Black Hills Energy submitted its 2026 Clean Energy Plan last week to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), it announced on Sept. 14.
The plan builds on the company's 2022 Clean Energy Plan and years of phased-in power generation developments that cost-effectively support Colorado's emissions reduction targets and the reliability of the electric system. Black Hills Energy serves over 102,000 customers across Southern Colorado.
Wind Energy Added
~100 MW
Battery Storage Added
200 MW
Natural Gas Added
125 MW
Customers Served
102,000+
These additions were arrived at through a comprehensive resource planning process conducted every four years as required by the Colorado PUC. Through modeling and analysis, the company forecasts the electric resources necessary to serve customers over a 25-year planning horizon while maintaining reliable electric service, keeping energy cost-effective and meeting Colorado's requirement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2030, based on 2005 levels.
The final composition of resources will be determined during a competitive solicitation process to be held in 2027. This is part of a comprehensive review and approval process directed by the Colorado PUC.
"We understand that energy costs are a top concern for customers. Our planning process is designed to identify the lowest cost combination of resources that can meet Colorado's clean energy requirements while maintaining reliability."
Campbell Hawkins, Vice President of Colorado Utilities, Black Hills Energy