Black Hills Energy announced that the City of Pueblo has received a $84,374 rebate for energy efficiency projects at three of its newest fire stations. Pueblo County has also received a $125,013 rebate from Black Hills Energy for energy-efficiency implementation at the new Pueblo County Detention Center. The incentives and rebates from Black Hills Energy are part of the company’s Commercial New Construction Program, which helps organizations identify and implement energy efficiency strategies for new construction projects.
The City of Pueblo initiated the project after receiving $34.4 million through certificates of participation to construct and equip the new fire stations, which provides numerous benefits to the Pueblo community and its firefighters, including improved response times and safety. In partnership with Black Hills Energy and Willdan Energy Solutions, the City of Pueblo identified and implemented energy conservation measures for three new fire stations: Fire Stations 6, 8 and 11. In 2024, the City received a geothermal grant of $270,000 awarded from Governor Jared Polis to support the fire stations net-zero efficiency. The implemented conservation and energy-efficient features are expected to reduce electricity use by 444,070 kilowatt-hours (kWh) each year, lower peak electrical demand by 362 kilowatts and generate approximately $60,705 in annual energy cost savings. The three stations are now complete, with the most recent opening on December 12, 2025.
“This project has been a culmination of hard work and community support, and we’re proud that these new facilities can now be used for the benefit of the Pueblo community,” said Barb Huber, City of Pueblo Fire Chief. “Our goal for this project was to create safer spaces for our firefighters, improve response times for the community and deliver modernized facilities. We were glad to work with Black Hills Energy to also make these stations more energy efficient.”
Pueblo County also partnered with Black Hills Energy to install energy-efficient features at the new Pueblo County Detention Center, which is expected to open in spring 2026. The new detention center includes 150 additional beds, improved facilities for employees and is designed to serve Pueblo County for decades to come. The County is expected to save $91,281 annually in energy costs and reduce electricity use by 880,372 kWh each year.
“The new center is designed to better meet the needs of a growing community while improving efficiency and, most importantly, safety for our employees and the people in our care,” said David J. Lucero, Pueblo County Sheriff.