time incidents in 2011.

ReLIaBILItYOur customers receive reliable electric service. JD Powers rated BHP’s power quality and reliability at 713 (based on 1,000 points). That is 24 points higher than the Midwest average.

CustoMeR seRVICeWe provide our customers with exceptional customer service. JD Powers reported BHP overall customer satisfaction rating was 755 (based on 1,000 points) which is above the industry Midwest average of 680.

CoMMuNItY CoNtRIButIoNs Black Hills Power contributed to 108 organizations in 2011 throughout the Black Hills region. These organizations range from economic development, sports, school, service clubs, trade associations, and health and human services. BHP 2011 CoNtRIButIoNs

EducationHealthArtsYouthCommunity

BHP seRVICe teRRItoRY68,000 CustoMeRs, 287 eMPLoYees, 34 CoMMuNItIes seRVed:

soutH daKota WYoMING:Ardmore Belle Fourche Black Hawk Box Elder Buffalo Gap Central City Custer Deadwood Edgemont Fruitdale Galena Hill City Hot Springs Keystone Lead

Nemo Newell Nisland Oral Piedmont Pringle Provo Rapid City Silver City Spearfish St. Onge Sturgis Summerset Tilford Whitewood

Newcastle Osage Upton

Chuck loomis (pictured second from right) commemorates Black Hills power’s partnership with the south Dakota school of mines and Technology during BHp’s power of Trees program. students and BHp employees planted 125 trees to celebrate the school’s 125 year anniversary.

Page 3: CommunityLINK - Black Hills Corporation...Provo Rapid City Silver City Spearfish St. Onge Sturgis Summerset Tilford Whitewood Newcastle Osage Upton Chuck loomis (pictured second from

FeBRuaRYBHP hosts Rapid City Chamber of Commerce Board Members for a tour of the Gillette Energy Complex.

JaNuaRYBHP kicks-off new eBill Program to customers. eBill offers customer an opportunity to view their bill electronically, saving time, paper and money.

BHP files the Energy Efficiency Solutions Program with the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission. The program helps customers save money on their energy bills through efficiency efforts. More information available at www.BHPHowTo.com

BHP sets a new winter peak electric load of 408 MW

BHP hosts the 11th Annual Electro-Technology Expo. About 300 trade professionals, college students and key commercial customers attend the event with 20 energy related exhibits showcasing the latest in electric technologies for home and commercial facilities.

MaRCH The BHP management team updates the BHP Citizens Advisory Council meeting about the electric rate making process. The CAC includes 20 community leaders. Sturgis to Rapid City 69 kV transmission line rebuild is completed to maintain reliable service.

BHP participates in all area home shows.

MaY BHP begins construction of the Cleveland Street Substation located in Rapid City. The substation will support the growing electric needs along the 5th Street medical corridor and south Rapid City.

BHP crews complete project to rebuild lines in downtown Newell. The rebuild is part of a 10 year project to rebuild lines between Newell, Nisland and Vail.

JuLYBHP sets new all-time peak load record on July 19 (452 MW.) BHP transmission and distribution systems perform well during extreme heat/high load conditions

aPRILBHP hosts Energy Efficiency Awareness Day in Upton, WY.

auGustPublic Official Opinion Survey results received from the Eidex group. In 2011, 88 % of community leaders rated their relationship with BHP as favorable, compared to 83% in 2009.

sePteMBeRBHP launches Energy Efficiency Solutions program. Program provides customers additional tools to save on energy costs with energy efficiency measures and incentives. Linn Evans, Jason Ketchum and Jafar Karim lead a discussion about environmental issues with the BHP Citizens Advisory Council.

The US Forest Service conducts two public scoping meetings, in Newcastle, WY and in Rapid City as part of the process to build a new 230 kV line from Teckla to Rapid City. The new line is expected to be in service by 2015.

Successful United Way campaign completed in Rapid City. Together, Black Hills Power, Black Hills Corp and employees gave $197,301.90 to United Way agencies representing Rapid City, Sturgis, Northern Hills and Southern Hills.

Energy Services hosts BHP’s annual Energy Efficiency Workshop. More than 60 key customers and trade allies attend.

BHP crews complete Deadwood portion of line rebuild from Deadwood to Windy Flats. This five-year reliability improvement project will be completed in 2016.

oCtoBeREnergy Efficiency Awareness Day is held at the Rushmore Mall. Alderman John Roberts presents a proclamation from Rapid City Mayor Sam Kooiker declaring October 1 Energy Efficiency Awareness Day in Rapid City.

BHP management begins holding environmental meetings to update community and state leaders on upcoming EPA regulations.

BHP holds annual Weatherization events 34 homes across BHP Service Territory. Communities included: Rapid City, Hill City, Custer, Sturgis, Belle Fourche, Whitewood, Newcastle and Upton, Wyoming.

deCeMBeRBHP management update the Citizens Advisory Council on YTD operational metrics, CPCN filing and environmental regulations. The group tours the bill print and payment processing centers.

BHP reaches a 5.8% customer enrollment rate in the new e-Bill program.

BHP initiates Electric Vehicle pilot program.

JuNe

BHP holds 4th Annual Power of Trees program and plants 117 trees in Rapid City, Hot Springs, Belle Fourche, Sturgis, Newcastle and Upton, Wyoming.

South Dakota Public Utilities Commission approves BHP’s Energy Efficiency Solutions Program, effective September 1, 2011.

BHP 2011YeaR IN ReVIeW

NoVeMBeRBHP files Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity with the Wyoming Public Service Commission to construct a natural-gas fired power plant. The plant is needed to comply with new EPA regulations.

BHP supports community efforts throughout the area through several sponsorships:

Black Hills Workshop Foundation Gala. More than 900 community members attend.

Behavior Management Systems annual Festival of Trees. Marks 14th year BHP has sponsored the event.

Inaugural People Helping People session with more than 100 participants from local non-profits. Ginny Nelson leads a discussion on board development.

Light parades throughout the region, including Rapid City, Spearfish, Belle Fourche, Hot Springs, Custer, Whitewood, Sturgis, Newcastle, and the Old Tyme Christmas celebration in Hill City.

BHP crews complete phase six of the Hill City, Keystone, Custer loop line rebuild. The system improvement project began in 2006 and is expected to be completed by 2015. Significant focus continues on communicating/promoting Energy Efficiency Solutions program. This program was highlighted in the KNBN-TV series of stories airing November 22-24.

Page 4: CommunityLINK - Black Hills Corporation...Provo Rapid City Silver City Spearfish St. Onge Sturgis Summerset Tilford Whitewood Newcastle Osage Upton Chuck loomis (pictured second from

FeBRuaRYBHP hosts Rapid City Chamber of Commerce Board Members for a tour of the Gillette Energy Complex.

JaNuaRYBHP kicks-off new eBill Program to customers. eBill offers customer an opportunity to view their bill electronically, saving time, paper and money.

BHP files the Energy Efficiency Solutions Program with the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission. The program helps customers save money on their energy bills through efficiency efforts. More information available at www.BHPHowTo.com

BHP sets a new winter peak electric load of 408 MW

BHP hosts the 11th Annual Electro-Technology Expo. About 300 trade professionals, college students and key commercial customers attend the event with 20 energy related exhibits showcasing the latest in electric technologies for home and commercial facilities.

MaRCH The BHP management team updates the BHP Citizens Advisory Council meeting about the electric rate making process. The CAC includes 20 community leaders. Sturgis to Rapid City 69 kV transmission line rebuild is completed to maintain reliable service.

BHP participates in all area home shows.

MaY BHP begins construction of the Cleveland Street Substation located in Rapid City. The substation will support the growing electric needs along the 5th Street medical corridor and south Rapid City.

BHP crews complete project to rebuild lines in downtown Newell. The rebuild is part of a 10 year project to rebuild lines between Newell, Nisland and Vail.

JuLYBHP sets new all-time peak load record on July 19 (452 MW.) BHP transmission and distribution systems perform well during extreme heat/high load conditions

aPRILBHP hosts Energy Efficiency Awareness Day in Upton, WY.

auGustPublic Official Opinion Survey results received from the Eidex group. In 2011, 88 % of community leaders rated their relationship with BHP as favorable, compared to 83% in 2009.

sePteMBeRBHP launches Energy Efficiency Solutions program. Program provides customers additional tools to save on energy costs with energy efficiency measures and incentives. Linn Evans, Jason Ketchum and Jafar Karim lead a discussion about environmental issues with the BHP Citizens Advisory Council.

The US Forest Service conducts two public scoping meetings, in Newcastle, WY and in Rapid City as part of the process to build a new 230 kV line from Teckla to Rapid City. The new line is expected to be in service by 2015.

Successful United Way campaign completed in Rapid City. Together, Black Hills Power, Black Hills Corp and employees gave $197,301.90 to United Way agencies representing Rapid City, Sturgis, Northern Hills and Southern Hills.

Energy Services hosts BHP’s annual Energy Efficiency Workshop. More than 60 key customers and trade allies attend.

BHP crews complete Deadwood portion of line rebuild from Deadwood to Windy Flats. This five-year reliability improvement project will be completed in 2016.

oCtoBeREnergy Efficiency Awareness Day is held at the Rushmore Mall. Alderman John Roberts presents a proclamation from Rapid City Mayor Sam Kooiker declaring October 1 Energy Efficiency Awareness Day in Rapid City.

BHP management begins holding environmental meetings to update community and state leaders on upcoming EPA regulations.

BHP holds annual Weatherization events 34 homes across BHP Service Territory. Communities included: Rapid City, Hill City, Custer, Sturgis, Belle Fourche, Whitewood, Newcastle and Upton, Wyoming.

deCeMBeRBHP management update the Citizens Advisory Council on YTD operational metrics, CPCN filing and environmental regulations. The group tours the bill print and payment processing centers.

BHP reaches a 5.8% customer enrollment rate in the new e-Bill program.

BHP initiates Electric Vehicle pilot program.

JuNe

BHP holds 4th Annual Power of Trees program and plants 117 trees in Rapid City, Hot Springs, Belle Fourche, Sturgis, Newcastle and Upton, Wyoming.

South Dakota Public Utilities Commission approves BHP’s Energy Efficiency Solutions Program, effective September 1, 2011.

BHP 2011YeaR IN ReVIeW

NoVeMBeRBHP files Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity with the Wyoming Public Service Commission to construct a natural-gas fired power plant. The plant is needed to comply with new EPA regulations.

BHP supports community efforts throughout the area through several sponsorships:

Black Hills Workshop Foundation Gala. More than 900 community members attend.

Behavior Management Systems annual Festival of Trees. Marks 14th year BHP has sponsored the event.

Inaugural People Helping People session with more than 100 participants from local non-profits. Ginny Nelson leads a discussion on board development.

Light parades throughout the region, including Rapid City, Spearfish, Belle Fourche, Hot Springs, Custer, Whitewood, Sturgis, Newcastle, and the Old Tyme Christmas celebration in Hill City.

BHP crews complete phase six of the Hill City, Keystone, Custer loop line rebuild. The system improvement project began in 2006 and is expected to be completed by 2015. Significant focus continues on communicating/promoting Energy Efficiency Solutions program. This program was highlighted in the KNBN-TV series of stories airing November 22-24.

Page 5: CommunityLINK - Black Hills Corporation...Provo Rapid City Silver City Spearfish St. Onge Sturgis Summerset Tilford Whitewood Newcastle Osage Upton Chuck loomis (pictured second from

FeBRuaRYBHP hosts Rapid City Chamber of Commerce Board Members for a tour of the Gillette Energy Complex.

JaNuaRYBHP kicks-off new eBill Program to customers. eBill offers customer an opportunity to view their bill electronically, saving time, paper and money.

BHP files the Energy Efficiency Solutions Program with the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission. The program helps customers save money on their energy bills through efficiency efforts. More information available at www.BHPHowTo.com

BHP sets a new winter peak electric load of 408 MW

BHP hosts the 11th Annual Electro-Technology Expo. About 300 trade professionals, college students and key commercial customers attend the event with 20 energy related exhibits showcasing the latest in electric technologies for home and commercial facilities.

MaRCH The BHP management team updates the BHP Citizens Advisory Council meeting about the electric rate making process. The CAC includes 20 community leaders. Sturgis to Rapid City 69 kV transmission line rebuild is completed to maintain reliable service.

BHP participates in all area home shows.

MaY BHP begins construction of the Cleveland Street Substation located in Rapid City. The substation will support the growing electric needs along the 5th Street medical corridor and south Rapid City.

BHP crews complete project to rebuild lines in downtown Newell. The rebuild is part of a 10 year project to rebuild lines between Newell, Nisland and Vail.

JuLYBHP sets new all-time peak load record on July 19 (452 MW.) BHP transmission and distribution systems perform well during extreme heat/high load conditions

aPRILBHP hosts Energy Efficiency Awareness Day in Upton, WY.

auGustPublic Official Opinion Survey results received from the Eidex group. In 2011, 88 % of community leaders rated their relationship with BHP as favorable, compared to 83% in 2009.

sePteMBeRBHP launches Energy Efficiency Solutions program. Program provides customers additional tools to save on energy costs with energy efficiency measures and incentives. Linn Evans, Jason Ketchum and Jafar Karim lead a discussion about environmental issues with the BHP Citizens Advisory Council.

The US Forest Service conducts two public scoping meetings, in Newcastle, WY and in Rapid City as part of the process to build a new 230 kV line from Teckla to Rapid City. The new line is expected to be in service by 2015.

Successful United Way campaign completed in Rapid City. Together, Black Hills Power, Black Hills Corp and employees gave $197,301.90 to United Way agencies representing Rapid City, Sturgis, Northern Hills and Southern Hills.

Energy Services hosts BHP’s annual Energy Efficiency Workshop. More than 60 key customers and trade allies attend.

BHP crews complete Deadwood portion of line rebuild from Deadwood to Windy Flats. This five-year reliability improvement project will be completed in 2016.

oCtoBeREnergy Efficiency Awareness Day is held at the Rushmore Mall. Alderman John Roberts presents a proclamation from Rapid City Mayor Sam Kooiker declaring October 1 Energy Efficiency Awareness Day in Rapid City.

BHP management begins holding environmental meetings to update community and state leaders on upcoming EPA regulations.

BHP holds annual Weatherization events 34 homes across BHP Service Territory. Communities included: Rapid City, Hill City, Custer, Sturgis, Belle Fourche, Whitewood, Newcastle and Upton, Wyoming.

deCeMBeRBHP management update the Citizens Advisory Council on YTD operational metrics, CPCN filing and environmental regulations. The group tours the bill print and payment processing centers.

BHP reaches a 5.8% customer enrollment rate in the new e-Bill program.

BHP initiates Electric Vehicle pilot program.

JuNe

BHP holds 4th Annual Power of Trees program and plants 117 trees in Rapid City, Hot Springs, Belle Fourche, Sturgis, Newcastle and Upton, Wyoming.

South Dakota Public Utilities Commission approves BHP’s Energy Efficiency Solutions Program, effective September 1, 2011.

BHP 2011YeaR IN ReVIeW

NoVeMBeRBHP files Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity with the Wyoming Public Service Commission to construct a natural-gas fired power plant. The plant is needed to comply with new EPA regulations.

BHP supports community efforts throughout the area through several sponsorships:

Black Hills Workshop Foundation Gala. More than 900 community members attend.

Behavior Management Systems annual Festival of Trees. Marks 14th year BHP has sponsored the event.

Inaugural People Helping People session with more than 100 participants from local non-profits. Ginny Nelson leads a discussion on board development.

Light parades throughout the region, including Rapid City, Spearfish, Belle Fourche, Hot Springs, Custer, Whitewood, Sturgis, Newcastle, and the Old Tyme Christmas celebration in Hill City.

BHP crews complete phase six of the Hill City, Keystone, Custer loop line rebuild. The system improvement project began in 2006 and is expected to be completed by 2015. Significant focus continues on communicating/promoting Energy Efficiency Solutions program. This program was highlighted in the KNBN-TV series of stories airing November 22-24.

Page 6: CommunityLINK - Black Hills Corporation...Provo Rapid City Silver City Spearfish St. Onge Sturgis Summerset Tilford Whitewood Newcastle Osage Upton Chuck loomis (pictured second from

CommunityLINK

CommunityLINKNews from Black Hills Power, your energy provider and community partner

VIsIoN: Be the energy partner of choice

MIssIoN: Improving life with energy

VaLues: Agility We embrace change and challenge ourselves to adapt quickly to opportunities.

Communication Consistent, open and timely communication keeps us focused on our strategy and goals.

Creating Value We are committed to creating exceptional value for our shareholders, employees, customers and the communities we serve … always.

Customer Service We are committed to providing a superior customer experience every day.

Integrity We hold ourselves to the highest standards based on a foundation of unquestionable ethics.

Leadership Leadership is an attitude. Everyone must demonstrate the care and initiative to do things right.

Partnership Our partnerships with shareholders, communities, regulators, customers and each other make us all stronger.

Respect We respect each other. Our unique talents and diversity anchor a culture of success.

spring 2012 | issue 7, Volume 1

Dear Community partners:

Here at Black Hills power, we’re proud to serve 68,000 customers in 34 communities with safe, reliable electric service. We also provide another kind of energy through community involvement, which includes charitable giving, civic support, employee involvement and economic development programs. i’m pleased to share with you some highlights of those efforts from the past year.

our employees enjoy being actively involved in the communities we serve. This was evident throughout the year in efforts like the annual united Way campaign where Black Hills power, Black Hills Corp and our employees donated $197,301.90, the general Beadle elementary school Angel Tree where our employees generously donated their time and money to make sure 350 first through fifth graders would have a gift on Christmas morning, and when our employees planted 117 trees and weatherized 34 homes along side our community partners during our annual power of Trees and Weatherization programs.

our team puts great effort into

meeting your energy needs for years to come. We will continue to share with you how we are planning to meet many new environmental protection Agency rules and regulations.

Finally, i’m pleased to introduce you to some of the team members who help make all this happen. This year we realigned our operations at Black Hills power to streamline our services, combine functions and be more efficient. i named two new operations managers, glynda rahn and Ken meirose, who will lead operations including oversight of construction, operation and maintenance, service,

estimating, and workforce

relations and development. i’m confident that our 129-year history of delivering exceptional service will continue under glynda and Ken’s leadership.

Black Hills power is committed to “improving life with energy”. That means providing safe, reliable service and much more. We value our partnership with you, and welcome your feedback as to how we can better serve our communities and customers.

P.O. Box 1400Rapid City, SD 57709

CoNtaCt us

Chuck Loomis, Vice President OperationsMike theis, Director Utility StrategiesGlynda Rahn, Manager Operations – Rapid CityKen Meirose, Manager Operations - Black HillsJim Keck, Manager Energy Services

Mutch usera, Director External [email protected] - 605-716-3951C – 605-484-1476

sarah Folsland, Communication [email protected] – 605-721-1609C – 605-787-0799

www.blackhillspower.comBHP_0242_12

2011 saFe, ReLIaBLe, seRVICe saFetYOur employees work safely. BHP experienced only five recordable incidents and NO lost time incidents in 2011.

ReLIaBILItYOur customers receive reliable electric service. JD Powers rated BHP’s power quality and reliability at 713 (based on 1,000 points). That is 24 points higher than the Midwest average.

CustoMeR seRVICeWe provide our customers with exceptional customer service. JD Powers reported BHP overall customer satisfaction rating was 755 (based on 1,000 points) which is above the industry Midwest average of 680.

CoMMuNItY CoNtRIButIoNs Black Hills Power contributed to 108 organizations in 2011 throughout the Black Hills region. These organizations range from economic development, sports, school, service clubs, trade associations, and health and human services. BHP 2011 CoNtRIButIoNs

EducationHealthArtsYouthCommunity

BHP seRVICe teRRItoRY68,000 CustoMeRs, 287 eMPLoYees, 34 CoMMuNItIes seRVed:

soutH daKota WYoMING:Ardmore Belle Fourche Black Hawk Box Elder Buffalo Gap Central City Custer Deadwood Edgemont Fruitdale Galena Hill City Hot Springs Keystone Lead

Nemo Newell Nisland Oral Piedmont Pringle Provo Rapid City Silver City Spearfish St. Onge Sturgis Summerset Tilford Whitewood

Newcastle Osage Upton

Chuck loomis (pictured second from right) commemorates Black Hills power’s partnership with the south Dakota school of mines and Technology during BHp’s power of Trees program. students and BHp employees planted 125 trees to celebrate the school’s 125 year anniversary.