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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

Form 10-K


ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31 2021

, 2023

Or


TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______________ to _______________


Commission File Number 001-31303


BLACK HILLS CORPORATION


Incorporated in South Dakota IRS Identification Number 46-0458824


7001 Mount Rushmore Road

Rapid City, South Dakota57702

Registrant’s telephone number (605) (605) 721-1700


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common stock of $1.00 par value

BKH

New York Stock Exchange


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☒ No ☐


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company


If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C.7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.


If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No


The aggregate market value of the voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant on the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, June 30, 2021,2023, was $4,135,954,577

$
4,016,297,084

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class

Outstanding at January 31, 20222024

Common stock, $1.00 par value

64,738,725 68,196,551

shares


Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement being prepared for the solicitation of proxies in connection with the 20222024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 26, 2022,23, 2024, are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.

10-K.





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GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS


The following terms and abbreviations appear in the text of this report and have the definitions described below:

AC

Alternating Current

AFUDC

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction

AOCI

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

APSC

Arkansas Public Service Commission

Arkansas Gas

Black Hills Energy Arkansas, Inc., an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings, providing natural gas services to customers in Arkansas (doing business as Black Hills Energy).

ARO

Asset Retirement ObligationsObligation

ASC

Accounting Standards Codification

ASU

Accounting Standards Update as issued by the FASB

ATM

At-the-market equity offering program

Availability

The availability factor of a power plant is the percentage of the time that it is available to provide energy.

BHC

Black Hills Corporation; the Company

BHSC

Black Hills Service Company, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation (doing business as Black Hills Energy)

Black Hills Colorado IPP

Black Hills Colorado IPP, LLC, a 50.1% owned subsidiary of Black Hills Electric Generation

Black Hills Electric Generation

Black Hills Electric Generation, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings, providing wholesale electric capacity and energy primarily to our affiliate utilities.

Black Hills Energy

The name used to conduct the business of our utility companiesUtilities

Black Hills Energy Renewable Resources (BHERR)

Black Hills Energy Renewable Resources, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings

Black Hills Energy Services

Black Hills Energy Services Company, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings, providing natural gas commodity supply for the Choice Gas Programs (doing business as Black Hills Energy).

Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings

Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation

Black Hills Power

Black Hills Power, Inc., a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation (doing business as Black Hills Energy). Also known as South Dakota Electric.

Black Hills Utility Holdings

Black Hills Utility Holdings, Inc., a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation (doing business as Black Hills Energy)

Black Hills Wyoming

Black Hills Wyoming, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Electric Generation

Blockchain Interruptible Service (BCIS) Tariff

A WPSC-approved tariff applicable to prospective new Wyoming Electric blockchain customers. The tariff allows customers to negotiate rates and terms and conditions for interruptible electric utility service of 10 MW or greater that would be interconnected with Wyoming Electric’s system. Agreements under the BCIS tariff must be filed with the WPSC prior to the first customer billing, be at least 2 years in duration and include specific pricing for all electricity purchased (with pricing terms subject to renegotiation every three years). BCIS customers shall not participate in the PCA to the extent of service received under the tariff.

Btu

British thermal unit

Busch Ranch I

The 29 MW wind farm near Pueblo, Colorado, jointly owned by Colorado Electric and Black Hills Electric Generation. Colorado Electric and Black Hills Electric Generation each have a 50% ownership interest in the wind farm. Black Hills Electric Generation provides its share of energy from the wind farm to Colorado Electric through a PPA, which expires in October 2037.

Busch Ranch II

The 59.4 MW wind farm near Pueblo, Colorado owned by Black Hills Electric Generation to provide wind energy to Colorado Electric through a PPA expiring in November 2044.

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CACJA Adjustment

Clean Air Clean Jobs Act Adjustment is an adjustment mechanism that allows Colorado Electric to collect from customers the capital costs related to Pueblo Airport Generation CT #6.

CARES ActCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, signed on March 27, 2020, which is a tax and spending package intended to provide additional economic relief and address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CFTC

United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission

Cheyenne Light

Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation, providing electric service in the Cheyenne, Wyoming area (doing business as Black Hills Energy). Also known as Wyoming Electric.

Cheyenne Prairie

Cheyenne Prairie Generating Station located in Cheyenne, Wyoming serves the utility customers of South Dakota Electric and Wyoming Electric. The facility includes one simple-cycle, 40 MW combustion turbine that is wholly-owned by Wyoming Electric and one combined-cycle, 100 MW unit that is jointly-owned by Wyoming Electric (42 MW) and South Dakota Electric (58 MW).

Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM)Chief Executive Officer

Choice Gas Program

Regulator-approved programs in Wyoming and Nebraska that allow certain utility customers to select their natural gas commodity supplier, providing the unbundling of the commodity service from the distribution delivery service.

City of Colorado SpringsColorado Springs, Colorado

City of Gillette

Gillette, Wyoming

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Clean Energy Plan

2030 Ready Plan that establishes a roadmap and preferred resource portfolio for Colorado Electric to cost-effectively achieve the State of Colorado’s requirement calling upon electric utilities to reduce GHG emissions by a minimum of 80% from 2005 levels by 2030. Based on initial modeling, the preferred resource portfolio proposes the addition of approximately 400 MW of clean energy resources (100 MW of wind, 200-250 MW of solar and 50 MW of battery storage) to Colorado Electric's system. The final mix of resources will be determined by the results of a competitive solicitation that was issued in July 2023. Colorado legislation allows electric utilities to own up to 50% of the renewable generation assets added to comply with the Clean Energy Plan.

CO2

Carbon dioxide

Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM)

Chief Executive Officer

Colorado Electric

Black Hills Colorado Electric, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills UtilityElectric Parent Holdings, providing electric service to customers in Colorado (doing business as Black Hills Energy).

Colorado Gas

Black Hills Colorado Gas, Inc., an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings, providing natural gas services to customers in Colorado (doing business as Black Hills Energy).

Common Use System

The Common Use System is a jointly operated transmission system we participate in with Basin Electric Power Cooperative and Powder River Energy Corporation. The Common Use System provides transmission service over these utilities' combined 230-kilovolt (kV) and limited 69-kV transmission facilities within areas of southwestern South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming.

Consolidated Indebtedness to Capitalization Ratio

Any Indebtedness outstanding at such time, divided by capital at such time. Capital being consolidated net-worth (excluding non-controlling interest) plus consolidated indebtedness (including letters of credit and certain guarantees issued) as defined within the current Revolving Credit Facility.

Cooling Degree Day

A cooling degree day is equivalent to each degree that the average of the high and low temperature for a day is above 65 degrees. The warmer the climate, the greater the number of cooling degree days. Cooling degree days are used in the utility industry to measure the relative warmth of weather and to compare relative temperatures between one geographic area and another. Normal degree days are based on the National Weather Service data for selected locations.

Corriedale

The 52.5 MW wind farm near Cheyenne, Wyoming, jointly owned by South Dakota Electric (32.5 MW) and Wyoming Electric (20 MW), serving as the dedicated wind energy supply to the Renewable Ready program.program, which is a voluntary renewable energy subscription program for large commercial, industrial and governmental customers in South Dakota and Wyoming.

COVID-19The official name for the 2019 novel coronavirus disease announced on February 11, 2020, by the World Health Organization, that is causing a global pandemic.

CP Program

Commercial Paper Program

CPCN

Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity

CPUC

Colorado Public Utilities Commission

CSAPR

The United States Environmental Protection Agency's Cross-State Air Pollution Rule

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CT

Combustion Turbine

CTIIThe 40 MW Gillette CT, a simple-cycle, gas-fired combustion turbine owned by the City of Gillette.

Cushion Gas

The portion of natural gas necessary to force saleable gas from a storage field into the transmission system and for system balancing, representing a permanent investment necessary to use storage facilities and maintain reliability.

CVACybersecurity incident

Credit Valuation AdjustmentAn unauthorized occurrence, or a series of related unauthorized occurrences, on or conducted through a registrant’s information systems that jeopardizes the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of a registrant’s information systems or any information residing therein.

Cybersecurity threat

Any potential unauthorized occurrence on or conducted through a registrant’s information systems that may result in adverse effects on the confidentiality, integrity or availability of a registrant’s information systems or any information residing therein.

DC

Direct Current

Dividend Payout Ratio

Annual dividends paid on common stock divided by net income from continuing operations available for common stock

DRSPP

Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan

DSM

Demand Side Management

Dth

Dekatherm. A unit of energy equal to 10 therms or one million British thermal units (MMBtu).

EBITDA

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, a non-GAAP measure.

ECA

Energy Cost Adjustment is an adjustment that allows us to pass the prudently-incurred cost of fuel and purchased energy through to customers.

Economy Energy

Purchased energy that costs less than that produced with the utilities’ owned generation.

EECR

Energy Efficiency Cost Recovery is an adjustment mechanism that allows us to recover from customers the costs associated with providing energy efficiency programs.

EIA

Environmental Improvement Adjustment is an annual adjustment mechanism that allows us to recover from customers eligible investments in, and expense related to, new environmental measures.

EGU

Electric generating unit

Energy Assistance Benefit Charge

Energy Assistance Benefit Charge is a Colorado statutory-created surcharge to provide additional funding for bill assistance and weatherization for income-qualified customers. We collect these funds and remit them to a Colorado non-profit organization that assists low-income residents with utility bills, repairs, and energy efficiency upgrades.

Energy Transition

The global energy sector’s shift from fossil-based systems of energy production and consumption, including oil, natural gas and coal to renewable energy sources like wind and solar, as well as battery storage solutions.

EPA

United States Environmental Protection Agency

ESG

Environmental, Social and Governance

EV

Electric Vehicle

EWG

Exempt Wholesale Generator

FASB

Financial Accounting Standards Board

FERC

United States Department of Energy's Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Fitch

Fitch Ratings Inc.

GAAP

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America

Gas Price Risk Management Rider

Gas Price Risk Management Rider is a mechanism that is similar to GCA but designed to also provide a price floor and price ceiling.

GCA

Gas Cost Adjustment is an adjustment that allows us to pass the prudently-incurred cost of gas and certain services through to customers.

GHG

Greenhouse gases

Gillette Energy Complex

The Gillette Energy Complex located in Gillette, Wyoming includes 793 MW of coal-fired generating facilities (Neil Simpson II, Wygen I, Wygen II, Wygen III, Wyodak Plant) which are supplied by WRDC and a 40 MW gas-fired generation facility (Neil Simpson CT). We operate and own majority interests in five of the six facilities and own 20% of Wyodak Plant.

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GHGGreenhouse gases

Global Settlement

Settlement with a utility’s commission where the revenue requirement is agreed upon, but the specific adjustments used by each party to arrive at the amount are not specified in public rate orders.

Happy JackGWh

Happy Jack Wind Farm, LLC, owned by Duke Energy Generation ServicesGigawatt Hours

Heating Degree Day

A heating degree day is equivalent to each degree that the average of the high and the low temperatures for a day is below 65 degrees. The colder the climate, the greater the number of heating degree days. Heating degree days are used in the utility industry to measure the relative coldness of weather and to compare relative temperatures between one geographic area and another. Normal degree days are based on the National Weather Service data for selected locations.

HomeServe

We offer HomeServe products to our natural gas residential customers interested in purchasing additional home repair service plans.

Information systems

Electronic information resources, owned or used by the registrant, including physical or virtual infrastructure controlled by such information resources, or components thereof, organized for the collection, processing, maintenance, use, sharing, dissemination, or disposition of the registrant’s information to maintain or support the registrant’s operations.

Integrated Generation

Non-regulated power generation and mining businesses (Black Hills Electric Generation and WRDC) that are vertically integrated within our Electric Utilities segment.

Iowa Gas

Black Hills Iowa Gas Utility Company, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings, providing natural gas services to customers in Iowa (doing business as Black Hills Energy).

IPP

Independent Power Producer

IRA

Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

IRC

Internal Revenue Code

IRP

Integrated Resource Plan

IRS

United States Internal Revenue Service

ITC

Investment Tax Credit

IUBIowa Utilities Board

Kansas Gas

Black Hills Kansas Gas Utility Company, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings, providing natural gas services to customers in Kansas (doing business as Black Hills Energy).

KCCkV

Kansas Corporation CommissionKilovolt

kVKilovolt

LIBOR

London Interbank Offered Rate

Mcf

Thousand cubic feet

Mcfd

Thousand cubic feet per day

MDU

Montana-Dakota Utilities Co., a subsidiary of MDU Resources Group, Inc.

MEAN

Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska

MISOMidcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.

MMBtu

Million British thermal units

Moody’s

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

MSHA

United States Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration

MW

Megawatts

MWMWh

MegawattsMegawatt-hours

MWhMegawatt-hours

N/A

Not Applicable

NAAQS

National Ambient Air Quality Standards

NAV

Net Asset Value

Nebraska Gas

Black Hills Nebraska Gas, LLC, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings, providing natural gas services to customers in Nebraska (doing business as Black Hills Energy).

Neil Simpson II

A mine-mouth, coal-fired power plant owned and operated by South Dakota Electric with a total capacity of 90 MW located at our Gillette Wyoming energy complex.Energy Complex.

NERC

North American Electric Reliability Corporation

NOxX

Nitrogen oxide

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NOL

Net Operating Loss

NPSCNorthern Iowa Windpower

Nebraska Public Service CommissionNorthern Iowa Windpower, LLC, a 87.1 MW wind farm located near Joice, Iowa, previously owned by Black Hills Electric Generation. In March 2023, Black Hills Electric Generation completed the sale of Northern Iowa Windpower assets to a third-party.

OCI

Other Comprehensive Income

OPEB

Other Post-Employment Benefits

OSHA

United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration

OSM

United States Department of the Interior’s Office of Surface Mining

PacifiCorp

PacifiCorp, a wholly owned subsidiary of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, itself an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway.

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PCA

Power Cost Adjustment is an annual adjustment mechanism that allows us to pass a portion of prudently-incurred delivered power costs, including fuel, purchased capacity and energy, and transmission costs, through to customers.

PCCA

Power Capacity Cost Adjustment is an annual adjustment that allows us to pass the prudently-incurred purchased capacity costs, incremental to costs included in base rates, through to customers.

Peak View

The 60.8 MW wind farm owned by Colorado Electric.

PHMSA

United States Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

PPA

Power Purchase Agreement

PRPAPlatte River Power Authority

PSA

Power Sales Agreement

PTC

Production Tax Credit

Pueblo Airport Generation

ThePueblo Airport Generating Station located in Pueblo, Colorado includes 440 MW of combined cycle gas-fired power generation plants jointly owned by Colorado Electric (240 MW) and Black Hills Colorado IPP (200 MW). Black Hills Colorado IPP owns and operates this facility. The plants commenced operation on January 1, 2012.

PUHCA 2005

Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005

Ready

The Company’s branding platform which emphasizes that we will 1) prioritize our customers; 2) act as a thoughtful, responsible leader; 3) listen first and lead with a focus on relationships; and 4) be creative in our approach to solutions.

Ready Wyoming

A 285-mile,260-mile, multi-phase transmission expansion project in Wyoming. This transmission project willis expected to serve the growing needs of customers by enhancing resiliency of Wyoming Electric’s overall electric system and expanding access to power markets and renewable resources. The project willis expected to help Wyoming Electric maintain top-quartile reliability and enable economic development in the Cheyenne, Wyoming region.

Renewable ReadyVoluntary renewable energy subscription program for large commercial, industrial and governmental customers in South Dakota and Wyoming.

RESA

Renewable Energy Standard Adjustment is an incremental retail rate limited to 2% for Colorado Electric customers that provides funding for renewable energy projects and programs to comply with Colorado’s Renewable Energy Standard.

Revolving Credit Facility

Our $750 million credit facility used to fund working capital needs, letters of credit and other corporate purposes, which was amended on May 9, 2023 and restatedwill terminate on July 19, 2021,2026. This facility includes an accordion feature that allows us to increase total commitments up to $1.0 billion with the consent of the administrative agent, the issuing agents and now terminates on July 19, 2026.each bank increasing or providing a new commitment.

RMNG

Rocky Mountain Natural Gas LLC, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings, providing natural gas transmission and wholesale services in western Colorado (doing business as Black Hills Energy).

RNG

Renewable natural gas

RTO

Regional Transmission Organization

SDPUC

South Dakota Public Utilities Commission

SEC

United States Securities and Exchange Commission

Service Guard Comfort Plan

Appliance protection plan that provides home appliance repair services through on-going monthly service agreements to residential utility customers.

Silver SageSilver Sage Windpower, LLC, owned by Duke Energy Generation Services

SO2

Sulfur dioxide

SOFR

Secured Overnight Financing Rate

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S&P

S&P Global Ratings, a division of S&P Global Inc.

SourceGas TransactionOn February 12, 2016, Black Hills Utility Holdings acquired SourceGas pursuant to a purchase and sale agreement executed on July 12, 2015 for approximately $1.89 billion, which included the assumption of $760 million in debt at closing.

South Dakota Electric

Black Hills Power, Inc., a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation, providing electric service to customers in Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming (doing business as Black Hills Energy).

SPP

Southwest Power Pool, a regional transmission organization (RTO) that oversees the bulk electric grid and wholesale power market in the central United States.

SSIR

System Safety and Integrity Rider is a mechanism that allows us to recover the costs associated with certain pipeline safety and integrity investments, including the replacement of higher risk pipe, the improvement of the data management system, and the mitigation of other safety issues identified on our natural gas system.

System Peak Demand

Represents the highest point of retail customer usage for a single hour.

TCA

Transmission Cost Adjustment is an annual adjustment mechanism that allows us to recover from customers eligible transmission investments prior to the next rate review.

TCAM

Transmission Cost Adjustment Mechanism is a WPSC-approved tariff based on a formulaic approach that determines the recovery of Wyoming Electric's transmission costs.

TCJA

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017, which reduced the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. As such, we remeasured our deferred income taxes at the 21% federal tax rate as of December 31, 2017.

Tech Services

Non-regulated product lines delivered by our Utilities that 1) provide electrical system construction services to large industrial customers of our electric utilities, and 2) serve gas transportation customers throughout its service territory by constructing and maintaining customer-owned gas infrastructure facilities, typically through one-time contracts.

Top of IowaTEPR

Northern Iowa Windpower, LLC,Transportation Electrification Program Rider is a 87.1 MW wind farm located near Joice, Iowa, owned by Black Hills Electric Generation and operated by a third-party. We sell the wind energy generated in the MISO market.CPUC-approved mechanism associated with Colorado Electric's EV program.

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TFA

Transmission Facility Adjustment is an annual adjustment mechanism that allows us to recover charges for qualifying new and modified transmission facilities from customers.

Transmission Tie

South Dakota Electric owns 35% of a DCAC-DC-AC transmission tie that interconnects the Western and Eastern transmission grids, which are independently-operated transmission grids serving the western and eastern United States, respectively. Basin Electric Power Cooperative owns the remaining ownership percentage. This transmission tie allows us to buy and sell energy in the Eastern grid without having to isolate and physically reconnect load or generation between the two transmission grids, thus enhancing the reliability of our system. It accommodates scheduling transactions in both directions simultaneously, provides additional opportunities to sell excess generation or to make economic purchases to serve our native load and contract obligations, and enables us to take advantage of power price differentials between the two grids. The total transfer capacity of the tie is 400 MW, including 200 MW from West to East and 200 MW from East to West.

TSA

United States Department of Homeland Security’sSecurity's Transportation Security Administration

Utilities

Black Hills’ Electric and Gas Utilities

VEBA

Voluntary Employee Benefit Association

VIE

Variable Interest Entity

WEIS

Western Energy Imbalance Service

Wind Capacity Factor

Measures the amount of electricity a wind turbine produces in a given time period relative to its maximum potential

Winter Storm Uri

February 2021 winter weather event that caused extreme cold temperatures in the central United States and led to unprecedented fluctuations in customer demand and market pricing for natural gas and energy.

Working Capacity

Total gas storage capacity minus cushion gas

WPSC

Wyoming Public Service Commission

WRDC

Wyodak Resources Development Corp., a coal mine which is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings, providing coal supply primarily to five on-site, mine-mouth generating facilities at our Gillette Energy Complex (doing business as Black Hills Energy).

Wygen I

A mine-mouth, coal-fired generating facility with a total capacity of 90 MW located at our Gillette Wyoming energy complex.Energy Complex. Black Hills Wyoming owns 76.5% of the facility and Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN) owns the remaining 23.5%.

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Wygen II

A mine-mouth, coal-fired power plant owned by Wyoming Electric with a total capacity of 95 MW located at our Gillette Wyoming energy complex.Energy Complex.

Wygen III

A mine-mouth, coal-fired power plant operated by South Dakota Electric with a total capacity of 116 MW located at our Gillette Wyoming energy complex.Energy Complex. South Dakota Electric owns 52% of the power plant, MDU owns 25% and the City of Gillette owns the remaining 23%.

Wyodak Plant

The 402.3 MW mine-mouth, coal-fired generating facility located at our Gillette Wyoming energy complex,Energy Complex, jointly owned by PacifiCorp (80%) and South Dakota Electric (20%). Our WRDC mine supplies all of the fuel for the facility.

Wyoming Electric

Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation, providing electric service to customers in the Cheyenne, Wyoming area (doing business as Black Hills Energy).

Wyoming Gas

Black Hills Wyoming Gas, LLC, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings, providing natural gas services to customers in Wyoming (doing business as Black Hills Energy).

Wyoming Integrity Rider

The Wyoming Integrity Rider (WIR) is a WPSC-approved tariff that allows Wyoming Gas to recover costs from customers associated with ongoing infrastructure replacement, gas meter and yard line replacement projects driven by federal regulation.

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WEBSITE ACCESS TO REPORTS


The reports we file with the SEC are available free of charge at our website www.blackhillscorp.com as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed. In addition, the charters of our Audit, Governance and Compensation Committees are located on our website along with our Code of Business Conduct, Code of Ethics for our Chief Executive Officer and Senior Finance Officers, Corporate Governance Guidelines of the Board of Directors and Policy for Director Independence. The information contained on our website is not part of this document.


FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION


This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements as defined by the SEC. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, those statements that are identified by the words “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts” and similar expressions and include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. From time to time, the Company may publish or otherwise make available forward-looking statements of this nature, including statements contained within Item 7 - Management’s Discussion & Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.


Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed. The Company’s expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and are believed by the Company to have a reasonable basis, including, without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in the Company’s records and other data available from third parties. Nonetheless, the Company’s expectations, beliefs or projections may not be achieved or accomplished.


Any forward-looking statement contained in this document speaks only as of the date on which the statement is made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, such as the COVID-19 pandemicadverse macroeconomic conditions, global pandemics or Winter Storm Uri,severe weather events, and it is not possible for management to predict all of the factors, nor can it assess the effect of each factor on the Company’s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. All forward-looking statements, whether written or oral and whether made by or on behalf of the Company, are expressly qualified by the risk factors and cautionary statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including statements contained within Item 1A - Risk Factors.


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PART I


ITEM 1. BUSINESS


History and Organization


Black Hills Corporation, a South Dakota corporation (together with its subsidiaries, referred to herein as the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”), is a customer-focused, growth-oriented utility company headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota (incorporated in South Dakota in 1941).


We operate our business in the United States, reporting our operating results through our Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities segments. Certain unallocated corporate expenses that support our operating segments are presented as Corporate and Other. In the fourth quarter of 2021, we integrated our power generation and mining businesses within the Electric Utilities segment. The alignment is consistent with the current way our CODM evaluates the performance of the business and makes decisions related to the allocation of resources. Comparative periods presented reflect this change. See further segment information in Note 16

 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Our Electric Utilities segment generates, transmits and distributes electricity to approximately 218,000222,000 electric utility customers in Colorado, Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming. We also own and operate non-regulated power generation and mining assets that are vertically integrated into our Electric Utilities. Our Electric Utilities own 1,481.51,394 MW of generation and 8,8999,106 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines.


Our Gas Utilities segment serves approximately 1,094,0001,116,000 natural gas utility customers in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming. Our Gas Utilities own and operate 4,7324,663 miles of intrastate gas transmission pipelines and 41,64442,514 miles of gas distribution mains and service lines, sixseven natural gas storage sites, more than 50,000 horsepower of compression and over 515516 miles of gathering lines.



Electric Utilities


We conduct electric utility operations through our Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming subsidiaries. Our Electric Utilities generate, transmit and distribute electricity to our retail customers. Our electric generating facilities and power purchase agreements provide for the supply of electricity principally to our retail customers. Additionally, weWe also sell excess power to other utilities and marketing companies, including our affiliates. We alsoAdditionally, we provide non-regulated services to our retail customers under the Service Guard Comfort Plan and Tech Services.


Additionally, we

We also own and operate non-regulated power generation and mining assets that are vertically integrated into and primarily support our Electric Utilities. Nearly allAll of these operations are located at our electric generating complexes and are physically integrated into our Electric Utilities’ operations.


As of December 31,
Retail Customers202120202019
Residential186,852 184,872 183,232 
Commercial30,326 30,225 29,921 
Industrial81 83 83 
Other1,010 1,017 1,024 
Total Electric Retail Customers at End of Year218,269 216,197 214,260 
As of December 31,
Retail Customers202120202019
Colorado Electric99,709 98,735 97,890 
South Dakota Electric74,509 73,700 73,052 
Wyoming Electric44,051 43,762 43,318 
Total Electric Retail Customers at End of Year218,269 216,197 214,260 
10

As of December 31,

 

Retail Customers

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Residential

 

190,776

 

 

188,921

 

 

186,852

 

Commercial

 

30,491

 

 

30,404

 

 

30,326

 

Industrial

 

84

 

 

82

 

 

81

 

Other

 

989

 

 

1,024

 

 

1,010

 

Total Electric Retail Customers at End of Year

 

222,340

 

 

220,431

 

 

218,269

 

Table of Contents

As of December 31,

 

Retail Customers

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Colorado Electric

 

100,907

 

 

100,573

 

 

99,709

 

South Dakota Electric

 

76,479

 

 

75,169

 

 

74,509

 

Wyoming Electric

 

44,954

 

 

44,689

 

 

44,051

 

Total Electric Retail Customers at End of Year

 

222,340

 

 

220,431

 

 

218,269

 


Capacity and Demand. System Peak Demand for the Electric Utilities’ retail customers for each of the last three years are listed below:

System Peak Demand (in MW)
202120202019
SummerWinterSummerWinterSummerWinter
Colorado Electric407279401297422297
South Dakota Electric397299378304335320
Wyoming Electric274246271246265247

System Peak Demand (in MW)

 

2023 (a)

2022

 

2021

 

Summer

Winter

Summer

 

Winter

 

Summer

 

Winter

 

Colorado Electric

411

297

 

410

 

 

334

 

 

407

 

 

279

 

South Dakota Electric

378

289

 

403

 

 

355

 

 

397

 

 

299

 

Wyoming Electric

312

301

 

294

 

 

281

 

 

274

 

 

246

 

____________________


(a)
In 2023, Wyoming Electric set new summer and winter peak loads. See recent peak discussion in the Recent Developments section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

12


Table of Contents

As of December 31, 2021,2023, our Electric Utilities’ ownership interests in electric generating plants were as follows:

Unit

Fuel
Type

Location

Ownership
Interest %
(d)

Owned
Nameplate
Capacity (MW)

 

In Service
Date

Colorado Electric:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Busch Ranch I (a)

Wind

Pueblo, Colorado

50%

 

14.5

 

2012

Peak View (b) (c)

Wind

Pueblo, Colorado

100%

 

60.8

 

2016

Pueblo Airport Generation #1-2

Natural Gas

Pueblo, Colorado

100%

 

200.0

 

2011

Pueblo Airport Generation CT #6

Natural Gas

Pueblo, Colorado

100%

 

40.0

 

2016

AIP Diesel

Diesel Oil

Pueblo, Colorado

100%

 

10.0

 

2001

Diesel #1 and #3-5

Diesel Oil

Pueblo, Colorado

100%

 

8.0

 

1964

Diesel #1-5

Diesel Oil

Rocky Ford, Colorado

100%

 

10.0

 

1964

South Dakota Electric:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheyenne Prairie

Natural Gas

Cheyenne, Wyoming

58%

 

58.0

 

2014

Corriedale (c)

Wind

Cheyenne, Wyoming

62%

 

32.5

 

2020

Wygen III

Coal

Gillette, Wyoming

52%

 

60.3

 

2010

Neil Simpson II

Coal

Gillette, Wyoming

100%

 

90.0

 

1995

Wyodak Plant

Coal

Gillette, Wyoming

20%

 

80.5

 

1978

Neil Simpson CT

Natural Gas

Gillette, Wyoming

100%

 

40.0

 

2000

Lange CT

Natural Gas

Rapid City, South Dakota

100%

 

40.0

 

2002

Ben French Diesel #1-5

Diesel Oil

Rapid City, South Dakota

100%

 

10.0

 

1965

Ben French CTs #1-4

Natural Gas/Diesel Oil

Rapid City, South Dakota

100%

 

100.0

 

1977-1979

Wyoming Electric:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheyenne Prairie

Natural Gas

Cheyenne, Wyoming

42%

 

42.0

 

2014

Cheyenne Prairie CT

Natural Gas

Cheyenne, Wyoming

100%

 

40.0

 

2014

Corriedale (c)

Wind

Cheyenne, Wyoming

38%

 

20.0

 

2020

Wygen II

Coal

Gillette, Wyoming

100%

 

95.0

 

2008

Integrated Generation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wygen I

Coal

Gillette, Wyoming

76.5%

 

68.9

 

2003

Pueblo Airport Generation #4-5

Natural Gas

Pueblo, Colorado

50.1% (e)

 

200.0

 

2012

Busch Ranch I (a)

Wind

Pueblo, Colorado

50%

 

14.5

 

2012

Busch Ranch II (c)

Wind

Pueblo, Colorado

100%

 

59.4

 

2019

Total MW Capacity

 

 

 

 

1,394.4

 

 

____________________

UnitFuel
Type
Location
Ownership
Interest % (d)
Owned Nameplate Capacity (MW)In Service Date
Colorado Electric:
Busch Ranch I (a)
WindPueblo, Colorado50%14.52012
Peak View (b)
WindPueblo, Colorado100%60.82016
Pueblo Airport Generation #1-2GasPueblo, Colorado100%200.02011
Pueblo Airport Generation CT #6GasPueblo, Colorado100%40.02016
AIP DieselOilPueblo, Colorado100%10.02001
Diesel #1 and #3-5OilPueblo, Colorado100%8.01964
Diesel #1-5OilRocky Ford, Colorado100%10.01964
South Dakota Electric:
Cheyenne PrairieGasCheyenne, Wyoming58%58.02014
Corriedale (c)
WindCheyenne, Wyoming62%32.52020
Wygen IIICoalGillette, Wyoming52%60.32010
Neil Simpson IICoalGillette, Wyoming100%90.01995
Wyodak PlantCoalGillette, Wyoming20%80.51978
Neil Simpson CTGasGillette, Wyoming100%40.02000
Lange CTGasRapid City, South Dakota100%40.02002
Ben French Diesel #1-5OilRapid City, South Dakota100%10.01965
Ben French CTs #1-4Gas/OilRapid City, South Dakota100%100.01977-1979
Wyoming Electric:
Cheyenne PrairieGasCheyenne, Wyoming42%42.02014
Cheyenne Prairie CTGasCheyenne, Wyoming100%40.02014
Corriedale (c)
WindCheyenne, Wyoming38%20.02020
Wygen IICoalGillette, Wyoming100%95.02008
Integrated Generation:
Wygen ICoalGillette, Wyoming76.5%68.92003
Pueblo Airport Generation #4-5GasPueblo, Colorado
50.1% (e)
200.02012
Busch Ranch I (a)
WindPueblo, Colorado50%14.52012
Busch Ranch II (c)
WindPueblo, Colorado100%59.42019
Top of Iowa (c)
WindJoice, Iowa100%87.12019
Total MW Capacity1,481.5
(a)
____________________
(a)    In 2013, Busch Ranch I was awarded a one-time cash grant in lieu of ITCs under the Section 1603 program created under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
(b)    The Peak View facility qualifies for PTCs at $25/MWh under IRC 45 during the 10-year period beginning November 2016.
The PTCs for this facilityPeak View flow back to customers through a rider mechanism as a reduction to Colorado Electric’s margins.
(c)
This facility qualifies for PTCs at $25/$28/MWh under IRC 45 during the 10-year period beginning on the date the facility was originally placed in service.
(d)
Jointly owned facilities are discussed in Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(e)
In 2016, Black Hills Electric Generation sold a 49.9% non-controlling interest in Black Hills Colorado IPP to a third party. See Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.





11

Table of Contents

Our Electric Utilities’ power supply by resource as a percent of the total power supply for our energy needs for the years ended December 31 was as follows:

Power Supply

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Coal

 

35.0

%

 

35.1

%

 

34.2

%

Natural Gas

 

26.4

%

 

18.8

%

 

24.4

%

Wind (a)

 

8.9

%

 

11.4

%

 

11.3

%

Total Generated (b)

 

70.3

%

 

65.3

%

 

69.9

%

Coal, Natural Gas, Diesel Oil and Other Market Purchases

 

24.1

%

 

29.6

%

 

25.1

%

Wind and Solar Purchases

 

5.6

%

 

5.1

%

 

5.0

%

Total Purchased

 

29.7

%

 

34.7

%

 

30.1

%

Total

 

100.0

%

 

100.0

%

 

100.0

%

____________________

(a)
Wind generation decreased due to the sale of Northern Iowa Windpower assets in March 2023.
Power Supply202120202019
Coal34.2 %40.3 %40.0 %
Natural Gas and Diesel Oil (a)
24.4 25.0 22.2 
Wind11.3 8.8 5.8 
Total Generated69.9 74.1 68.0 
Coal, Natural Gas, Oil and Other Market Purchases25.1 21.1 29.1 
Wind Purchases5.0 4.8 2.9 
Total Purchased30.1 25.9 32.0 
Total100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %
(b)
____________________
(a)    The diesel-fueleddiesel oil-fueled generating units are generally used as supplemental peaking units. Power generated from these units, as a percentage of total power supply, was 0.0%, 0.0% and 0.1% for each of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.presented.


13


Table of Contents

Our Electric Utilities’ weighted average cost of fuel utilized to generate electricity and the average price paid for purchased power (excluding contracted capacity) per MWh for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

Fuel and Purchased Power (dollars per MWh)202120202019
Coal$11.55 $11.38 $12.42 
Natural Gas and Diesel Oil (a)
33.65 8.59 11.04 
Total Generated Weighted Average Fuel Cost17.40 9.09 12.48 
Coal, Natural Gas, Oil and Other Market Purchases (a)
64.85 40.80 44.16 
Wind Purchases34.69 42.06 49.19 
Total Purchased Power Weighted Average Cost59.84 41.03 44.62 
Total Weighted Average Fuel and Purchased Power Cost$30.17 $17.36 $22.76 
____________________
(a)    The 2021 increase in prices paid for fuel and purchased power was primarily driven by unforeseeable and unprecedented market prices for natural gas and electricity during Winter Storm Uri. See further information in the Recent Developments

 section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7

Fuel and Purchased Power (dollars per MWh)

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Coal

$

13.40

 

$

12.76

 

$

11.55

 

Natural Gas

 

20.20

 

 

37.09

 

 

33.65

 

Total Generated Weighted Average Fuel Cost

 

14.27

 

 

17.57

 

 

17.40

 

Coal, Natural Gas, Diesel Oil and Other Market Purchases

 

55.61

 

 

66.35

 

 

64.85

 

Wind and Solar Purchases

 

34.99

 

 

33.78

 

 

34.69

 

Total Purchased Power Weighted Average Cost

 

51.68

 

 

61.56

 

 

59.84

 

Total Weighted Average Fuel and Purchased Power Cost

$

25.39

 

$

32.82

 

$

30.17

 

 and

Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Power Purchase and Power Sales Agreements.Purchased Power. We have executed various PPAs to support our Electric Utilities’ capacity and energy needs beyond our regulated power plants’ generation, which include long-term related party agreements with our non-regulated power generation businesses. We also have various long-term PSAs. Key contracts are disclosedSee additional information in Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Coal Mining. We own and operate a single coal mine through our WRDC subsidiary.subsidiary which is reported within our Electric Utilities segment. We surface mine, process and sell low-sulfur sub-bituminous coal at our mine located immediately adjacent to our Gillette energy complexEnergy Complex in the Powder River Basin in northeastern Wyoming, where our five coal-fired power plants are located. We produced approximately 3.53.7 million tons of coal in 2021.2023.


The mine provides low-sulfur coal directly to these five power plants via a conveyor belt system, minimizing transportation costs. On average, theThe fuel can be delivered to theour adjacent power plants at less than $1.00 per MMBtu, providing very cost competitive fuel to our power plantsprices (i.e., $1.14 per MMBtu for year ended December 31, 2023) when compared to alternatives. Nearly all of the mine’s production is sold to our on-site generation facilities under long-term supply contracts.


As of December 31, 2021,2023, we estimated our recoverable reserves to be approximately 178179 million tons, based on a life-of-mine engineering study utilizing currently available drilling data and geological information prepared by internal engineering studies.analyses. The recoverable reserve life is equal to approximately 5148 years at the current production levels.


12

Table of Contents

Transmission and Distribution. Through our Electric Utilities, we own electric transmission and distribution systems composed of high voltage lines (greater than 69 kV) and low voltage lines (69 kV or less). We also jointly operate an electric transmission system, referred to as the Common Use System, with Basin Electric Power Cooperative and Powder River Energy Corporation. Each participant in the Common Use System individually owns assets that are operated together for a single system. The Common Use System also provides transmission service to our Transmission Tie. South Dakota Electric owns 35% of the Transmission Tie. The Transmission Tie is further discussed in Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


At December 31, 2021,2023, our Electric Utilities owned the electric transmission and distribution lines shown below:

UtilityState
Transmission (a)
(in Line Miles)
Distribution
(in Line Miles)
Colorado ElectricColorado598 3,157 
South Dakota Electric (b)
South Dakota, Wyoming1,192 2,566 
Wyoming ElectricWyoming59 1,327 
1,849 7,050 

Utility

State

Transmission (a)
(in Line Miles)

 

Distribution
(in Line Miles)

 

Colorado Electric

Colorado

 

599

 

 

3,213

 

South Dakota Electric (b)

South Dakota, Wyoming

 

1,232

 

 

2,616

 

Wyoming Electric

Wyoming

 

86

 

 

1,360

 

 

 

1,917

 

 

7,189

 

____________________

(a)
Electric transmission line miles include voltages of 69 kV and above.
(b)
South Dakota Electric transmission line miles include 43 miles within the Common Use System.


Material transmission services agreements are disclosedincluded in our disclosures in Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Seasonal Variations of Business. Our Electric Utilities are seasonal businesses and weather patterns may impact their operating performance.results. Demand for electricity is sensitive to seasonal cooling, heating and industrial load requirements, as well as market price. In particular, cooling demand is often greater in the summer and heating demand inis often greater in the winter.

14



Table of Contents

Competition. We generally have limited competition for the retail generation and distribution of electricity in our service areas. Various legislative or regulatory restructuring and competitive initiatives have been discussed in several of the states in which our utilities operate. These initiatives would be aimed at increasing competition or providing for distributed generation. To date, these initiatives have not had a material impact on our utilities. In Colorado, our electric utility is subject to rules which may require competitive bidding for generation supply. Because of these rules, we face competition from other utilities and non-affiliated IPPs for the right to supply electric energy and capacity for Colorado Electric when resource plans require additional resources. Additionally, electrification initiatives in our service territories could increase demand for electricity and increase customer growth.


The independent power industry consists of many strong and capable competitors, some of which may have more extensive operations or greater financial resources than we possess. With respect to the merchant power sector, FERC has taken steps to increase access to the national transmission grid by utility and non-utility purchasers and sellers of electricity to foster competition within the wholesale electricity markets. Our non-regulated power generation businesses could face greater competition if utilities are permitted to robustly invest in power generation assets. Conversely, state regulatory rulesregulations requiring utilities to competitively bid generation resources may provide opportunity for IPPs in some regions. To date, these initiatives have not had a material impact on our non-regulated power generation businesses.


Our strategy for our mining business strategy is to sell nearly all of our production to on-site generation facilities under long-term supply contracts. Historically, any off-site sales have been to consumers within close proximity to the WRDC mine. Rail transport market opportunities for WRDC are limited due to the lower heating value (Btu) of the coal, combined with the fact that the WRDC mine is served by only one railroad, resulting in less competitive transportation rates. Additionally, coalWRDC. Coal competes with other energy sources, such as natural gas, nuclear, wind, solar and hydropower. Costs and other factors relating to these alternative fuels, such as safety, environmental and availability considerations affect the overall demand for coal as a fuel.

Operating Statistics. See a summary of key operating statistics in the Electric Utilities segment operating results within Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Gas Utilities

We conduct natural gas utility operations through our Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming subsidiaries. Our Gas Utilities transport and distribute natural gas through our distribution network to our retail customers. Additionally, we sell contractual pipeline capacity and gas commodities to other utilities and marketing companies, including our affiliates, on an as-available basis.

We also provide non-regulated services to our regulated customers. Black Hills Energy Services provides natural gas supply to approximately 53,000 retail distribution customers under the Choice Gas Program in Nebraska and Wyoming. Additionally, we provide services under the Service Guard Comfort Plan, Tech Services and HomeServe.

As of December 31,

 

Retail Customers

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Residential

 

871,930

 

 

864,038

 

 

853,908

 

Commercial

 

84,917

 

 

85,203

 

 

84,234

 

Industrial

 

2,179

 

 

2,189

 

 

2,158

 

Transportation

 

157,367

 

 

155,685

 

 

153,929

 

Total Natural Gas Retail Customers at End of Year

 

1,116,393

 

 

1,107,115

 

 

1,094,229

 

As of December 31,

 

Retail Customers

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Arkansas Gas

 

186,216

 

 

183,270

 

 

180,216

 

Colorado Gas

 

211,155

 

 

208,060

 

 

202,747

 

Iowa Gas

 

163,281

 

 

162,801

 

 

161,905

 

Kansas Gas

 

119,407

 

 

118,599

 

 

117,862

 

Nebraska Gas

 

302,167

 

 

301,007

 

 

298,832

 

Wyoming Gas

 

134,167

 

 

133,378

 

 

132,667

 

Total Natural Gas Retail Customers at End of Year

 

1,116,393

 

 

1,107,115

 

 

1,094,229

 

We procure natural gas for our distribution customers from a diverse mix of producers, processors and marketers and generally use hedging, physical fixed-price purchases and market-based price purchases to achieve dollar-cost averaging within our natural gas portfolio. The majority of our procured natural gas is transported in interstate pipelines under firm transportation service agreements.

In addition to company-owned regulated underground natural gas storage assets in Arkansas, Colorado and Wyoming, we also contract with third-party transportation providers for natural gas storage service to provide gas supply during the winter heating season and to meet peak day customer demand for natural gas.

15


The following table summarizes certain information regarding our company-owned regulated underground gas storage facilities as of December 31, 2023:

 

Working Capacity
(Mcf)

 

Cushion Gas
(Mcf)

 

Total Capacity
(Mcf)

 

Maximum Daily
Withdrawal Capability
(Mcfd)

 

Arkansas Gas

 

8,442,700

 

 

13,149,040

 

 

21,591,740

 

 

196,000

 

Colorado Gas

 

2,360,895

 

 

6,165,315

 

 

8,526,210

 

 

30,000

 

Wyoming Gas

 

5,733,900

 

 

17,545,600

 

 

23,279,500

 

 

36,000

 

Total

 

16,537,495

 

 

36,859,955

 

 

53,397,450

 

 

262,000

 

The following table summarizes certain information regarding our system infrastructure as of December 31, 2023:

 

Intrastate Gas
Transmission Pipelines
(in line miles)

 

Gas Distribution
Mains
(in line miles)

 

Gas Distribution
Service Lines
(in line miles)

 

Arkansas Gas

 

875

 

 

5,197

 

 

1,380

 

Colorado Gas

 

694

 

 

7,188

 

 

1,861

 

Iowa Gas

 

173

 

 

2,890

 

 

2,765

 

Kansas Gas

 

339

 

 

3,026

 

 

1,400

 

Nebraska Gas

 

1,315

 

 

8,611

 

 

2,845

 

Wyoming Gas

 

1,267

 

 

3,625

 

 

1,726

 

Total

 

4,663

 

 

30,537

 

 

11,977

 

Seasonal Variations of Business. Our Gas Utilities are seasonal businesses and weather patterns may impact their operating results. Demand for natural gas is sensitive to seasonal heating and industrial load requirements, as well as market price. In particular, demand is often greater in the winter months for heating. Natural gas is used primarily for residential and commercial heating, and demand for this product can depend heavily upon weather throughout our service territories. As a result, a significant amount of natural gas revenue is normally recognized in the heating season consisting of the first and fourth quarters. Demand for natural gas can also be impacted by summer temperatures and precipitation, which can affect demand for irrigation.

Competition. We generally have limited competition for the retail distribution of natural gas in our service areas. Various restructuring and competitive initiatives have been discussed in several of the states in which our utilities operate. These initiatives are aimed at increasing competition. Additionally, electrification initiatives in our service territories could negatively impact demand for natural gas and decrease future growth. To date, these initiatives have not had a material impact on our utilities. Although we face competition from independent marketers for the sale of natural gas to our industrial and commercial customers, in instances where independent marketers displace us as the seller of natural gas, we still collect fees for transporting the gas through our distribution network.

Operating statistics. See a summary of key operating statistics in the Gas Utilities segment operating results within Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

16


Utility Regulation Characteristics

Our Utilities are subject to regulation by a number of federal, state and other organizations, including, but not limited to, the following:

State public utility commissions, which have jurisdiction over services and facilities, rates and charges, accounting, valuation of property, depreciation rates and various other matters;

the FERC, which oversees the acquisition and disposition of generation, transmission and other facilities, transmission of electricity and natural gas in interstate commerce, proposals to build and operate interstate natural gas pipelines and storage facilities, and wholesale purchases and sales of electric energy, among other things;
the NERC, which, through its regional entities, establishes and enforces mandatory reliability standards, subject to approval by the FERC, to ensure the reliability of the U.S. electric transmission and generation system and to prevent major system blackouts;
the EPA, which has the responsibility to maintain and enforce national standards under a variety of environmental laws, in some cases delegating authority to state agencies. The EPA also works with industries and all levels of government, including federal and state governments, in a wide variety of voluntary pollution prevention programs and energy conservation efforts;
the TSA, which regulates certain activities related to the safety and security of natural gas pipelines. In May and July 2021 the TSA issued security directives that included several new cybersecurity requirements for critical pipeline owners and operators; and
the PHMSA, which is responsible for administering the federal regulatory program to help ensure the safe transportation of natural gas, petroleum and other hazardous materials by pipelines, including pipelines associated with natural gas storage, and develops regulations and other approaches to risk management to help ensure safety in design, construction, testing, operation, maintenance and emergency response of pipeline facilities.

Rates and Regulation. Regulation

Our Electric Utilities are subject to the jurisdiction of the public utilitiesutility commissions in the states where they operate and the FERC for certain assets and transactions. These commissions oversee services and facilities, rates and charges, accounting, valuation of property, depreciation rates and various other matters. Rate decisions are influenced by many factors, including the cost of providing service, capital expenditures, the prudence of costs we incur, views concerning appropriate rates of return, general economic conditions and the political environment. Certain commissions also have jurisdiction over the issuance of debt or securities and the creation of liens on property located in their states to secure bonds or other securities.

13

Table of Contents


The following table provides regulatory information for each of our Electric Utilities:
SubsidiaryJurisdic-tionAuthorized Rate of Return on EquityAuthorized Return on Rate BaseAuthorized Capital Structure Debt/EquityAuthorized Rate Base (in millions)Effective DateAdditional Regulatory MechanismsPercentage of Power Marketing Profit Shared with Customers
Colorado Electric (a)
CO9.37%7.43%48%/52%$539.61/2017ECA, TCA, PCCA, EECR/DSM, RESA90%
CO9.37%6.02%67%/33%$57.91/2017Clean Air Clean Jobs Act Adjustment RiderN/A
South Dakota ElectricWY9.90%8.13%47%/53%$46.810/2014ECA65%
SDGlobal Settlement7.76%Global Settlement$543.910/2014ECA, TFA, EIA70%
FERC10.80%8.76%43%/57%
$148.4 (b)
2/2009FERC Transmission TariffN/A
Wyoming Electric (a)
WY9.90%7.98%46%/54%$376.810/2014PCA, EECR/DSM, Rate Base Recovery on Acquisition AdjustmentN/A
____________________
(a)    For both Colorado Electric and Wyoming Electric, transmission investments are recovered through retail rates rather than FERC Transmission Tariffs.
(b)    Includes $131.3 million in 2021 rate base for the 2021 Projected Common Use System formula rate that is updated annually and $17.1 million in rate base for the Transmission Tie that is based on the approved stated rate from 2005.

The regulatory provisions for recovering the costs to supply electricityof service vary by state. Wejurisdiction. Our Utilities have cost adjustmentrecovery mechanisms for our Electric Utilities that allow us to pass the prudently-incurred cost of natural gas, fuel and purchased power to customers. These mechanisms allow the utility operating in that state to collect or refund the difference between the cost of commodities and certain services embedded in our base rates and the actual cost of the commodities and certain services without filing a general rate review. In addition, some statesjurisdictions allow for recovery of newus to recover certain costs or earn a return on capital investmentinvestments placed in service between base rate reviews through approved rider tariffs.tariffs, such as energy efficiency plan costs and system safety and integrity investments. These tariffs allow the utility a return on the investment.

17


Electric Utilities

The following table provides regulatory information for each of our Electric Utilities:

 

 

 

Subsidiary

 

 

 

Jurisdiction

Authorized
Rate of
Return on
Equity

 

Authorized
Return on
Rate Base

Authorized
Capital
Structure
Debt/Equity

 

Authorized Rate Base (in millions)

 

 

Effective Date

 

 

Additional Regulatory
Mechanisms

Percentage of Power Marketing Profit Shared with Customers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colorado Electric

CO

9.37%

7.43%

48%/52%

 $653.7 (a)

1/2017

ECA, TCA, PCCA,
EECR/DSM, RESA, TEPR, Energy Assistance Benefit Charge

90%

 

CO

9.37%

6.02%

67%/33%

 $57.9

1/2017

CACJA Adjustment Rider

N/A

 

FERC

9.80%

6.45%

53%/47%

(a)

9/2022

FERC Transmission Tariff

N/A

South Dakota Electric

WY

9.90%

8.13%

47%/53%

 $46.8

10/2014

ECA

65%

 

SD

Global Settlement

7.76%

Global Settlement

 $543.9

10/2014

ECA, TFA, EIA

70%

 

FERC

10.80%

8.76%

43%/57%

    $197.7 (b)

2/2009

FERC Transmission Tariff

N/A

Wyoming Electric (c)

WY

9.75%

7.48%

48%/52%

 $551.2 (a)

3/2023

PCA, EECR/DSM, Rate Base Recovery on Acquisition Adjustment, TCAM

N/A

 

FERC

9.90%

8.77%

44%/56%

(a)

1/2019

FERC Transmission Tariff

N/A

____________________

(a)
For both Wyoming Electric and Colorado Electric retail customers, transmission investments are recovered through retail rates rather than FERC Transmission Tariffs. Transmission investments are recovered from wholesale transmission customers under the FERC Formula Transmission rate. The rate base associated with FERC assets is not displayed separate from that collected through the state recovery mechanisms, to avoid double counting. The rate base amounts for Colorado Electric and Wyoming Electric include rate base recovered through base rates and the authorized regulatory mechanisms.

(b)
Includes $180.6 million in 2023 rate base for the 2023 Projected Common Use System formula rate that is updated annually and $17.1 million in rate base for the Transmission Tie that is based on the approved stated rate from 2005.
(c)
For additional information regarding recent rate review updates, see Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
A summary of

The following table summarizes the mechanisms we have in place are shown in the table below:

for each of our Electric Utilities:

Cost Recovery Mechanisms

Electric Utility Jurisdiction

Environmental
Cost Recovery Mechanisms

EECR/DSM

Transmission
Expense

Fuel
Cost

Transmission
Capital

Purchased
Power

RESA

Environmental CostColorado Electric (a)

Energy Efficiency

Transmission Expense

Fuel Cost

Transmission Capital

Purchased Power

RESA

Colorado Electric (FERC) (a)

þ

þ

þ

þ

þ

þ

South Dakota Electric (SD) (a)(b)

þ

þ

þ

þ

þ

South Dakota Electric (WY) (b)(c)

þ

þ

þ

þ

South Dakota Electric (FERC)(c)

þ

Wyoming Electric(a)

þ

þ

þ

þ

Wyoming Electric (FERC) (a)

____________________

(a)
For both Wyoming Electric and Colorado Electric retail customers, transmission investments are recovered through retail rates rather than FERC Transmission Tariffs. Transmission investments are recovered from wholesale transmission customers under the FERC Formula Transmission rate.
____________________
(b)
(a)    South Dakota Electric’s Environmental Cost (EIA)EIA and Transmission Capital (TFA)TFA tariffs were suspended for a six-year moratorium period effective July 1, 2017. On January 7, 2020, South Dakota Electric received approval from the SDPUC to extend the 6-year moratorium period by an additional 3 years whereby these recovery mechanisms will not be effective prior to July 1, 2026.
(b)    (c)
South Dakota Electric has WPSC authorization to accumulate certain Energy Efficiencyenergy efficiency costs in a regulatory asset with determination of recovery to be made in the next rate review.

(c)    South Dakota Electric has an approved FERC Transmission Tariff based on a formulaic approach that determines

18


Gas Utilities

The following table provides regulatory information for each of our Gas Utilities:

 

 

 

Subsidiary

 

 

 

Jurisdiction

Authorized Rate of Return on Equity

 

Authorized Return on Rate Base

Authorized Capital Structure Debt/Equity

 

Authorized Rate Base (in millions)

 

 

Effective Date

 

 

 

Additional Regulatory Mechanisms

Arkansas Gas (a)

AR

9.60%

6.20% (b)

55%/45%

$674.6 (c)

10/2022

GCA, Safety and Integrity Rider, EECR, Weather Normalization Adjustment, Billing Determinant Adjustment

Colorado Gas (a)

CO

9.20%

6.56%

50%/50%

$303.2

1/2022

GCA, SSIR, DSM, Gas Price Risk Management Rider, Energy Assistance Benefit Charge

RMNG (a)

CO

9.50%-9.70%

6.93%

48%-50%/

50%-52%

$209.3

7/2023

Liquids/Off-system/Market Center Services Revenue Sharing

Iowa Gas

IA

9.60%

6.75%

50%/50%

$300.9

1/2022

GCA, EECR, System Safety and Maintenance Adjustment Rider, Gas Supply Optimization revenue sharing

Kansas Gas

KS

Global Settlement

Global Settlement

Global Settlement

Global Settlement

1/2022

GCA, Weather Normalization Tariff, Gas System Reliability Surcharge, Ad Valorem Tax Surcharge, Cost of Bad Debt Collected through GCA, Pension Levelized Adjustment, Tax Adjustment Rider, Gas Supply Optimization revenue sharing

Nebraska Gas (d)

NE

9.50%

6.71%

50%/50%

$504.2 (e)

3/2021

GCA, Cost of Bad Debt Collected through GCA, Infrastructure System Replacement Cost Recovery Surcharge, Choice Gas Program, SSIR, Bad Debt expense recovered through Choice Supplier Fee, Line Locate Surcharge, HEAT Program

Wyoming Gas (a)(d)

WY

9.85%

7.33%

49%/51%

$450.8

1/2024

GCA, EECR, Rate Base Recovery on Acquisition Adjustment, Wyoming Integrity Rider, Choice Gas Program

____________________

(a)
Colorado Gas regulatory information presented above does not reflect the revenue component of South Dakota Electric’s open access transmission tariff.
recent settlement agreement which is subject to CPUC approval. For additional information regarding recent rate review updates, see
Tariff Filings. See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for tariff filings and additional information regarding current electric regulatory activity.

Operating Statistics. See a summary of key operating statistics in the Electric Utilities segment operating results within Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


14

Gas Utilities

We conduct natural gas utility operations through our Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming subsidiaries. Our Gas Utilities transport and distribute natural gas through our distribution network to approximately 1,094,000 customers. Additionally, we sell contractual pipeline capacity and gas commodities to other utilities and marketing companies, including our affiliates, on an as-available basis.

We also provide non-regulated services to our regulated customers. Black Hills Energy Services provides natural gas supply to approximately 52,400 retail distribution customers under the Choice Gas Program in Nebraska and Wyoming. Additionally, we provide services under the Service Guard Comfort Plan, Tech Services and HomeServe.

As of December 31,
Retail Customers202120202019
Residential853,908 844,999 831,351 
Commercial84,234 83,135 82,912 
Industrial2,158 2,235 2,208 
Transportation153,929 152,568 149,971 
Total Natural Gas Retail Customers at End of Year1,094,229 1,082,937 1,066,442 

As of December 31,
Retail Customers202120202019
Arkansas180,216 178,281 174,447 
Colorado202,747 197,817 191,950 
Iowa161,905 160,952 159,641 
Kansas117,862 116,973 115,846 
Nebraska298,832 296,778 293,576 
Wyoming132,667 132,136 130,982 
Total Natural Gas Retail Customers at End of Year1,094,229 1,082,937 1,066,442 

We procure natural gas for our distribution customers from a diverse mix of producers, processors and marketers and generally use hedging, physical fixed-price purchases and market-based price purchases to achieve dollar-cost averaging within our natural gas portfolio. The majority of our procured natural gas is transported in interstate pipelines under firm transportation service agreements.

In addition to company-owned natural gas storage assets in Arkansas, Colorado and Wyoming, we also contract with third-party transportation providers for natural gas storage service to provide gas supply during the winter heating season and to meet peak day customer demand for natural gas.

The following table summarizes certain information regarding our company-owned regulated underground gas storage facilities as of December 31, 2021:
StateWorking Capacity (Mcf)Cushion Gas
(Mcf)
Total Capacity (Mcf)Maximum Daily Withdrawal Capability (Mcfd)
Arkansas9,273,700 12,318,040 21,591,740 196,000 
Colorado2,361,495 6,164,715 8,526,210 30,000 
Wyoming5,733,900 17,145,600 22,879,500 36,000 
Total17,369,095 35,628,355 52,997,450 262,000 

15

The following table summarizes certain information regarding our system infrastructure as of December 31, 2021:

StateIntrastate Gas
Transmission Pipelines
(in line miles)
Gas Distribution
Mains
(in line miles)
Gas Distribution
Service Lines
(in line miles)
Arkansas874 4,972 1,275 
Colorado693 6,990 2,303 
Iowa172 2,863 2,486 
Kansas330 2,980 1,374 
Nebraska1,311 8,443 2,773 
Wyoming1,352 3,532 1,653 
Total4,732 29,780 11,864 

Seasonal Variations of Business. Our Gas Utilities are seasonal businesses and weather patterns may impact their operating performance. Demand for natural gas is sensitive to seasonal heating and industrial load requirements, as well as market price. In particular, demand is often greater in the winter months for heating. Natural gas is used primarily for residential and commercial heating, and demand for this product can depend heavily upon weather throughout our service territories. As a result, a significant amount of natural gas revenue is normally recognized in the heating season consisting of the first and fourth quarters. Demand for natural gas can also be impacted by summer temperatures and precipitation, which can affect demand for irrigation.

Competition. We generally have limited competition for the retail distribution of natural gas in our service areas. Various restructuring and competitive initiatives have been discussed in several of the states in which our utilities operate. These initiatives are aimed at increasing competition. Additionally, electrification initiatives in our service territories could negatively impact demand for natural gas and decrease customer growth. To date, these initiatives have not had a material impact on our utilities. Although we face competition from independent marketers for the sale of natural gas to our industrial and commercial customers, in instances where independent marketers displace us as the seller of natural gas, we still collect a charge for transporting the gas through our distribution network.

Rates and Regulation. Our Gas Utilities are subject to the jurisdiction of the public utility commissions in the states where they operate. These commissions oversee services and facilities, rates and charges, accounting, valuation of property, depreciation rates and various other matters. The public utility commissions determine the rates we are allowed to charge for our utility services. Rate decisions are influenced by many factors, including the cost of providing service, capital expenditures, the prudence of costs we incur, views concerning appropriate rates of return, general economic conditions and the political environment. Certain commissions also have jurisdiction over the issuance of debt or securities and the creation of liens on property located in their states to secure bonds or other securities.

Our Gas Utilities are authorized to use natural gas cost recovery mechanisms allowing rate adjustments reflecting changes in the wholesale cost of natural gas and recovery of all the costs prudently incurred in purchasing gas for customers. In addition to natural gas cost recovery mechanisms, other recovery mechanisms, which vary by utility, allow us to recover certain costs or earn a return on capital investments, such as energy efficiency plan costs and system safety and integrity investments.

16

The following table provides regulatory information for each of our natural gas utilities:(b)
SubsidiaryJurisdic-tionAuthorized Rate of Return on EquityAuthorized Return on Rate BaseAuthorized Capital Structure Debt/EquityAuthorized Rate Base (in millions)Effective DateAdditional Regulatory Mechanisms
Arkansas Gas (c)
AR9.61%
6.82% (a)
51%/49%
$451.5 (b)
10/2018GCA, Main Replacement Program, At-Risk Meter Relocation Program, Legislative or Regulatory Mandated Expenditures, EECR, Weather Normalization Adjustment, Billing Determinant Adjustment
Colorado Gas (c)
CO9.20%6.56%50%/50%$303.21/2022GCA, SSIR, EECR/DSM
RMNGCO9.90%6.71%53%/ 47%$118.76/2018SSIR, Liquids/Off-system/Market Center Services Revenue Sharing
Iowa Gas (c)
IA9.60%6.75%50%/50%$300.91/2022GCA, EECR, System Safety and Maintenance Adjustment Rider, Gas Supply Optimization revenue sharing
Kansas Gas (c)
KSGlobal SettlementGlobal SettlementGlobal SettlementGlobal Settlement1/2022GCA, Weather Normalization Tariff, Gas System Reliability Surcharge, Ad Valorem Tax Surcharge, Cost of Bad Debt Collected through GCA, Pension Levelized Adjustment, Tax Adjustment Rider, Gas Supply Optimization revenue sharing
Nebraska Gas (d)
NE9.50%6.71%50%/50%$504.23/2021GCA, Cost of Bad Debt Collected through GCA, Infrastructure System Replacement Cost Recovery Surcharge, Choice Gas Program, SSIR, Bad Debt expense recovered through Choice Supplier Fee, Line Locate Surcharge
Wyoming Gas (d)
WY9.40%6.98%50%/50%$354.43/2020GCA, EECR, Rate Base Recovery on Acquisition Adjustment, Wyoming Integrity Rider, Choice Gas Program
____________________
(a)    Arkansas Gas return on rate base is adjusted to remove certain liabilities from rate review capital structure for comparison with other subsidiaries.
(b)    (c)
Arkansas Gas rate base is adjusted to include certain liabilities for comparison with other subsidiaries.
(c)    For additional information regarding recent rate review updates, see (d)Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(d)    The Choice Gas Program mechanisms are applicable to only a portion of Nebraska Gas and Wyoming Gas customers.

(e)
Excludes amounts to serve non-jurisdictional and agriculture customers.

19


Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the mechanisms we have in place for each of our Gas Utilities:

Gas Utility Jurisdiction

Cost Recovery Mechanisms

EECR/DSM

Integrity Additions

Bad Debt

Weather Normal

Pension Recovery

Gas Cost (a)

Revenue Decoupling

Arkansas Gas

Colorado Gas

RMNG

Iowa Gas

Kansas Gas

Nebraska Gas

Wyoming Gas

____________________

(a)
All of our Gas Utilities, except where the Choice Gas Program is the only option, have GCAs that allow us to pass the prudently-incurred cost of gas and certain services through to the customer between rate reviews. Some of the mechanisms we have in place include the following:
Gas Utility JurisdictionCost Recovery Mechanisms
DSM/Energy EfficiencyIntegrity AdditionsBad DebtWeather NormalPension RecoveryGas CostRevenue Decoupling
Arkansas Gasþþþþþ
Colorado Gasþþþ
RMNG (a)
þ
Iowa Gasþþþ
Kansas Gasþþþþþ
Nebraska Gasþþþ
Wyoming Gasþþþ
____________________
(a)    RMNG, which is an intrastate transmission pipeline that provides natural gas transmission and wholesale services in western Colorado, has an SSIR recovery mechanism. The other cost recovery mechanisms are not applicable to RMNG.


Recent Tariff Filings. Filings

See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding current natural gas regulatory activity.


Operating statistics. See a summary of key operating statistics in the Gas Utilities

 segment operating results within Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in

Item 7FERC

 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

17



Utility Regulation Characteristics

Federal Regulation

Energy Policy Act. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 included provisions to create an Electric Reliability Organization, which is required to promulgate mandatory reliability standards governing the operation of the bulk power system in the U.S. FERC certified NERC as the Electric Reliability Organization and also issued an initial order approving many reliability standards that went into effect in 2007. Entities that violate standards can be subject to fines and can also be assessed non-monetary penalties, depending upon the nature and severity of the violation.

Federal Power Act. The Federal Power Act gives FERC exclusive rate-making jurisdiction over wholesale sales of electricity and the transmission of electricity in interstate commerce. Pursuant to the Federal Power Act, all public utilities subject to FERC’s jurisdiction must maintain tariffs and rate schedules on file with FERC that govern the rates, and terms and conditions for the provision of FERC-jurisdictional wholesale power and transmission services. Public utilities are also subject to accounting, record-keeping and reporting requirements administered by FERC. FERC also places certain limitations on transactions between public utilities and their affiliates. Our public Electric Utilityelectric utility subsidiaries provide FERC-jurisdictional services subject to FERC’s oversight.


Our Electric Utilities entities are authorized by FERC to make wholesale sales of electric capacity and energy at market-based rates under tariffs on file with FERC. As a condition of their market-based rate authority, Electric Quarterly Reports are filed with FERC. Our Electric Utilities own and operate FERC-jurisdictional interstate transmission facilities and provide open access transmission service under tariffs on file with FERC. Our Electric Utilities are subject to routine audit by FERC with respect to their compliance with FERC’s regulations.


PUHCA 2005. PUHCA 2005 provides FERC authority with respect to the books and records of a utility holding company. As a utility holding company whose assets consist primarily of investments in our subsidiaries, including subsidiaries that are public utilities and also a centralized service company subsidiary, BHSC, we are subject to FERC’s authority under PUHCA 2005.


PUHCA 2005 reiterated the definition and benefits of EWG status. Under PUHCA 2005, an EWG is an entity or generator engaged, directly or indirectly through one or more affiliates, exclusively in the business of owning, operating or both owning and operating all or part of one or more eligible facilities and selling electric energy at wholesale. Though EWGs are public utilities within the definition set forth in the Federal Power Act and are subject to FERC regulation of rates and charges, they are exempt from other FERC requirements. Through its subsidiaries, Black Hills Corporation is affiliated with threetwo EWGs, Wygen I and Pueblo Airport Generation (facilities #4-5) and Top. Both of Iowa. Each of these three EWGs have been granted market-based rate authority.

NERC

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 included provisions to create an Electric Reliability Organization, which is required to promulgate mandatory reliability standards governing the operation of the bulk power system in the U.S. FERC certified NERC as the Electric Reliability Organization and also issued an initial order approving many reliability standards that went into effect in 2007. Entities that violate standards can be subject to fines and can also be assessed non-monetary penalties, depending upon the nature and severity of the violation.

Pipeline Security

In May and July 2021, the TSA issued security directives in response to a ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline that occurred earlier in 2021 that included several new cybersecurity requirements for critical pipeline owners and operators. Among these requirements is the implementation of specific mitigation measures to protect against ransomware attacks and other known threats to information and operational technology systems; development and implementation of a cybersecurity contingency and recovery plan; and performance of a cybersecurity architecture design review. Compliance with these measures has not had a material impact on our operations. We continue to evaluate the potential effect of these directives on our operations and facilities and will continue to monitor for any clarifications or amendments to these directives.

20



Gas Pipeline and Storage Integrity and Safety

We are subject to regulation by PHMSA, which requires the following for certain gas distribution and transmission pipelines and underground storage facilities: inspection and maintenance plans; integrity management programs, including the determination of pipeline integrity risks and periodic assessments on certain pipeline segments; an operator qualification program, which includes certain trainings; a public awareness program that provides certain information; and a control room management plan. If we fail to comply with applicable statutes and the PHMSA Office of Pipeline Safety’s rules and related regulations and orders, we could be subject to significant penalties and fines.

Environmental Matters


In November 2020, we announcedWe have clean energy goals to reduce GHG emissions that are based on prudent and proven solutions while minimizing cost impacts to and ensuring safety of our customers. See more information in Key Elements of our Business Strategy within Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


We are subject to significant state and federal environmental regulations that encourage the use of clean energy technologies and regulate emissions of GHGs. We have undertaken initiatives to meet current requirements and to prepare for anticipated future regulations, reduce GHG emissions, and respond to state renewable and energy efficiency goals. Compliance with future environmental regulations could result in substantial cost.


In July of 2019, the EPA adopted the Affordable Clean Energy rule, which requires states to develop plans by 2022 for GHG reductions from coal-fired power plants. In a January 2021 decision,On May 23, 2023, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D. C. Circuit issued a decision vacating and remandingEPA proposed to repeal the Affordable Clean Energy rule. That decision, if not successfully appealedrule and at the same time issued a replacement rule to establish emissions limits for GHG emissions from existing coal-fired and oil/gas-fired electric power generating boilers. The EPA also proposed GHG emission limits for existing stationary combustion turbines. The proposed emissions limitations are based upon the application of carbon capture controls or reconsidered, would allowthe use of hydrogen fuel beginning in 2030. The EPA is expected to issue a final rule in the first half of 2024. We will continue to monitor any related guidelines and rulemakings issued by the EPA to proceed with alternate regulation of coal-fired power plants, either reviving the Clean Power Plan or proposing additional regulation. Compliance could result in significant investment.

state regulatory authorities.


In February 2022, the EPA proposed the Good Neighbor Rule Provisions, which are part of the CSAPR framework and is intended to address ozone transport for the 2015 ozone NAAQS. The proposed rule included the state of Wyoming and imposed a NOx emissions trading program on fossil fueled electricity generating plants within the state. The EPA’s consideration of revised NOx emissions inventories and revised ozone modeling resulted in Wyoming’s exclusion from the final Good Neighbor Rule published on June 5, 2023. In a subsequent action published on August 14, 2023, the EPA approved Wyoming’s State Implementation Plan submission addressing interstate transport for the 2015 8-hour ozone NAAQS, and Wyoming sources will not be subject to the CSAPR.

Environmental risk changes constantly with the implementation of new or modified regulations, changing stakeholder interests and needs, and through the introduction of innovative work practices and technologies. We continually assess risk and develop mitigation strategies to manage and ensure compliance across the enterprise successfully and responsibly. For additional information on environmental matters, see Item 1A and Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

18

21


Human Capital Resources


Overview


Black Hills Corporation isWe are committed to supporting operational excellence byretaining, attracting motivating, retaining and encouraging the development ofcultivating a highly qualifiedtalented, engaged and diverse employeethriving team. Our employees’ driveBy making our people and dedicationculture a strategic priority, our employees are engaged and empowered to their work, and their commitmentcontribute to the safetysuccess of our customers and their fellow employees, allows Black Hills Corporation to successfully grow and manage our business year over year. The impacts of COVID-19 to our businesses and employees are discussed in the business.Recent Developments

 within Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Our TeamAs of December 31, 2021As of December 31, 2020
Total employees2,8843,011
Women in executive leadership positions (a)
30%31%
Gender diversity (women as a % of total employees)26%26%
Represented by a union25%25%
Military veterans14%16%
Ethnic diversity (non-white employees as a % of total)12%11%
For the year ended December 31, 2021For the year ended December 31, 2020
Number of external hires214299
External hires gender diversity (as a % of total external hires)25%29%
External hires ethnic diversity (as a % of total external hires)20%16%
Turnover rate (b)
11%8%
Retirement rate3%3%

Our Team

As of December 31, 2023

As of December 31, 2022

Total employees

2,874

2,982

Women in executive leadership positions (a)

29%

33%

Gender diversity (women as a % of total employees)

24%

25%

Represented by a union

25%

25%

Military veterans

10%

11%

Ethnic diversity (non-white employees as a % of total)

15%

14%

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2023

For the year ended December 31, 2022

Number of external hires

293

487

External hires gender diversity (as a % of total external hires)

27%

30%

External hires ethnic diversity (as a % of total external hires)

24%

23%

Turnover rate (b)

12%

13%

Retirement rate

3%

3%

____________________

(a)
Executive leadership positions are defined as positions with Vice President, Senior Vice President or Chief in their title.
(b)
Includes voluntary and involuntary separations but excludes internships.


Total Employees

Number of Employees

As of December 31, 20212023

Electric Utilities

420 

425

Gas Utilities

1,191 

1,198

Corporate and Other

1,273 

1,251

Total

2,884 

2,874


At December 31, 2021,2023, approximately 20%18% of our total employees and 22%20% of our Electric and Gas Utilities employees were eligible for retirement (age 55 with at least 5 years of service).


Collective Bargaining Agreements


At December 31, 2021,2023, certain employees of our Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities were covered by the collective bargaining agreements as shown in the table below. We have not experienced any labor stoppages in decades.

19

Utility

Number of Employees

Union Affiliation

Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement

Colorado Electric

94 

108

IBEW Local 667

April 15, 20232027

South Dakota Electric

128 

122

IBEW Local 1250

March 31, 20222027

Wyoming Electric

25 

29

IBEW Local 111

June 30, 2024

Total Electric Utilities

247 

259

Iowa Gas

132 

129

IBEW Local 204

January 31, 2026

Kansas Gas

16 

15

Communications Workers of
America, AFL-CIO Local 6407

December 31, 2024

Nebraska Gas

92

IBEW Local 244

March 13, 20222025

Nebraska Gas

140 

134

CWA Local 7476

October 30, 20232026

Wyoming Gas

15 

16

IBEW Local 111

June 30, 2024

Wyoming Gas

78 

80

CWA Local 7476

October 30, 20232026

Total Gas Utilities

473 

466

Total

720 

725

22





Diversity, Equity & Inclusion


At Black Hills Corporation, we

We believe in the benefits of diversity, equity and inclusion.inclusion can be powerful, and we are committed to building a workforce whose diversity is representative of the communities we serve. Our recruiting strategies support our efforts to attract qualified individuals with targeted efforts to reach underrepresented talent. Our internship program and our partnerships and participation in outreach programs with local schools and colleges attract students to careers in the energy industry. Our commitment to equitable and inclusive hiring practices, including diverse candidate slates and interview panels and pay equity reviews, further supports our vision of retaining, attracting and cultivating an engaged and thriving team driven by improving life with energy. We believe thatcontinuously evaluate our recruitment strategies to determine their effectiveness to attract and build a talented, diverse workforce will assist us in executing our strategic business plans, including our growth strategy.workforce. Workforce diversity trends, including diversewhich include new hires, promotions and turnover, are monitored at regular intervals.

intervals throughout the year.


Development and Retention


Retaining

Developing and developing team membersretaining talent is critical to our continued success. Our development and retention efforts include competitive compensation programs, monitoring employee engagement,internal and external skills training, career development resources for all employeesprograms, and internal training programs.competitive compensation. Our compensation programs are designed to be strategically aligned, externally competitive, internally equitable, personally motivating, cost effective and legally compliant. We continuously monitor employee engagement through bi-annual engagement surveys and quarterly pulse surveys. Every leader is responsible for creating and implementing an action plan based on their team’s engagement survey results. Our career development resourcesprograms include management onboarding, leadership development programs, mentoring programs, individual development assessments, stretch opportunities, talent sharing and more. Internal training opportunities include corporate-wide trainings and specialized training opportunities for different job functions. Our Field Career Path Program (FCPP) promotes career growth for our frontline customer-facing employees through established standards of knowledge, skills, abilities and performance.


Employee Safety and Wellness


Safety is one of our company values, a top priority in all we do and deeply embedded in our culture. We are committed to consistently outperforming utility industry averages in key safety metrics. Meetings of three or more employees begin with a safety share, a practice which contributes to keeping safety top of mind. Since 2009, we have reduced workplace injuries by more than 75%64% and continue to see long-term, sustained improvements in our safety practices and performance.


For the year ended December 31, 20212023

Total Case Incident Rate (incidents per 200,000 hours worked)

1.061.51

Preventable Motor Vehicle Incident Rate (vehicle accidents per 1 million miles driven)

1.811.65

Proactive Safety and Wellness Participation RateActivities per Employee (a)

71%4

% of injuries reported within 1 day

93.3%

____________________
(a)    Measures the employee engagement rate in a fitness tracking system used for the Company’s well-being program.


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ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS


The nature of our business subjects us to a number of uncertainties and risks. Risks that may adversely affect our business operations, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows are described below. These risk factors, along with other risk factors that we discuss in our periodic reports filed with the SEC should be considered for a better understanding of our Company.


STRATEGIC RISKS

RISK


Our continued success is dependent on execution of our strategic business plansplan and growth strategy, including our growth strategy.

capital investment program.


Our continued success depends, in significant part, on our ability to execute our strategic business plans, includingplans. Our strategy is centered on four critical priorities: Growth—to grow strategically and achieve strong financial performance, Operational Excellence—delivering safe, reliable and cost-effective energy to meet our customers’ needs, Transformation—be a simple and connected company positioned for growth, strategy. Our plans and strategy include building sustainable operationsPeople & Culture—retain and supporting the Energy Transition; consistently outperforming utility industry averages in key safety metrics; modernizing utility infrastructure; transforming the customer experience; growing our electricattract a talented, engaged and natural gas customer load; and pursuing operating efficiencies.thriving team. Our current plans and strategy may be negatively impacted by disruptive forces and innovations in the marketplace, workforce capabilities, changing political, business or regulatory conditions and technology advancements.


In addition, we have significant capital investment programs planned for the next five years that are key to our strategic business plans. The successful execution of our capital investment program depends on, or could be affected by, a variety of factors that include, but are not limited to: access to capital to fund projects, weather conditions, effective management of projects, availability of qualified construction personnel including contractors, changes in commodity and other prices, impacts of supply chain disruptions on availability and inflationary cost of materials, governmental approvals and permitting, regulatory cost recovery and return on investment.


An inability to successfully and timely adapt to changing conditions and execute our strategic plans could materially affect our financial operating results including earnings, cash flow and liquidity.


Customer growth and usage in our service territories may fluctuate with economic conditions, emerging technologies, political influences or responses to price increases.


Our financial operating results are impacted by energy demand in our service territories. Customer growth and usage may be impacted by a number of factors, including the voluntary reduction in consumption of electricity and natural gas by our customers in response to increases in prices and energy efficiency programs, electrification initiatives that could negatively impact the demand for natural gas, economic conditions impacting customers’ disposable income and the use of distributed generation resources or other emerging technologies. Continued technological improvements may make customer and third-party distributed generation and energy storage systems, including fuel cells, micro-turbines, wind turbines, solar cells and batteries, more cost effective and feasible for our customers. If more customers utilize their own generation, demand for energy from us could decline. Such developments could affect the price of energy and delivery of energy, require further improvements to our distribution systems to address changing load demands and could make portions of our electric system power supply and transmission and/or distribution facilities obsolete prior to the end of their useful lives. Each of these factors could materially affect our financial operating results including earnings, cash flow and liquidity.

REGULATORY, LEGISLATIVE AND LEGAL RISKS


We may be subject to future laws, regulations or actions associated with climate change, including those relating to fossil-fuel generation and GHG emissions, which could increase our operating costs or restrict our market opportunities.


We own and operate regulated and non-regulated electric power plants that burn fossil fuels (natural gas and coal) and a surface mine that extracts and sells coal. We also purchase, store and deliver natural gas to our customers. These business activities are subject to evolving public concern regarding fossil fuels, GHG emissions (such as carbon dioxide and methane) and their impact on the climate.

There is uncertainty surrounding climate regulation due to legal challenges to some current regulations and anticipated new federal and/or state climate legislation and regulation. New or more stringent regulations or other energy efficiency requirements could require us to incur significant additional costs relating to, among other things, the installation of additional emission control equipment, the acceleration of capital expenditures, the purchase of additional emissions allowances or offsets, the acquisition or development of additional energy supply from renewable resources, the closure or capacity reductions of coal-fired power generation facilities or conversion to natural gas, and potential increased production from our combined cycle natural gas-fired generating units. Additional rules and regulations associated with fossil fuels and GHG emissions could result in the impairment or retirement of some of our existing or future transmission, distribution, generation and natural gas storage facilities or our coal mine. Further, these rules could create the need to purchase or build clean-energy fuel sources to fulfill obligations to our customers. These actions could also result in increased operating costs which could adversely impact customers and our financial operating results including earnings, cash flow and liquidity. We cannot definitively estimate the effect of GHG legislation or regulation on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
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Future GHG constraints designed to minimize emissions from natural gas could likewise result in increased costs and affect the demand for natural gas as well as the prices charged to customers and the competitive position of natural gas among fuel alternatives. Certain cities in our operational footprint are focused on electrification and are considering initiatives that may restrict the direct use of natural gas in homes and businesses. Any such initiatives and legislation could have a negative impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

We may be subject to unfavorable or untimely federal and state regulatory outcomes.


Our regulated Electric and Gas Utilities are subject to cost-of-service/rate-of-return regulation and earnings oversight from federal and eight state utility commissions. This regulatory treatment does not provide any assurance as to achievement of desired earnings levels. Our customer rates are regulated based on an analysis of our costs and investments, as reviewed and approved in regulatory proceedings. While rate regulation is premised on the full recovery of prudently incurred costs and a reasonable rate of return on invested capital, there can be no assurance that our various regulatory authorities will judge all of our costs to have been prudently incurred or that the regulatory process in which rates are determined will result in full or timely recovery of our costs with a reasonable return on invested capital. In addition, adverse rate decisions, including rate moratoriums, rate refunds, limits on rate increases, lower allowed returns on investments or rate reductions, could be influenced by competitive, economic, political, legislative, public perception and regulatory pressures and adversely impact results of operations, financial conditionearnings, cash flow and cash flows.

liquidity.


Each of our Electric and Gas Utilities are permitted to recover certain costs (such as increased fuel and purchased power costs, including incremental costs from Winter Storm Uri,certain severe weather events, or integrity capital investments) outside of a base rate review in order to stabilize customer rates and reduce regulatory lag. If regulators decide to discontinue these tariff-based recovery mechanisms, it could negatively impact results of operations, financial conditionearnings, cash flow and cash flows.

liquidity.


Costs could significantly increase to achieve or maintain compliance with existing or future environmental laws, regulations or requirements.

requirements including those associated with climate change.


Our business segments are subject to numerous environmental laws and regulations affecting many aspects of present and future operations, including air emissions (i.e., SO2, NOx, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter and GHG), water quality, wastewater discharges, solid waste and hazardous waste.

These laws and regulations may result in increased capital, operating and other costs. These laws and regulations generally require the business segments to obtain and comply with a wide variety of environmental licenses, permits, inspections and other government approvals. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations may require significant expenditures, including expenditures for cleanup costs and damages arising from contaminated properties. Failure or inability to comply with evolving environmental regulations may result in the imposition of fines, penalties and injunctive measures affecting operating assets.


Our business segments may not be successful in recovering increased capital and operating costs incurred to comply with new environmental regulations through existing regulatory rate structures and contracts with customers. More stringent environmental laws or regulations could result in additional costs of operation for existing facilities or impede the development of new facilities. Although it

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There is not expected thatsignificant uncertainty regarding if and when new climate legislation, regulations or administrative policies will be adopted to reduce or limit GHG and the impact any such regulations would have on us. New or more stringent regulations or other energy efficiency requirements could require us to incur significant additional costs relating to, complyamong other things, the installation of additional emission control equipment, the acceleration of capital expenditures, the purchase of additional emissions allowances or offsets, the acquisition or development of additional energy supply from renewable resources, the closure or capacity reductions of coal-fired power generation facilities or conversion to alternative fuels, and potential increased production from our combined cycle natural gas-fired generating units. Additional rules and regulations associated with current environmental regulations will have a material adversefossil fuels and GHG emissions could result in the impairment or retirement of some of our existing or future transmission, distribution, generation and natural gas storage facilities or our coal mine. Further, these rules could create the need to purchase or build clean-energy fuel sources to fulfill obligations to our customers. These actions could also result in increased operating costs which could adversely impact customers and our financial operating results including earnings, cash flow and liquidity. We cannot definitively estimate the effect of GHG legislation or regulation on our business segments’ financial position, results of operations orearnings, cash flows, future environmental compliance costs could have a significant negative impact.

flow and liquidity.


Legislative and regulatory requirements may result in compliance penalties.


Business activities in the energy sector are heavily regulated, primarily by agencies of the federal government. Many agencies employ mandatory civil penalty structures for regulatory violations. The FERC, NERC, PHMSA, CFTC, EPA, OSHA, SEC, TSA and MSHA may impose significant civil and criminal penalties to enforce compliance requirements relative to our business, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial operating results including earnings, cash flow and liquidity.


Municipal governments may seek to limit or deny our franchise privileges.


Municipal governments within our utility service territories possess the power of condemnation and could establish a municipal utility within a portion of our current service territories by limiting or denying franchise privileges for our operations and exercising powers of condemnation over all or part of our utility assets within municipal boundaries. We regularly engage in negotiations on renewals of franchise agreements with our municipal governments. We have from time to time faced challenges or ballot initiatives on franchise renewals. To date, we have been successful in resolving or defending eachmost of these challenges. Although condemnation is a process that is subject to constitutional protections requiring just and fair compensation, as with any judicial procedure, the outcome is uncertain. If a municipality sought to pursue this course of action, we cannot assure that we would secure adequate recovery of our investment in assets subject to condemnation. We also cannot quantify the impact that such action would have on the remainder of our business operations.


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Changes in Federal tax law may significantly impact our business.


We are subject to taxation by the various taxing authorities at the federal, state and local levels where we operate. Similar to the TCJA, sweepingSweeping legislation or regulation could be enacted by any of these governmental authorities which may affect our tax burden. Changes may include numerous provisions that affect businesses, including changes to corporate tax rates, business-related exclusions, and deductions and credits. The outcome of regulatory proceedings regarding the extent to which a change in corporate tax rate will affect our utility customers and the time period over which that change will occur could significantly impact future earnings and cash flows. Separately, a challenge by a taxing authority, changes in taxing authorities’ administrative interpretations, decisions, policies and positions, our ability to utilize tax benefits such as carryforwards or tax credits, or a deviation from other tax-related assumptions may cause actual financial results to deviate from previous estimates.

OPERATING RISKS

Failure to attract and retain an appropriately qualified workforce could have a negative impact on our operations and long-term business strategy.

Recent trends, such as a competitive and tight labor market and an aging workforce may lead to higher costs and increased risk of negative outcomes for safety, compliance, customer service, and operations. Our ability to transition and replace our retirement-eligible utility employees is a risk; at December 31, 2023, approximately 18% of our employees were eligible for retirement. Our ability to avoid or minimize work stoppages and labor disputes is also a risk with approximately 25% of our employees represented by unions. Failure to hire and retain qualified employees, including the ability to transfer significant internal historical knowledge and expertise to new employees, may adversely affect our ability to manage and operate our business. If we are unable to successfully attract and retain an appropriately qualified workforce and maintain satisfactory collective bargaining agreements, safety, service reliability, customer satisfaction and our results of operations could be adversely affected. As part of our strategic business plans, we will need to attract and retain personnel who are qualified to implement our strategy and may need to retrain or re-skill certain employees to support our long-term objectives.

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Supply chain challenges could negatively impact our operations.

We rely on various suppliers in our supply chain for the materials necessary to execute on our capital investment program that is key to our strategic business plans and to respond to a significant unplanned event such as a natural disaster. Our largest customers also rely on our supply chain and delays in critical materials could impact their ability to operate and grow as planned. Our supply chain, material costs, and capital investment program may be negatively impacted by:

Unanticipated price increases due to recent macroeconomic factors, such as inflation, including wage inflation, or rising demand for raw materials associated with the Energy Transition; and

Supply restrictions beyond our control or the control of our suppliers such as disruption of the freight system (e.g. labor union strikes), increased environmental threats from weather-related disasters, rising demand for raw materials associated with the Energy Transition and/or geopolitical unrest (e.g. Russia-Ukraine and Middle East conflicts).
OPERATING RISKS


An inability to successfully manage challenges in our supply chain network could materially affect our ability to execute our business plan and growth strategy and our financial operating results including earnings, cash flow and liquidity.

Our financial performance depends on the successful operation of electric generating facilities, electric and natural gas transmission and distribution systems, natural gas storage facilities and a coal mine.


The risks associated with managing these operations include:


Operating hazards. Operating hazards such as leaks, mechanical problems and accidents, including fires or explosions, could impact employee and public safety, reliability and customer confidence;
Inherent dangers. Electricity and natural gas can be dangerous to employees and the general public. Failures of or contact with power lines, natural gas pipelines or service facilities and equipment may result in fires, explosions, property damage and personal injuries, including death. While we maintain liability and property insurance coverage, such policies are subject to certain limits and deductibles. The occurrence of any of these events may not be fully covered by our insurance;

Weather, natural conditions and disasters including impacts from climate change. Severe weather events, such as snow and ice storms (e.g., Winter Storm Uri), fires, tornadoes, strong winds, significant thunderstorms, flooding and drought, could negatively impact operations, including our ability to provide energy safely, reliably and profitably and our ability to complete construction, expansion or refurbishment of facilities as planned. Climate change may intensify these events or increase the frequency of occurrence;(discussed below);

Acts of sabotage, terrorism or other malicious physical attacks. Damage to our facilities due to deliberate acts could lead to outages or other adverse effects;

Operating hazards. Operating hazards such as leaks, mechanical problems and accidents, including fires or explosions, could impact employee and public safety, reliability and customer confidence;

Equipment and processes. Breakdown or failure of equipment or processes, unavailability or increased cost of equipment, and performance below expected levels of output or efficiency could negatively impact our results of operations;

Disrupted transmission and distribution. We depend on transmission and distribution facilities, including those operated by unaffiliated parties, to deliver the electricity and natural gas that we sell to our retail and wholesale customers. If transmission is interrupted physically, mechanically or with cyber means, our ability to sell or deliver utility services and satisfy our contractual obligations may be hindered;

Natural gas supply for generation and distribution. Our regulated utilitiesUtilities and non-regulated entities purchase natural gas from a number of suppliers for our generating facilities and for distribution to our customers. Our results of operations could be negatively impacted by the lack of availability and cost of natural gas, and disruptions in the delivery of natural gas due to various factors, including but not limited to, transportation delays, labor relations, weather, sabotage, cyber-attacks and environmental regulations;

Replacement power. The cost of supplying or securing replacement power during scheduled and unscheduled outages of generation facilities could negatively impact our results of operations;

Governmental permits. The inability to obtain required governmental permits and approvals along with the cost of complying with or satisfying conditions imposed upon such approvals could negatively impact our ability to operate
and our results of operations;

Operational limitations. Operational limitations imposed by environmental and other regulatory requirements and contractual agreements, including those that restrict the timing of generation plant scheduled outages, could negatively impact our results of operations;

Increased costs. Increased capital and operating costs to comply with increasingly stringent laws and regulations, unexpected engineering, environmental and geological problems, and unanticipated cost overruns could negatively impact our results of operations;
23Supply chain challenges (discussed above);
Workforce capabilities and labor relations (discussed above); and

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Supply chain disruptions. We rely on various suppliers in our supply chain for the materials necessary to execute on our capital investment program. Our supply chain, material costs, and capital investment program may be negatively impacted by unanticipated price increases due to factors exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as inflation, including wage inflation, or due to supply restrictions beyond our control or the control of our suppliers;

Labor and labor relations. The cost of recruiting and retaining skilled technical labor or the unavailability of such resources could have a negative impact on our operations. There is competition and a tightening market for skilled employees. During the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery, there is a national trend of increased employee turnover. Our ability to transition and replace our retirement-eligible utility employees is a risk; at December 31, 2021, approximately 22% of our Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities employees were eligible for retirement. Our ability to avoid or minimize supply interruptions, work stoppages and labor disputes is also a risk with approximately 25% of our employees are represented by unions; and

Public opposition. Opposition by members of public or special-interest groups could negatively impact our ability to operate our businesses.


The ongoing operation of our business involves the risks described above, in addition to risks associated with threats to our overall business model, such as electrification initiatives. Any of these risks described above could cause us to experience negative financial results and damage to our reputation and public confidence. These risks could also cause us to incur significant costs or be unable to deliver energy and/or operate below expected capacity levels, which in turn could reduce revenues or cause us to incur higher operating and maintenance costs and penalties. While we maintain insurance, obtain warranties from vendors and obligate contractors to meet certain performance levels, the proceeds of such insurance and our rights under contracts, warranties or performance guarantees may not be timely or adequate to cover lost revenues, increased expenses, liability or liquidated damage payments.


Cyberattacks,

The nature of our business subjects us to climate-related risk, stemming from both physical risk and transition risk of climate change, over varying time horizons.

Physical risks of climate change refer to risks to our facilities or operations that may result from changes in the physical climate, such as changes to temperature and weather patterns. Our utility businesses are seasonal businesses and weather conditions and patterns can have a material impact on our operating results. To the extent weather conditions are affected by climate change, fluctuations in commodity prices and customers’ energy usage could be magnified. Climate change may lead to increased intensity and frequency of storms, resulting in increased likelihood of fire, wind and extreme temperature events. Severe weather events, such as snow and ice storms (e.g., Winter Storm Uri), fire, and strong winds could negatively impact our operations, including our ability to provide energy safely, reliably and profitably and our ability to complete construction, expansion or refurbishment of facilities as planned. Climate change may intensify these events or increase the frequency of their occurrence. Over time, we may need to make additional investments to protect our facilities from physical risks of climate change.

Transition risks of climate change include changes to the energy systems as a result of new technologies, changing customer demand and/or expectations and voluntary GHG reduction goals, as well as local, state or federal regulatory requirements (discussed above). Policies such as a carbon or methane tax could increase costs associated with fossil fuel usage, resulting in higher operating costs including costs of energy generation, construction, and transportation. Risks of the transition to a low-carbon economy could result in shrinking customer demand for fossil fuel-based energy sources. This could come from increased use of behind the meter technology, such as residential solar and storage. Risk of investor pressure over climate risk and/or ESG standards, activist campaigns against coal producers, employee preferences to work for companies with certain sustainability goals and consumers preference for renewable energy could impact our reputation, ability to attract and retain an appropriately trained workforce, and overall access to capital and/or adequate insurance policies.

Cybersecurity incidents, terrorism, or other malicious acts targeting our key technology systems could disrupt our operations or lead to a loss or misuse of confidential and proprietary information.


To effectively operate our business, we rely upon a sophisticated electronic control system, information and operation technology systems and network infrastructure to generate, distribute and deliver energy, and collect and retain sensitive information including personal information about our customers and employees. Cyberattacks,Cybersecurity incidents, terrorism or other malicious acts targeting electronic control systems could result in a full or partial disruption of our electric and/or natural gas operations. Attacks targeting other key technology systems, including our third-party vendors’ information systems, could further add to a full or partial disruption of our operations. The utility industry has been the target of several cyberattacks on operational systems and has seen an increased volume and sophistication of cybersecurity incidents from international activist organizations, other nation state actors and individuals. To date, we have not experienced a cybersecurity incident that has had a material impact on our business or results of operations. Any disruption of theseour electric and/or natural gas operations could result in a loss of service to customers and associated revenues, as well as significant expense to repair damages and remedy security breaches. In addition, any theft, loss and/or fraudulent use of customer, shareowner, employee or proprietary data could subject us to significant litigation, liability and costs, as well as adversely impact our reputation with customers and regulators, among others. We maintain cyber risk insurance to mitigate a portion, but not all, orof these risks and losses.


In May and July

As discussed in Utility Regulation Characteristics above, in 2021 the TSA issued security directives that included several new cybersecurity requirements for critical pipeline owners and operators. Among theseSuch directives or other requirements is the implementationmay require expenditure of specific mitigationsignificant additional resources to respond to cybersecurity incidents, to continue to modify or enhance protective measures, or to protect against ransomware attacksassess, investigate and other known threatsremediate any critical infrastructure security vulnerabilities. Any failure to information and operational technology systems; development and implementation ofcomply with such government regulations or failure in our cybersecurity protective measures may result in enforcement actions that may have a cybersecurity contingency and recovery plan; and performance of a cybersecurity architecture design review. We are currently implementing several of these directives and evaluating the potentialmaterial adverse effect of several others on our business, results of operations and facilities, as well as the potential cost of implementation, andfinancial condition. In addition, there is no certainty that costs incurred related to securing against threats will continue to monitor for any clarifications or amendments to these directives.

be recovered through rates.


We

As discussed in Item 1C in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have instituted security measures and safeguards to protect our operational systems and information technology assets against cybersecurity threats, including certain safeguards required by FERC.NERC. Despite our implementation of security measures and safeguards, all of our technology systems may still be vulnerable to disability, failures or unauthorized access.

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Weather

Our operations are subject to various conditions including the impacts of climate change, may cause fluctuationthat can result in fluctuations in customer usage.usage, including customer growth and general economic conditions in our service territories, weather conditions, and responses to price increases and technological improvements.

Our results of operations and cash flows are affected by the demand for electricity and natural gas, which can vary greatly based upon:

Fluctuations in customer growth and general economic conditions in our service territories. Customer growth and energy use can be negatively impacted by population declines as well as adverse economic factors in our service territories, including recession, inflation, workforce reductions, stagnant wage growth, changing levels of support from state and local government for economic development, business closings, and reductions in the level of business investment. Our Utilities are impacted by economic cycles and the competitiveness of the commercial and industrial customers we serve. Any economic downturn, inflation, disruption of financial markets, or reduced incentives by state government for economic development could adversely affect the financial condition of our customers and demand for their products or services. These risks could directly influence the demand for electricity and natural gas as well as the need for additional power generation and generating facilities. We could also be exposed to greater risks of accounts receivable write-offs if customers are unable to pay their bills.

Weather conditions. Our utility businessesUtilities are seasonal businesses and weather conditions and patterns can have a material impact on our operating performance. To the extent weather conditions are affected by climate change, customers’ energy use could increase or decrease. Demand for electricity is typically greater in the summer and winter months associated with cooling and heating, respectively. Demand for natural gas depends heavily upon winter-weather patterns throughout our service territory and a significant amount of natural gas revenues are recognized in the first and fourth quarters related to the heating season. Accordingly, our utility operationsUtilities have historically generated lower revenues, income and incomecash flows when weather conditions are cooler than normal in the summer and warmer than normal in the winter. Demand for natural gas is also impacted by summer weather patterns that are cooler than normal and provide higher than normal precipitation; both of which can reduce natural gas demand for irrigation. Unusually mild summers and winters, therefore, could have an adverse effect on our financial operating results, including earnings, cash flow and liquidity.
24Our customers' focus on energy conservation. Customer growth and usage may be impacted by the voluntary reduction in consumption of electricity and natural gas by our customers in response to increases in prices and energy efficiency programs, electrification initiatives that could negatively impact the demand for natural gas, economic conditions (i.e., inflation, recession) impacting customers’ disposable income and the use of distributed generation resources or other emerging technologies. Continued technological improvements may make customer and third-party distributed generation and energy storage systems, including fuel cells, micro-turbines, wind turbines, solar cells and batteries, more cost effective and feasible for our customers. If more customers utilize their own generation, demand for energy from us could decline. Such developments could affect the price and/or delivery of energy, require further improvements to our distribution systems to address changing load demands and could make portions of our electric system power supply and transmission and/or distribution facilities obsolete prior to the end of their useful lives.

Each of these factors described above could materially affect demand for electricity and natural gas which would impact our financial operating results including earnings, cash flow and liquidity.

If macroeconomic or other conditions adversely affect operations or require us to make changes to our strategic business plan, we may be forced to record a non-cash goodwill impairment charge.


We had approximately $1.3 billion of goodwill on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023. If we make changes in our strategic business plan and growth strategy, or if macroeconomic or other conditions adversely affect operations in any of our businesses, we may be required to record a non-cash impairment charge. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. If the testing performed indicates that impairment has occurred, we are required to record an impairment charge for the difference between the carrying value of the goodwill and the implied fair value of the goodwill in the period the determination is made. The testing of goodwill for impairment requires us to make significant estimates about our future performance and cash flows, as well as other assumptions. These estimates can be affected by numerous factors, including: future business operating performance, changes in macroeconomic conditions including recession, inflation and interest rates, changes in our regulatory environment, industry-specific market conditions, changes in business operations, changes in competition or changes in technologies. Any changes in key assumptions, or actual performance compared with key assumptions, about our business and its future prospects could affect the fair value of either or both of our operating segments, which may result in an impairment charge. See additional information in “
Critical Accounting Estimates” under Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 1of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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FINANCIAL RISKS


A sub-investment grade credit rating could impact our ability to access capital markets.


Our senior unsecured debt rating is Baa2 (Stable outlook) by Moody’s; BBB+ (Stable outlook) by S&P; and BBB+ (Stable(Negative outlook) by Fitch. Reduction of our investment grade credit ratings could impair our ability to refinance or repay our existing debt and complete new financings on reasonable terms, if at all.terms. A credit rating downgrade, particularly to sub-investment grade, could also result in counterparties requiring us to post additional collateral under existing or new contracts. In addition, a ratings downgrade would increase our interest expense under some of our existing debt obligations, including borrowings under our credit facilities, potentially significantly increasing our cost of capital and other associated operating costs which may not be recoverable through existing regulatory rate structures and contracts with customers.


Our use of derivative financial instruments as hedges against commodity prices and financial market risks could result in material financial losses.

We use various financial and physical derivatives, including futures, forwards, options and swaps, to manage commodity price and interest rate risks. The timing of the recognition of gains or losses on these economic hedges in accordance with GAAP may not consistently match up with the gains or losses on the commodities being hedged. For Black Hills Energy Services under the Choice Gas Program, and in certain instances within our regulated Utilities where unrealized and realized gains and losses from derivative instruments are not approved for regulatory accounting treatment, fluctuating commodity prices may cause fluctuations in reported financial results due to mark-to-market accounting treatment.

To the extent that we hedge our commodity price and interest rate exposures, we forgo the benefits we would otherwise experience if commodity prices or interest rates were to change in our favor. In addition, even though they are closely monitored by management, our hedging activities can result in losses. Such losses could occur under various circumstances, including if a counterparty does not perform its obligations under the hedge arrangement, the hedge is economically imperfect, commodity prices or interest rates move unfavorably related to our physical or financial positions, or hedging policies and procedures are not followed.

Additionally, our exchange-traded futures contracts are subject to futures margin posting requirements. To the extent we are unable to meet these requirements, this could have a significant impact on our business by reducing our ability to execute derivative transactions to reduce commodity price uncertainty and to protect cash flows. Requirements to post collateral may cause significant liquidity issues by reducing our ability to use cash for investment or other corporate purposes, or may require us to increase our level of debt. Further, a requirement for our counterparties to post collateral could result in additional costs being passed on to us, thereby decreasing our profitability.

We have a holding company corporate structure with multiple subsidiaries. Corporate dividends and debt payments are dependent upon cash distributions to the holding company from the subsidiaries.

As a holding company, our investments in our subsidiaries are our primary assets. Our operating cash flow and ability to service our indebtedness depend on the operating cash flow of our subsidiaries and the payment of funds by them to us in the form of dividends or advances. Our subsidiaries are separate legal entities that have no obligation to make any funds available for that purpose, whether by dividends or otherwise. In addition, each subsidiary’s ability to pay dividends to us depends on any applicable contractual or regulatory restrictions that may include requirements to maintain minimum levels of cash, working capital, equity or debt service funds.

There is no assurance as to the amount, if any, of future dividends to the holding company because these subsidiaries depend on future earnings, capital requirements and financial conditions to fund such dividends. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” within Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7

 and

Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding these restrictions and their impact on our liquidity.


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We may be unable to obtain financing on reasonable terms needed to refinance debt, fund planned capital expenditures or otherwise execute our operating strategy.


Our ability to execute our operating strategy is highly dependent upon our access to capital. Historically, we have addressed our liquidity needs (including funds required to make scheduled principal and interest payments, refinance debt, pay dividends and fund working capital and planned capital expenditures) with operating cash flow, borrowings under credit facilities, proceeds of debt and equity offerings and proceeds from asset sales. Our ability to access the capital markets and the costs and terms of available financing depend on many factors, including changes in our credit ratings, general macroeconomic conditions which may drive changes in interest rates and cause volatility in our stock price, changes in the federal or state regulatory environment affecting energy companies and volatility in commodity or electricity prices and general economic and market conditions.

prices.


In addition, because we are a holding company and our utility assets are owned by our subsidiaries, if we are unable to adequately access the credit markets, we could be required to take additional measures designed to ensure that our utility subsidiaries are adequately capitalized to provide safe and reliable service. Possible additional measures would be evaluated in the context of then-prevailing market conditions, prudent financial management and any applicable regulatory requirements.


National and regional economic conditions may cause increased counterparty credit risk, late payments and uncollectible accounts.


A future recession or pandemic, if one occurs, may lead to an increase in late payments or non-payment from retail residential, commercial and industrial utility customers, as well as from our non-utility customers. If late payments and uncollectible accounts increase, earnings and cash flows from our continuing operations may be reduced.

We may be unable to obtain insurance coverage, and the coverage we currently have may not apply or may be insufficient to cover a significant loss.

Our ability to obtain insurance, as well as the cost of such insurance, could be impacted by developments affecting the insurance industry and the financial condition of insurers. Additionally, insurance providers could deny coverage or decline to extend coverage under the same or similar terms that are presently available to us. A loss for which we are not adequately insured could materially affect our financial results. The coverage we currently have in place may not apply to a particular loss, or it may not be sufficient to cover all liabilities to which the Company may be subject, including liability and losses associated with climate change, wildfire, natural gas and storage field explosions, cyber-security breaches, environmental hazards and natural disasters.

Market performance or changes in key valuation assumptions could require us to make significant unplanned contributions to our pension plan and other postretirement benefit plans.

Assumptions related to interest rates, expected return on investments, mortality and other key actuarial assumptions have a significant impact on our funding requirements and the expense recognized related to our pension and other postretirement benefit plans. An adverse change to key assumptions associated with our defined benefit retirement plans may require significant unplanned contributions to the plans which could adversely affect our financial operating results including earnings, cash flow and liquidity.

Costs associated with our healthcare plans and other benefits could increase significantly.


The costs of providing healthcare benefits to our employees and retirees have increased substantially in recent years. We believe that our employee benefit costs, including costs related to healthcare plans for our employees and former employees, will continue to rise. Significant regulatory developments have required, and likely will continue to require, changes to our current employee benefit plans and supporting administrative processes. Our electric and natural gas utility rates are regulated on a state-by-state basis by the relevant state regulatory authorities based on an analysis of our costs, as reviewed and approved in a regulatory proceeding. Within our utility rates, we have generally recovered the cost of providing employee benefits. As benefit costs continue to rise, however, there is no assurance that the utility commissions will allow recovery of these increased costs. The rising employee benefit costs, or inadequate recovery of such costs, may adversely affect our financial operating results including earnings, cash flow, orand liquidity.


PANDEMIC RISK


The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including its variants, or any other pandemicWe may be unable to obtain insurance coverage, and the associated impact on businesscoverage we currently have may not apply or may be insufficient to cover a significant loss.

Our ability to obtain insurance, as well as the cost of such insurance, could be impacted by developments affecting the insurance industry and economic conditionsthe financial condition of insurers. Additionally, insurance providers could negativelydeny coverage or decline to extend coverage under the same or similar terms that are presently available to us. A loss for which we are not adequately insured could materially affect our business operations, resultsfinancial results. The coverage we currently have in place may not apply to a particular loss, or it may not be sufficient to cover all liabilities to which we may be subject, including liability and losses associated with wildfires, natural gas and storage field explosions, cyber-security breaches, environmental hazards and natural disasters.

We have a holding company corporate structure with multiple subsidiaries. Corporate dividends and debt payments are dependent upon cash distributions to the holding company from the subsidiaries.

As a holding company, our investments in our subsidiaries are our primary assets. Our operating cash flow and ability to service our indebtedness depend on the operating cash flow of operations,our subsidiaries and the payment of funds by them to us in the form of dividends or advances. Our subsidiaries are separate legal entities that have no obligation to make any funds available for that purpose, whether by dividends or otherwise. In addition, each subsidiary’s ability to pay dividends to us depends on any applicable contractual or regulatory restrictions that may include requirements to maintain minimum levels of cash, working capital, equity or debt service funds.

29


There is no assurance as to the amount, if any, of future dividends to the holding company because these subsidiaries depend on future earnings, capital requirements and financial conditionconditions to fund such dividends. See “Liquidity and cash flows.

The scale” within Management’s Discussion and scopeAnalysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7 and Note 8 of the COVID-19 outbreak, the resulting pandemic or any other future pandemic,Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding these restrictions and the associated impact on the economy and financial markets could adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. As a provider of essential services, the Company has an obligation to provide electric and natural gas services to our customers. The Company remains focused on protecting the health of our customers, employees and the communities in which we operate while assuring the continuity of our business operations.
26


Although the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its variants to our 2021 results of operation was not significant, we cannot ultimately predict whether it will have a materialtheir impact on our future liquidity, financial conditionliquidity.

Market performance or results of operations. We also cannot predictchanges in key valuation assumptions could require us to make significant unplanned contributions to our pension plan and other postretirement benefit plans.

Assumptions related to interest rates, expected return on investments, mortality and other key actuarial assumptions have a significant impact on our funding requirements and the impact of COVID-19 on the health ofexpense recognized related to our employees, our supply chain or our abilitypension and other postretirement benefit plans. An adverse change to mitigate higher costskey assumptions associated with managing throughour defined benefit retirement plans may require significant unplanned contributions to the COVID-19 pandemic.


As recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continues, additional uncertainties have emerged, including the impacts of:
vaccine mandates and testing requirements on our workforce;
inflation increasing prices of commodities and materials, outside services, employee costs and interest rates;
supply chain disruptions on the availability and cost of materials; and
labor shortages and increased turnover on costs of retaining and attracting employees.

The situation remains fluid and it is difficult to predict with certainty the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, or any other future pandemic, onplans which could adversely affect our financial operating results including earnings, cash flowsflow and liquidity.
See
Note 13

of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information

Our use of derivative financial instruments as hedges against commodity prices and financial market risks could result in material financial losses.

We use various financial and physical derivatives, including futures, forwards, options and swaps, to manage commodity price and interest rate risks. The timing of the recognition of gains or losses on these economic hedges in accordance with GAAP may not consistently match up with the gains or losses on the commodities being hedged. For Black Hills Energy Services under the Choice Gas Program, and in certain instances within our regulated Utilities where unrealized and realized gains and losses from derivative instruments are not approved for regulatory accounting treatment, fluctuating commodity prices may cause fluctuations in reported financial results due to mark-to-market accounting treatment.

To the extent that we hedge our commodity price and interest rate exposures, we forgo the benefits we would otherwise experience if commodity prices or interest rates were to change in our favor. In addition, even though they are closely monitored by management, our hedging activities can result in losses. Such losses could occur under various circumstances, including if a counterparty does not perform its obligations under the hedge arrangement, the hedge is economically imperfect, commodity prices or interest rates move unfavorably related to our physical or financial positions, or hedging policies and procedures are not followed.

Additionally, our exchange-traded futures contracts are subject to futures margin posting requirements. To the extent we are unable to meet these requirements, this could have a significant impact on our business by reducing our ability to execute derivative transactions to reduce commodity price uncertainty and to protect cash flows. Requirements to post collateral may cause significant liquidity issues by reducing our ability to use cash for investment or other corporate purposes or may require us to increase our level of debt. Further, a requirement for our counterparties to post collateral could result in additional costs being passed on to us, thereby decreasing our profitability.

ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY

The utility industry has been the target of several cyberattacks on operational systems and has seen an increased volume and sophistication of cybersecurity incidents from international activist organizations, other nation state actors and individuals. We expect to continue to experience attempts to compromise our information technology and control systems, network infrastructure and other assets. To date, we have not experienced a cybersecurity incident that has had a material impact on our business or results of operations.

Risk Management and Strategy

Our enterprise risk management program, which includes cybersecurity risks that are identified through our cybersecurity risk management program, is designed to identify, report, and manage relevant material risks and opportunities.

Management of the identified risks is embedded into business processes and key decision making at every level of the Company. Our enterprise risk management team works closely with our Chief Security Officer ("CSO") and IT risk management team to evaluate and address material cybersecurity risks in alignment with our business strategy and operational needs.

30


None.


We have a cybersecurity risk management program that is managed by a team of full-time cybersecurity professionals that utilizes a variety of tools and techniques to identify and assess material cybersecurity threats, their potential impact and opportunities for mitigation. The industry-standard security frameworks that we apply to our cyber environment include various security and risk assessments, such as internal threat assessments and internal control self-assessments. Because we are aware of the risks associated with third-party providers, we conduct third-party provider security assessments and benchmarking before engagement and maintain ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with our cybersecurity standards. These assessments include evaluation of risk profiles through vendor questionnaires, review of System and Organization Controls attestation reports and monitoring on an ongoing basis by our IT risk management team. This approach is designed to mitigate risks related to data breaches or other security incidents originating from third-parties.


We regularly engage with third-party assessors and auditors as part of our ongoing cybersecurity risk assessment process to leverage specialized knowledge and insights and to identify areas for continued focus, improvement, compliance and effectiveness of mitigation. We also utilize government and industry-related security intelligence sources, and actively participate in industry peer groups and public-private partnerships to assist in the identification of potential threats. We conduct ongoing cybersecurity training and monthly email phishing drills for all employees.

We also have a cybersecurity incident response plan and procedures to manage cybersecurity incidents. These procedures include steps to identify, classify, communicate, contain, eradicate, and recover from a cybersecurity incident. These procedures also include notification to a cross-functional management team to assess incident materiality and an escalation process to members of our senior management team and our Board of Directors.

Governance

Our Board of Directors is responsible for the oversight of risks from cybersecurity threats. Our Chief Information Officer provides our Board of Directors quarterly reports that summarize material cybersecurity threats and the countermeasures taken to mitigate the associated risks. These reports address a variety of topics including updates on strategic cyber initiatives, industry trends, threat vulnerability assessments, and efforts to prevent, detect and respond to internal and external critical threats. From time to time, our Board of Directors also engages third-party consultants to provide further education about cybersecurity risks.

Our cybersecurity risk management program, which is discussed above, is led by our CSO, who has 28 years of prior work experience in various roles involving managing information security of large-scale global security operations, including developing cybersecurity strategy and implementing effective information and cybersecurity programs. Our CSO maintains industry certifications, including an ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification.

Through oversight of the cybersecurity risk management program, our CSO is continually informed about the status of the program, including the effectiveness of the process and controls to monitor, prevent, detect, mitigate, and remediate cybersecurity incidents. The CSO is also made aware of the latest developments in cybersecurity, including potential threats and innovative risk management techniques. The CSO, in his capacity, regularly informs the Chief Information Officer and other members of our senior management team of all aspects related to cybersecurity risks and incidents.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES


See Item 1 1 for a description of our principal business properties.


In addition to the properties disclosed in the Item 1, we own or lease several facilities throughout our service territories including a corporate headquarters building and various office, service center, storage, shop and warehouse space. Substantially all of the tangible utility properties of South Dakota Electric and Wyoming Electric are subject to liens securing first mortgage bonds issued by South Dakota Electric and Wyoming Electric, respectively.




Information regarding our legal proceedings is incorporated herein by reference to the “Legal Proceedings” sub-caption within Item 8, Note 3, “Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees”, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.



ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES


Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Sections 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act is included in Exhibit 95 of this Annual Report.

27

31


INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS


Linden R. Evans, age 59,61, has been President and Chief Executive Officer since January 1, 2019, President and Chief Operating Officer from 2016 through 2018, and President and Chief Operating Officer - Utilities from 2004 through 2015. Mr. Evans served as the Vice President and General Manager of our former communication subsidiary in 2003 and 2004, and Associate Counsel from 2001 to 2003. Mr. Evans has 2022 years of experience with the Company.


Brian G. Iverson, age 59,61, has been Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer since August 26, 2019. He served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary from February 1, 2019 to August 26, 2019, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer from 2016 to February 2019, Senior Vice President - Regulatory and Governmental Affairs and Assistant General Counsel from 2014 to 2016, Vice President and Treasurer from 2011 to 2014, Vice President - Electric Regulatory Services from 2008 to 2011 and as Corporate Counsel from 2004 to 2008. Mr. Iverson has 1820 years of experience with the Company.


Todd Jacobs, age 55, has been Senior Vice President Growth and Strategy since June 15, 2023. Mr. Jacobs spent seven years in operations roles at the company, serving as the state leader for our Kansas and Arkansas utilities from 2014 to 2019 and then as the segment leader of our natural gas utilities from 2019 to 2021. He led our strategic planning and growth efforts from 2021 to 2023 before moving into this newly expanded role in 2023, which includes growth, strategic planning, business development, regulatory, government affairs, sustainability, communications and community affairs. He served in legal and corporate services leadership roles with other investor-owned utilities before joining the company in 2014. Mr. Jacobs served on active duty for seven years as a U.S. Army officer.

Marne M. Jones, age 50, has been Senior Vice President Utilities since June 15, 2023. She served as VP Electric Utilities from 2021 to 2023, Vice President Regulatory and Finance from 2018 to 2021 and Vice President Regulatory from 2016 to 2018. Ms. Jones has a total of 22 years of experience with the Company and has advanced through roles of increasing responsibility in finance, accounting, corporate services, regulatory and utility operations.

Erik D. Keller, age 58,60, joined the Company as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer on July 27, 2020. Prior to joining the company, he was an Information Technology consultant to Ontic Inc., a global provider of parts and services for legacy aerospace platforms, from January 2020 to July 2020, and Chief Information Officer for BBA Aviation, a global aviation support and aftermarket services provider, from February 2012 to January 2020.


Richard W. Kinzley, Kimberly F. Nooney, age 56,52, has been Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 2015. HeApril 1, 2023. She served as Vice President -– Treasurer from 2015 to 2023, and also served as the Corporate Controller from 20132018 to 2014, Vice President - Strategic Planning and Development from 2008 to 2013, and as Director2022. Ms. Nooney has a total of Corporate Development from 2000 to 2008. Mr. Kinzley has 2227 years of experience with the Company.Company across numerous roles within accounting, internal audit, corporate development, accounting systems, treasury and financial planning and analysis.


Jennifer C. Landis,

 age 47, has been Senior Vice President - Chief Human Resources Officer since February 1, 2017. She served as Vice President of Human Resources from April 2016 through January 2017, Director of Corporate Human Resources and Talent Management from 2013 to April 2016, and Director of Organization Development from 2008 to 2013. Ms. Landis has 20 years of experience with the Company.


32

Stuart A. Wevik, age 60, has been Senior Vice President - Utility Operations since August 26, 2019. He served as Group Vice President - Electric Utilities from 2016 to August 2019, Vice President - Utility Operations from 2008 to 2016, Vice President - Operations from 2004 to 2008 and Vice President and General Manager from 2003 to 2004. Mr. Wevik has 36 years of experience with the Company. Mr. Wevik intends to retire on June 1, 2022.
28


PART II


ITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES


Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BKH. As of January 31, 2022,2024, we had 3,4753,244 common shareholders of record and 60,93763,074 beneficial owners, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 75 foreign countries.


COMPARATIVE STOCK PERFORMANCE


The following performance graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return from Black Hills Corporation common stock, as compared with the S&P 500 Index, S&P 500 Utilities index, and our performance peer groupPerformance Peer Group for the past five years. The graph assumes an initial investment of $100 on December 31, 2016,2018, and assumes all dividends were reinvested. The stockholder return shown below for the five-year historical period may not be indicative of future performance. The information in this "Comparative Stock Performance" section shall not be deemed to be "soliciting material" or to be "filed" with the Securities and Exchange Commission or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C, or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

img148071052_0.jpg 

As of December 31,

 

2018

 

2019

 

2020

 

2021

 

2022

 

2023

 

Black Hills Corporation

$

100.00

 

$

128.59

 

$

104.05

 

$

123.69

 

$

127.49

 

$

102.08

 

S&P 500

 

100.00

 

 

131.49

 

 

155.68

 

 

200.37

 

 

164.08

 

 

207.21

 

S&P 500 Utilities

 

100.00

 

 

126.35

 

 

126.96

 

 

149.39

 

 

151.73

 

 

140.99

 

Performance Peer Group (a)

 

100.00

 

 

125.79

 

 

124.33

 

 

145.61

 

 

147.29

 

 

134.47

 

____________________


(a)
bkh-20211231_g1.jpg

Years ended December 31,
201620172018201920202021
Black Hills Corporation$100.00 $100.77 $108.81 $139.91 $113.21 $134.59 
S&P 500100.00 121.83 116.49 153.17 181.35 233.41 
S&P 500 Utilities100.00 112.11 116.71 147.46 148.18 174.36 
Performance Peer Group (a)
100.00 113.59 119.17 143.70 123.74 140.78 
____________________
(a)    Performance Peer Group represents the list of 20 utility and energy industry companiesEdison Electric Institute Index, which was used in our 20212023 Proxy Statement which was filed with the SEC on March 18, 2021.15, 2023.


DIVIDENDS


For information concerning dividends, our dividend policy and factors that may limit our ability to pay dividends, see “Key ElementsElements of our Business Strategy” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” under Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


UNREGISTERED SECURITIES ISSUED


There were no unregistered securities sold during 2021.2023.

33


SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS


See Item 12 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans.

29


ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES


The following table contains monthly information about our acquisitions of equity securities for the three months ended December 31, 2021:

2023:

Period

Total Number of
Shares Purchased
(a)

 

Average Price
Paid per Share

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs

 

Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs

 

October 1, 2023 - October 31, 2023

 

47

 

$

48.44

 

 

 

 

 

November 1, 2023 - November 30, 2023

 

991

 

$

51.52

 

 

 

 

 

December 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023

 

7,018

 

$

54.62

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

8,056

 

$

54.20

 

 

 

 

 

____________________

Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased (a)
Average Price Paid per ShareTotal Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or ProgramsMaximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
October 1, 2021 - October 31, 20211$63.15 — — 
November 1, 2021 - November 30, 202177766.10 — — 
December 1, 2021 - December 31, 20218,68068.40 — — 
Total9,458$68.21 — — 
(a)
____________________
(a)    Shares were acquired under the share withholding provisions of the Amended and Restated 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan for payment of taxes associated with the vesting of various equity compensation plans.



ITEM 6.(RESERVED)



ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Executive Summary


We are a customer-focused energy solutions provider that invests in our communities’ safety, sustainability and growth with a mission of Improving Life with Energy for more than 1.3 million customers and a vision800+ communities we serve. Our aspiration is to be the Energy Partner of Choice. The Company’s core mission— andtrusted energy partner across our primary focus — is to provide safe, reliable and cost-effective electric and natural gas service to 1.3 million utility customers in over 800 communities in eight states,growing eight-state footprint, including Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. Our strategy is centered on four critical priorities:


Growth—
to grow strategically and achieve strong financial performance, Operational Excellence—delivering safe, reliable and cost-effective energy to meet our customers’ needs, Transformation—be a simple and connected company positioned for growth, and People & Culture—retain and attract a talented, engaged and thriving team.

We conduct our business operations through two operating segments: Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities. Certain unallocated corporate expenses that support our operating segments are presented as Corporate and Other. The Company conducts itsWe conduct our utility operations under the name Black Hills Energy predominantly in rural areas of the Rocky Mountains and Midwestern states. The Company considers itselfWe consider ourself a domestic electric and natural gas utility company.


The Company has

We have provided energy and served customers for 138140 years, since the 1883 gold rush days in Deadwood, South Dakota. Throughout our history, the common thread that unites the past to the present is our commitment to serve our customers and communities. By being responsive and service focused, we can help our customers and communities thrive while meeting rapidly changing customer expectations.


An important component of our strategy involves sustainable operations and supporting the Energy Transition. How we operate our company for the social good has never been more important. We are committed to cleaner energy and a low carbon future, integrating the Energy Transition and more renewable energy into our overall strategy and decision making. For this important work, we are Ready

 to serve. In addition, we are committed to a more sustainable future by better managing our impacts to the planet, whether that is water usage, recycling, biodiversity, or other important measures, and remaining focused on our human capital through diversity and inclusion.


34

Our emphasis is on consistently outperforming utility industry averages in key safety metrics; modernizing utility infrastructure; transforming the customer experience; growing our electric and natural gas customer load; and pursuing operating efficiencies. These areas of focus will present the company with significant investment needs as we harden our infrastructure systems, meet customer growth and fulfill customer expectations for cleaner energy services. It will also allow us to better understand our customer and community needs while providing more intuitive and cost-effective solutions.


30


Key Elements of our Business Strategy

Explore opportunities as an energy solutions provider. A key strategic initiative is to grow our business through innovative energy solutions with new customers and partnerships. We see value creation by recruiting new customers and expanding existing partnerships with data centers and blockchain opportunities; exploring energy markets such as RTOs; and expanding our transmission capabilities, establishing a RNG program and expanding our RNG portfolio. A few recent examples of our initiatives to grow our business as an energy solutions provider include:

Contracted Renewable Energy to Grow Data Center Partnerships: In 2022, Wyoming Electric entered into two new PPAs with third parties to purchase up to 106 MW of wind energy and up to 150 MW of solar energy, upon construction of new renewable generation facilities (owned by third parties). The new wind generation facility was placed in service in December 2023 and the solar facility is expected to be completed in March 2024. The renewable energy from these PPAs will be used to serve our expanding partnerships with data centers.

Developed BCIS Tariff to Facilitate Growth: We have supported enabling legislation in Wyoming for the growing blockchain businesses while implementing our own BCIS Tariff to serve these customers. In June 2022, Wyoming Electric completed its first agreement, with a new customer in Cheyenne, Wyoming, under this Tariff. This five-year agreement provides delivery of up to 45 MW with an option to expand service up to 75 MW, which was exercised by the customer in 2023. Energy is sourced through the electric energy market and delivered through our Electric Utilities’ infrastructure. Under the agreement, the customer is responsible for costs of service, and the load is interruptible to prioritize the needs of Wyoming Electric’s existing retail customers.

Established Green Forward: In 2022 and 2023, we filed regulatory applications to launch Green Forward, a voluntary RNG and carbon offset program, to eligible residential and small business natural gas customers to offset up to 100% or more of the emissions from their natural gas usage. Our teams continue to evaluate attractive RNG investment opportunities across our agriculture-rich service territories and explore value generation with our natural gas storage assets. We also continue to expand our RNG interconnections, with seven projects actively injecting RNG into our natural gas system.

Expanded RNG Portfolio: In January 2024, Black Hills Energy Renewable Resources acquired a RNG production facility at a landfill in Dubuque, Iowa. The facility currently injects RNG into the natural gas distribution system serving Dubuque, which is owned and operated by Iowa Gas. This acquisition represents our entry into the production of RNG as a nonregulated business while leveraging our expertise in owning and operating regulated natural gas pipeline systems, including RNG interconnections. The RNG produced from the landfill facility captures methane that would otherwise vent into the atmosphere. It is delivered under long-term contracts to a third party that purchases the RNG and its related environmental attributes, in conformity with the EPA's Renewable Fuel Standard Program.

Modernize and operate utility infrastructure to provide customers with safe, reliable, cost-effective electric and natural gas service. Our utilities own and operate large electric and natural gas infrastructure systems with a geographic footprint that spans nearly 1,600 miles. Our Electric Utilities own and operate 1,481.51,394 MW of generation capacity and 8,9009,106 miles of transmission and distribution lines and our Gas Utilities own and operate approximately 47,000 miles of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines.


A key strategic focus is to modernize and harden our utility infrastructure to meet customers’ and communities’ varied energy needs, ensure the continued delivery of safe, reliable and cost-effective energy and reduce GHG emissions intensity. In addition, we invest in the expansion, capacity and integrity of our systems to meet customer growth.


We rigorously comply with all applicable federal, state and local regulations and strive to consistently meet industry best practice standards. A key component of our modernization effort is the development of programs by our Electric and Gas Utilities to systematically and proactively replace aging infrastructure on a system-wide basis.


To meet our electric customers’ continued expectations of high levels of reliability, a key strength of the Company, our Electric Utilities utilize an integrity program to ensure the timely repair and replacement of aging infrastructure. In alignment with this program, in November 2021, Wyoming Electric announced its Ready Wyoming electric transmission expansion initiative. The 285-mile,260-mile, multi-phase transmission expansion project will serve the growing needs ofprovide customers enhancing the resiliency of its overall electric systemlong-term price stability and expanding access togreater flexibility as power markets and renewable energy resources. The project will enable Wyoming Electric to maintain top-quartile reliability and support further economic growthdevelop in the Cheyenne area. Wyoming Electric plans to file an application with the WPSC seeking approval forWestern States. Construction of the project commenced in the first quarter of 2022. Following approval, construction would commencelate 2023 and is expected to take place in early 2023.
multiple phases or segments through 2025 and will interconnect South Dakota Electric’s and Wyoming Electric’s transmission systems.


Our Gas Utilities utilize a programmatic approach to system-wide pipeline replacement, particularly in high consequence areas. Under the programmatic approach, obsolete, at-risk and vintage materials are replaced in a proactive and systematic time frame. We have removed all cast- and wrought-iron from our natural gas transmission and distribution systems and continue to replace aging infrastructure through programs that prioritize safety and reliability for our customers. Our Gas Utilities are authorized to use system safety, integrity and replacement cost recovery mechanisms that provide for customer rate adjustments, between rate reviews, which allow timely recovery of costs incurred in repairing and replacing the gas delivery systems with a return on the investment.

35


As of December 31, 2021,2023, we estimate our five-year capital investment to be approximately $3.2$4.3 billion, with most of that investment targeted toward upgrading existing utility infrastructure supporting customer and community growth needs, and complying with safety requirements. Our actual 20212023 and forecasted capital expenditures for the next five years from 20222024 through 20262028 are as follows (in millions):

. Minor differences may result due to rounding.


Actual (a)
Forecasted
Capital Expenditures By Segment :
202120222023202420252026
(in millions)
Electric Utilities$286 $239 $205 $285 $231 $155 
Gas Utilities383 363 383 386 349 346 
Corporate and Other11 12 13 13 13 
Incremental projects (b)
— — — — 60 140 
Total$680 $611 $600 $684 $653 $654 
____________________

Actual (a)

 

Forecasted (b)

 

Capital Expenditures By Segment:

2023

 

2024

 

2025

 

2026

 

2027

 

2028

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric Utilities

$

211

 

$

409

 

$

287

 

$

466

 

$

199

 

$

264

 

Gas Utilities

$

372

 

$

407

 

$

387

 

$

368

 

$

372

 

$

373

 

Corporate and Other

$

7

 

$

24

 

$

29

 

$

29

 

$

27

 

$

29

 

Strategic growth projects

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

100

 

$

400

 

$

50

 

$

50

 

Total

$

590

 

$

840

 

$

803

 

$

1,263

 

$

648

 

$

717

 

(a)
Includes accruals for property, plant and equipment as disclosed as supplemental cash flow information in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Capital expenditures are presented net of contributions in aid of construction in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
(b)    These represent projects that
Projects are being evaluated by our segments for timing, cost and other factors.


Efficiently plan, construct and operate power generation facilities to serve our Electric Utilities. We best serve customers and communities when generation is vertically integrated into our Electric Utilities.Utilities and we retain control of the fuel source. This business model remains a core strength and strategy today as we invest in and operate efficient power generation resources to supply cost-effective electricity to our customers. These generation assets can be rate-based or non-regulated assets within our Electric Utilities segment. However, we believe that generation assets that are rate-based provide the most effective long-term benefits to customers. In the fourth quarter of 2021, we revised our operating segments to align with our vertically integrated business model for our Electric Utilities. Our power generation and mining businesses, which were previously presented as separate operating segments, are now part of our vertically integrated Electric Utilities segment.


31

Our power production strategy focuses on low-cost construction and efficient operation of our generating facilities. Our low power production costs result from a variety of factors including low fuel costs (operations located near energy hubs), efficiency in converting fuel into energy and low per unit operating and maintenance costs. In addition, we operate our plants with high levels of Availability as compared to industry benchmarks.


Rate BaseRate-Based Generation: We continue to believe that customers are best served when the power generation facilities are owned and rate-based by our Electric Utilities. Rate-based generation assets offer several advantages for customers and shareholders, including:


When generating assets are included in the utility rate base and reviewed and approved by government authorities, customer rates are more stable and predictable, and typically less expensive in the long run; especially when compared to power otherwise purchased from the open market through wholesale contracts or PPAs that are periodically re-priced to reflect current and varying market conditions;


Regulators participate in a planning process where long-term investments are designed to match long-term energy demand;


The lower-risk profile of rate-based generation assets contributes to stronger credit ratings which, in turn, can benefit both customers and investors by lowering the cost of capital; and


Investors are provided a long-term and stable return on their investment.


Integrated Generation: Our Electric Utilities segment also containsincludes a power generation business that owns non-regulated generating facilities that are contracted through long-term power purchase agreements with our electric utilities. Our power generation business has an experienced staff with significant expertise in planning, building and operating power plants. This team also provides shared services to our Electric Utilities’ generation facilities, resulting in efficient management of all of the company’sCompany’s generation assets. ThisOur power generation business competitively bids for energy and capacity through requests for proposals by our Electric Utilities for energy resources necessary to serve customers. This business can bid competitively due to construction expertise, fuel supply advantages and by co-locating new plants at our existing Electric Utilities’ energy complexes, reducing infrastructure and operating costs. All power plants within this business except Top of Iowa, are contracted to our Electric Utilities under long-term contracts, and are located at our utility-generating complexes including Busch Ranch, Pueblo Airport Generation, and the Gillette, Wyoming energy complex, and are physically integrated into our Electric Utilities’ operations.

36


Generation Fuel Supply: Our generating facilities are strategically located close to energy hubs that help reduce fuel supply costs. Our Colorado and Wyoming gas-fired generating facilities are located close to major natural gas energy hubs that provide trading liquidity and transparent pricing. Due to their location in the resource rich areas of Colorado and Wyoming, natural gas supply to fuel our gas-fired generation can be sourced at competitive prices. Our only coal-fired power plants, all located at the Gillette energy complexEnergy Complex in northeastern Wyoming, are supplied by our adjacent WRDC coal mine. We operate and own majority interests in four of the five power plants and own 20% of the fifth power plant. The small coal mineWRDC provides approximately 3.53.7 million tons of low-sulfur coal directly to these power plants via a conveyor belt system, minimizing transportation costs. On average, theThe fuel can be delivered to theour adjacent power plants at less than $1.00 per MMBtu, providing very cost competitive fuel to our power plantsprices (i.e., $1.14 per MMBtu for year ended December 31, 2023) when compared to alternatives. Nearly all the mine’s production is sold to these on-site generation facilities under long-term supply contracts. Approximately one-half of our production is sold under cost-plus contracts with affiliates. A small portion of the mine’s production is sold to off-site industrial customers and delivered by truck.


Supporting the Energy Transition by proactively integrating alternative and renewable energy into our utility energy supply while mitigating customer rate impacts. A critical component of our strategy involves sustainable operations and supporting the Energy Transition. How we operate our company for the social good has never been more important. We are committed to cleaner energy and a low carbon future, integrating the Energy Transition and more renewable energy into our overall strategy and decision making. In addition, we are committed to a more sustainable future by better managing our impacts to the planet, whether that is water usage, recycling, biodiversity, or other important measures.

In November 2020, we announced clean energy goals to reduce GHG emissions intensity for our Electric Utilities ofby 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2040 and achieve GHG reductions of 50% by 2035 for our Gas Utilities. Our goals are based on existing technologycompared to a 2005 baseline. Electric Utility goals include Scope 1 emissions from electric utility generating units and computedScope 3 emissions from 2005 baseline levels of GHGpurchased power for sales. Our Gas Utilities goal initially included only Scope 1 emissions intensityfrom distribution system main and service lines. In August 2022, we announced a new "Net Zero by 2035" target for our electric operationsGas Utilities, which doubled the previous target of a 50% reduction by 2035 and natural gasexpanded the scope of the goal to all Scope 1 sources of methane emissions on our distribution system. Net Zero will be achieved through pipeline material and main replacements, advanced leak detection, third-party damage reduction, expanding the use of RNG and hydrogen, and utilizing carbon credit offsets.

Since 2005, we have reduced GHG emissions intensity from our GasElectric Utilities by more than 33% and achievedone-third. We have plans in place today, without reliance on future technologies, to achieve our corporate climate goals calling for a 30%40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions intensity from our Electric Utilities (an additional 5% reduction since announcing our goal in 2020 for our Electric Utilities).electric utility operations by 2030 and 70% by 2040. Additionally, our Electric Utilities have reduced nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide emissions by more than 75% since 2005. Our electric utility in Colorado Electric has achieved a nearly 50% reduction in GHG emissions since 2005 and is on track to reach the State of Colorado’s 80% carbon reduction goal by 2030. Our goals are based on prudent and proven solutions to reduce our emissions while minimizing cost impacts to our customers. This keeps our customers at the forefront of our decision-making, which is central to our values.


More of our customers, particularly our larger customers, are demanding cleaner sources of energy to meet their sustainability goals. In addition, there is more interest from consumers, regulators and legislators to increase the use of renewable and other alternative energy sources. ToRecent efforts to support this interest:

interest include:


32

We created the Renewable Ready program for South Dakota and Wyoming customers. In support of this program, we created and received approvals for new, voluntary renewable energy tariffs to serve certain commercial, industrial and governmental customer requests for renewable energy resources. To meet the renewable energy commitments under the new tariffs, on November 30, 2020, we completed construction and placed into service the Corriedale wind project, a 52.5 MW wind energy project near Cheyenne, Wyoming.

In June 2021, South Dakota Electric and Wyoming Electric submitted an IRP to the SDPUC and WPSC. The IRP outlines a range of options for the two electric utilities over a 20-year planning horizon to meet long-term forecasted energy needs while strengthening reliability and resiliency of the grid. The analysis focused on the least-cost resource needs to best meet customers’ future peak energy needs while maintaining system flexibility and achieving the Company’s generation emissions reduction goals. The IRP’s preferred options for South Dakota Electric in the near-term planning period through 2026 proposeare the addition of 100 MW of renewable generation, the conversion of Neil Simpson II to naturaldual fuel (natural gas and coal) in 2025 and consideration of up to 20 MW of battery storage. In 2023, South Dakota Electric issued a request for proposals for 100 MW of utility-owned renewable energy resources to be in service in 2026. Negotiations are underway, with results to be presented to the SDPUC and included in a CPCN filing with the WPSC during the first quarter of 2024.


In March 2023, the CPUC approved a unanimous settlement for Colorado Electric's Clean Energy Plan filed on May 25, 2022. The Clean Energy Plan supports Colorado Electric's voluntary election to reduce carbon emissions 80% from 2005 levels by 2030. In July 2023, Colorado Electric issued a request for proposals for approximately 400 MW of new renewable resources to be in service by 2029 to achieve objectives in its Clean Energy Plan. Colorado Electric received a strong response to its request for proposal and provided a bids summary to the CPUC as part of the approval process. A report with Colorado Electric's recommended resources is due to the CPUC in the second quarter of 2024.

37


Many states have enacted, and others are considering, mandatory renewable energy standards, requiring utilities to meet certain thresholds of renewable energy generation. In addition, some states have either enacted or are considering legislation setting GHG emission reduction targets. Federal legislation for renewable energy standards and GHG emission reductions has been considered and may be implemented in the future. Mandates for the use of renewable energy or the reduction of GHG emissions will likely drive the need for significant investment in our Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities segments. These mandates will also likely increase prices for electricity and/or natural gas for our utility customers. As a regulated utility, we are responsible for providing safe, reliable and cost-effective sources of energy to our customers. Accordingly, we employ a customer-focused strategy for complying with standards and regulations that balances our customers’ rate concerns with environmental considerations and administrative and legislative mandates. We attempt to strike this balance by prudently and proactively incorporating renewable energy into our resource supply, while seeking to minimize the magnitude and frequency of rate increases for our utility customers.


Explore opportunitiesInflation Reduction Act

The IRA, signed into law by President Biden in August 2022, features $370 billion in spending and tax incentives on clean energy provisions. Most notably, the IRA includes provisions that extend and expand the production and investment tax credits for wind and solar; includes energy storage, EVs, RNG, and carbon capture and sequestration; and allows for the transferability of clean energy tax credits on existing and qualifying new facilities. We see the IRA as an energy solutions provider. Another strategic initiative isgenerally supportive of our Energy Transition strategy with the potential to growdrive increased value for our business through creative energy solutions with new customers and partnerships. We see value creation by recruiting new customers and expanding existing partnerships with data centers, crypto miners and other blockchain opportunities; exploring energy markets such as RTOs; and expanding our transmission capabilities. As an example, we have supported enabling legislation in Wyoming for the growing blockchain and digital currency businesses while implementing our own Blockchain Interruptible Service Tariff to serve these customers.shareholders. We are also re-focusingstill evaluating the impacts of the IRA provisions on our product and services offerings to our natural gas customers.


Additionally, we are pursuing two important initiatives in the form of sustainable energy solutions for electric vehicles and renewable natural gas. These two programs support our near-term sustainable strategy and contribute to the achievement of our aspirational greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.

Electric Vehicles (EV): We expect EV market share to increase over the next one to three years, commensurate with a significant uptick in vehicle range and product offerings and marked decrease in EV purchase prices. In addition to future load growth opportunities, we will investigate behind-the-meter solutions for customers. In January 2022, the CPUC approved a transportation electrification plan for Colorado Electric including the implementation of EV and charger rebates and EV rates.

Renewable Natural Gas (RNG): Our teams are developing RNG/carbon offset offerings for our retail customers, evaluating multiple RNG investment opportunities and exploring value generation with our natural gas storage assets. We also continue to expand our RNG interconnections, with several projects actively injecting RNG into our natural gas system.

Execute disciplined capital allocation and explore small strategic opportunities. projects.

We are planning a disciplined capital investment program of approximately $600 million annually over the next two years to improve our cash flows and reduce our debt to total capitalization ratio. By carefully managing capital, we plan to continue to strengthen our balance sheet and enhance our liquidity. With this goal in mind, we will continue to evaluate smaller scale acquisitions of private utility infrastructure systems and small municipal systems that can be easily incorporated into our existing utility systems.


Deliver a competitive total return to investors and maintain an investment grade credit rating. We are proud of our track record of annual dividend increases for shareholders. 20212023 represented our 51st53rd consecutive year of increasing dividends. In January 2022,2024, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.595$0.65 per share, equivalent to an annual dividend of $2.38$2.60 per share. We intend to continue our record of annual dividend increases with a targeted dividend payout ratio of 50%55% to 60%.65% of net income.


We require access to the capital markets to fund our planned capital investments or acquire strategic assets that support prudent and earnings-accretive business growth. We have demonstrated our ability to cost-effectively access the debt and equity markets, while maintaining our investment-grade issuer credit rating.



33

Recent Developments

Macroeconomic Trends


We continue to monitor challenging macroeconomic trends including supply chain disruptions, rising interest rates, potential recession and inflationary pressures on the prices of materials, outside services and employee costs.

Winter Storm Uri

To date, we have experienced moderate net impacts from these trends
In February 2021,. However, if current macroeconomic conditions deteriorate in 2024, adverse impacts to our businesses may be magnified.

Inflation has increased our operating expenses, which included higher employee-related expenses in 2023 compared to the prior year.

We are proactively managing increased costs of materials and supply chain disruptions to achieve our forecasted capital investment targets. To support our 2024 capital investment program, we have contracts in place with key suppliers and we have contracted services for a prolonged period of historic cold temperatures across the central United States covered allsignificant portion of our Utilities’ service territories, caused a substantial increaselargest forecasted projects. We continue to forecast multi-year key material requirements with suppliers to enhance predictable material availability, challenge vendor price increases to ensure best value and cost transparency and invest in heatingour distribution network to ensure the safety and energy demandreliability of our system. We have also evaluated each of our forecasted projects and contributedwill prioritize them depending on future constraints. Project delays may occur if costs rise significantly or if materials are not available.

Rising interest rates have led to unforeseeableincreased interest expense on recent debt issuances. These impacts were partially offset by lower short-term, variable rate borrowings and unprecedented market prices for natural gas and electricity. As a result of Winter Storm Uri, we incurred significant incremental natural gas and fuel costs.


On February 24, 2021, we entered into a nine-month, $800 million unsecured term loan to provide additional liquidity and to meethigher interest income on our cash needs relatedequivalents when compared to the incrementalprior year.

The deflationary trend in commodity prices throughout 2023 has partially offset macroeconomic headwinds from inflation and higher interest rates. Lower commodity prices have led to lower customer bills, lower cost of fuel, purchased power and natural gas sold, and improved cash flows from operations due to recoveries of deferred energy costs from Winter Storm Uri. Proceedscustomers (which were elevated at the end of 2022 and subsequently collected in 2023).

More detailed discussion of the future uncertainties can be found in Item 1A - Risk Factors.

38


Business Segment Highlights and Corporate Activity

Electric Utilities

See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for recent rate review activity for Wyoming Electric.

See Key Elements of our Business Strategy section above for discussion of recent developments related to Ready Wyoming, Colorado Electric's Clean Energy Plan, and South Dakota Electric and Wyoming Electric's IRP.

On January 11, 2024, Wyoming Electric set a new winter peak load of 314 MW, surpassing the previous winter peaks of 301 MW set on December 26, 2023, 299 MW set on October 31, 2023, and 281 MW set in December 2022.

On July 24, 2023, Wyoming Electric set a new all-time and summer peak load of 312 MW, surpassing the previous peak of 294 MW set on July 21, 2022.

Gas Utilities

See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for recent rate review activity for Arkansas Gas, Colorado Gas, RMNG and Wyoming Gas.

See Key Elements of our Business Strategy section above for discussion of recent developments related to BHERR's purchase of a RNG production facility in Iowa.

Corporate and Other

On September 15, 2023, we completed a public debt offering of $450 million, 6.15% 10-year senior unsecured notes due May 15, 2034. Net proceeds from the August 26, 2021 debt transactionoffering were used to repay amountsour $525 million principal amount outstanding under this term loan.notes and for other general corporate purposes. See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.


During the second quarter, our Utilities submitted cost recovery applicationsOn June 16, 2023, we filed a new shelf registration statement with the utility commissions in our state jurisdictions to recover incremental costs associated with Winter Storm Uri. To date, several of our Utilities have received interim or final Commission OrdersSEC and have begun recovering costs from customers. See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on our regulatory activity.

COVID-19 Pandemic

For the year ended December 31, 2021, we did not experience significant impacts to our financial results, liquidity or operational activities due to COVID-19. We continue to monitor loads, customers’ ability to pay, the potential for supply chain disruption or inflation that may impact our capital and maintenance project plans, the availability of third-party resources to execute our business plans and the capital markets to ensure we have the liquidity necessary to support our financial needs. State Orders lifting temporarily suspended disconnections have been issued in all of our jurisdictions.

As we look forward, our operating results could be affected by COVID-19 as discussed in detail in our Risk Factors.

Business Segment Highlights and Corporate Activity

Electric Utilities

On January 26, 2022, Colorado Electric agreed to join SPP’s Western Energy Imbalance Service Market. Colorado Electric, PRPA, and the Colorado subsidiary of Xcel Energy Inc. will join the market in April 2023 and will continue to study long-term solutions for joining or developing an organized wholesale market. The expansion allows the utilities to participate in a real-time market to dispatch energy at lower costs.

On January 5, 2022, South Dakota Electric and Wyoming Electric set new winter peak loads. This is the fourth new winter peak for Wyoming Electric since 2015. Wyoming Electric’s new winter peak load of 253 MW surpasses the previous peak of 247 MW set in December 2019. South Dakota Electric’s new winter peak of 327 MW surpasses the previous winter peak of 326 MW set in February 2021.

In November 2021, Wyoming Electric announced its Ready Wyoming electric transmission expansion initiative. See Key Elements of our Business Strategy above for further information.

On October 5, 2021, our Electric Utilities and several other utilities in the western United States formed the Western Markets Exploratory Group to research the potential for an organized wholesale market in the western interconnect, including expanding transmission systems and other grid-related services. The group plans to identify market solutions that can help achieve carbon reduction goals while supporting reliable, cost-effective services for customers.

On September 19, 2021, Wygen I experienced an unplanned outage that continued until mid-December 2021. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the outage had an $11 million negative impact to Operating income. We are currently assessing insurance recovery opportunities.

On August 24, 2021, Wyoming Electric issued a request for proposals under its Blockchain Interruptible Service tariff. We have narrowed the bidder’s list and selected finalists for contract negotiations.

On July 28, 2021, Wyoming Electric set a new all-time and summer peak load of 274 MW, exceeding the previous peak of 271 MW set in July 2020.

On July 27, 2021, South Dakota Electric set a new all-time and summer peak load of 397 MW, exceeding the previous peak of 378 MW set in August 2020.

34

On June 30, 2021, South Dakota Electric and Wyoming Electric submitted an IRP to the SDPUC and WPSC. See Key Elements of our Business Strategy above for further information.

On February 19, 2021, Colorado Electric entered into a PPA with TC Colorado Solar, LLC (TC Solar)new Equity Distribution Sales Agreement. The new Equity Distribution Sales Agreement is similar to purchaseour prior agreement and allows us to sell shares of common stock up to 200 MWan aggregate of renewable energy upon construction$400 million through our ATM program utilizing our shelf registration statement. As of a new solar facility,December 31, 2023, we have $329 million available to be owned by TC Solar. On January 31, 2022, TC Solar provided termination notice of the PPA to Colorado Electric. Colorado Electric has disputed TC Solar’s right to termination and pursuant to the agreement, has initiated discussions with TC Solar.

Gas Utilities

issue under this program. See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for recent regulatory activity for our Gas Utilities in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska.

Corporate and Other

On August 26, 2021, we completed a public debt offering which consisted of $600 million, 1.037% 3-year senior unsecured notes due August 23, 2024. The proceeds from the offering were used to repay amounts outstanding under our term loan entered into on February 24, 2021. See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.


On July 19, 2021,March 7, 2023, we amendedcompleted a public debt offering of $350 million, 5.95% 5-year senior unsecured notes due March 15, 2028. The proceeds from the offering were used to repay notes outstanding under our commercial paper program and restated ourfor other general corporate Revolving Credit Facility.purposes. See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.


39


35


Results of Operations


Our discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 20212023, compared to 2020 as well as2022 is included herein. For discussion and analysis of the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 20202022, compared to 2019, is included herein. For further discussion and analysis that remains unchanged for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to 2019,2021, please refer to Item 7 of Part II, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020,2022, which was filed with the SEC on February 26, 2021.


14, 2023.
In the fourth quarter of 2021, we integrated our power generation and mining businesses within the Electric Utilities segment. The alignment is consistent with the current way our CODM evaluates the performance of the business and makes decisions related to the allocation of resources. Comparative periods presented reflect this change. See further segment information in Note 16

 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Segment information does not include intercompany eliminations and allAll amounts are presented on a pre-tax basis unless otherwise indicated. Minor differences in amounts may result due to rounding.


Consolidated Summary and Overview

For the Years Ended December 31,
202120202019
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Operating income (loss):
Electric Utilities$202,676 $210,974 $217,677 
Gas Utilities211,157 215,889 189,971 
Corporate and Other(4,404)1,440 (1,606)
Operating Income409,429 428,303 406,042 
Interest expense, net(152,404)(143,470)(137,659)
Impairment of investment— (6,859)(19,741)
Other income (expense), net1,404 (2,293)(5,740)
Income tax (expense)(7,169)(32,918)(29,580)
Net income251,260 242,763 213,322 
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest(14,516)(15,155)(14,012)
Net income available for common stock$236,744 $227,608 $199,310 
Total earnings per share of common stock, Diluted$3.74 $3.65 $3.28 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2023

 

2022

 

2023 vs 2022 Variance

 

2021

 

2022 vs 2021 Variance

 

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

Operating income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric Utilities

$

248.8

 

$

214.3

 

$

34.5

 

$

202.7

 

$

11.6

 

Gas Utilities

 

228.8

 

 

244.2

 

 

(15.4

)

 

211.2

 

 

33.0

 

Corporate and Other (a)

 

(4.9

)

 

(3.3

)

 

(1.6

)

 

(4.5

)

 

1.2

 

Operating Income

 

472.7

 

 

455.2

 

 

17.5

 

 

409.4

 

 

45.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

(167.9

)

 

(161.0

)

 

(6.9

)

 

(152.4

)

 

(8.6

)

Other income (expense), net

 

(3.2

)

 

1.8

 

 

(5.0

)

 

1.4

 

 

0.4

 

Income tax (expense)

 

(25.6

)

 

(25.2

)

 

(0.4

)

 

(7.2

)

 

(18.0

)

Net income

 

276.0

 

 

270.8

 

 

5.2

 

 

251.3

 

 

19.5

 

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

 

(13.8

)

 

(12.4

)

 

(1.4

)

 

(14.5

)

 

2.1

 

Net income available for common stock

$

262.2

 

$

258.4

 

$

3.8

 

$

236.7

 

$

21.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total earnings per share of common stock, Diluted

$

3.91

 

$

3.97

 

$

(0.06

)

$

3.74

 

$

0.23

 


(a)
Includes inter-segment eliminations.


2021

2023 Compared to 2020

2022


The variance to the prior year included the following:


Electric Utilities’ operating income decreased $8.3increased $34.5 million primarily due to Colorado Electric’s TCJA-related bill creditsnew rates and rider recovery, a one-time gain on the planned sale of Northern Iowa Windpower assets, a gain on a strategic sale of land in Wyoming to customers (which is offset by reduced tax expense), unfavorable impactsa customer to support continued load growth, and a one-time recovery from an unplanned outage atour business interruption insurance related to the 2021 Wygen I and higher depreciation as a result of additional plant placed in service,unplanned outage partially offset by increased power marketingunfavorable weather, higher depreciation expense and wholesale revenues, increased rider revenues, increased commercial and industrial demand, a prior year expense related to the early retirement of certain non-regulated generation assets, residential customer growth and increased usage, and prior year COVID-19 impacts;higher employee-related expenses;
Gas Utilities’ operating income decreased $4.7$15.4 million primarily due to unfavorable weather, a prior year one-time true-up of carrying costs accrued on Winter Storm Uri costs incurred by Black Hills Energy Services, lower heating demand from milder weather (primarily in the fourth quarter of 2021), Nebraska Gas TCJA-related bill credits to customersregulatory assets and higher operating expenses partially offset by new rates and rider recovery and retail customer growth;growth and demand;
Corporate
Interest expense increased $6.9 million due to higher interest rates partially offset by increased interest income on higher cash and cash equivalents balances; and
Other expensesexpense, net increased $5.8$5.0 million primarily due to higher employeebenefit plan non-service costs driven by a prior year favorable true-up;
Interest expense increased $8.9 million primarily due to higher debt balances partially offset by lower rates;
A prior year $6.9 million pre-tax non-cash impairment in 2020 of our investment in equity securities of a privately held oildiscount rates and gas company;
Other income increased $3.7 million primarily due to lower non-service pension costs driven by a lower discount rate, lowerhigher costs for our non-qualified benefit plans which weredeferred compensation plan driven by market performance and recognition of death benefits from Company-owned life insurance; and
36performance.

Income tax expense decreased $26 million primarily due to lower pre-tax income and a lower effective tax rate driven primarily by tax benefits from Colorado Electric and Nebraska Gas TCJA-related bill credits (which is offset by reduced revenue), flow-through tax benefits related to repairs and gain deferral and increased tax benefits from federal production tax credits associated with new wind assets.


2020 Compared to 2019

The variance to the prior year included the following:


COVID-19 related impacts to consolidated results included $3.6 million of lower Electric and Gas Utility margin driven primarily by lower volumes and waived customer late payment fees, $2.6 million of costs due to sequestration of essential employees and $3.3 million of additional bad debt expense which were partially offset by $3.8 million of lower travel, training, and outside services related expenses;
Electric Utilities’ operating income decreased $6.7 million due to higher depreciation and amortization expense as a result of additional plant placed in service including new wind assets, expense from the early retirement of certain non-regulated assets, lower commercial and industrial demand and COVID-19 impacts partially offset by increased revenue from our non-regulated power generation and mining businesses, benefits from the release of TCJA revenue reserves and increased rider revenues;
Gas Utilities’ operating income increased $26 million primarily due to new customer rates in Wyoming and Nebraska and increased rider revenues, customer growth, mark-to-market gains on non-utility natural gas commodity contracts and a 2019 amortization of excess deferred income taxes partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization expense as a result of additional plant placed in service, COVID-19 impacts and unfavorable weather;
Corporate and Other expenses decreased $3.0 million primarily due to an unallocated favorable true-up of employee costs;
A $6.9 million pre-tax non-cash impairment in 2020 of our investment in equity securities of a privately held oil and gas company compared to a similar $20 million impairment in 2019;
Interest expense increased $5.8 million primarily due to higher debt balances partially offset by lower rates;
Other expense decreased $3.4 million due to the 2019 expensing of $5.4 million of development costs related to projects we no longer intend to construct partially offset by increased pension non-service costs in 2020; and
Income tax expense increased $3.3 million primarily due to higher pre-tax income partially offset by a lower effective tax rate.


Segment Operating Results


A discussion of operating results from our business segments follows.


Non-GAAP Financial Measure


The following discussion includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as another financial measure, Electric and Gas Utility margin, that is considered a “non-GAAP financial measure.” Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes (or includes) amounts that are included in (or excluded from) the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Electric and Gas Utility margin (revenue less cost of sales) is a non-GAAP financial measure due to the exclusion of operation and maintenance expenses, depreciation and amortization expenses, and property and production taxes from the measure.

40


Electric Utility margin is calculated as operating revenue less cost of fuel and purchased power. Gas Utility margin is calculated as operating revenue less cost of natural gas sold. Our Electric and Gas Utility margin is impacted by the fluctuations in power and natural gas purchases and other fuel supply costs. However, while these fluctuating costs impact Electric and Gas Utility margin as a percentage of revenue, they only impact total Electric and Gas Utility margin if the costs cannot be passed through to our customers.


Our Electric and Gas Utility margin measure may not be comparable to other companies’ Electric and Gas Utility margin measures. Furthermore, this measure is not intended to replace operating income as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of operating performance.


37

Electric Utilities


Operating results for the years ended December 31 for the Electric Utilities were as follows (in thousands)millions):

202120202021 vs 2020 Variance20192020 vs 2019 Variance
Revenue:
Electric - regulated$800,747 $699,712 $101,035 $698,807 $905 
Other - non-regulated41,511 39,145 2,366 40,548 (1,403)
Total revenue842,258 738,857 103,401 739,355 (498)
Fuel and Purchased Power:
Electric - regulated244,504 136,374 108,130 143,668 (7,294)
Other - non-regulated3,514 2,198 1,316 2,305 (107)
Total fuel and purchased power248,018 138,572 109,446 145,973 (7,401)
Electric Utility margin (non-GAAP)594,240 600,285 (6,045)593,382 6,903 
Operations and maintenance260,036 265,679 (5,643)259,167 6,512 
Depreciation and amortization131,528 123,632 7,896 116,538 7,094 
Total operating expenses391,564 389,311 2,253 375,705 13,606 
Operating income$202,676 $210,974 $(8,298)$217,677 $(6,703)


2021

2023

 

2022

 

2023 vs 2022 Variance

 

2021

 

2022 vs 2021 Variance

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric - regulated

$

817.4

 

$

852.2

 

$

(34.8

)

$

800.7

 

$

51.5

 

Other - non-regulated

 

47.6

 

 

48.0

 

 

(0.4

)

 

41.5

 

 

6.5

 

Total revenue

 

865.0

 

 

900.2

 

 

(35.2

)

 

842.2

 

 

58.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel and Purchased Power:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric - regulated

 

198.3

 

 

261.7

 

 

(63.4

)

 

244.5

 

 

17.2

 

Other - non-regulated

 

1.8

 

 

4.6

 

 

(2.8

)

 

3.5

 

 

1.1

 

Total fuel and purchased power

 

200.1

 

 

266.3

 

 

(66.2

)

 

248.0

 

 

18.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric Utility margin (non-GAAP)

 

664.9

 

 

633.9

 

 

31.0

 

 

594.2

 

 

39.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operations and maintenance

 

236.2

 

 

244.8

 

 

(8.6

)

 

224.5

 

 

20.3

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

142.6

 

 

135.9

 

 

6.7

 

 

131.5

 

 

4.4

 

Taxes - property and production

 

37.3

 

 

38.9

 

 

(1.6

)

 

35.5

 

 

3.4

 

 

416.1

 

 

419.6

 

 

(3.5

)

 

391.5

 

 

28.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

$

248.8

 

$

214.3

 

$

34.5

 

$

202.7

 

$

11.6

 

2023 Compared to 2020

2022


Electric Utility margin decreasedincreased over the prior year as a result of:

 

(in millions)

 

New rates and rider recovery

$

29.4

 

Wygen I revenue recovery under business interruption insurance (a)

 

5.0

 

Integrated Generation (b)

 

3.3

 

Transmission services

 

3.2

 

Weather

 

(6.2

)

Retail customer usage

 

(4.4

)

Other

 

0.7

 

 

$

31.0

 

(in millions)(a)
TCJA-related bill credits (a)
$(10.2)
Wygen I unplanned outage(8.5)
Prior year release of TCJA revenue reserves(2.2)
Weather(1.2)
Winter Storm Uri impacts (b)
(0.4)
Power marketing and wholesale5.9 
Residential customer growth and increased usage per customer5.1 
Rider recovery4.2 
Prior year COVID-19 impacts1.8 
Other(0.5)
Total decrease in Electric Utility margin$(6.0)
____________________
(a)    In February and April 2021, Colorado Electric delivered TCJA-related bill credits to its customers. These bill credits were offset by a reduction in income tax expense andWygen I experienced an unplanned outage which resulted in a minimal impactlost revenue. A claim for these losses was submitted under our business interruption insurance policy. During the third quarter of 2023, we recovered $5.0 million from our business interruption insurance which was recognized as Revenue. See Note 3 of the Notes to Net income.Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.
(b)    As a result of Winter Storm Uri, our Electric Utilities incurred $2.1 million of incremental fuel costs that are not recoverable through our fuel cost recovery mechanisms which were mostly offset
Primarily driven by $1.7 million offavorable mining contract pricing and increased Electric Utility margin realized under Black Hills Wyoming’s Economy Energy PSA.Colorado IPP fired-engine hours.


Operations and maintenance expense decreased primarily due to a $3.1one-time $7.7 million prior year expense relatedgain on the planned sale of Northern Iowa Windpower assets, a $3.9 million gain on a strategic sale of land in Wyoming to the early retirement of certain non-regulated generation assets, $2.7a customer to support continued load growth, and $2.9 million of lower overburden, production taxes and other operatingoutside services expenses on decreased mining volumes, $2.0 million of prior year COVID-19 expenses and $1.7 million of decreased bad debt expense associated with lower expected credit losses, partially offset by $2.7$8.7 million of increased expenses related to planned and unplanned outages at our generation facilities and $1.0 million of increased operating expenses from new wind assets.higher employee-related expenses.


38

Depreciation and amortization increased primarily due to higher asset base driven by prior and current year capital expenditures.


2020 Compared to 2019


Electric Utility marginTaxes - property and production increased in 2020 over 2019 as a result of:
(in millions)
Integrated Generation (a)
$3.3 
Rider recovery2.3 
Release of TCJA revenue reserves (b)
2.2 
Transmission services1.4 
Residential customer growth0.9 
Lower commercial and industrial demand(2.7)
COVID-19 impacts (c)
(1.8)
Weather(0.3)
Other1.6 
Total increase in Electric Utility margin$6.9 
____________________
(a)    Primarily driven by revenue from Busch Ranch II, which was placed in service in November 2019.
(b)    In July 2020, regulatory proceedings resolved the last of the Company's open dockets seeking approval of its TCJA plans. As a result, the Company reversed certain TCJA-related liabilities, which resulted in an increase to Electric Utility margin of $2.2 million. See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details.
(c)    The impacts to Electric Utility margin from COVID-19 were primarily driven by reduced commercial volumes and waived customer late payment fees partially offset by higher residential usage.

Operations and maintenance expense increased primarily due to a $3.1 million expense relatedcomparable to the early retirementsame period in the prior year.

41



Depreciation and amortization

 increased primarily due to higher asset base driven by capital expenditures.


Operating Statistics

Revenue (in millions)

 

Quantities Sold (GWh)

 

For the year ended December 31,

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Residential

$

224.9

 

$

246.7

 

$

244.6

 

 

1,438.5

 

 

1,513.1

 

 

1,494.0

 

Commercial

 

259.8

 

 

277.9

 

 

276.0

 

 

2,074.4

 

 

2,087.8

 

 

2,075.7

 

Industrial

 

159.4

 

 

166.4

 

 

149.0

 

 

2,094.8

 

 

1,912.5

 

 

1,751.4

 

Municipal

 

17.5

 

 

20.5

 

 

19.1

 

 

150.9

 

 

159.3

 

 

162.9

 

Subtotal Retail Revenue - Electric

 

661.6

 

 

711.5

 

 

688.7

 

 

5,758.6

 

 

5,672.7

 

 

5,484.0

 

Contract Wholesale

 

22.0

 

 

25.9

 

 

16.1

 

 

579.1

 

 

654.0

 

 

574.1

 

Off-system/Power Marketing Wholesale

 

42.5

 

 

48.6

 

 

41.7

 

 

737.9

 

 

643.2

 

 

638.9

 

Other (a)

 

91.2

 

 

66.2

 

 

54.2

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

Total Regulated

 

817.3

 

 

852.2

 

 

800.7

 

 

7,075.6

 

 

6,969.9

 

 

6,697.0

 

Non-Regulated (b)

 

47.7

 

 

48.0

 

 

41.5

 

 

120.6

 

 

293.0

 

 

269.6

 

Total Revenue and Quantities Sold

$

865.0

 

$

900.2

 

$

842.2

 

 

7,196.2

 

 

7,262.9

 

 

6,966.6

 

Other Uses, Losses or Generation, net (c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

463.5

 

 

450.0

 

 

475.3

 

Total Energy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,659.7

 

 

7,712.9

 

 

7,441.9

 

Revenue (in thousands)Quantities Sold (MWh)
For the year ended December 31,202120202019202120202019
Residential$244,589 $221,530 $216,108 1,494,028 1,477,515 1,440,551 
Commercial275,998 239,166 246,704 2,075,690 1,974,043 2,055,253 
Industrial149,040 131,154 131,831 1,751,344 1,794,795 1,787,412 
Municipal19,092 16,860 17,206 162,903 158,222 157,298 
Subtotal Retail Revenue - Electric688,719 608,710 611,849 5,483,965 5,404,575 5,440,514 
Contract Wholesale16,128 17,847 19,078 574,137 492,637 368,360 
Off-system/Power Marketing Wholesale41,682 15,511 17,886 638,923 437,288 507,042 
Other (a)
54,218 57,644 49,994 — — — 
Total Regulated800,747 699,712 698,807 6,697,025 6,334,500 6,315,916 
Non-Regulated (b)
41,511 39,145 40,548 269,558 258,399 238,415 
Total Revenue and Quantities Sold842,258 738,857 739,355 6,966,583 6,592,899 6,554,331 
Other Uses, Losses or Generation, net (c)
475,280 406,422 393,573 
Total Energy7,441,863 6,999,321 6,947,904 
(a)
____________________
(a)    Primarily related to transmission revenues from the Common Use System.
(b)
Includes Integrated Generation and non-regulated services to our retail customers under the Service Guard Comfort Plan and Tech Services.
(c)
Includes company uses and line losses.

Revenue (in millions)

 

Quantities Sold (GWh)

 

For the year ended December 31,

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Colorado Electric

$

285.7

 

$

321.1

 

$

302.9

 

 

2,397.2

 

 

2,440.0

 

 

2,574.0

 

South Dakota Electric

 

321.1

 

 

335.2

 

 

319.4

 

 

2,554.3

 

 

2,626.2

 

 

2,389.4

 

Wyoming Electric

 

212.2

 

 

197.7

 

 

180.4

 

 

2,124.1

 

 

1,903.7

 

 

1,733.6

 

Integrated Generation

 

46.0

 

 

46.2

 

 

39.5

 

 

120.6

 

 

293.0

 

 

269.6

 

Total Revenue and Quantities Sold

$

865.0

 

$

900.2

 

$

842.2

 

 

7,196.2

 

 

7,262.9

 

 

6,966.6

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

Quantities Generated and Purchased by Fuel Type (GWh)

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Generated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coal

 

2,683.4

 

 

2,708.8

 

 

2,546.9

 

Natural Gas

 

2,021.4

 

 

1,454.2

 

 

1,817.2

 

Wind (a)

 

678.5

 

 

875.8

 

 

842.6

 

Total Generated

 

5,383.3

 

 

5,038.8

 

 

5,206.7

 

Purchased:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coal, Natural Gas, Diesel Oil and Other Market Purchases

 

1,842.9

 

 

2,280.8

 

 

1,866.4

 

Wind and Solar

 

433.5

 

 

393.3

 

 

368.8

 

Total Purchased

 

2,276.4

 

 

2,674.1

 

 

2,235.2

 

Total Generated and Purchased

 

7,659.7

 

 

7,712.9

 

 

7,441.9

 


(a)
39Wind generation decreased due to the sale of Northern Iowa Windpower assets in March 2023.

For the year ended December 31,

 

Quantities Generated and Purchased (GWh)

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Generated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colorado Electric

 

653.9

 

 

474.4

 

 

412.1

 

South Dakota Electric

 

2,018.5

 

 

1,890.0

 

 

1,980.7

 

Wyoming Electric

 

908.3

 

 

905.8

 

 

883.6

 

Integrated Generation

 

1,802.5

 

 

1,768.6

 

 

1,842.4

 

Total Generated

 

5,383.2

 

 

5,038.8

 

 

5,118.8

 

Purchased:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colorado Electric

 

588.2

 

 

1,005.4

 

 

1,027.7

 

South Dakota Electric

 

604.6

 

 

826.4

 

 

563.6

 

Wyoming Electric

 

1,028.5

 

 

757.2

 

 

643.9

 

Integrated Generation

 

55.2

 

 

85.1

 

 

87.9

 

Total Purchased

 

2,276.5

 

 

2,674.1

 

 

2,323.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Generated and Purchased

 

7,659.7

 

 

7,712.9

 

 

7,441.9

 

42


Electric Revenue (in thousands)Quantities Sold (MWh)
For the year ended December 31,202120202019202120202019
Colorado Electric$302,896 $252,094 $246,197 2,574,016 2,243,034 2,046,728 
South Dakota Electric319,362 280,431 288,120 2,389,407 2,363,776 2,519,448 
Wyoming Electric180,413 169,179 167,345 1,733,602 1,727,690 1,749,740 
Integrated Generation39,587 37,153 37,693 269,558 258,399 238,415 
Total Revenue and Quantities Sold$842,258 $738,857 $739,355 6,966,583 6,592,899 6,554,331 

For the year ended December 31,

Degree Days

2023

2022

2021

Actual

 

Variance from Normal

Actual

 

Variance from Normal

Actual

 

Variance from Normal

Heating Degree Days:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colorado Electric

 

5,330

 

1%

 

5,551

 

9%

 

5,023

 

(11)%

South Dakota Electric

 

6,969

 

(4)%

 

7,495

 

6%

 

6,819

 

(5)%

Wyoming Electric

 

6,783

 

(1)%

 

7,051

 

3%

 

6,702

 

(6)%

Combined (a)

 

6,185

 

(1)%

 

6,518

 

6%

 

5,974

 

(7)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cooling Degree Days:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colorado Electric

 

1,046

 

(10)%

 

1,362

 

9%

 

1,245

 

39%

South Dakota Electric

 

497

 

(21)%

 

814

 

27%

 

827

 

30%

Wyoming Electric

 

329

 

(30)%

 

701

 

47%

 

604

 

74%

Combined (a)

 

713

 

(15)%

 

1,040

 

18%

 

973

 

40%


(a)

For the year ended December 31,
Quantities Generated and Purchased by Fuel Type (MWh)202120202019
Generated:
Coal2,546,926 2,817,846 2,783,147 
Natural Gas and Oil1,817,133 1,753,568 1,535,999 
Wind842,616 614,236 406,295 
Total Generated5,206,675 5,185,650 4,725,441 
Purchased:
Coal, Natural Gas, Oil and Other Market Purchases1,866,382 1,478,536 2,019,359 
Wind368,806 335,135 203,104 
Total Purchased2,235,188 1,813,671 2,222,463 
Total Generated and Purchased7,441,863 6,999,321 6,947,904 


For the year ended December 31,
Quantities Generated and Purchased (MWh)202120202019
Generated:
Colorado Electric412,127 265,552 443,770 
South Dakota Electric1,980,660 1,901,009 1,768,456 
Wyoming Electric883,596 851,522 852,803 
Integrated Generation1,842,377 2,085,042 1,660,412 
Total Generated5,118,760 5,103,125 4,725,441 
Purchased:
Colorado Electric1,027,728 714,139 741,666 
South Dakota Electric563,603 489,457 896,901 
Wyoming Electric643,857 610,075 509,697 
Integrated Generation87,915 82,525 74,199 
Total Purchased2,323,103 1,896,196 2,222,463 
Total Generated and Purchased7,441,863 6,999,321 6,947,904 
40


For the year ended December 31,
Degree Days202120202019
ActualVariance from NormalActualVariance from NormalActualVariance from Normal
Heating Degree Days:
Colorado Electric5,023 (11)%5,103 (9)%5,453 (3)%
South Dakota Electric6,819 (5)%6,910 (3)%8,284 16%
Wyoming Electric6,702 (6)%6,771 (5)%7,406 1%
Combined (a)
5,974 (7)%6,056 (6)%6,813 5%
Cooling Degree Days:
Colorado Electric1,245 39%1,384 54%1,226 37%
South Dakota Electric827 30%682 7%404 (36)%
Wyoming Electric604 74%594 71%462 33%
Combined (a)
973 40%985 41%791 14%
____________________
(a)    Degree days are calculated based on a weighted average of total customers by state.

For the year ended December 31,

Contracted generating facilities availability by fuel type (a)

2023

2022

2021

Coal

93.7%

91.5%

86.7%

Natural gas and diesel oil

92.1%

96.1%

95.5%

Wind

92.5%

93.7%

95.8%

Total availability

92.6%

94.4%

93.2%

 

 

 

Wind Capacity Factor

37.4%

34.7%

34.0%


(a)
For the year ended December 31,
Contracted generating facilities Availability by fuel type(a)
202120202019
Coal (b)
86.7%94.3%92.4%
Natural gas and diesel oil (c)
95.5%84.6%90.5%
Wind95.8%95.1%89.5%
Total availability93.2%89.2%90.9%
Wind Capacity Factor34.0%31.8%30.9%
____________________
(a)    Availability and Wind Capacity Factor are calculated using a weighted average based on capacity of our generating fleet.
(b)    2021 included planned outages at Neil Simpson II, Wygen II, and Wygen III and unplanned outages at Wygen I, Neil Simpson II and Wyodak Plant.
(c)    2020 included a planned outage at Cheyenne Prairie and unplanned outages at Pueblo Airport Generation and Lange CT. 2019 included planned outages at Neil Simpson CT and Lange CT.



41

Gas Utilities


Operating results for the years ended December 31 for the Gas Utilities were as follows (in thousands)millions):

2023

 

2022

 

2023 vs 2022 Variance

 

2021

 

2022 vs 2021 Variance

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas - regulated

$

1,399.1

 

$

1,584.6

 

$

(185.5

)

$

1,051.6

 

$

533.0

 

Other - non-regulated services

 

85.1

 

 

84.5

 

 

0.6

 

 

73.3

 

 

11.2

 

Total revenue

 

1,484.2

 

 

1,669.1

 

 

(184.9

)

 

1,124.9

 

 

544.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of natural gas sold:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas - regulated

 

760.2

 

 

942.1

 

 

(181.9

)

 

480.3

 

 

461.8

 

Other - non-regulated services

 

23.0

 

 

23.0

 

 

 

 

14.4

 

 

8.6

 

Total cost of natural gas sold

 

783.2

 

 

965.1

 

 

(181.9

)

 

494.7

 

 

470.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas Utility margin (non-GAAP)

 

701.0

 

 

704.0

 

 

(3.0

)

 

630.2

 

 

73.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operations and maintenance

 

328.7

 

 

317.3

 

 

11.4

 

 

290.2

 

 

27.1

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

113.9

 

 

114.7

 

 

(0.8

)

 

104.2

 

 

10.5

 

Taxes - property and production

 

29.6

 

 

27.8

 

 

1.8

 

 

24.6

 

 

3.2

 

 

472.2

 

 

459.8

 

 

12.4

 

 

419.0

 

 

40.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

$

228.8

 

$

244.2

 

$

(15.4

)

$

211.2

 

$

33.0

 

43


202120202021 vs 2020 Variance20192020 vs 2019 Variance
Revenue:
Natural gas - regulated$1,051,610 $900,637 $150,973 $932,111 $(31,474)
Other - non-regulated services73,255 74,033 (778)77,919 (3,886)
Total revenue1,124,865 974,670 150,195 1,010,030 (35,360)
Cost of natural gas sold:
Natural gas - regulated480,293 347,611 132,682 406,643 (59,032)
Other - non-regulated services14,445 7,034 7,411 19,255 (12,221)
Total cost of natural gas sold494,738 354,645 140,093 425,898 (71,253)
Gas Utility margin (non-GAAP)630,127 620,025 10,102 584,132 35,893 
Operations and maintenance314,810 303,577 11,233 301,844 1,733 
Depreciation and amortization104,160 100,559 3,601 92,317 8,242 
Total operating expenses418,970 404,136 14,834 394,161 9,975 
Operating income$211,157 $215,889 $(4,732)$189,971 $25,918 

Table of Contents


20212023 Compared to 2020
2022


Gas Utility margin increaseddecreased over the prior year as a result of:

 

(in millions)

 

New rates and rider recovery

$

19.8

 

Retail customer growth and demand

 

7.6

 

Weather

 

(14.5

)

Prior year true-up of Winter Storm Uri carrying costs (a)

 

(10.3

)

Mark-to-market on non-utility natural gas commodity contracts

 

(3.5

)

Other

 

(2.1

)

$

(3.0

)

(in millions)(a)
New rates$20.5 
Carrying costs on Winter Storm Uri regulatory asset (a)
4.0 
Increased transport and transmission2.2 
Prior year COVID-19 impacts1.8 
Mark-to-market on non-utility natural gas commodity contracts0.9 
Black Hills Energy Services Winter Storm Uri costs (b)
(8.2)
Weather(6.8)
TCJA-related bill credits (c)
(2.9)
Other(1.4)
Total increase in Gas Utility margin$10.1 
____________________
(a)    In certain jurisdictions, we have Commissioncommission approval to recover carrying costs on Winter Storm Uri regulatory assets which offset increased interest expense.
(b)    Black Hills Energy Services offers fixed contract pricing for non-regulated gas supply services Additionally, the carrying costs accrued during the year ended December 31, 2022 included a one-time, $10.3 million true-up to our regulated natural gas customers. The increased cost of natural gas sold during Winter Storm Uri is not recoverable through a regulatory mechanism.reflect commission authorized rates.
(c)    In June 2021, Nebraska Gas delivered TCJA-related bill credits to its customers. These bill credits were offset by a reduction in income tax expense and resulted in a minimal impact to Net income.


Operations and maintenance expense increased primarily due to $9.6$14.8 million of higher employee costs, $3.3 million of higher property taxes due to a higher asset base driven by prior and current year capital expenditures and $2.0 million of higher outside services expenses. The increase in expense wasemployee-related expenses partially offset by $4.4$5.0 million of decreased bad debt expense associated with lower expected credit losses.outside services expenses.


Depreciation and amortization increased primarily duewas comparable to a higher asset base driven bythe prior year.

Taxes - property and current year capital expenditures partially offset by lower depreciation rates approved in the Nebraska Gas and Colorado Gas rate reviews.

42


2020 Compared to 2019

Gas Utility marginproduction increased in 2020 over 2019 as a result of:
(in millions)
New rates$25.4 
Customer growth - distribution5.6 
Mark-to-market on non-utility natural gas commodity contracts3.3 
Amortization of excess deferred income taxes in 20192.6 
Weather(1.8)
COVID-19 impacts (a)
(1.8)
Other2.6 
Total increase in Gas Utility margin$35.9 
____________________
(a)    The impactswere comparable to Gas Utility margin from COVID-19 were primarily driven by reduced volumes from certain transport customers and waived customer late payment fees.

the prior year.
Operations and maintenance expense

 increased primarily due to higher property taxes due to a higher asset base driven by capital expenditures. Lower employee costs were mostly offset by various other 2020 expenses. COVID-19 impacts to operations and maintenance expense included $2.5 million of additional bad debt expense which was partially offset by $2.4 million of lower travel, training, and outside services related expenses.


Depreciation and amortization increased primarily due to a higher asset base driven by capital expenditures.


Operating Statistics

Revenue
(in millions)

 

Quantities Sold and Transported
(Dth in millions)

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Residential

$

839.2

 

$

940.2

 

$

613.5

 

 

60.1

 

 

66.9

 

 

60.1

 

Commercial

 

340.1

 

 

398.6

 

 

242.1

 

 

29.4

 

 

32.4

 

 

29.1

 

Industrial

 

33.2

 

 

63.0

 

 

33.4

 

 

5.7

 

 

7.7

 

 

6.2

 

Other

 

9.1

 

 

8.7

 

 

3.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Distribution

 

1,221.6

 

 

1,410.5

 

 

892.8

 

 

95.2

 

 

107.0

 

 

95.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transportation and Transmission

 

177.5

 

 

174.1

 

 

158.8

 

 

159.8

 

 

160.9

 

 

154.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Regulated

 

1,399.1

 

 

1,584.6

 

 

1,051.6

 

 

255.0

 

 

267.9

 

 

250.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-regulated Services (a)

 

85.1

 

 

84.5

 

 

73.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Revenue and Quantities Sold

$

1,484.2

 

$

1,669.1

 

$

1,124.9

 

 

255.0

 

 

267.9

 

 

250.0

 

Revenue (in thousands)Quantities Sold and Transported (Dth)
For the year ended December 31,For the year ended December 31,
202120202019202120202019
Residential$613,475 $527,518 $551,701 60,080,805 61,962,171 66,956,080 
Commercial242,115 193,017 212,229 29,091,657 28,784,319 32,241,441 
Industrial33,368 24,014 24,832 6,260,235 6,881,354 6,548,023 
Other3,816 582 (1,361)— — — 
Total Distribution892,774 745,131 787,401 95,432,697 97,627,844 105,745,544 
Transportation and Transmission158,836 155,506 144,710 154,570,280 149,062,476 153,101,264 
Total Regulated1,051,610 900,637 932,111 250,002,977 246,690,320 258,846,808 
Non-regulated Services (a)
73,255 74,033 77,919 — — — 
Total Revenue and Quantities Sold$1,124,865 $974,670 $1,010,030 250,002,977 246,690,320 258,846,808 
(a)
____________________
(a)    Includes Black Hills Energy Services and non-regulated services under the Service Guard Comfort Plan, Tech Services and HomeServe.

Revenue
(in millions)

 

Quantities Sold and Transported
(Dth in millions)

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Arkansas Gas

$

268.9

 

$

311.3

 

$

218.5

 

 

30.2

 

 

32.3

 

 

31.5

 

Colorado Gas

 

313.6

 

 

320.9

 

 

208.0

 

 

32.8

 

 

34.3

 

 

32.3

 

Iowa Gas

 

213.6

 

 

283.9

 

 

171.7

 

 

37.9

 

 

40.9

 

 

38.0

 

Kansas Gas

 

155.6

 

 

191.4

 

 

121.6

 

 

35.5

 

 

38.6

 

 

34.5

 

Nebraska Gas

 

366.1

 

 

384.8

 

 

273.4

 

 

82.2

 

 

85.1

 

 

81.0

 

Wyoming Gas

 

166.4

 

 

176.8

 

 

131.7

 

 

36.4

 

 

36.7

 

 

32.7

 

Total Revenue and Quantities Sold

$

1,484.2

 

$

1,669.1

 

$

1,124.9

 

 

255.0

 

 

267.9

 

 

250.0

 

43

44


For the year ended December 31,

2023

2022

2021

Heating Degree Days

Actual

 

Variance From Normal

Actual

 

Variance From Normal

Actual

 

Variance From Normal

Arkansas Gas (a)

 

3,197

 

(17)%

 

3,844

 

2%

 

3,565

 

(12)%

Colorado Gas

 

5,916

 

(4)%

 

6,325

 

4%

 

5,866

 

(11)%

Iowa Gas

 

5,921

 

(12)%

 

7,037

 

7%

 

6,239

 

(8)%

Kansas Gas (a)

 

4,387

 

(8)%

 

4,968

 

7%

 

4,508

 

(8)%

Nebraska Gas

 

5,579

 

(8)%

 

6,220

 

4%

 

5,599

 

(9)%

Wyoming Gas

 

7,385

 

8%

 

7,644

 

12%

 

7,074

 

(7)%

Combined (b)

 

6,006

 

(4)%

 

6,536

 

5%

 

5,948

 

(8)%


(a)
Revenue (in thousands)Quantities Sold and Transported (Dth)
For the year ended December 31,For the year ended December 31,
202120202019202120202019
Arkansas$218,497 $184,849 $185,201 31,478,303 28,572,621 30,496,243 
Colorado208,019 186,085 199,369 32,247,042 32,077,083 33,908,529 
Iowa171,673 137,982 151,619 38,022,801 36,824,548 41,795,729 
Kansas121,603 101,118 105,906 34,475,799 33,732,897 32,650,854 
Nebraska273,361 246,381 255,622 81,035,572 80,202,783 81,481,192 
Wyoming131,712 118,255 112,313 32,743,460 35,280,388 38,514,261 
Total Revenue and Quantities Sold$1,124,865 $974,670 $1,010,030 250,002,977 246,690,320 258,846,808 

For the year ended December 31,
202120202019
Heating Degree DaysActualVariance From NormalActualVariance From NormalActualVariance From Normal
Arkansas (a)
3,565 (12)%3,442 (15)%3,897 (4)%
Colorado5,866 (11)%6,068 (8)%6,672 1%
Iowa6,239 (8)%6,504 (4)%7,200 6%
Kansas (a)
4,508 (8)%4,648 (5)%5,190 6%
Nebraska5,599 (9)%5,853 (5)%6,578 7%
Wyoming7,074 (7)%7,289 (4)%8,010 7%
Combined (b)
5,948 (8)%6,038 (6)%6,840 5%
____________________
(a)    Arkansas and Kansas have weather normalization mechanisms that mitigate the weather impact on Gas Utility margins.
(b)
Heating degree days are calculated based on a weighted average of total customers by state excluding Kansas due to its weather normalization mechanism. Arkansas Gas is partially excluded based on the weather normalization mechanism in effect from November through April.


45


Corporate and Other


Corporate and Other operating results, including inter-segment eliminations, for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands):

(in thousands)202120202021 vs 2020 Variance20192020 vs 2019 Variance
Operating income (loss)$(4,404)$1,440 $(5,844)$(1,606)$3,046 
follows:


2021

(in millions)

2023

 

2022

 

2023 vs 2022 Variance

 

2021

 

2022 vs 2021 Variance

 

Operating (loss)

$

(4.9

)

$

(3.3

)

$

(1.6

)

$

(4.5

)

$

1.2

 

2023 Compared to 2020

2022


The variance in

Operating income (loss) was primarily duecomparable to athe prior year favorable true-up of employee costs which was allocated to our subsidiaries in the current year. This allocation was offset in our business segments and had no impact to consolidated results.


2020 Compared to 2019


The variance in Operating income (loss) was primarily due to a 2020 unallocated favorable true-up of employee costs.


44

Consolidated Interest Expense, Impairment of Investment, Other Income (Expense) and Income Tax Benefit (Expense)


(in thousands)202120202021 vs 2020 Variance20192020 vs 2019 Variance
Interest expense, net$(152,404)$(143,470)$(8,934)$(137,659)$(5,811)
Impairment of investment— (6,859)6,859 (19,741)12,882 
Other income (expense), net1,404 (2,293)3,697 (5,740)3,447 
Income tax benefit (expense)(7,169)(32,918)25,749 (29,580)(3,338)

(in millions)

2023

 

2022

 

2023 vs 2022 Variance

 

2021

 

2022 vs 2021 Variance

 

Interest expense, net

$

(167.9

)

$

(161.0

)

$

(6.9

)

$

(152.4

)

$

(8.6

)

Other income (expense), net

 

(3.2

)

 

1.8

 

 

(5.0

)

 

1.4

 

 

0.4

 

Income tax (expense)

 

(25.6

)

 

(25.2

)

 

(0.4

)

 

(7.2

)

 

(18.0

)


2021

2023 Compared to 2020

2022


Interest expense, net


The increase in Interest expense, net was increased due to higher debt balances driven by the August 2021 senior unsecured notes and February 2021 term loan,interest rates partially offset by lowerincreased interest rates.

Impairment of investment

In the prior year, we recorded a pre-tax non-cash write-down of $6.9 million in our investment in equity securities of a privately held oilincome on higher cash and gas company. The impairment was triggered by continued adverse changes in future natural gas prices and liquidity concerns at the privately held oil and gas company.
cash equivalents balances.


Other income (expense), net


The variance in Other income (expense), net was increased primarily due to lowerhigher benefit plan non-service pension costs driven by a lowerhigher discount rate, lowerrates and higher costs for our non-qualified benefit plansdeferred compensation plan which were driven by market performance and recognition of death benefits from Company-owned life insurance.
performance.


Income tax benefit (expense)


For the year ended December 31, 2021, and the effective tax rate was 2.8% comparedwere comparable to 11.9%the same period in 2020.the prior year. The lower effective tax rate iswas 8.5% for both 2023 and 2022. The effective tax rate was comparable primarily due to $10a $8.2 million tax benefit from a current year Nebraska income tax rate decrease offset by $6.5 million of increasedlower tax benefits from Colorado Electricvarious current and Nebraska Gas TCJA-related bill credits to customers (which is offset by reduced revenue), $6.6prior year state tax rate changes and $3.6 million of increased flow-through tax benefits related to repairs and gain deferral, $4.6 millionlower wind PTCs resulting from the March 2023 sale of increased tax benefits from federal production tax credits associated with new wind assets, $2.9 million of increased tax benefits from amortization of excess deferred income taxes and $2.6 million from various statutory rate changes. These current year tax benefits were greater than prior year tax benefits from one-time research and development tax credits and the reversal of accrued excess deferred income taxes as part of resolving the last of the Company’s open dockets seeking approval of its TCJA plans.Northern Iowa Windpower assets. See Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details.


46


2020 Compared to 2019

Interest expense, net

The increase in Interest expense, net was driven by higher debt balances partially offset by lower interest rates.

Impairment of investment

In 2020, we recorded a pre-tax non-cash write-down of $6.9 million in our investment in equity securities of a privately held oil and gas company, compared to a $20 million write-down in 2019. The impairments in both years were triggered by continued adverse natural gas prices and liquidity concerns at the privately held oil and gas company.

Other income (expense), net

The variance in Other income (expense), net was primarily due to the 2019 expensing of $5.4 million of development costs related to projects we no longer intend to construct which was partially offset by higher 2020 non-service defined benefit plan costs primarily driven by lower discount rates.
45



Income tax benefit (expense)

For the year ended December 31, 2020, the effective tax rate was 11.9% compared to 12.2% in 2019. The lower effective tax rate is primarily due to increased tax benefits from federal production tax credits associated with new wind assets and one-time research and development tax credits partially offset by a 2019 tax benefit from a federal tax loss carry-back claim including interest. See Note 15

 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details.



Liquidity and Capital Resources


OVERVIEW


Our company requires significant cash to support and grow our businesses. Our primary sources of cash are generated from our operating activities, five-year Revolving Credit Facility, CP Program, ATM and ability to access the public and private capital markets through debt and equity securities offerings when necessary. This cash is used for, among other things, working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, pension funding, investments in or acquisitions of assets and businesses, payment of debt obligations and redemption of outstanding debt and equity securities when required or financially appropriate.


We experience significant cash requirements during peak months of the winter heating season due to higher natural gas consumption, during periods of high natural gas prices, and during the construction season, which typically peaks in spring and summer.


We believe that our cash on hand, operating cash flows, existing borrowing capacity and ability to complete new debt and equity financings, taken in their entirety, provide sufficient capital resources to fund our ongoing operating requirements, regulatory liabilities, debt maturities, anticipated dividends, and anticipated capital expenditures discussed in this section.


In response to Winter Storm Uri, we took steps to maintain adequate liquidity to operate our businesses and fund our capital investment program as discussed in the Recent Developments

 section above.


The following table provides an informational summary of our financial positionliquidity and capital structure as of December 31 (dollars in thousands)millions):

 

2023

 

2022

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

86.6

 

$

21.4

 

Available capacity under Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program (a)

 

746.3

 

 

189.8

 

Available liquidity

$

832.9

 

$

211.2

 

 

 

 

 

Capital structure

 

 

 

 

Short-term debt

$

600.0

 

$

1,060.6

 

Long-term debt

 

3,801.2

 

 

3,607.3

 

Total debt

 

4,401.2

 

 

4,667.9

 

Total stockholders' equity (excludes non-controlling interest)

 

3,215.3

 

 

2,994.9

 

Total capitalization

$

7,616.5

 

$

7,662.8

 

 

 

 

 

Debt to capitalization

 

57.8

%

 

60.9

%

Net debt to capitalization (b)

 

57.3

%

 

60.8

%

Long-term debt to total debt

 

86.4

%

 

77.3

%

(a)
Available capacity under Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program represents $750 million of total borrowing capacity less outstanding borrowings and letters of credit. See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information.
Financial Position Summary20212020
Cash and cash equivalents$8,921$6,356
Restricted cash and equivalents$4,889$4,383
Notes payable$420,180$234,040
Current maturities of long-term debt$$8,436
Long-term debt (a)
$4,126,923$3,528,100
Stockholders’ equity$2,787,094$2,561,385
Ratios
Long-term debt ratio60 %58 %
Total debt ratio62 %60 %
(b)
____________________
(a)    Carrying value of long-termNet debt to capitalization ratio is net of deferred financing costs.Cash and cash equivalents for both Total debt and Total capitalization.



CASH FLOW ACTIVITIES


The following table summarizestables summarize our cash flows for the years ended December 31 (in thousands)millions):

Operating Activities:

 

2023

 

2022

 

2023 vs 2022

 

2021

 

2022 vs 2021

 

Net income

$

276.0

 

$

270.8

 

$

5.2

 

$

251.2

 

$

19.6

 

Non-cash adjustments to Net income

 

313.5

 

 

295.7

 

 

17.8

 

 

276.6

 

 

19.1

 

Total earnings

 

589.5

 

 

566.5

 

 

23.0

 

 

527.8

 

 

38.7

 

Changes in certain operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable and other current assets

 

255.9

 

 

(259.9

)

 

515.8

 

 

(78.9

)

 

(181.0

)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

(109.9

)

 

89.4

 

 

(199.3

)

 

10.6

 

 

78.8

 

Regulatory assets and liabilities

 

236.8

 

 

203.9

 

 

32.9

 

 

(524.2

)

 

728.1

 

Net inflow (outflow) from changes in certain operating assets and liabilities

 

382.8

 

 

33.4

 

 

349.4

 

 

(592.5

)

 

625.9

 

Other operating activities

 

(27.9

)

 

(15.1

)

 

(12.8

)

 

0.1

 

 

(15.2

)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

$

944.4

 

$

584.8

 

$

359.6

 

$

(64.6

)

$

649.4

 

202120202019
Cash provided by (used in)
Operating activities$(64,565)$541,863 $505,513 
Investing activities$(664,230)$(761,664)$(816,210)
Financing activities$731,866 $216,882 $300,210 


47

46


2021

2023 Compared to 2020

2022


Operating Activities:


Net cash used inprovided by operating activities was $606$359.6 million higher than in 2020. The variance to the prior yearwhich was primarily attributable to:


Cash
Total earnings (income from continuing operations(net income plus non-cash adjustments) were $21$23.0 million lowerhigher than prior year driven primarily by negative impacts from the unplanned outage at Wygen I, loweras a result of increased Electric and Gas Utility margin from Winter Storm Urimargins due to new rates and unfavorable weather,increased rider revenues partially offset by higher operating expenses and higher interest expenses;expense.


Net outflowsinflows from changes in certain operating assets and liabilities were $593$349.4 million higher than prior year, primarily attributable to:


o
Cash inflows increased by approximately $515.8 million as a result of changes in accounts receivable and other current assets primarily due to higher collections on pass-through revenues and lower natural gas in storage inventories driven by fluctuations in commodity prices and timing of injections and withdrawals;

o
Cash outflows increased by approximately $508$199.3 million as a result of decreases in accounts payable and other current liabilities primarily driven by fluctuations in commodity prices, payment timing of natural gas and power purchases and changes in other working capital requirements; and

o
Cash inflows increased by approximately $32.9 million as a result of changes in our regulatory assets and liabilities primarily due to higher recoveries of deferred gas and fuel cost adjustments driven by incremental fuel, purchased power and natural gas costsfluctuations in commodity prices.

Cash outflows increased $12.8 million from other operating activities primarily due to Winter Storm Uri;higher costs from cloud computing arrangements.


Investing Activities:

 

2023

 

2022

 

2023 vs 2022

 

2021

 

2022 vs 2021

 

Capital expenditures

$

(555.6

)

$

(604.4

)

$

48.8

 

$

(677.5

)

$

73.1

 

Other investing activities

 

18.9

 

 

0.5

 

 

18.4

 

 

13.3

 

 

(12.8

)

Net cash (used in) investing activities

$

(536.7

)

$

(603.9

)

$

67.2

 

$

(664.2

)

$

60.3

 

Cash inflows decreased by approximately $71 million primarily as a result of changes in accounts receivable and other current assets driven by decreased collections of accounts receivable and increased purchases of natural gas in storage;


Cash inflows decreased by approximately $14 million as a result of changes in accounts payable and other current liabilities driven by payment timing related2023 Compared to payroll taxes;2022


Cash outflows decreased by $13 million due to pension contributions made in the prior year; and


Cash inflows decreased $4.5 million for other operating activities.

Investing Activities:

Net cash used in investing activities was $97$67.2 million lower than in 2020. This variance to the prior yearwhich was primarily attributable to:


Capital
Cash outflows from capital expenditures (which are net of approximately $677$33.8 million contributions in 2021 compared to $767aid of construction) decreased $48.8 million in 2020. Lower current year expenditures are driven byas a result of lower programmatic safety, reliability and integrity spending at our Gas Utilities segments and the prior year Corriedale wind project at our Electric Utilities segment; and higher receipts related to contributions in aid of construction driven by strategic projects in Wyoming;


Cash inflows increased $7.5$18.4 million for other investing activities primarily driven bydue to proceeds from the salessale of transmissionNorthern Iowa Windpower assets and facilities, nonethe strategic sale of which were individually significant.land in Wyoming.


Financing Activities:


 

2023

 

2022

 

2023 vs 2022

 

2021

 

2022 vs 2021

 

Dividends paid on common stock

$

(168.1

)

$

(156.7

)

$

(11.4

)

$

(145.0

)

$

(11.7

)

Common stock issued

 

118.3

 

 

90.1

 

 

28.2

 

 

119.0

 

 

(28.9

)

Short-term and long-term debt (repayments), net

 

(260.6

)

 

115.4

 

 

(376.0

)

 

777.7

 

 

(662.3

)

Distributions to non-controlling interests

 

(18.3

)

 

(17.4

)

 

(0.9

)

 

(15.7

)

 

(1.7

)

Other financing activities

 

(13.0

)

 

0.9

 

 

(13.9

)

 

(4.1

)

 

5.0

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

$

(341.7

)

$

32.3

 

$

(374.0

)

$

731.9

 

$

(699.6

)

2023 Compared to 2022

Net cash provided byused in financing activities was $515$374.0 million higher than in 2020. This variance to the prior yearwhich was primarily attributable to:


Cash inflows increased $502 million due to long and short-term borrowings in excess of repayments;

Cash inflows increased $20 million due to higher issuances of common stock;

Cash outflows increased $10$11.4 million due to increased dividends paid on common stock; and


Cash inflows increased $28.2 million due to higher issuances of common stock;

48


Net outflows from changes in short-term and long-term debt (repayments) borrowings increased $376.0 million due to:

o
Cash outflows decreased by $3.0increased $651.0 million for other financing activities.


CAPITAL RESOURCES

Short-term Debt

as a result of net repayment activity under our Revolving Credit Facility and CP ProgramProgram;


o
Cash outflow of $525.0 million due to repayment of our senior unsecured notes on their November 30, 2023 maturity date; and

o
Cash inflow of $800.0 million from the March 7, 2023 and September 15, 2023 debt offerings.

Cash outflows increased by $13.9 million for other financing activities primarily due to financing costs from the March 7, 2023 and September 15, 2023 debt offerings.

CAPITAL RESOURCES

Shelf Registration Statement

We maintain an effective shelf registration statement with the SEC under which we may issue, from time to time, an unspecified amount of senior debt securities, subordinate debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, warrants and other securities. See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for recent updates regarding our shelf registration statement.

Short-term Debt

We have a $750 million Revolving Credit Facility that matures on July 19, 2026, with two one-year extension options (subject to consent from lenders). This facility includes an accordion feature that allows us to increase total commitments up to $1.0 billion with the consent of the administrative agent, the issuing agents and each bank increasing or providing a new commitment. We also have a $750 million, unsecured CP Program that is backstopped by the Revolving Credit Facility. Amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and the CP Program, either individually or in the aggregate, cannot exceed $750 million.

47


The Revolving Credit Facility prohibits us from paying cash dividends if a default or an event of default exists prior to, or would result after, paying a dividend. Although these contractual restrictions exist, we do not anticipate triggering any default measures or restrictions.


The Revolving Credit Facility contains cross-default provisions that could result in a default under such agreements if BHC or its material subsidiaries failed to 1) make timely payments of debt obligations; or 2) triggered other default provisions under any debt agreement totaling, in the aggregate principal amount of $50 million or more that permit the acceleration of debt maturities or mandatory debt prepayment.


Our Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program had the following borrowings, outstanding letters of credit, and available capacity (in millions):
CurrentShort-term borrowings at
Letters of Credit (a) at
Available Capacity at
Credit FacilityExpirationCapacityDecember 31, 2021December 31, 2021December 31, 2021
Revolving Credit Facility and CP ProgramJuly 19, 2026$750 $420 $27 $303 
____________________
(a)    Letters of credit are off-balance sheet commitments that reduce the borrowing capacity available on our corporate Revolving Credit. For more information on these letters of credit, see Note 8

 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


The weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings at December 31, 2021 was 0.30%. Short-term borrowing activity for the year ended December 31, 2021 was:
(dollars in millions)
Maximum amount outstanding (based on daily outstanding balances)$440 
Average amount outstanding (based on daily outstanding balances)$258 
Weighted average interest rate0.22 %

See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information on our Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program.


Term Loan

See Note 8

 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information related to our term loan.


Utility Money Pool


As a utility holding company, we are required to establish a cash management program to address lending and borrowing activities between our utilities and the Company. We have established utility money pool agreements which address these requirements. These agreements are on file with the FERC and appropriate state regulators. Under the utility money pool agreements, our utilities may, at their option, borrow and extend short-term loans to our other utilities via athe utility money pool at market-based rates. While the utility money pool may borrow funds from the Company (as ultimate parent company), the money pool arrangement does not allow loans from our utility subsidiaries to the Company (as ultimate parent company) or to non-regulated affiliates.


Long-term Debt


Our Long-term debt and associated interest payments due by year are shown below (in thousands). For more information on our long-term debt, see Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Payments Due by Period
20222023202420252026ThereafterTotal
Principal payments on Long-term debt including current maturities (a)
$— $525,000 $600,000 $— $300,000 $2,735,000 $4,160,000 
Interest payments on Long-term debt (a)
147,720 147,772 125,460 119,238 113,313 1,095,879 1,749,382 
____________________

(a)Long-term debt amounts do not include deferred financing costs or discounts or premiums on debt. Estimated interest payments on variable rate debt are calculated by utilizing the applicable rates as of December 31, 2021.

48


Covenant Requirements


The Revolving Credit Facility and Wyoming Electric’s financing agreements contain covenant requirements. We were in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2021.2023. See additional information in Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Equity

ATM


Our ATM allows us to sell shares of our common stock with an aggregate value of up to $400 million. The shares may be offered from time to time pursuant to a sales agreement dated August 4, 2020. Shares of common stock are offered pursuant to our shelf registration statement filed with the SEC. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, we issued a total of 1,812,197 shares of common stock under the ATM for $119 million, net of $1.1 million in issuance costs.

For additional information regarding equity, see Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Future Financing Plans


We will continue to assess debt and equity needs to support our capital investment plans and other key strategic objectives. In 2022, we expectWe plan to fund our capital plan and strategic objectives by using cash generated from operating activities and various financing alternatives, which could include our Revolving Credit Facility, andour CP Program, and issuing $100 million to $120 milliondebt offerings, the issuance of common stock under the ATM.

our ATM program or in an opportunistic block trade. We also plan to re-finance our $600 million, 1.0375%, senior unsecured notes due August 2024, at or before maturity date.



CREDIT RATINGS


Financing for operational needs and capital expenditure requirements, not satisfied by operating cash flows, depends upon the cost and availability of external funds through both short and long-term financing. In order to operate and grow our business, we need to consistently maintain the ability to raise capital on favorable terms. Access to funds is dependent upon factors such as general economic and capital market conditions, regulatory authorizations and policies, the Company’s credit ratings, cash flows from routine operations and the credit ratings of counterparties. After assessing the current operating performance, liquidity and credit ratings of the Company, management believes that the Company will have access to the capital markets at prevailing market rates for companies with comparable credit ratings. We note that credit ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.


The following table represents the credit ratings, outlook and risk profile of BHC at December 31, 2021:

2023:

Rating Agency

Senior Unsecured Rating

Outlook

S&P (a)

BBB+

Stable

Moody’s (b)

Baa2

Stable

Fitch (c)

BBB+

Stable

____________________
(a)
(a)    On October 20, 2021,February 17, 2023, S&P reported BBB+ rating and maintained a Stable outlook.
(b)
On December 20, 2021, Moody’s21, 2023, Moody's reported our Baa2 rating and maintained a Stable outlook.
(c)
On September 17, 2021,January 26, 2024, Fitch reported BBB+ rating and maintainedrevised to a StableNegative outlook.


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Certain fees and interest rates under our Revolving Credit Facility are based on our credit ratings at all three rating agencies. If all of our ratings are at the same level, or if two of our ratings are the same level and one differs, these fees and interest rates will be based on the ratings that are at the same level. If all of our ratings are at different levels, these fees and interest rates will be based on the middle level. Currently, our Fitch and S&P ratings are at the same level, and our Moody’s rating is one level below. Therefore, if Fitch or S&P downgrades our senior unsecured debt, we will be required to pay higher fees and interest rates under our Revolving Credit Facility.


The following table represents the credit ratings of South Dakota Electric at December 31, 2021:

2023:

Rating Agency

Senior Secured Rating

S&P (a)

A

Fitch (b)

A

____________________
(a)
(a)    On July 1, 2021,February 17, 2023, S&P reported A rating.rating
(b)
On September 17, 2021,January 26, 2024, Fitch reported A rating.rating


We dohave not havehad any triggertriggering events (i.e., an acceleration of repayment of outstanding indebtedness, an increase in interest costs, or the posting of additional cash collateral) tied to our stock price and have not executed any transactions that require us to issue equity based on our credit ratings.

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CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS


Capital Expenditures


Capital expenditures are a substantial portion of our cash requirements each year and we continue to forecast a robust capital expenditure program during the next five years. See above in Key Elements of our Business Strategy for forecasted capital expenditure requirements. A significant portion of our capital expenditures are for safety, reliability and integrity of our system and is included in utility rate base and eligible for recovery from our utility customers with regulatory approval. Those capital expenditures also earn a rate of return authorized by the commissions in the jurisdictions in which we operate.


Our historical capital expenditures forby reportable segment are shown in Note 16 of the three years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands):

202120202019
Capital Expenditures By Segment (a) :
Electric Utilities$285,770 $288,683 $316,687 
Gas Utilities383,320 449,209 512,366 
Corporate and Other10,500 17,500 20,702 
Total capital expenditures$679,590 $755,392 $849,755 
____________________
(a)    Includes accruals for property, plant and equipment as disclosed as supplemental cash flow information in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in theNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Repayments of Indebtedness


For information relating to repayments of our short- and long-term debt and associated interest payments, see the Capital Resources section above and Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Unconditional Purchase Obligations


We have unconditional purchase obligations which include the energy and capacity costs associated with our PPAs, transmission services agreements, and natural gas capacity, transportation and storage agreements. Additionally, our Gas Utilities have commitments to purchase physical quantities of natural gas under contracts indexed to various forward natural gas price curves. For additional information. see Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Defined Benefit Pension Plan


We have one defined benefit pension plan, the Black Hills Retirement Plan (Pension Plan). The unfunded status of the Pension Plan is defined as the amount the projected benefit obligation exceeds the plan assets. The unfunded status of the planPension Plan is $20$39.4 million as of December 31, 2021,2023, compared to $40$35.2 million as of December 31, 2020. While we2022. We do not have required contributions, however, we expect to make $3.9$2.3 million in contributions to our Pension Plan in 2022.2024. See further information in Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Common Stock Dividends


Future cash dividends, if any, will be dependent on our results of operations, financial position, cash flows, reinvestment opportunities and other factors, and will be evaluated and approved by our Board of Directors.


Additionally, there are certain statutory limitations that could affect future cash dividends paid. Federal law places limits on the ability of public utilities within a holding company structure to declare dividends. Specifically, under the Federal Power Act, a public utility may not pay dividends from any funds properly included in a capital account. The utility subsidiaries’ dividends may be limited directly or indirectly by state regulatory commissions or bond indenture covenants. See additional information in Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


On January 26, 2022,2024, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.595$0.65 per share, equivalent to an annual dividend rate of $2.38$2.60 per share. The table below provides our dividends paid (in thousands)millions), dividend payout ratio and dividends paid per share for the three years ended December 31:

202120202019
Common Stock Dividends Paid$145,023 $135,439 $124,647 
Dividend Payout Ratio61 %60 %63 %
Dividends Per Share$2.29 $2.17 $2.05 


2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Common Stock Dividends Paid

$

168.1

 

$

156.7

 

$

145.0

 

Dividend Payout Ratio

 

64

%

 

61

%

 

61

%

Dividends Per Share

$

2.50

 

$

2.41

 

$

2.29

 

Our three-year compound annualized dividend growth rate was 5.9%4.8%.

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Collateral Requirements


Our Utilities maintain wholesale commodity contracts for the purchases and sales of electricity and natural gas which have performance assurance provisions that allow the counterparty to require collateral postings under certain conditions, including when requested on a reasonable basis due to a deterioration in our financial condition or nonperformance. A significant downgrade in our credit ratings, such as a downgrade to a level below investment grade, could result in counterparties requiring collateral postings under such adequate assurance provisions. The amount of credit support that we may be required to provide at any point in the future is dependent on the amount of the initial transaction, changes in the market price, open positions and the amounts owed by or to the counterparty. At December 31, 2021,2023, we had sufficient liquidity to cover collateral that could be required to be posted under these contracts. The cash collateral we were required to post at December 31, 20212023 was not material.

See
Note 9
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Guarantees


We provide various guarantees, which represent off-balance sheet commitments, supporting certain of our subsidiaries under specified agreements or transactions. For more information on these guarantees, see Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.



Critical Accounting Estimates


We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP and does not require management’s judgment in application. There are also areas which require management’s judgment in selecting among available GAAP alternatives. We are required to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that we believe are reasonable based upon the information available. We continue to closely monitor the impacts of COVID-19macroeconomic environment and Winter Storm Urirelated impacts on our critical accounting estimates including, but not limited to, collectibilitycollectability of customer receivables, recoverability of regulatory assets, impairment risk of goodwill and long-lived assets, valuation of pension assets and liabilities and contingent liabilities. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Actual results may differ from our estimates and to the extent there are material differences between these estimates, judgments or assumptions and actual results, our financial statements will be affected. We believe the following accounting estimates are the most critical in understanding and evaluating our reported financial results. We have reviewed these critical accounting estimates and related disclosures with our Audit Committee.


The following discussion of our critical accounting estimates should be read in conjunction with Note 1, “Business Description and Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


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Regulation


Our regulated Electric and Gas Utilities are subject to cost-of-service regulation and earnings oversight from federal and state utility commissions. This regulatory treatment does not provide any assurance as to achievement of desired earnings levels. Our retail electric and gas utility rates are regulated on a state-by-state basis by the relevant state regulatory commissions based on an analysis of our costs, as reviewed and approved in a regulatory proceeding. The rates that we are allowed to charge may or may not match our related costs and allowed return on invested capital at any given time.


Management continually assesses the probability of future recoveries associated with regulatory assets and future obligations associated with regulatory liabilities. Factors such as the current regulatory environment, recently issued rate orders and historical precedents are considered. As a result, we believe that the accounting prescribed under rate-based regulation remains appropriate and our regulatory assets are probable of recovery in current rates or in future rate proceedings.


To some degree, each of our Electric and Gas Utilities are permitted to recover certain costs (such as increased fuel and purchased power costs) outside of a base rate review. To the extent we are able to pass through such costs to our customers, and a state regulatory commission subsequently determines that such costs should not have been paid by the customers, we may be required to refund such costs.


As of December 31, 20212023 and 2020,2022, we had total regulatory assets of $797$480.1 million and $278$653.0 million, respectively, and total regulatory liabilities of $503$566.6 million and $533$518.6 million, respectively. See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.


Goodwill


We perform a goodwill impairment test on an annual basis or upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances that indicate that the asset might be impaired. Our annual goodwill impairment testing date is as of October 1, which aligns with our financial planning process.

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Accounting standards for testing goodwill for impairment require the application of either a qualitative or quantitative assessment to analyze whether or not goodwill has been impaired. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. Under either the qualitative or quantitative assessment, the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is compared with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds fair value, then an impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.


Application of the goodwill impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units and determining the fair value of the reporting unit. We have determined that the reporting units for goodwill impairment testing are our operating segments, or components of an operating segment, that constitute a business for which discrete financial information is available and for which the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM)CODM regularly reviews the operating results. We estimate the fair value of our reporting units using a combination of an income approach, which estimates fair value based on discounted future cash flows, and a market approach, which estimates fair value based on market comparables within the utility and energy industries. These valuations require significant judgments, including, but not limited to: 1) estimates of future cash flows, based on our internal five-year business plans and adjusted as appropriate for our view of market participant assumptions, with long range cash flows estimated using a terminal value calculation; 2) estimates of long-term growth rates for our businesses; 3) the determination of an appropriate weighted-average cost of capital or discount rate; and 4) the utilization of market information such as recent sales transactions for comparable assets within the utility and energy industries. Varying by reporting unit, weighted average cost of capital in the range of 4.9%6.9% to 5.1%7.3% and long-term growth rate projections of 1.75% were utilized in the goodwill impairment test performed as of October 1, 2021.2023. Although 1.75% was used for a long-term growth rate projection, the short-term projected growth rate is higher with planned recovery of capital investments through rider mechanisms and rate reviews. Under the market approach, we estimate fair value using multiples derived from comparable sales transactions and enterprise value to EBITDA for comparative peer companies for each respective reporting unit. These multiples are applied to operating data for each reporting unit to arrive at an indication of fair value. In addition, we add a reasonable control premium when calculating fair value utilizing the peer multiples, which is estimated as the premium that would be received in a sale in an orderly transaction between market participants.


The estimates and assumptions used in theour impairment assessments are based on available market information and we believe they are reasonable. However, variations in any of the assumptions could result in materially different calculations of fair value and determinations of whether or not an impairment is indicated.

For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019,2021, there were no impairment losses recorded. At December 31, 2021,2023, the fair value substantially exceeded the carrying value at all reporting units.


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Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

As described in Note 131 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K we have one defined benefit pension plan, one defined post-retirement healthcare plan and several non-qualified retirement plans. A Master Trust holds the assets for the pension plan. A VEBA trust for the funded portion of the post-retirement healthcare plan has also been established.additional information.


Accounting for pension and other postretirement benefit obligations involves numerous assumptions, the most significant of which relate to the discount rates, healthcare cost trend rates, expected return on plan assets, compensation increases, retirement rates and mortality rates. The determination of our obligation and expenses for pension and other postretirement benefits is dependent on the assumptions determined by management and used by actuaries in calculating the amounts. Although we believe our assumptions are appropriate, significant differences in our actual experience or significant changes in our assumptions may materially affect our pension and other postretirement obligations and our future expense.


The 2022 pension benefit cost for our non-contributory funded pension plan is expected to be $2.2 million compared to $0.8 million in 2021. The increase in the expected 2022 pension benefit cost is driven primarily by lower expected asset returns and a higher discount rate.

The effect of hypothetical changes to selected assumptions on the pension and other postretirement benefit plans would be as follows in thousands of dollars:
December 31,
AssumptionsPercentage Change
2021
Increase/(Decrease)
PBO/APBO (a)
2022
 Increase/(Decrease) Expense - Pretax
Pension
Discount rate (b)
 +/- 0.5(27,101)/29,688(1,883)/2,389
Expected return on assets +/- 0.5N/A(2,180)/2,180
OPEB
Discount rate (b)
 +/- 0.5(2,839)/3,09747/107
Expected return on assets +/- 0.5N/A(37)/37
____________________
(a)    Projected benefit obligation (PBO) for the pension plan and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) for OPEB plans.
(b)    Impact on service cost, interest cost and amortization of gains or losses.

Income Taxes


The Company and its subsidiaries file consolidated federal income tax returns. Each entity records income taxes as if it were a separate taxpayer for both federal and state income tax purposes and consolidating adjustments are allocated to the subsidiaries based on separate company computations of taxable income or loss.


The Company uses the asset and liability method in accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred income taxes are recognized at currently enacted income tax rates, to reflect the tax effect of temporary differences between the financial and tax basis of assets and liabilities as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Such temporary differences are the result of provisions in the income tax law that either require or permit certain items to be reported on the income tax return in a different period than they are reported in the financial statements.


In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized and provides any necessary valuation allowances as required. If we determine that we will be unable to realize all or part of our deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be made in the period such determination was made. These adjustments may increase or decrease earnings. Although we believe our assumptions, judgments and estimates are reasonable, changes in tax laws or our interpretations of tax laws and the resolution of current and any future tax audits could significantly impact the amounts provided for income taxes in our consolidated financial statements.


See Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.


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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


Our activities in the regulated and non-regulated energy sectorsindustries expose us to a number of risks in the normal operations of our businesses. Depending on the activity, we are exposed to varying degrees of market risk and credit risk.


Market risk is the potential loss that may occur as a result of an adverse change in market price, rate or supply. We are exposed, but not limited to, the following market risks:


Commodity price risk associated with our retail natural gas services, wholesale electric power marketing activities and fuel procurement for several of our gas-fired generation assets. Market fluctuations may occur due to unpredictable factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, weather (Winter(e.g. Winter Storm Uri), geopolitical events, market speculation, recession, inflation, pipeline constraints, and other factors that may impact natural gas and electric energy supply and demand; and

Interest rate risk associated with future debt, including reduced access to liquidity during periods of extreme capital markets volatility, such as the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.


Credit risk is associated with financial loss resulting from non-performance of contractual obligations by a counterparty.


To manage and mitigate these identified risks, we have adopted the Black Hills Corporation Risk Policies and Procedures. The Black Hills Corporation Risk Policies and Procedures have been approved by our Executive Risk Committee. These policies relate to numerous matters including governance, control infrastructure, authorized commodities and trading instruments, prohibited activities and employee conduct. We report any issues or concerns pertaining to the Risk Policies and Procedures to the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. The Executive Risk Committee, which includes senior level executives, meets at least quarterly and as necessary, to review our business and credit activities and to ensure that these activities are conducted within the authorized policies.


Commodity Price Risk


Electric and Gas Utilities


Our utilities have various provisions that allow them to pass the prudently-incurred cost of energy through to the customer. To the extent energy prices are higher or lower than amounts in our current billing rates, adjustments are made on a periodic basis to reflect billed amounts to match the actual energy cost we incurred. In Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming, we have ECA or PCA provisions that adjust electric rates when energy costs are higher or lower than the costs included in our tariffs. In Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming, we have GCA provisions that adjust natural gas rates when our natural gas costs are higher or lower than the energy cost included in our tariffs. These adjustments are subject to periodic prudence reviews by the state regulatory commissions.

If state regulatory commissions decide to discontinue these tariff-based adjustment mechanisms, or there are delays in the timing of recovery under these mechanisms, we may be more exposed to commodity price risk.


The operations of our utilities, including natural gas sold by our Gas Utilities and natural gas used by our Electric Utilities’ generation plants or those plants under PPAs where our Electric Utilities must provide the generation fuel (tolling agreements), expose our utility customers to natural gas price volatility. Therefore, as allowed or required by state regulatory commissions, we have entered into commission-approved hedging programs utilizing natural gas futures, options, over-the-counter swaps and basis swaps to reduce our customers’ underlying exposure to these fluctuations.


For our regulated Utilities’ hedging plans, unrealized and realized gains and losses, as well as option premiums and commissions on these transactions are recorded as Regulatory assets or Regulatory liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with the state utility commission guidelines. When the related costs are recovered through our rates, the hedging activity is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. See additional information in Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Wholesale Power


We periodically have wholesale power purchase and sale contracts used to manage purchased power costs and load requirements associated with serving our electric customers that are considered derivative instruments and do not qualify for the normal purchase and normal sales exception for derivative accounting. Changes in the fair value of these commodity derivatives are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income.


A

There is a potential risk related tothat our wholesale power sales is the price risk arising from the sale of power that exceedscould exceed our current generating capacity. These potential short positions cancapacity, which may arise from unplanned plant outages or from unanticipated load demands. To manage such risk, we restrict wholesale off-system sales to amounts by which our anticipated generating capabilities and purchased power resources exceed our anticipated load requirements plus a required reserve margin.


54

54


Black Hills Energy Services


We

To support our Choice Gas Program customers, we buy and sell natural gas at competitive prices by managing commodity price risk. As a result of these activities, this area of our business is exposed to risks associated with changes in the market price of natural gas. We manage our exposure to such risks using over-the-counter and exchange traded options and swaps with counterparties in anticipation of forecasted purchases and sales. A portion of our over-the-counter swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges to mitigate the commodity price risk associated with fixed price forward contracts to supply gas to our Choice Gas Program customers. The gain or loss on these designated derivatives is reported in AOCI in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and reclassified into earnings in the same period that the underlying hedged item is recognized in earnings.


At December 31, 20212023 and 2020,2022, a 10% change in market prices for our derivative instruments would not materially impact pre-tax income, the fair values of our derivative assets and liabilities, or OCI.


See additional commodity risk and derivative information in Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Interest Rate Risk


Periodically, we have engaged in activities to manage risks associated with changes in interest rates. We have utilized pay-fixed interest rate swap agreements to reduce exposure to interest rate fluctuations associated with floating rate debt obligations and anticipated debt refinancings. At December 31, 2021,2023, we had no interest rate swaps in place. Further details of past swap agreements are set forth in Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


At December 31, 2021, 91%2023, over 99% of our debt is fixed rate debt, which limits our exposure to variable interest rate fluctuations. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in the benchmark rate on our variable rate debt would have increased annual pretax interest expense by approximately $2.7$0.9 million and $2.1$4.1 million for the years ended December 31, 20212023 and 2020,2022, respectively. See Note 8 for further information on cash amounts outstanding under short- and long-term variable rate borrowings.


We are subject to interest rate risk associated with our pension and post-retirement benefit obligations. Changes in interest rates impact the liabilities associated with these benefit plans as well as the amount of income or expense recognized for these plans. Declines in the value of the plan assets could diminish the funded status of the pension plans and potentially increase the requirements to make cash contributions to these plans. See additional information in Critical Accounting Estimates in Item 7 and Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Credit Risk


We have adopted the Black Hills Corporation Credit Policy that establishes guidelines, controls and limits to manage and mitigate credit risk within risk tolerances established by the Board of Directors. We attempt to mitigate our credit exposure by conducting business primarily with high credit quality entities, setting tenor and credit limits commensurate with counterparty financial strength, obtaining master netting agreements and mitigating credit exposure with less creditworthy counterparties through parental guarantees, cash collateral requirements, letters of credit and other security agreements.


We perform ongoingperiodic credit evaluations of our customers and adjust credit limits based upon payment history and the customer’s current creditworthiness, as determined by review of their current credit information. We maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon historical experience, changes in current market conditions, expected losses and any specific customer collection issue that is identified. Our credit exposure at December 31, 2021 was concentrated primarily among retail utility customers, investment grade companies, cooperative utilities and federal agencies.


See more information in Notes 1 and 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


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ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA



Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.


All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021,2023, based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission “COSO”. This evaluation included review of the documentation of controls, evaluation of the design effectiveness of controls, testing of the operating effectiveness of controls and a conclusion on this evaluation. Based on our evaluation, we have concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2021.2023.


Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as auditors of Black Hills Corporation’s financial statements, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of Black Hills Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021.2023. Deloitte & Touche LLP's report on Black Hills Corporation's internal control over financial reporting is included herein.


Black Hills Corporation

56





REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Black Hills Corporation


Opinion on the Financial Statements


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Black Hills Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 20212023 and 2020,2022, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021,2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20212023 and 2020,2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021,2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.


We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021,2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 15, 2022,14, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.


Basis for Opinion


These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.


We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.


Critical Audit Matter


The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.


Regulatory Accounting - Impact of Rate Regulation on the Financial Statements — Refer to Notes 1 and 2 to the Financial Statements.


Critical Audit Matter Description


The Company is subject to cost-of-service regulation and earnings oversight by state and federal utility commissions (collectively, the “Commissions”), which have jurisdiction over the Company’s electric rates in Colorado, Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming and natural gas rates in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming. Management has determined it meets the requirements under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America to prepare its financial statements applying the specialized rules to account for the effects of cost-based rate regulation. Accounting for the economics of rate regulation impacts multiple financial statement line items and disclosures, such as property, plant, and equipment; regulatory assets and liabilities; revenue; operating expenses; and income tax benefit (expense).


57

57


Rates are regulated on a state-by-state basis by the relevant state regulatory commissions based on an analysis of the Company's costs, as reviewed and approved in a regulatory proceeding. Rate regulation is premised on the full recovery of prudently incurred costs and a reasonable rate of return on invested capital. Decisions to be made by the Commissions in the future will impact the accounting for regulated operations, including decisions about the amount of allowable costs and return on invested capital included in rates and any refunds that may be required. While the Company has indicated its regulatory assets are probable of recovery in current rates or in future proceedings, there is a risk that the Commissions will not judge all costs to have been prudently incurred or that the rate regulation process in which rates are determined will not always result in rates that produce a full recovery of costs and the return on invested capital.


We identified the impact of rate regulation as a critical audit matter due to the significant judgments made by management to support its assertions about impacted account balances and disclosures and the high degree of subjectivity involved in assessing the impact of future regulatory orders on the financial statements. Management judgments include assessing the likelihood of (1) recovery in future rates of incurred costs, and (2) a refund or future rate reduction to be provided to customers. Given the uncertainty of future decisions by the Commissions, auditing these judgments required specialized knowledge of accounting for rate regulation and the rate setting process due to its inherent complexities.


How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit


Our audit procedures related to the uncertainty of future decisions by the Commissions included the following, among others:


We tested the effectiveness of management’s controls over the evaluation of the likelihood of (1) the recovery in future rates of costs incurred as property, plant, and equipment and deferred as regulatory assets, and (2) refunds or future reductions in rates that should be reported as regulatory liabilities. We tested the effectiveness of management’s controls over the initial recognition of amounts as property, plant, and equipment; regulatory assets or liabilities; and the monitoring and evaluation of regulatory developments that may affect the likelihood of recovering costs in future rates or of a future reduction in rates.
We read relevant regulatory orders issued by the Commissions, procedural memorandums, filings made by the Company, and other publicly available information, as appropriate, to assess the likelihood of recovery in future rates or of a future reduction in rates based on precedenceprecedents of the Commissions’ treatment of similar costs under similar circumstances. We evaluated the external information and compared it to the Company’s recorded regulatory asset and liability balances for completeness and for any evidence that might contradict management’s assertions.
We obtained and evaluated an analysis from management regarding probability of recovery for regulatory assets or refund or future reduction in rates for regulatory liabilities not yet addressed in a regulatory order, as applicable, to assess management’s assertion that amounts are probable of recovery or of a future reduction in rates.
We inspected minutes of the board of directors to identify any evidence that may contradict management’s assertions regarding probability of recovery or refunds. We also inquired of management regarding current year rate filings and new regulatory assets or liabilities.
We evaluated the Company’s disclosures related to the impacts of rate regulation, including the balances recorded and regulatory developments.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


Minneapolis, Minnesota

February 15, 2022

14, 2024


We have served as the Company's auditor since 2002.


58

58



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Black Hills Corporation


Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting


We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Black Hills Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021,2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021,2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.


We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, of the Company and our report dated February 15, 2022,14, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.


Basis for Opinion


The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.


We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.


Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting


A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.


Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


Minneapolis, Minnesota

February 15, 2022

14, 2024

59


BLACK HILLS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Year endedDecember 31, 2021December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenue$1,949,102 $1,696,941 $1,734,900 
Operating expenses:
Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold741,934 492,404 570,829 
Operations and maintenance501,690 495,404 495,994 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization235,953 224,457 209,120 
Taxes - property and production60,096 56,373 52,915 
Total operating expenses1,539,673 1,268,638 1,328,858 
Operating income409,429 428,303 406,042 
Other income (expense):
Interest expense incurred net of amounts capitalized (including amortization of debt issuance costs, premiums and discounts)(154,112)(144,931)(139,291)
Interest income1,708 1,461 1,632 
Impairment of investment— (6,859)(19,741)
Other income (expense), net1,404 (2,293)(5,740)
Total other income (expense)(151,000)(152,622)(163,140)
Income before income taxes258,429 275,681 242,902 
Income tax (expense)(7,169)(32,918)(29,580)
Net income251,260 242,763 213,322 
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest(14,516)(15,155)(14,012)
Net income available for common stock$236,744 $227,608 $199,310 
Earnings per share of common stock:
Earnings per share, Basic$3.74 $3.65 $3.29 
Earnings per share, Diluted$3.74 $3.65 $3.28 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic63,219 62,378 60,662 
Diluted63,325 62,439 60,798 


 

December 31, 2023

 

December 31, 2022

 

December 31, 2021

 

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Revenue

$

2,331.3

 

$

2,551.8

 

$

1,949.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold

 

982.9

 

 

1,230.6

 

 

741.9

 

Operations and maintenance

 

552.0

 

 

548.4

 

 

501.7

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

256.8

 

 

250.9

 

 

236.0

 

Taxes - property and production

 

66.9

 

 

66.7

 

 

60.1

 

Total operating expenses

 

1,858.6

 

 

2,096.6

 

 

1,539.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

472.7

 

 

455.2

 

 

409.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense incurred net of amounts capitalized

 

(180.0

)

 

(162.6

)

 

(154.1

)

Interest income

 

12.1

 

 

1.6

 

 

1.7

 

Other income (expense), net

 

(3.2

)

 

1.8

 

 

1.4

 

Total other income (expense)

 

(171.1

)

 

(159.2

)

 

(151.0

)

Income before income taxes

 

301.6

 

 

296.0

 

 

258.4

 

Income tax (expense)

 

(25.6

)

 

(25.2

)

 

(7.2

)

Net income

 

276.0

 

 

270.8

 

 

251.2

 

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

 

(13.8

)

 

(12.4

)

 

(14.5

)

Net income available for common stock

 

262.2

 

$

258.4

 

$

236.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share of common stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share, Basic

 

3.91

 

$

3.98

 

$

3.74

 

Earnings per share, Diluted

 

3.91

 

$

3.97

 

$

3.74

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

67.0

 

 

64.9

 

 

63.2

 

Diluted

 

67.1

 

 

65.0

 

 

63.3

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

60


BLACK HILLS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Year endedDecember 31, 2021December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
(in thousands)
Net income$251,260 $242,763 $213,322 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Benefit plan liability adjustments - net gain (loss) (net of tax of $(664), $191 and $1,886, respectively)1,959 (1,062)(6,253)
Benefit plan liability adjustments - prior service costs (net of tax of $0, $0 and $2 respectively)— — (8)
Reclassification adjustment of benefit plan liability - net loss (net of tax of $(665), $(958) and $434, respectively)1,726 1,429 1,179 
Reclassification adjustment of benefit plan liability - prior service cost (net of tax of $27, $23 and $19, respectively)(71)(80)(58)
Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges:
Reclassification of net realized (gains) losses on settled/amortized interest rate swaps (net of tax of $(677), $(287) and $(666), respectively)2,174 2,564 2,185 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on commodity derivatives (net of tax of $(980), $14 and $126, respectively)3,023 (47)(422)
Reclassification of net realized (gains) losses on settled commodity derivatives (net of tax of $502, $(96) and $55, respectively)(1,549)505 (362)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax7,262 3,309 (3,739)
Comprehensive income258,522 246,072 209,583 
Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest(14,516)(15,155)(14,012)
Comprehensive income available for common stock$244,006 $230,917 $195,571 


Year ended

December 31, 2023

 

December 31, 2022

 

December 31, 2021

 

(in millions)

 

Net income

$

276.0

 

$

270.8

 

$

251.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit plan liability adjustments - net gain (loss) (net of tax of $0, $(1.5), and $(0.7), respectively)

 

(0.3

)

 

4.6

 

 

2.0

 

Reclassification adjustment of benefit plan liability - net loss (net of tax of $0, $(0.2), and $(0.7), respectively)

 

0.2

 

 

0.5

 

 

1.7

 

Reclassification adjustment of benefit plan liability - prior service cost (net of tax of $0, $0, and $0, respectively)

 

 

 

(0.1

)

 

(0.1

)

Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassification of net realized (gains) losses on settled/amortized interest rate swaps (net of tax of $(0.7), $(0.7), and $(0.7), respectively)

 

2.2

 

 

2.1

 

 

2.2

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on commodity derivatives (net of tax of $1.1, $0.2, and $(1.0), respectively)

 

(3.6

)

 

(0.6

)

 

3.0

 

Reclassification of net realized (gains) losses on settled commodity derivatives (net of tax of $(0.7), $0.7, and $0.5, respectively)

 

2.3

 

 

(2.0

)

 

(1.5

)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 

0.8

 

 

4.5

 

 

7.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

276.8

 

 

275.3

 

 

258.5

 

Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest

 

(13.8

)

 

(12.4

)

 

(14.5

)

Comprehensive income available for common stock

$

263.0

 

$

262.9

 

$

244.0

 

See Note 11 for additional disclosures related to Comprehensive Income.


The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

61


BLACK HILLS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of
December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
(in thousands)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$8,921 $6,356 
Restricted cash and equivalents4,889 4,383 
Accounts receivable, net321,652 265,961 
Materials, supplies and fuel150,979 117,400 
Derivative assets, current4,373 1,848 
Income tax receivable, net18,017 19,446 
Regulatory assets, current270,290 51,676 
Other current assets29,012 26,221 
Total current assets808,133 493,291 
Property, plant and equipment7,856,573 7,305,530 
Less accumulated depreciation and depletion(1,407,397)(1,285,816)
Total property, plant and equipment, net6,449,176 6,019,714 
Other assets:
Goodwill1,299,454 1,299,454 
Intangible assets, net10,770 11,944 
Regulatory assets, non-current526,309 226,582 
Other assets, non-current38,054 37,801 
Total other assets, non-current1,874,587 1,575,781 
TOTAL ASSETS$9,131,896 $8,088,786 


As of

 

December 31, 2023

 

December 31, 2022

 

(in millions)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

86.6

 

$

21.4

 

Restricted cash and equivalents

 

6.4

 

 

5.6

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

350.3

 

 

508.2

 

Materials, supplies and fuel

 

160.9

 

 

207.4

 

Derivative assets, current

 

 

 

0.6

 

Income tax receivable, net

 

18.5

 

 

17.6

 

Regulatory assets, current

 

175.7

 

 

260.3

 

Other current assets

 

28.2

 

 

50.6

 

Total current assets

 

826.6

 

 

1,071.7

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

8,917.2

 

 

8,374.8

 

Less accumulated depreciation and depletion

 

(1,797.9

)

 

(1,576.8

)

Total property, plant and equipment, net

 

7,119.3

 

 

6,798.0

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

1,299.5

 

 

1,299.5

 

Intangible assets, net

 

8.4

 

 

9.6

 

Regulatory assets, non-current

 

304.4

 

 

392.7

 

Other assets, non-current

 

62.2

 

 

46.7

 

Total other assets, non-current

 

1,674.5

 

 

1,748.5

 

TOTAL ASSETS

$

9,620.4

 

$

9,618.2

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.


62

62


BLACK HILLS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Continued)

As of
December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
(in thousands, except share amounts)
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$217,761 $183,340 
Accrued liabilities244,759 243,612 
Derivative liabilities, current1,439 2,044 
Regulatory liabilities, current17,574 25,061 
Notes payable420,180 234,040 
Current maturities of long-term debt— 8,436 
Total current liabilities901,713 696,533 
Long-term debt, net of current maturities4,126,923 3,528,100 
Deferred credits and other liabilities:
Deferred income tax liabilities, net465,388 408,624 
Regulatory liabilities, non-current485,377 507,659 
Benefit plan liabilities123,925 150,556 
Other deferred credits and other liabilities141,447 134,667 
Total deferred credits and other liabilities1,216,137 1,201,506 
Commitments, contingencies and guarantees (Note 3)
00
Equity:
Stockholders’ equity -
Common stock $1.00 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; issued: 64,793,095 and 62,827,179, respectively64,793 62,827 
Additional paid-in capital1,783,436 1,657,285 
Retained earnings962,458 870,738 
Treasury stock at cost - 54,078 and 32,492, respectively(3,509)(2,119)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(20,084)(27,346)
Total stockholders’ equity2,787,094 2,561,385 
Non-controlling interest100,029 101,262 
Total equity2,887,123 2,662,647 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND TOTAL EQUITY$9,131,896 $8,088,786 


As of

 

December 31, 2023

 

December 31, 2022

 

(in millions, except share amounts)

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

186.4

 

$

310.0

 

Accrued liabilities

 

293.3

 

 

243.5

 

Derivative liabilities, current

 

6.5

 

 

6.6

 

Regulatory liabilities, current

 

98.9

 

 

46.0

 

Notes payable

 

 

 

535.6

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

600.0

 

 

525.0

 

Total current liabilities

 

1,185.1

 

 

1,666.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 

3,801.2

 

 

3,607.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred credits and other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Deferred income tax liabilities, net

 

548.0

 

 

508.9

 

Regulatory liabilities, non-current

 

467.7

 

 

472.6

 

Benefit plan liabilities

 

123.9

 

 

116.7

 

Other deferred credits and other liabilities

 

188.7

 

 

156.1

 

Total deferred credits and other liabilities

 

1,328.3

 

 

1,254.3

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments, contingencies and guarantees (Note 3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity:

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity -

 

 

 

 

Common stock $1.00 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; issued: 68,265,042 and 66,140,396, respectively

 

68.3

 

 

66.1

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

2,007.7

 

 

1,882.7

 

Retained earnings

 

1,158.2

 

 

1,064.1

 

Treasury stock at cost - 68,073 and 36,726, respectively

 

(4.1

)

 

(2.4

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(14.8

)

 

(15.6

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

3,215.3

 

 

2,994.9

 

Non-controlling interest

 

90.5

 

 

95.0

 

Total equity

 

3,305.8

 

 

3,089.9

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND TOTAL EQUITY

$

9,620.4

 

$

9,618.2

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

63


BLACK HILLS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Year endedDecember 31, 2021December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
(in thousands)
Operating activities:
Net income$251,260 $242,763 $213,322 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization235,953 224,457 209,120 
Deferred financing cost amortization6,968 7,883 7,838 
Impairment of investment— 6,859 19,741 
Stock compensation9,655 5,373 12,095 
Deferred income taxes7,261 38,091 38,020 
Employee benefit plans9,590 11,997 12,406 
Other adjustments, net7,018 11,669 16,485 
Change in certain operating assets and liabilities:
Materials, supplies and fuel(35,707)2,755 2,052 
Accounts receivable and other current assets(43,170)(10,843)7,578 
Accounts payable and other current liabilities10,660 24,659 (34,906)
Regulatory assets(514,687)(5,047)23,619 
Regulatory liabilities(9,533)(10,706)(15,158)
Contributions to defined benefit pension plans— (12,700)(12,700)
Other operating activities, net167 4,653 6,001 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities(64,565)541,863 505,513 
Investing activities:
Property, plant and equipment additions(677,492)(767,404)(818,376)
Other investing activities13,262 5,740 2,166 
Net cash (used in) investing activities(664,230)(761,664)(816,210)
Financing activities:
Dividends paid on common stock(145,023)(135,439)(124,647)
Common stock issued118,979 99,278 101,358 
Term Loan - borrowings800,000 — — 
Term Loan - repayments(800,000)— — 
Net borrowings (payments) of Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program186,140 (115,460)163,880 
Long-term debt - issuance600,000 400,000 1,100,000 
Long-term debt - repayments(8,436)(8,597)(905,743)
Distributions to non-controlling interests(15,749)(15,839)(17,901)
Other financing activities(4,045)(7,061)(16,737)
Net cash provided by financing activities731,866 216,882 300,210 
Net change in cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents3,071 (2,919)(10,487)
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents beginning of year10,739 13,658 24,145 
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents end of year$13,810 $10,739 $13,658 
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash (paid) refunded during the period:
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)$(142,685)$(136,549)$(131,774)
Income taxes$1,521 $2,172 $4,682 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Accrued property, plant and equipment purchases at December 31$68,758 $72,215 $91,491 
Increase in capitalized assets associated with asset retirement obligations$2,109 $4,774 $5,044 


Year ended

December 31, 2023

 

December 31, 2022

 

December 31, 2021

 

(in millions)

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

276.0

 

$

270.8

 

$

251.2

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

256.8

 

 

250.9

 

 

236.0

 

Deferred financing cost amortization

 

10.1

 

 

9.8

 

 

7.0

 

Stock compensation

 

7.0

 

 

8.6

 

 

9.7

 

Deferred income taxes

 

25.4

 

 

25.6

 

 

7.3

 

Employee benefit plans

 

11.5

 

 

5.5

 

 

9.6

 

Other adjustments, net

 

2.7

 

 

(4.7

)

 

7.0

 

Change in certain operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Materials, supplies and fuel

 

51.4

 

 

(75.4

)

 

(35.7

)

Accounts receivable and other current assets

 

204.5

 

 

(184.5

)

 

(43.2

)

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

 

(109.9

)

 

89.4

 

 

10.6

 

Regulatory assets

 

236.8

 

 

203.9

 

 

(514.7

)

Regulatory liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

(9.5

)

Other operating activities, net

 

(27.9

)

 

(15.1

)

 

0.1

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

944.4

 

 

584.8

 

 

(64.6

)

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment additions

 

(555.6

)

 

(604.4

)

 

(677.5

)

Other investing activities

 

18.9

 

 

0.5

 

 

13.3

 

Net cash (used in) investing activities

 

(536.7

)

 

(603.9

)

 

(664.2

)

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid on common stock

 

(168.1

)

 

(156.7

)

 

(145.0

)

Common stock issued

 

118.3

 

 

90.1

 

 

119.0

 

Term Loan - borrowings

 

 

 

 

 

800.0

 

Term Loan - repayments

 

 

 

 

 

(800.0

)

Net borrowings (payments) of Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program

 

(535.6

)

 

115.4

 

 

186.1

 

Long-term debt - issuance

 

800.0

 

 

 

 

600.0

 

Long-term debt - repayments

 

(525.0

)

 

 

 

(8.4

)

Distributions to non-controlling interests

 

(18.3

)

 

(17.4

)

 

(15.7

)

Other financing activities

 

(13.0

)

 

0.9

 

 

(4.1

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(341.7

)

 

32.3

 

 

731.9

 

Net change in cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents

 

66.0

 

 

13.2

 

 

3.1

 

Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents beginning of year

 

27.0

 

 

13.8

 

 

10.7

 

Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents end of year

$

93.0

 

$

27.0

 

$

13.8

 

Supplemental cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash (paid) refunded during the period:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest (net of amounts capitalized)

$

(157.3

)

$

(152.5

)

$

(142.7

)

Income taxes

$

(1.0

)

$

0.8

 

$

1.5

 

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued property, plant and equipment purchases at December 31

$

52.4

 

$

59.3

 

$

68.8

 

Increase in capitalized assets associated with asset retirement obligations

$

3.8

 

$

14.0

 

$

2.1

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

64


BLACK HILLS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY


Common StockTreasury Stock
(in thousands except share amounts)SharesValueSharesValueAdditional Paid in CapitalRetained EarningsAOCINon controlling InterestTotal
Balance at December 31, 201860,048,567 $60,049 44,253 $(2,510)$1,450,569 $700,396 $(26,916)$105,835 $2,287,423 
Net income— — — — — 199,310 — 14,012 213,322 
Other comprehensive (loss), net of tax— — — — — — (3,739)— (3,739)
Dividends on common stock ($2.05 per share)— — — — — (124,647)— — (124,647)
Share-based compensation103,759 104 (40,297)2,243 4,729 — — — 7,076 
Issuance of common stock1,328,332 1,328 — — 98,672 — — — 100,000 
Issuance costs— — — — (1,182)— — — (1,182)
Other— — — — — 327 — — 327 
Implementation of ASU 2016-02 Leases— — — — — 3,390 — — 3,390 
Distributions to non-controlling interest— — — — — — — (17,901)(17,901)
Balance at December 31, 201961,480,658 $61,481 3,956 $(267)$1,552,788 $778,776 $(30,655)$101,946 $2,464,069 
Net income— — — — — 227,608 — 15,155 242,763 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax— — — — — — 3,309 — 3,309 
Dividends on common stock ($2.17 per share)— — — — — (135,439)— — (135,439)
Share-based compensation123,578 123 28,536 (1,852)6,923 — — — 5,194 
Issuance of common stock1,222,943 1,223 — — 98,777 — — — 100,000 
Issuance costs— — — — (1,203)— — — (1,203)
Implementation of ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments - - Credit Losses— — — — — (207)— — (207)
Distributions to non-controlling interest— — — — — — — (15,839)(15,839)
Balance at December 31, 202062,827,179 $62,827 32,492 $(2,119)$1,657,285 $870,738 $(27,346)$101,262 $2,662,647 
Net income— — — — — 236,744 — 14,516 251,260 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax— — — — — — 7,262 — 7,262 
Dividends on common stock ($2.29 per share)— — — — — (145,023)— — (145,023)
Share-based compensation153,719 154 21,586 (1,390)9,256 — — — 8,020 
Issuance of common stock1,812,197 1,812 — — 118,112 — — — 119,924 
Issuance costs— — — — (1,217)— — — (1,217)
Other— — — — — (1)— — (1)
Distributions to non-controlling interest— — — — — — — (15,749)(15,749)
Balance at December 31, 202164,793,095 $64,793 54,078 $(3,509)$1,783,436 $962,458 $(20,084)$100,029 $2,887,123 

Common Stock

 

Treasury Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions except share amounts)

Shares

 

Value

 

Shares

 

Value

 

Additional Paid in Capital

 

Retained Earnings

 

AOCI

 

Non controlling Interest

 

Total

 

Balance at December 31, 2020

 

62,827,179

 

$

62.8

 

 

32,492

 

$

(2.1

)

$

1,657.3

 

$

870.7

 

$

(27.4

)

$

101.2

 

$

2,662.5

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

236.7

 

 

 

 

14.5

 

 

251.2

 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.3

 

 

 

 

7.3

 

Dividends on common stock ($2.29 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(145.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

(145.0

)

Share-based compensation

 

153,719

 

 

0.2

 

 

21,586

 

 

(1.4

)

 

9.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.0

 

Issuance of common stock

 

1,812,197

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

118.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

119.9

 

Issuance costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.2

)

Distributions to non-controlling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(15.7

)

 

(15.7

)

Balance at December 31, 2021

 

64,793,095

 

$

64.8

 

 

54,078

 

$

(3.5

)

$

1,783.4

 

$

962.4

 

$

(20.1

)

$

100.0

 

$

2,887.0

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

258.4

 

 

 

 

12.4

 

 

270.8

 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.5

 

 

 

 

4.5

 

Dividends on common stock ($2.41 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(156.7

)

 

 

 

 

 

(156.7

)

Share-based compensation

 

39,546

 

 

 

 

(17,352

)

 

1.1

 

 

10.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.6

 

Issuance of common stock

 

1,307,755

 

 

1.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

89.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

91.2

 

Issuance costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.1

)

Distributions to non-controlling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(17.4

)

 

(17.4

)

Balance at December 31, 2022

 

66,140,396

 

$

66.1

 

 

36,726

 

$

(2.4

)

$

1,882.7

 

$

1,064.1

 

$

(15.6

)

$

95.0

 

$

3,089.9

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

262.2

 

 

 

 

13.8

 

 

276.0

 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

 

0.8

 

Dividends on common stock ($2.50 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(168.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

(168.1

)

Share-based compensation

 

93,257

 

 

0.1

 

 

31,347

 

 

(1.7

)

 

8.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.2

 

Issuance of common stock

 

2,031,389

 

 

2.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

117.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

120.0

 

Issuance costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.7

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.7

)

Distributions to non-controlling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(18.3

)

 

(18.3

)

Balance at December 31, 2023

 

68,265,042

 

$

68.3

 

 

68,073

 

$

(4.1

)

$

2,007.7

 

$

1,158.2

 

$

(14.8

)

$

90.5

 

$

3,305.8

 


The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

65


BLACK HILLS CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2021, 20202023, 2022 and 2019

2021


(1) BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES


Business Description


Black Hills Corporation is a customer-focused, growth-oriented utility company headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota. We are a holding company that, through our subsidiaries, conducts our operations through the following reportable segments: Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities. Certain unallocated corporate expenses that support our operating segments are presented as Corporate and Other.


Segment Reporting

Our reportable segments are based on our method of internal reporting, which is generally segregated by differences in products and services. All of our operations and assets are located within the United States.

Our Electric Utilities segment includes the operating results of the regulated electric utility operations of Colorado Electric, South Dakota Electric, and Wyoming Electric, which supply regulated electric utility services to areas in Colorado, Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming. We also own and operate non-regulated power generation and mining businesses that are vertically integrated with our Electric Utilities.

In the fourth quarter of 2021, we integrated our power generation and mining businesses within the Electric Utilities segment. The alignment is consistent with the current way our CODM evaluates the performance of the business and makes decisions related to the allocation of resources. Comparative periods presented reflect this change.

Our Gas Utilities segment consists of the operating results of our regulated natural gas utility subsidiaries in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming.

For further information regarding our segment reporting, see Note 16.

Use of Estimates and Basis of Presentation


The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Changes in facts and circumstances or additional information may result in revised estimates and actual results could differ materially from those estimates.


COVID-19 Pandemic

In March 2020, the World Health Organization categorized COVID-19 as a pandemic and the President of the United States declared the outbreak a national emergency. The U.S. government has deemed electric and natural gas utilities to be critical infrastructure sectors that provide essential services during this emergency. As a provider of essential services, the Company has an obligation to provide services to our customers. The Company remains focused on protecting the health of our customers, employees and the communities in which we operate while assuring the continuity of our business operations.

The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements reflect estimates and assumptions made by management that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods presented. The Company considered the impacts of COVID-19 on the assumptions and estimates used and determined that, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no material adverse impacts on the Company’s results of operations.

Principles of Consolidation


The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Black Hills Corporation and its wholly-owned and majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. Furthermore, VIEs in which the Company has an ownership interest and is the primary beneficiary, thus controlling the VIE, have been consolidated. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. For additional information on intercompany revenues, see

Note 16

.


Our Consolidated Statements of Income include operating activity of acquired companies beginning with their acquisition date. We use the proportionate consolidation method to account for our ownership interest in any jointly-owned electric utility generation facility, wind farm or transmission tie.facility. See Note 6 for additional information.


Non-controlling Interests

66

Variable Interest Entities


We evaluate arrangements and contracts with other entities to determine if they are VIEs and if we are the primary beneficiary. GAAP provides a framework for identifying VIEs and determining when a company should include the assets, liabilities, non-controlling interest and results of activities of a VIE in its consolidated financial statements.


A VIE should be consolidated if a party with an ownership, contractual or other financial interest in the VIE (a variable interest holder) has the power to direct the VIE’s most significant activities and the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits of the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. A variable interest holder that consolidates the VIE is called the primary beneficiary. Upon consolidation, the primary beneficiary generally must initially record all of the VIE’s assets, liabilities and non-controlling interests at fair value and subsequently account for the VIE as if it were consolidated.


Our evaluation of whether our interest qualifies as the primary beneficiary of a VIE involves significant judgments, estimates and assumptions and includes a qualitative analysis of the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and whether the Company has the power to direct those activities, the design of the entity, the rights of the parties and the purpose of the arrangement. Black Hills Colorado IPP is a VIE. See additional information in Note 12 for additional information.

.


Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash


We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents. We maintain cash accounts for various specified purposes, which are classified as restricted cash.


66


Table of Contents

Revenue Recognition


Our revenue contracts generally provide for performance obligations that are fulfilled and transfer control to customers over time, represent a series of distinct services that are substantially the same, involve the same pattern of transfer to the customer and provide a right to consideration from our customers in an amount that corresponds directly with the value to the customer for the performance completed to date. Therefore, we recognize revenue in the amount to which we have a right to invoice. Our primary types of revenue contracts are:


Regulated natural gas and electric utility services tariffs - Our Utilities have regulated operations, as defined by ASC 980, Regulated Operations, that provide services to regulated customers under tariff rates, charges, terms and conditions of service and prices determined by the jurisdictional regulators designated for our service territories. Our regulated services primarily encompass single performance obligations for delivery of either commodity natural gas, commodity electricity, natural gas transportation or electric transmission services. These service revenues are variable based on quantities delivered, influenced by seasonal business and weather patterns. Tariffs are only permitted to be changed through a rate-setting process involving the state or federal regulatory commissions to establish contractual rates between the utility and its customers. All of our Utilities’ regulated sales are subject to regulatory-approved tariffs.


Power sales agreements - Our Electric Utilities segment has long-term wholesale power sales agreements with other load-serving entities, including affiliates, for the sale of excess power from owned generating units. These agreements include a combination of “take or pay” arrangements, where the customer is obligated to pay for the energy regardless of whether it actually takes delivery, as well as “requirements only” arrangements, where the customer is only obligated to pay for the energy the customer needs. In addition to these long-term contracts, we also sell excess energy to other load-serving entities on a short-term basis. The pricing for all of these arrangements is included in the executed contracts or confirmations, reflecting the standalone selling price and is variable based on energy delivered. Certain energy sale and purchase transactions with the same counterparty and at the same delivery point are netted to reflect the economic substance of the arrangement.

Coal supply agreements

 - Our WRDC mine sells coal primarily under long-term contracts to affiliates for use at their generation facilities. The contracts include a single promise to supply coal necessary to fuel the customers’ facilities during the contract term. The transaction price is established in the supply agreements, including cost-based agreements with the affiliated regulated utilities, and is variable based on tons delivered.


Other non-regulated services - Our Utilities segments also provide non-regulated services primarily comprised of appliance repair service and protection plans, electric and natural gas technical infrastructure construction and maintenance services, and in Nebraska and Wyoming, an unbundled natural gas commodity offering under the regulatory-approved Choice Gas Program. Revenue contracts for these services generally represent a single performance obligation with the price reflecting the standalone selling price stated in the agreement and a variable revenue based on the units delivered or services provided.

67

The majority of our revenue contracts are based on variable quantities delivered. Any fixed consideration contracts with an expected duration of one year or more are immaterial to our consolidated revenues. Variable consideration constraints in the form of discounts, rebates, credits, price concessions, incentives, performance bonuses, penalties or other similar items are not material for our revenue contracts. We are the principal in our revenue contracts, as we have control over the services prior to those services being transferred to the customer.


Revenue Not in Scope of ASC 606

Other revenues included in the tables in Note 4 include our revenue accounted for under separate accounting guidance, including lease revenue under ASC 842, Leases, derivative revenue under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and alternative revenue programs revenue under ASC 980, Regulated Operations.


Significant Judgments and Estimates

Unbilled Revenue


To the extent that deliveries have occurred, but a bill has not been issued, our Utilities accrue an estimate of the revenue since the latest billing. This estimate is calculated based upon several factors including billings through the last billing cycle in a month and prices in effect in our jurisdictions. Each month, the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are trued-up and recorded in Accounts receivable, net on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.


Contract Balances


The nature of our primary revenue contracts provides an unconditional right to consideration upon service delivery; therefore, no customer contract assets or liabilities exist. The unconditional right to consideration is represented by the balance in our Accounts receivable, which is further discussed below.


Additional information is included inSee Note 4 for additional information.

.


Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses


Accounts receivable for our Electric and Gas Utilities business segments primarily consists of sales to residential, commercial, industrial, transportation and other customers, all of which do not bear interest. These accounts receivable are stated at billed and estimated unbilled amounts, net of allowance for credit losses. Accounts receivable for our power generationlosses, and mining businesses consists of amounts due from sales of electric energy and capacity and coal primarily to affiliates or regional utilities.

do not bear interest. We maintain an allowance for credit losses which reflects our estimate of uncollectible trade receivables. We regularly review our trade receivable allowance by considering such factors as historical experience, credit worthiness, the age of the receivable balances and current economic conditions that may affect collectability.

67


In specific cases where we are aware of a customer’s inability or reluctance to pay, we record an allowance for credit losses to reduce the net receivable balance to the amount we reasonably expect to collect. However, if circumstances change, our estimate of the recoverability of accounts receivable could be affected. Circumstances which could affect our estimates include, but are not limited to, customer credit issues, expected losses, the level of commodity prices, customer deposits and general economic conditions. Accounts are written off once they are deemed to be uncollectible or the time allowed for dispute under the contract has expired.

We utilize master netting agreements which consist of an agreement between two parties who have multiple contracts with each other that provide for the net settlement of all contracts in the event of default on or termination of any one contract. When the right of offset exists, accounting standards permit the netting of receivables and payables under a legally enforceable master netting agreement between counterparties. Accounting standards also permit offsetting of fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim, or the obligation to return, cash collateral against fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty.


Following is a summary of accounts receivable as of December 31 (in thousands)millions):

2023

 

2022

 

Billed Accounts Receivable

$

198.5

 

$

267.6

 

Unbilled Revenue

 

154.0

 

 

243.6

 

Less Allowance for Credit Losses

 

(2.2

)

 

(3.0

)

Accounts Receivable, net

$

350.3

 

$

508.2

 


20212020
Billed Accounts Receivable$181,027 $146,899 
Unbilled Revenue$142,738 $126,065 
Less Allowance for Credit Losses$(2,113)$(7,003)
Accounts Receivable, net$321,652 $265,961 
68



Changes to allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31, were as follows (in thousands)millions):

Balance at
Beginning of Year

 

Additions
Charged to Costs and Expenses

 

Recoveries and
Other Additions

 

Write-offs and
Other Deductions

 

Balance at
End of Year

 

2023

$

3.0

 

$

8.7

 

$

4.1

 

$

(13.6

)

$

2.2

 

2022

$

2.1

 

$

9.1

 

$

3.5

 

$

(11.7

)

$

3.0

 

2021

$

7.0

 

$

2.4

 

$

3.6

 

$

(10.9

)

$

2.1

 

Balance at Beginning of YearAdditions Charged to Costs and ExpensesRecoveries and Other AdditionsWrite-offs and Other DeductionsBalance at End of Year
2021$7,003 $2,444 (a)$3,560 $(10,894)$2,113 
2020$2,444 $8,927 (a)$4,728 $(9,096)$7,003 
2019$3,209 $5,795 $3,942 $(10,502)$2,444 
_________________
(a)    Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all of our jurisdictions temporarily suspended disconnections due to non-payment for a period of time, which increased our accounts receivable arrears balances. As a result, we increased our allowance for credit losses and bad debt expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 by an incremental $3.3 million. All jurisdiction disconnect moratoriums ended on or before May 3, 2021.

Materials, Supplies and Fuel


The following amounts by major classification are included in Materials, supplies and fuel on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 (in thousands):
20212020
Materials and supplies$86,400 $85,250 
Fuel1,267 1,531 
Natural gas in storage63,312 30,619 
Total materials, supplies and fuel$150,979 $117,400 


Materials and supplies represent parts and supplies for our business segments.operations. Fuel represents diesel oil and gas used by our Electric Utilitieselectric generating facilities to produce power. Natural gas in storage primarily represents gas purchased for use by our gas customers. All of our Materials, supplies and fuel are recorded using the weighted-average cost method and are valued at the lower-of-cost or net realizable value. The value of our natural gas in storage fluctuates with seasonal volume requirements of our business and the commodity price of natural gas.


Investments

In February 2018, we made a contribution of $28 million of assets in exchange for equity securities in a privately held oil and gas company as we divested of our Oil and Gas segment. The carrying value of our investment in the equity securities was recorded at cost. We review this investment on a periodic basis to determine whether a significant event or change in circumstances has occurred that may have an adverse effect on the value of the investment.

During the third quarter of 2019, we assessed our investment for impairment as a result of a deterioration in earnings performance of the privately held oil and gas company and an adverse change in future natural gas prices. Based on the estimated fair value of our investment, we concluded that the carrying value of the investment exceeded fair value. As a result, we recorded a pre-tax impairment loss of $20 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, which was the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the investment at that time.

During the first quarter of 2020, we assessed our investment for impairment as a result of continued adverse changes in future natural gas prices and liquidity concerns at the privately held oil and gas company. Based on the estimated fair value of our investment, we concluded that the carrying value of the investment exceeded fair value. As a result, we recorded a pre-tax impairment loss of $6.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, which was the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the investment at that time.

The following table presents the carrying value of our investments (in thousands), whichamounts by major classification are included in Other assets, non-currentMaterials, supplies and fuel on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31:
20212020
Investment in privately held oil and gas company$1,500 $1,500 
Cash surrender value of life insurance contracts12,365 13,628 
Other investments1,616 682 
Total investments$15,481 $15,810 
69

31 (in millions):

Table of Contents

2023

 

2022

 

Materials and supplies

$

105.9

 

$

99.7

 

Fuel

 

7.7

 

 

3.1

 

Natural gas in storage

 

47.3

 

 

104.6

 

Total materials, supplies and fuel

$

160.9

 

$

207.4

 




Property, Plant and Equipment


Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, which includes construction-related direct labor and material costs, indirect construction costs including labor and related costs of departments associated with supporting construction activities, and AFUDC. Additions to and significant replacements of property are charged to property, plant and equipment at cost. We also classify our Cushion Gas as Property, plant and equipment. Ordinary repairs and maintenance of property, except as allowed under rate regulations, are charged to operations as incurred.

We receive contributions in aid of construction (CIACs) from third parties that are generally intended to defray all or a portion of the costs for certain capital projects. Such CIAC costs are recorded at cost. as a reduction to Property, plant, and equipment.

The cost of regulated utility property, plant and equipment retired, or otherwise disposed in the ordinary course of business, less salvage plus retirement costs, is charged to accumulated depreciation. Estimated removal costs related to our regulated properties that do not have legal retirement obligations are reclassified from accumulated depreciation and reflected as regulatory liabilities. Retirement or disposal of all other operating assets result in gains or losses recognized as a reduction to Operations and maintenance expense.

See Note 5 for additional information.

68


Depreciation

Depreciation provisions for property, plant and equipment are generally computed on a straight-line basis based on the applicable estimated service life of the various classes of property. The composite depreciation method is applied to regulated utility property. Depreciation studies are conducted periodically to update composite rates and are approved by state utility commissions and/or the FERC when required. Capitalized mining costs and coal leases are amortized on a unit-of-production method based on volumes produced and estimated reserves. For certain non-regulated power plant components, depreciation is computed on a unit-of-production methodology based on plant hours run.

AFUDC

Included in the cost of regulated construction projects is AFUDC, when applicable, which represents the approximate composite cost of borrowed funds and a return on equity used to finance a regulated utility project. The following table presents AFUDC amounts (in thousands)millions) for the years ended December 31:

Income Statement Location

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

AFUDC Borrowed

Interest expense incurred, net of amounts capitalized

$

6.0

 

$

5.6

 

$

4.1

 

AFUDC Equity

Other income (expense), net

 

0.4

 

 

0.6

 

 

0.6

 


Income Statement Location202120202019
AFUDC BorrowedInterest expense incurred net of amounts capitalized (including amortization of debt issuance costs, premiums and discounts)$4,068 $5,617 $6,556 
AFUDC EquityOther income (expense), net593 318 472 


We also capitalize interest, when applicable, on undeveloped leasehold costs and certain non-regulated construction projects. In addition, asset retirement costs associated with tangible long-lived regulated utility assets are recognized as liabilities with an increase to the carrying amounts of the related long-lived regulated utility assets in the period incurred. The amounts capitalized are included in Property, plant and equipment on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. We also classify our Cushion Gas as property, plant and equipment.


The cost of regulated utility property, plant and equipment retired, or otherwise disposed in the ordinary course of business, less salvage plus retirement costs, is charged to accumulated depreciation. Estimated removal costs related to our regulated properties that do not have legal retirement obligations are reclassified from accumulated depreciation and reflected as regulatory liabilities. Retirement or disposal of all other assets result in gains or losses recognized as a component of operating income. Ordinary repairs and maintenance of property, except as allowed under rate regulations, are charged to operations as incurred.

Depreciation provisions for property, plant and equipment are generally computed on a straight-line basis based on the applicable estimated service life of the various classes of property. The composite depreciation method is applied to regulated utility property. Capitalized mining costs and coal leases are amortized on a unit-of-production method based on volumes produced and estimated reserves. For certain non-regulated power plant components, depreciation is computed on a unit-of-production methodology based on plant hours run.

See Note 5

 for additional information.


Asset Retirement Obligations


Accounting standards for AROs associated with long-lived assets require that the present value of retirement costs for which we have a legal obligation be recorded as liabilities with an equivalent amount added to the asset cost and depreciated over an appropriate period. The associated ARO accretion expense for our non-regulated operations, and regulated operations without a corresponding recovery mechanism, is included within Depreciation, depletion and amortization on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. The accounting for the obligation for regulated operations with a regulatory mechanism has no income statement impact due to the deferral of the adjustments through the establishment of a regulatory asset or a regulatory liability.


We initially record liabilities for the present value of retirement costs for which we have a legal obligation, with an equivalent amount added to the asset cost. The asset is then depreciated or depleted over the appropriate useful life and the liability is accreted over time by applying an interest method of allocation. Any difference in the actual cost of the settlement of the liability and the recorded amount is recognized as a gain or loss in the results of operations at the time of settlement for our non-regulated operations. Additional information is included inSee Note 7 for additional information.

.


Goodwill and Intangible Assets


Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but the carrying values are reviewed upon an indicator of impairment or at least annually. Intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over their estimated useful lives.


We perform a goodwill impairment test on an annual basis or upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances that indicate that the asset might be impaired. Our annual goodwill impairment testing date is as of October 1, which aligns our testing date with our financial planning process.


The Company has determined that the reporting units for its goodwill impairment test are its operating segments, or components of an operating segment.


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Our goodwill impairment analysis includes an income approach and a market approach to estimate the fair value of our reporting units. This analysis requires the inputThese valuations require significant judgments, including, but not limited to: 1) estimates of several criticalfuture cash flows, based on our internal five-year business plans and adjusted as appropriate for our view of market participant assumptions, including futurewith long range cash flows estimated using a terminal value calculation; 2) estimates of long-term growth rates cash flow projections, operating cost escalation rates, ratesfor our businesses; 3) the determination of return, a risk-adjusted discount rate, timing and level of success in regulatory rate proceedings, thean appropriate weighted-average cost of debtcapital or discount rate; and equity capital, long-term earnings and merger multiples4) the utilization of market information such as recent sales transactions for comparable companies.
assets within the utility and energy industries.


We believe that goodwill reflects the inherent value of the relatively stable, long-lived cash flows of our Utilities businesses, considering the regulatory environment, and the long-lived cash flow and rate base growth opportunities at our Utilities, and those businesses vertically integrated. Goodwill amounts have not changed since 2016.

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Table of Contents

As of December 31, 20212023 and 2020,2022, Goodwill balances were as follows (in thousands)millions):

Electric Utilities

 

Gas Utilities

 

Total

 

Goodwill

$

257.3

 

$

1,042.2

 

$

1,299.5

 

Electric UtilitiesGas UtilitiesTotal
Goodwill$257,244 $1,042,210 $1,299,454 


Our intangible assets represent contract intangibles, easements, rights-of-way, customer listings and trademarks. The finite-lived intangible assets are amortized using a straight-line method based on estimated useful lives; these assets are currently being amortized from 2 years to 4041 years.Changes to intangible assets for the years ended December 31, were as follows (in thousands)millions):

202120202019
Intangible assets, net, beginning balance$11,944 $13,266 $14,337 
Amortization expense (a)
(1,174)(1,322)(1,071)
Intangible assets, net, ending balance$10,770 $11,944 $13,266 

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Intangible assets, net, beginning balance

$

9.6

 

$

10.8

 

$

11.9

 

Amortization expense (a)

 

(1.2

)

 

(1.2

)

 

(1.1

)

Intangible assets, net, ending balance

$

8.4

 

$

9.6

 

$

10.8

 

____________________
(a)
(a)    Amortization expense for existing intangible assets is expected to be $1.2$1.2 million for each year of the next five years.

Accrued Liabilities


The following amounts by major classification are included in Accrued liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 (in thousands)millions):

2023

 

2022

 

Accrued employee compensation, benefits and withholdings

$

74.8

 

$

62.9

 

Accrued property taxes

 

52.7

 

 

52.4

 

Customer deposits and prepayments

 

76.0

 

 

47.7

 

Accrued interest

 

46.3

 

 

33.8

 

Other (none of which is individually significant)

 

43.5

 

 

46.7

 

Total accrued liabilities

$

293.3

 

$

243.5

 

20212020
Accrued employee compensation, benefits and withholdings$74,387 $77,806 
Accrued property taxes50,874 47,105 
Customer deposits and prepayments48,814 52,185 
Accrued interest33,680 31,520 
Other (none of which is individually significant)37,004 34,996 
Total accrued liabilities$244,759 $243,612 


Fair Value Measurements


Financial Instruments


We use the following fair value hierarchy for determining inputs for our financial instruments. Our assets and liabilities for financial instruments are classified and disclosed in one of the following fair value categories:


Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices available in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical unrestricted assets or liabilities. Level 1 instruments primarily consist of highly liquid and actively traded financial instruments with quoted pricing information on an ongoing basis.


Level 2 — Pricing inputs include quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in active markets other than quoted prices in Level 1, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.


Level 3 — Pricing inputs are generally less observable from objective sources. These inputs reflect management’s best estimate of fair value using its own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.


Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. We record transfers, if necessary, between levels at the end of the reporting period for all of our financial instruments.

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Table of Contents




Transfers into Level 3, if any, occur when significant inputs used to value the derivative instruments become less observable, such as a significant decrease in the frequency and volume in which the instrument is traded, negatively impacting the availability of observable pricing inputs. Transfers out of Level 3, if any, occur when the significant inputs become more observable, such as when the time between the valuation date and the delivery date of a transaction becomes shorter, positively impacting the availability of observable pricing inputs.

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Valuation Methodologies for Derivatives


The wholesale electric energy and natural gas commodity contracts for our Utilities are valued using the market approach and include forward strip pricing at liquid delivery points, exchange-traded futures, options, basis swaps and over-the-counter swaps and options (Level 2). For exchange-traded futures, options and basis swap assets and liabilities, fair value was derived using broker quotes validated by the exchange settlement pricing for the applicable contract. For over-the-counter instruments, the fair value is obtained by utilizing a nationally recognized service that obtains observable inputs to compute the fair value, which we validate by comparing our valuation with the counterparty. The fair value of these swaps includes a CVAcredit valuation adjustment based on the credit spreads of the counterparties when we are in an unrealized gain position or on our own credit spread when we are in an unrealized loss position.


Additional information on fair value measurements is included inSee Notes 10 and 13 for additional information.

.


Derivatives and Hedging Activities


All our derivatives are measured at fair value and recognized as either assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, except for derivative contracts that qualify for and are elected under the normal purchase and normal sales exception. Normal purchases and normal sales are contracts where physical delivery is probable, quantities are expected to be used or sold in the normal course of business over a reasonable amount of time and pricing is clearly and closely related to the asset being purchased or sold. Normal purchase and sales contracts are recognized when the underlying physical transaction is completed under the accrual basis of accounting.


In addition, certain derivative contracts approved by regulatory authorities are either recovered or refunded through customer rates. Any changes in the fair value of these approved derivative contracts are deferred as a regulatory asset or regulatory liability pursuant to ASC 980, Regulated Operations.


We also have some derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting and are designated as cash flow hedges. The gain or loss on these designated derivatives is deferred in AOCI and reclassified into earnings when the corresponding hedged transaction is recognized in earnings. Changes in the fair value of all other derivative contracts are recognized in earnings.


We utilize master netting agreements which consist of an agreement between two parties who have multiple contracts with each other that provide for the net settlement of all contracts in the event of default on or termination of any one contract. When the right of offset exists, accounting standards permit the netting of receivables and payables under a legally enforceable master netting agreement between counterparties. Accounting standards also permit offsetting of fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim, or the obligation to return, cash collateral against fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty. We reflect the offsetting of net derivative positions with fair value amounts for cash collateral with the same counterparty when a legal right of offset exists. Therefore, the gross amounts are not indicative of either our actual credit or net economic exposures.

The cash impacts of settled derivatives are recorded as operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

See additional information in Notes 9, 10 and 11 for additional information.

.


Debt Discounts, Premiums and Deferred Financing Costs


Deferred financing costs include loan origination fees, underwriter fees, legal fees and other costs directly attributable to the issuance of debt. DeferredDebt discounts, premiums and deferred financing costs are amortized over the estimated useful life of the related debt. TheseUnamortized discounts, premiums and deferred financing costs are presented on the balance sheet as an adjustment to the related debt liabilities. See additional information in Note 8 for additional information.

.


Regulatory Accounting


Our regulated Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities are subject to cost-of-service regulation and earnings oversight from federal and state regulatory commissions. Our Electric and Gas Utilities account for income and expense items in accordance with accounting standards for regulated operations. These accounting policies differ in some respects from those used by our non-regulated businesses. Under these regulated operations accounting standards:


Certain costs, which would otherwise be charged to expense or OCI, are deferred as regulatory assets based on the expected ability to recover the costs in future rates.

72

Certain credits, which would otherwise be reflected as income or OCI, are deferred as regulatory liabilities based on the expectation the amounts will be returned to customers in future rates, or because the amounts were collected in rates prior to the costs being incurred.

71


Management continually assesses the probability of future recoveries and obligations associated with regulatory assets and liabilities. Factors such as the current regulatory environment, recently issued rate orders, and historical precedents are considered. As a result, we believe that the accounting prescribed under rate-based regulation remains appropriate and our regulatory assets are probable of recovery in current rates or in future rate proceedings.


If changes in the regulatory environment occur, we may no longer be eligible to apply this accounting treatment and may be required to eliminate regulatory assets and liabilities from our balance sheet. Such changes could adversely affect our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.


As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, we had total regulatory assets of $797 million and $278 million respectively, and total regulatory liabilities of $503 million and $533 million respectively. See Note 2 for furtheradditional information.


Income Taxes


The Company is subject to federal income tax as well as income tax in various state and local jurisdictions. The Company and its subsidiaries file consolidated federal income tax returns. Each entitysubsidiary records both federal and state income taxes as if it were a separate taxpayer and consolidating expense adjustments are allocated to the subsidiaries based on separate company computations of taxable income or loss.


We use the asset and liability method in accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred income taxes are recognized at currently enacted income tax rates, to reflect the tax effect of temporary differences between the financial and tax basis of assets and liabilities as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Such temporary differences are the result of provisions in the income tax law that either require or permit certain items to be reported on the income tax return in a different period than they are reported in the financial statements.


It is our policy to apply the flow-through method of accounting for ITCs. Under the flow-through method, ITCs are reflected in net income as a reduction to income tax expense in the year they qualify. An exception to this general policy is the deferral method, which applies to our regulated businesses. Such a method results in the ITC being amortized as a reduction to income tax expense over the estimated useful lives of the underlying property that gave rise to the credit.


We recognize interest income or interest expense and penalties related to income tax matters in Income tax benefit (expense)expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income.


We have elected to account for transferable clean energy tax credits, including PTCs and ITCs within the provision for income taxes.

We account for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with the accounting standards for income taxes. The unrecognized tax benefit is classified in Other deferred credits and other liabilities or in Deferred income tax liabilities, net on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 15 for additional information.


Earnings per Share of Common Stock


Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing Net income available for common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year. Diluted earnings per share is computed by including all dilutive common shares outstanding during each year. Diluted common shares are primarily due to equity units, outstanding stock options, restricted stock and performance shares under our equity compensation plans.


A reconciliation of share amounts used to compute earnings per share is as follows for the years ended December 31 (in thousands)millions, except earnings per share amounts):

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Net income available for common stock

$

262.2

 

$

258.4

 

$

236.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares - basic

 

67.0

 

 

64.9

 

 

63.2

 

Dilutive effect of equity compensation

 

0.1

 

 

0.1

 

 

0.1

 

Weighted average shares - diluted

 

67.1

 

 

65.0

 

 

63.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income available for common stock, per share - Diluted

$

3.91

 

$

3.97

 

$

3.74

 

202120202019
Net income available for common stock$236,744 $227,608 $199,310 
Weighted average shares - basic63,219 62,378 60,662 
Dilutive effect of:
Equity compensation106 61 136 
Weighted average shares - diluted63,325 62,439 60,798 
Net income available for common stock, per share - Diluted$3.74 $3.65 $3.28 


73

The following securities were excluded from the diluted earnings per share computation for the years ended December 31 because of their anti-dilutive nature (in thousands):nature:

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Equity compensation

 

46,275

 

 

 

 

13,101

 

Anti-dilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share

 

46,275

 

 

 

 

13,101

 

72


202120202019
Equity compensation13 60 
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share13 60 


Non-controlling Interests

We account for changes in our controlling interests of subsidiaries according to ASC 810, Consolidation. ASC 810 requires that the Company record such changes as equity transactions, recording no gain or loss on such a sale. GAAP requires that non-controlling interests in subsidiaries and affiliates be reported in the equity section of a company’s balance sheet. In addition, the amounts attributable to the non-controlling interest net income (loss) of those subsidiaries are reported separately in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. See Note 12 for additional detail on non-controlling interests.

Share-Based Compensation


We account for our share-based compensation arrangements in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, by recognizing compensation costs for all share-based awards over the respective service period for employee services received in exchange for an award of equity or equity-based compensation. Awards that will be settled in stock are accounted for as equity and the compensation expense is based on the grant date fair value. Awards that are settled in cash are accounted for as liabilities and the compensation expense is re-measured each period based on the current market price and performance achievement measures. See additional information in Note 14 for additional information.

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans

We recognize on our Consolidated Balance Sheets an asset or liability reflecting the funded status of pension and other postretirement plans with current-year changes in actuarial gains or losses recognized in AOCI, except for those plans at certain of our regulated utilities that can recover portions of their pension and postretirement obligations through future rates. All plan assets are recorded at fair value. We follow the measurement date provisions of ASC 715, .Compensation-Retirement Benefits, which require a year-end measurement date of plan assets and obligations for all defined benefit plans.


Recently Issued Accounting Standards


Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting,

Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, ASU 2020-04

2023-07


In March 2020,November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04,2023-07, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): FacilitationImprovements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which expands public entities’ segment disclosures by requiring disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly reviewed by the EffectsCODM and included within each reported measure of Reference Rate Reformsegment profit or loss, an amount and description of its composition for other segment items, and interim disclosures of a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets. The ASU also allows, in addition to the measure that is most consistent with GAAP, the disclosure of additional measures of segment profit or loss that are used by the CODM in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. The ASU is effective for our Annual Report on Financial Reporting, which was subsequently amended by ASU 2021-01. The standard provides reliefForm 10-K for companies preparing for discontinuation of interest rates, such as LIBOR,the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and allows optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in this update are elective and are effective uponsubsequent interim periods, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the ASU issuance through December 31, 2022. We are currently evaluating if we will apply the optional guidance as we assess the impact of the discontinuance of LIBOR on our current arrangements and the potentialto have an impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.


Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Simplifyingflows; however, are currently evaluating the Accounting forimpact on our consolidated financial statement disclosures.

Improvements to Income Taxes,Tax Disclosures, ASU 2019-12

2023-09


In December 2019,2023, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12,2023-09, SimplifyingImprovements to Income Tax Disclosures, which expands public entities’ annual disclosures by requiring disclosure of tax rate reconciliation amounts and percentages for specific categories, income taxes paid disaggregated by federal and state taxes, and income tax expense disaggregated by federal and state taxes jurisdiction. The ASU is effective for our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Accounting for Income Taxes as part of its overall simplification initiativefiscal year ended December 31, 2025, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the ASU to reduce costs and complexity in applying accounting standards while maintaining or improving the usefulness of the information provided to users of the financial statements. Amendments include removal of certain exceptions to the general principles of ASC 740, Income Taxes, and simplification in several other areas such as accounting for a franchise tax (or similar tax) that is partially based on income. We adopted this standard prospectively on January 1, 2021. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on our financial position, results of operations orand cash flows.flows; however, are currently evaluating the impact on our consolidated financial statement disclosures.


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73


(2) REGULATORY MATTERS


We had the following regulatory assets and liabilities as of December 31 (in thousands)millions):

2023

 

2022

 

Regulatory assets

 

 

 

 

Winter Storm Uri (a)

$

199.6

 

$

348.0

 

Deferred energy and fuel cost adjustments (b)

 

55.1

 

 

72.6

 

Deferred gas cost adjustments (b)

 

4.1

 

 

12.2

 

Gas price derivatives (b)

 

5.1

 

 

8.8

 

Deferred taxes on AFUDC (b)

 

7.1

 

 

7.3

 

Employee benefit plans and related deferred taxes (c)

 

89.3

 

 

89.3

 

Environmental (b)

 

2.9

 

 

1.3

 

Loss on reacquired debt (b)

 

17.4

 

 

19.2

 

Deferred taxes on flow-through accounting (b)

 

74.7

 

 

69.5

 

Decommissioning costs (b)

 

2.4

 

 

3.5

 

Other regulatory assets (b)

 

22.4

 

 

21.3

 

Total regulatory assets

 

480.1

 

 

653.0

 

Less current regulatory assets

 

(175.7

)

 

(260.3

)

Regulatory assets, non-current

$

304.4

 

$

392.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory liabilities

 

 

 

 

Deferred energy and gas costs (b)

$

88.9

 

$

41.7

 

Employee benefit plans and related deferred taxes (c)

 

36.2

 

 

38.9

 

Cost of removal (b)

 

181.9

 

 

175.6

 

Excess deferred income taxes (c)

 

247.1

 

 

254.8

 

Other regulatory liabilities (c)

 

12.5

 

 

7.6

 

Total regulatory liabilities

 

566.6

 

 

518.6

 

Less current regulatory liabilities

 

(98.9

)

 

(46.0

)

Regulatory liabilities, non-current

$

467.7

 

$

472.6

 

20212020
Regulatory assets
Winter Storm Uri (a)
$509,025 $— 
Deferred energy and fuel cost adjustments (b)
59,973 39,035 
Deferred gas cost adjustments (b)
9,488 3,200 
Gas price derivatives (b)
2,584 2,226 
Deferred taxes on AFUDC (b)
7,457 7,491 
Employee benefit plans and related deferred taxes (c)
88,923 116,598 
Environmental (b)
1,385 1,413 
Loss on reacquired debt (b)
21,011 22,864 
Deferred taxes on flow-through accounting (b)
63,243 47,515 
Decommissioning costs (b)
5,961 8,988 
Gas supply contract termination (b)
— 2,524 
Other regulatory assets (b)
27,549 26,404 
Total regulatory assets796,599 278,258 
Less current regulatory assets(270,290)(51,676)
Regulatory assets, non-current$526,309 $226,582 
Regulatory liabilities
Deferred energy and gas costs (b)
$6,113 $13,253 
Employee benefit plan costs and related deferred taxes (c)
32,241 40,256 
Cost of removal (b)
179,976 172,902 
Excess deferred income taxes (c)
264,042 285,259 
Other regulatory liabilities (c)
20,579 21,050 
Total regulatory liabilities502,951 532,720 
Less current regulatory liabilities(17,574)(25,061)
Regulatory liabilities, non-current$485,377 $507,659 
_____________________(a)
(a)    Timing of Winter Storm Uri incremental cost recovery and associated carrying costs vary by jurisdiction and some jurisdictions are still subject to pending applications with the respective utility commission.jurisdiction. See further information below.
(b)    Recovery
Recovery/repayment of costs, but we are not allowed a rate of return.
(c)
In addition to recovery or repayment of costs, we are allowed a return on a portion of this amount or a reduction in rate base.


Regulatory assets represent items we expect to recover from customers through probable future rates.


Winter Storm Uri - See discussion below forOur Utilities have received commission approval to recover incremental fuel, purchased power and natural gas costs associated with Winter Storm Uri. In certain jurisdictions, we also received commission approval to recover carrying costs. As of December 31, 2023, we estimate that our remaining Winter Storm Uri regulatory asset information.has a weighted-average recovery period of


2.2
years.

Deferred Energy and Fuel Cost Adjustments - Deferred energy and fuel cost adjustments represent the cost of electricity delivered to our Electric Utilities’ customers that is either higher or lower than the current rates and will be recovered or refunded in future rates. Deferred energy and fuel cost adjustments are recorded and recovered or amortized as approved by the appropriate state regulatory commission. Our Electric Utilities file periodic quarterly, semi-annual and/or annual filings to recover these costs based on the respective cost mechanisms approved by their applicable state regulatory commissions. The recovery period for these costs is less than a year.


Deferred Gas Cost Adjustments - Our regulated Gas Utilities have GCA provisions that allow them to pass the cost of gas on to their customers. The GCA is based on forecasts of the upcoming gas costs and recovery or refund of prior under-recovered or over-recovered costs. To the extent that gas costs are under-recovered or over-recovered, they are recorded as a regulatory asset or liability, respectively. Our Gas Utilities file periodic estimates of future gasmonthly, quarterly, semi-annual and/or annual filings to recover these costs based on market forecasts withthe respective cost mechanisms approved by their applicable state regulatory commissions. The recovery period for these costs is less than a year.


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Gas Price Derivatives - Our regulated Gas Utilities, as allowed or required by state regulatory commissions, have entered into certain exchange-traded natural gas futures and options to reduce our customers’ underlying exposure to fluctuations in gas prices. Gas price derivatives represent our unrealized positions on our commodity contracts supporting our utilities. Gas price derivatives at December 31, 20212023 are hedged over a maximum forward term of two years.years.

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Deferred Taxes on AFUDC - The equity component of AFUDC is considered a permanent difference for tax purposes with the tax benefit being flowed through to customers as prescribed or allowed by regulators. If, based on a regulator’s action, it is probable the utility will recover the future increase in taxes payable represented by this flow-through treatment through a rate revenue increase, a regulatory asset is recognized. This regulatory asset is a temporary difference for which a deferred tax liability must be recognized. Accounting standards for income taxes specifically address AFUDC-equity and require a gross-up of such amounts to reflect the revenue requirement associated with a rate-regulated environment.


Employee Benefit Plans and Related Deferred Taxes - Employee benefit plans include the unrecognized prior service costs and net actuarial loss associated with our defined benefit pension plan and post-retirement benefit plans in regulatory assets rather than in AOCI. In addition, this regulatory asset includes the income tax effect of the adjustment required under accounting for compensation - defined benefit plans, to record the full pension and post-retirement benefit obligations. Such income tax effect has been grossed-up to account for the revenue requirement associated with a rate regulated environment.


Environmental - Environmental costs associated with certain former manufactured gas plant sites. These costs are first offset by recognition of insurance proceeds and settlements with other third parties. Any remaining cost will be requested for recovery in future rate filings. Recovery for these specific environmental costs has not yet been approved by the applicable state regulatory commission and therefore, the recovery period is unknown at this time.


Loss on Reacquired Debt - Loss on reacquired debt is recovered over the remaining life of the original issue or, if refinanced, over the life of the new issue.


Deferred Taxes on Flow-Through Accounting - Under flow-through accounting, the income tax effects of certain tax items are reflected in our cost of service for the customer and result in lower utility rates in the year in which the tax benefits are realized. A regulatory asset was established to reflect that future increases in income taxes payable will be recovered from customers as the temporary differences reverse. As a result of this regulatory treatment, we continue to record a net tax benefit for costs considered currently deductible for tax purposes but are capitalized for book purposes.


Decommissioning Costs - South Dakota Electric and Colorado Electric received approval in 2014 for recovery of the remaining net book values and decommissioning costs of their decommissioned coal plants. In 2018, Arkansas Gas received approval to record Liquefied Natural Gas Plant decommissioning costs as a regulatory asset and received approval in 2020 to begin recovering those costs over three years.years


Gas Supply Contract Termination - With the 2016 SourceGas acquisition, we assumed agreements requiring the Company to purchase all of the natural gas produced over the productive life of specific leaseholds in the Bowdoin Field in Montana. The prices to be paid under these agreements exceeded market prices at the time of acquisition. We received state utility commission approvals to terminate these agreements and Orders allowing us to create a regulatory asset for the net contract buyout costs with recovery over five years. We terminated the contract and settled the liability on April 29, 2016..


Regulatory liabilities represent items we expect to refund to customers through probable future decreases in rates.


Deferred Energy and Gas Costs - Deferred energy and gas costs that have been over-recovered through customer rates and will be returned to customers in future periods.


Employee Benefit Plan CostsPlans and Related Deferred Taxes - Employee benefit plans represent the cumulative excess of pension and retiree healthcare costs recovered in rates over pension expense recorded in accordance with accounting standards for compensation - retirement benefits.ASC 715, Compensation-Retirement Benefits. In addition, this regulatory liability includes the income tax effect of the adjustment required under accounting for compensation - defined benefit plans,ASC 715, Compensation-Retirement Benefits, to record the full pension and post-retirement benefit obligations. Such income tax effect has been grossed-up to account for the revenue requirement associated with a rate regulated environment.


Cost of Removal - Cost of removal represents the estimated cumulative net provisions for future removal costs for which there is no legal obligation for removal included in depreciation expense.


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Table of Contents


Excess Deferred Income Taxes - The revaluation of the regulated utilities' deferred tax assets and liabilities due to the passage of the TCJA was recorded as an excess deferred income taxtaxes to be refunded to customers primarily using the normalization principles as prescribed in the TCJA. See Note 15 for additional information.


Recent Regulatory Activity

Winter Storm Uri

In February 2021, a prolonged periodA majority of historic cold temperatures across the central United States covered all of our Utilities’ service territories, caused a substantial increase in heating and energy demand and contributed to unforeseeable and unprecedented market prices for natural gas and electricity. As a result of Winter Storm Uri, we incurred significant incremental fuel, purchased power and natural gas costs.

Our Utilities submitted Winter Storm Uri cost recovery applications in our state jurisdictions seeking to recover $546 million of these incremental costs through separate tracking mechanisms over a weighted-average recovery period of 3.5 years. These incremental cost estimatesexcess deferred taxes are subject to adjustmentsthe average rate assumption method, as final decisions are issuedprescribed by the respective utility commissions. In these applications, we sought approval to recover carrying costs. ForIRS, and will generally be amortized as a reduction of customer rates over the year ended December 31, 2021, $4.1 millionremaining lives of carrying costs were accrued and recorded to a regulatory asset. We are also seeking recovery of $13 million of previously disclosed Winter Storm Uri incremental costs through our existing regulatory mechanisms.
the related assets.


To date, Iowa Gas, Kansas Gas, Nebraska Gas and South Dakota Electric received commission approval for Winter Storm Uri cost recovery. Additionally,

Recent Regulatory Activity

Arkansas Gas and Wyoming Gas received approval for interim cost recovery subject to a final decision on carrying costs and recovery periods at a later date. Colorado Gas and Colorado Electric filed settlement agreements for their applications with final rates to be implemented in 2022. These settlements are subject to final approval by the CPUC. For the year ended December 31, 2021, our Utilities collected $40 million of Winter Storm Uri incremental costs and carrying costs from customers.


TCJA


On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the TCJA. The TCJA reduced the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. As such, the Company remeasured our deferred income taxes at the 21% federal tax rate as of December 31, 2017. In 2018 and 2019, the Company successfully delivered several of these tax benefits from the TCJA to its utility customers.

In 2020, regulatory proceedings resolved the last of the Company’s open dockets seeking approval of its TCJA plans. As a result, the Company relieved certain TCJA-related liabilities, which resulted in an increase to net income for the year ended December 31, 2020 of $4.0 million.

On December 30, 2020, an administrative law judge approved a settlement of Colorado Electric’s plan to provide $9.3 million of TCJA-related bill credits to its customers. The bill credits, which represent a disposition of excess deferred income tax benefits resulting from the TCJA, were delivered to customers in February 2021. The settlement agreement further provided for Colorado Electric to deliver annual bill credits to customers, starting in April 2021, until remaining excess deferred income tax regulatory liabilities associated with the TCJA are fully amortized. In April 2021, Colorado Electric delivered $0.9 million of TCJA-related bill credits to customers.

On January 26, 2021, the NPSC approved Nebraska Gas’s plan to provide $2.9 million of TCJA-related bill credits to its customers. The bill credits, which represent a disposition of excess deferred income tax benefits resulting from the TCJA, were delivered to customers in June 2021.

These Colorado Electric and Nebraska Gas bill credits, which resulted in a reduction in revenue, were offset by a reduction in income tax expense and resulted in a minimal impact to Net income for the year ended December 31, 2021.

As part of the 2021 rate review settlement agreement discussed further below, Kansas Gas will deliver $3.0 million of TCJA and state tax reform benefits to customers, annually, for each of the next three years starting in 2022 (approximately $9.1 million of total benefits expected to be delivered).
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Arkansas Gas

On December 10, 2021,4, 2023, Arkansas Gas filed a rate review with the APSC seeking recovery of significant infrastructure investments in its 7,200-mile7,200-mile natural gas pipeline system. The rate review requests $22$44.1 million in new annual revenue with a capital structure of 50.9%48% equity and 49.1%52% debt and a return on equity of 10.2%10.5%. The request seeks to finalize rates in the fourth quarter of 2022.2024.

75


Colorado Gas


RMNG Rate Reviews and SSIR

Review


On June 1, 2021,July 12, 2023, the CPUC approved a settlement agreement for RMNG's rate review filed on October 7, 2022. The agreement is expected to generate $8.2 million in new annual revenue and established a weighted average cost of capital of 6.93% with a capital structure that reflects an equity range of 50% to 52% and a debt range of 50% to 48% and a return on equity range of 9.5% to 9.7%. The settlement also shifted $8.3 million of SSIR revenue to base rates and terminated the SSIR. New rates were effective July 15, 2023.

Colorado Gas Rate Review

On May 9, 2023, Colorado Gas filed a rate review with the CPUC seeking recovery of significant infrastructure investments in its 7,000-mile10,000-mile natural gas pipeline system. In the fourth quarter of 2021,2023, Colorado Gas reached a settlement agreement with the CPUC staff and various intervenors for a general rate increase, which was subsequently approved by an administrative law judge. Nis subject to CPUC approval. Tew rates were effective January 1, 2022, and thehe settlement is expected to generate $6.5$20.2 million of new annual revenue. The new revenue is based onwith a capital structure of 50.87% equity and 49.13% debt and a return on equity of 9.2% and a capital structure of 50.3% equity and 49.7% debt.


9.3
On September 11, 2020, in accordance with the final Order from the rate review filed on February 1, 2019, Colorado Gas filed a SSIR proposal with the CPUC that would recover safety and integrity focused investments in its system for five years. On July 6, 2021, Colorado Gas received approval from the CPUC for its SSIR proposal to recover these investments for three years effective January 1, 2022. The return on SSIR investments%. If approved, new rates will be the current weighted-average cost of long-term debt.
effective in February 2024.


Iowa

Wyoming Gas


Rate Review

On June 1, 2021, IowaMay 18, 2023, Wyoming Gas filed a rate review with the IUBWPSC seeking recovery of significant infrastructure investments in its 5,000-mile6,400-mile natural gas pipeline system. On December 28, 2021,January 17, 2024, the IUBWPSC approved a settlement agreement with all intervening parties for a general rate increase. The settlement will shift $2.2 million of rider revenue to base rates and is expected to generate $3.7 million in new annual revenue with a capital structure of 50% equity and 50% debt and a return on equity of 9.6%. Final rates were enacted on January 1, 2022, and replaced interim rates effective June 11, 2021.


Kansas Gas

Rate Review

On May 7, 2021, Kansas Gas filed a rate review and rider renewal with the KCC seeking recovery of significant infrastructure investments in its 4,600-mile natural gas pipeline system. On December 30, 2021, Kansas Gas received approval from the KCC on its Global Settlement agreement with KCC staff and various intervenors for a general rate increase and renewal of its safety and integrity rider. The settlement shifted $6.6 million of rider revenue to base rates, effective January 1, 2022, and also allowed rider renewal for at least five more years.

Nebraska Gas

Jurisdictional Consolidation and Rate Review

On January 26, 2021, Nebraska Gas received approval from the NPSC to consolidate rate schedules into a new, single statewide structure and recover significant infrastructure investments in its 13,000-mile natural gas pipeline system. Final rates were enacted on March 1, 2021, which replaced interim rates effective September 1, 2020. The approval shifted $4.6 million of SSIR revenue to base rates and is expected to generate $6.5$13.9 million in new annual revenue with a capital structure of 50%51% equity and 50%49% debt and a return on equity of 9.5%9.85%. New rates were effective February 1, 2024. The approvalagreement also included an approval of a four-year extension of the SSIR for five yearsWyoming Integrity Rider.

Wyoming Electric

On June 1, 2022, Wyoming Electric filed a rate review with the WPSC seeking recovery of significant infrastructure investments in its 1,330-mile electric distribution and an expansion of this mechanism across59-mile electric transmission systems. On January 26, 2023, the consolidated jurisdictions.


South Dakota Electric

FERC Formula Rate

The annual rate determination process is governed by the FERC formula rate protocols established in the filed FERC joint-access transmission tariff. Effective January 1, 2021, the annual revenue requirement for the FERC Transmission Formula Rate was $26 million and included estimated weighted average capital additions of $5.0 million for 2020 and 2021 combined.
78


Black Hills Wyoming and Wyoming Electric

Wygen I FERC Filing

On October 15, 2020, the FERCWPSC approved a settlement agreement that representswith intervening parties for a resolutiongeneral rate increase. The settlement is expected to generate $8.7 million in new annual revenue with a capital structure of all issues in the joint application filed by Wyoming Electric52% equity and Black Hills Wyoming48% debt and a return on August 2, 2019 forequity of 9.75%. New rates were effective March 1, 2023. The agreement also included approval of a new 60 MW PPA. Under the terms of the settlement, Wyoming Electricrider that will continuebe filed annually to receive 60 MW of capacityrecover transmission investments and energy from the Wygen I power plant. The new agreement commenced on January 1, 2022, replaced the existing PPA and will continue for 11 years.expenses.



(3) COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES


Power

Unconditional Purchase and Transmission Services Agreements

Obligations


Through our subsidiaries, we

We have the following significant long-term power purchase contractsvarious PPAs and transmission services agreement with non-affiliated third-parties:


SubsidiaryContract TypeCounterpartyFuel TypeQuantity (MW)Expiration Date
Colorado Electric (a)
PPAPRPAWind60May 31, 2030
Colorado ElectricPPAPRPACoal25June 30, 2024
Colorado ElectricPPATC Colorado Solar, LLCSolar200
Pending Completion (b)
South Dakota ElectricPPAPacifiCorpCoal50December 31, 2023
South Dakota Electric (c)
Transmission Services AgreementPacifiCorpN/A50December 31, 2023
South Dakota ElectricPPAPRPAWind12September 30, 2029
South Dakota ElectricPPAFall River Solar, LLCSolar80
Pending Completion (d)
Wyoming Electric (e)
PPAHappy JackWind30September 3, 2028
Wyoming Electric (f)
PPASilver SageWind30September 30, 2029
____________________
(a)    Coloradoservice agreements, which extend to 2032, to support our Electric sells the wind energy purchased under this PPA to City of Colorado Springs as discussed below.
(b)    On January 31, 2022, TC Colorado Solar, LLC (TC Solar) provided termination notice of the PPA to Colorado Electric. Colorado Electric has disputed TC Solar’s right to termination and pursuant to the agreement, has initiated discussions with TC Solar. This agreement relates to a new solar facility to be constructed and would expire 15 years after construction completion.
(c)    This is a firm point-to-point transmission service agreement providing the ability to deliver a maximum of 50 MW of capacity and associated energy.
(d)    This agreement relates to a new solar facility currently being constructed and will expire 20 years after construction completion, which is expected by the end of 2022.
(e)    Under a separate intercompany PSA, Wyoming Electric sells 50% of the facility output to South Dakota Electric.
(f)    Under a separate intercompany PSA, Wyoming Electric sells 67% of the facility output to South Dakota Electric.

Costs under these agreements for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
SubsidiaryContract TypeCounterpartyFuel Type202120202019
Colorado ElectricPPAPRPAWind$4,246 $2,791 $— 
Colorado ElectricPPAPRPACoal$4,447 $4,524 $1,802 
South Dakota ElectricPPAPacifiCorpCoal$8,923 $5,897 $7,477 
South Dakota ElectricTransmission Services AgreementPacifiCorpN/A$1,783 $1,776 $1,741 
South Dakota ElectricPPAPRPAWind$596 $715 $688 
Wyoming ElectricPPAHappy JackWind$3,544 $4,531 $3,936 
Wyoming ElectricPPASilver SageWind$4,717 $6,203 $5,366 
79


Power Purchase Agreements - Related Parties

Wyoming Electric had a PPA with Black Hills Wyoming scheduled to expire on December 31, 2022, which provided 60 MW of unit-contingentUtilities' capacity and energy from Black Hills Wyoming’s Wygen I facility. On October 15, 2020, the FERC approved a settlement agreement in the joint application filed by Wyoming Electric and Black Hills Wyoming on August 2, 2019 for approval of a new 60 MW PPA. Under the terms of the settlement, Wyoming Electric will continue to receive 60 MW of capacity and energy from the Wygen I facility. The new agreement commenced on January 1, 2022, replaced the existing PPA and will continue for 11 years.

Black Hills Electric Generation provides the wind energy generated from Busch Ranch II to Colorado Electric through a PPA, which expires in November 2044.

Black Hills Electric Generation provides its 14.5 MW share of energy generated from Busch Ranch I to Colorado Electric through a PPA, which expires in October 2037.

Colorado Electric’s PPA with Black Hills Colorado IPP, expiring on December 31, 2031, provides 200 MW ofneeds beyond our regulated power to Colorado Electric from Black Hills Colorado IPP’s combined-cycle turbines.
plants' generation.


Purchase Commitments


We maintain natural gas supply contracts with several vendors that generally cover a period of up to one year. Commitments for estimated baseload gas volumes are established prior to the beginning of the month under these contracts on a monthly basis at contractually negotiated prices. Commitments for incremental daily purchases are made as necessary during the month based on requirements in accordance with the terms of the individual contract.

Our Gas Utilities segment has commitments to purchase physical quantities of natural gas under contracts indexed to various forward natural gas price curves. A portion of our gas purchases are purchased under evergreen contracts and are therefore, for purposes of this disclosure, carried out for 60 days. At December 31, 2021, the long-term commitments to purchase quantities of natural gas under contracts indexed to the following forward indices were as follows (in MMBtus):

20222023202420252026Thereafter
El Paso - Bondad Station31,000
Kern River - Opal9,300
El Paso - San Juan Basin182,550
Enable East Pipeline1,825,000450,000
Northern Natural Gas - Demarc1,614
Northern Natural Gas - Ventura1,810,0001,840,0001,820,000
Northwest Pipeline - Wyoming1,531,7001,510,000910,000
ONEOK - Oklahoma5,475,0005,475,0005,490,0004,560,000
Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline113,130
Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line1,609,6802,737,500
12,588,97412,012,5008,220,0004,560,000

Purchases under these contracts totaled $61 million, $25 million and $7 million for 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Other Gas Supply Agreements

Our Utilities also purchase natural gas, including transportation and storage capacity, to meet customers’customers' needs under short-term and long-term purchase contracts. These contracts extend to 2044.

80


The following is a schedule of unconditional purchase obligations required under the power purchase, transmission services and natural gas transportation and storage agreements (in thousands)millions):
Power purchase and transmission services agreements (a)
Natural gas transportation and storage agreements
2022$23,985 $143,750 
2023$11,678 $119,923 
2024$2,738 $82,428 
2025$— $58,669 
2026$— $36,503 
Thereafter$— $60,429 

PPAs (a)

 

Transmission Services Agreements

 

Natural gas supply, transportation and storage agreements

 

Future commitments for the year ending December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

2024

$

2.7

 

$

12.2

 

$

163.0

 

2025

 

 

 

 

 

135.0

 

2026

 

 

 

 

 

110.8

 

2027

 

 

 

 

 

79.5

 

2028

 

 

 

 

 

58.0

 

Thereafter

 

 

 

 

 

95.2

 

Total future commitments

$

2.7

 

$

12.2

 

$

641.5

 

____________________

(a) This schedule does not reflect renewable energy PPA future obligations since these agreements vary based on weather conditions.


76

Power Sales Agreements

Through our subsidiaries, we have the following significant long-term power sales contracts with non-affiliated third-parties:

On July 1, 2020, Colorado Electric entered into a PSA with the City of Colorado Springs to sell up to 60 MW of wind energy purchased from PRPA under a separate 60 MW PPA discussed above. This PSA with the City of Colorado Springs expires June 30, 2025.

During periods of reduced production at Wygen III in which MDU owns a portion of the capacity, or during periods when Wygen III is off-line, South Dakota Electric will provide MDU with 25 MW from our other generation facilities or from system purchases with reimbursement of costs by MDU. This agreement expires January 31, 2023.

South Dakota Electric has an agreement to provide MDU capacity and energy up to a maximum of 50 MW in excess of Wygen III ownership. This agreement expires December 31, 2023.

During periods of reduced production at Wygen III in which the City of Gillette owns a portion of the capacity, or during periods when Wygen III is off-line, South Dakota Electric will provide the City of Gillette with its first 23 MW from its other generating facilities or from system purchases with reimbursement of costs by the City of Gillette. Under this agreement, which has an initial term through September 3, 2034 and would be renewed annually on September 3 thereafter, South Dakota Electric will also provide the City of Gillette their operating component of spinning reserves.

South Dakota Electric has an amended agreement, effective January 1, 2019, to supply up to 20 MW of energy and capacity to MEAN under a contract that expires May 31, 2028. The contract terms are from June 1 through May 31 for each interval listed below. This contract is unit-contingent based on the availability of our Neil Simpson II and Wygen III plants, with decreasing capacity purchased over the term of the agreement. The unit-contingent capacity amounts from Wygen III and Neil Simpson II are as follows:
Contract YearsTotal Contract CapacityContingent Capacity Amounts on Wygen IIIContingent Capacity Amounts on Neil Simpson II
2020-202215 MWMWMW
2022-202315 MWMWMW
2023-202810 MWMWMW

South Dakota Electric had an agreement that expired December 31, 2021 to provide 50 MW of energy to Macquarie Energy, LLC during heavy and light load timing intervals.

Black Hills Wyoming sold its CTII 40 MW natural gas-fired generating unit to the City of Gillette, Wyoming on September 3, 2014. Under the terms of the sale, Black Hills Wyoming entered into ancillary agreements to operate CTII, provide use of shared facilities including a ground lease and dispatch generation services. In addition, the agreement includes a 20-year Economy Energy PSA that contains a sharing arrangement in which the parties share the savings of wholesale power purchases made when market power prices are less than the cost of operating the generating unit.

81


Lease Agreements


Lessee


We lease from third parties certain office and operation center facilities, communication tower sites, equipment and materials storage. Our leases have remaining terms ranging from less than one year to 3432 years, including options to extend that are reasonably certain to be exercised. Our operating and finance leases were not material to the Company’s Consolidated Financial statements.

Lessor


We lease to third parties certain generating station ground leases, communication tower sites and a natural gas pipeline. These leases have remaining terms ranging from less than one year to 34 years.31 years. Lease revenue was not material for the years ended December 31, 2021, 20202023, 2022 and 2019.

2021.


As of December 31, 2021,2023, scheduled maturities of operating lease payments to be received in future years were as follows (in thousands)millions):

Operating Leases

 

2024

$

2.2

 

2025

 

2.2

 

2026

 

2.0

 

2027

 

1.9

 

2028

 

1.9

 

Thereafter

 

48.3

 

Total lease receivables

$

58.5

 

Operating Leases
2022$2,173 
20232,204 
20242,125 
20252,070 
20261,881 
Thereafter51,233 
Total lease receivables$61,686 


Environmental Matters


We are subject to costs resulting from a number of federal, state and local laws and regulations which affect future planning and existing operations. Laws and regulations can result in increased capital expenditures, operating and other costs as a result of compliance, remediation and monitoring obligations. Due to the environmental issues discussed below, we may be required to modify, curtail, replace or cease operating certain facilities or operations to comply with statutes, regulations and other requirements of regulatory bodies.


Reclamation Liability


For our Pueblo Airport Generation site, we posted a bond of $4.1 million with the State of Colorado to cover the costs of remediation for a waste water containment pond permitted to provide wastewater storage and processing for this zero dischargezero-discharge facility. The reclamation liability is recorded at the present value of the estimated future cost to reclaim the land.


Under our land leases for our wind generation facilities, we are required to reclaim land where we have placed wind turbines. The reclamation liabilities are recorded at the present value of the estimated future cost to reclaim the land.


Under its mining permit, WRDC is required to reclaim all land where it has mined reserves. The reclamation liability is recorded at the present value of the estimated future cost to reclaim the land.


See Note 7 for additional information.


Manufactured Gas Processing

Plant


In 2008, we acquired whole and partial liabilities for former manufactured gas processingplant sites in Nebraska and Iowa, which were previously used to convert coal to natural gas. The acquisition provided for an insurance recovery, now valued at $1.2$1.4 million recorded in Other assets, non-current on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, which will be used to help offset remediation costs. We also have a $1.4$2.7 million regulatory asset for manufactured gas processingplant sites; see Note 2 for additional information.


As of December 31, 2021,2023, we had $2.6$4.1 million and $0.6 million accrued for remediation of Iowa’sthe manufactured gas processing site as the landowner. As of December 31, 2021, we had $0.6 million accrued for remediation of Nebraska’s manufactured gas processing site as the land owner. Theseplant sites in Iowa and Nebraska, respectively. Iowa's liabilities are included in Accrued Liabilities and Nebraska's liabilities are included in Other deferred credits and other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The remediation cost estimate could change materially due to results of further investigations, actions of environmental agencies or the financial viability of other responsible parties.


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82


Contingencies and Legal Proceedings


In the normal course of business, we are subject to various lawsuits, actions, proceedings, claims and other matters asserted under laws and regulations. We believe the amounts provided in the consolidated financial statements to satisfy alleged liabilities are adequate in light of the probable and estimable contingencies. However, there can be no assurance that the actual amounts required to satisfy alleged liabilities from various legal proceedings, claims and other matters discussed, and to comply with applicable laws and regulations will not exceed the amounts reflected in the consolidated financial statements.


We record gain contingencies when realized and expected recoveries under applicable insurance contracts when we are assured of recovery.


GT Resources, LLC v. Black Hills Corporation, Case No. 2020CV30751 (U.S. District Court for the City and County of Denver, Colorado)

On April 13, 2022, a jury awarded $41 million for claims made by GT Resources, LLC (“GTR”) against BHC and two of its subsidiaries (Black Hills Exploration and Production, Inc. and Black Hills Gas Resources, Inc.), which ceased oil and natural gas operations in 2018 as part of BHC’s decision to exit the exploration and production business. The claims involved a dispute over a 2.3 million-acre concession award in Costa Rica which was acquired by a BHC subsidiary in 2003. GTR retained rights to receive a royalty interest on any hydrocarbon production from the concession upon the occurrence of contingent events. GTR contended that BHC and its subsidiaries failed to adequately pursue the opportunity and failed to transfer the concession to GTR. We appealed this verdict to the Colorado Court of Appeals. On October 19, 2023, the Appellate Court reversed and remanded the case with directions limiting any retrial to the narrow issue of whether there was improper interference with the prospective conveyance of the concession. We continue to believe this lawsuit has no merit and will vigorously defend it. At this time, we do not believe any losses from this matter will have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Gain Contingency -- Wygen 1 Business Interruption Insurance Recovery

In September 2021, Wygen I experienced an unplanned outage that continued until December 2021. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the outage resulted in lost revenues at our subsidiaries Black Hills Wyoming and WRDC. A claim for these losses was submitted under our business interruption insurance policy. During the third quarter of 2023 we recovered $5.0 million from our business interruption insurance, which was recognized as Revenue in our Consolidated Statements of Income for year ended December 31, 2023.

Indemnification

In the normal course of business, we enter into agreements that include indemnification in favor of third parties, such as information technology agreements, purchase and sale agreements and lease contracts. We have also agreed to indemnify our directors, officers and employees in accordance with our articles of incorporation, as amended. Certain agreements do not contain any limits on our liability and therefore, it is not possible to estimate our potential liability under these indemnifications. In certain cases, we have recourse against third parties with respect to these indemnities. Further, we maintain insurance policies that may provide coverage against certain claims under these indemnities.


Guarantees


We have entered into various parent company-level guarantees providing financial or performance assurance to third parties on behalf of certain of our subsidiaries. These guarantees do not represent incremental consolidated obligations, but rather, represent guarantees of subsidiary obligations to allow those subsidiaries to conduct business without posting other forms of assurance. The agreements, which are off-balance sheet commitments, include support for business operations, indemnification for reclamation and surety bonds. The guarantees were entered into in the normal course of business. To the extent liabilities are incurred as a result of activities covered by these guarantees, such liabilities are included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.


See Note 8 for additional information on our off-balance sheet Letters of Credit commitment.

We had the following guarantees in place as of (in thousands)millions):

Maximum Exposure at

 

Nature of Guarantee

December 31, 2023

 

Indemnification for reclamation/surety bonds

$

100.9

 

Guarantees supporting business transactions

 

462.9

 

Total guarantees

$

563.8

 

Maximum Exposure at
Nature of GuaranteeDecember 31, 2021
Indemnification for reclamation/surety bonds$55,867 
Guarantees supporting business transactions$370,558 
$426,425 


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83


(4)

 

(4) REVENUE


The following tables depict the disaggregation of revenue, including intercompany revenue, from contracts with customers by customer type and timing of revenue recognition for each of the reportable segments, for the years ended December 31, 2021, 20202023, 2022 and 2019.2021. Sales tax and other similar taxes are excluded from revenues.
Year ended December 31, 2021 Electric Utilities Gas UtilitiesInter-company RevenuesTotal
Customer types:(in thousands)
Retail$711,448 $913,725 $— $1,625,173 
Transportation— 158,053 (428)157,625 
Wholesale30,848 — — 30,848 
Market - off-system sales41,682 396 — 42,078 
Transmission/Other52,945 39,365 (17,200)75,110 
Revenue from contracts with customers836,923 1,111,539 (17,628)1,930,834 
Other revenues5,335 13,326 (393)18,268 
Total revenues$842,258 $1,124,865 $(18,021)$1,949,102 
Timing of revenue recognition:
Services transferred at a point in time$27,141 $— $— $27,141 
Services transferred over time809,782 1,111,539 (17,628)1,903,693 
Revenue from contracts with customers$836,923 $1,111,539 $(17,628)$1,930,834 
Year ended December 31, 2020 Electric Utilities Gas UtilitiesInter-company RevenuesTotal
Customer types:(in thousands)
Retail$636,902 $765,922 $— $1,402,824 
Transportation— 154,581 (526)154,055 
Wholesale24,845 — — 24,845 
Market - off-system sales15,512 260 — 15,772 
Transmission/Other55,422 43,658 (15,772)83,308 
Revenue from contracts with customers732,681 964,421 (16,298)1,680,804 
Other revenues6,176 10,249 (288)16,137 
Total revenues$738,857 $974,670 $(16,586)$1,696,941 
Timing of revenue recognition:
Services transferred at a point in time$27,089 $— $— $27,089 
Services transferred over time705,592 964,421 (16,298)1,653,715 
Revenue from contracts with customers$732,681 $964,421 $(16,298)$1,680,804 
84

Year ended December 31, 2023

Electric Utilities

 

Gas Utilities

 

Inter-segment Eliminations

 

Total

 

Customer types:

(in millions)

 

Retail

$

697.7

 

$

1,248.8

 

$

 

$

1,946.5

 

Transportation

 

 

 

176.8

 

 

(0.5

)

 

176.3

 

Wholesale

 

34.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

34.2

 

Market - off-system sales

 

50.9

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

 

51.3

 

Transmission/Other

 

71.4

 

 

39.4

 

 

(17.4

)

 

93.4

 

Revenue from contracts with customers

 

854.2

 

 

1,465.4

 

 

(17.9

)

 

2,301.7

 

Other revenues

 

10.8

 

 

18.8

 

 

 

 

29.6

 

Total revenues

$

865.0

 

$

1,484.2

 

$

(17.9

)

$

2,331.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Timing of revenue recognition:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Services transferred at a point in time

$

31.5

 

$

 

$

 

$

31.5

 

Services transferred over time

 

822.7

 

 

1,465.4

 

 

(17.9

)

 

2,270.2

 

Revenue from contracts with customers

$

854.2

 

$

1,465.4

 

$

(17.9

)

$

2,301.7

 

Year ended December 31, 2022

Electric Utilities

 

Gas Utilities

 

Inter-segment Eliminations

 

Total

 

Customer types:

(in millions)

 

Retail

$

739.7

 

$

1,453.3

 

$

 

$

2,193.0

 

Transportation

 

 

 

173.3

 

 

(0.4

)

 

172.9

 

Wholesale

 

44.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

44.8

 

Market - off-system sales

 

48.6

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

 

49.4

 

Transmission/Other

 

61.5

 

 

37.9

 

 

(16.6

)

 

82.8

 

Revenue from contracts with customers

 

894.6

 

 

1,665.3

 

 

(17.0

)

 

2,542.9

 

Other revenues

 

5.6

 

 

3.8

 

 

(0.5

)

 

8.9

 

Total revenues

$

900.2

 

$

1,669.1

 

$

(17.5

)

$

2,551.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Timing of revenue recognition:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Services transferred at a point in time

$

30.4

 

$

 

$

 

$

30.4

 

Services transferred over time

 

864.2

 

 

1,665.3

 

 

(17.0

)

 

2,512.5

 

Revenue from contracts with customers

$

894.6

 

$

1,665.3

 

$

(17.0

)

$

2,542.9

 

Year ended December 31, 2021

Electric Utilities

 

Gas Utilities

 

Inter-segment Eliminations

 

Total

 

Customer types:

(in millions)

 

Retail

$

711.5

 

$

913.7

 

$

 

$

1,625.2

 

Transportation

 

 

 

158.1

 

 

(0.4

)

 

157.7

 

Wholesale

 

30.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

30.8

 

Market - off-system sales

 

41.7

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

 

42.1

 

Transmission/Other

 

52.9

 

 

39.4

 

 

(17.2

)

 

75.1

 

Revenue from contracts with customers

 

836.9

 

 

1,111.6

 

 

(17.6

)

 

1,930.9

 

Other revenues

 

5.3

 

 

13.3

 

 

(0.4

)

 

18.2

 

Total revenues

$

842.2

 

$

1,124.9

 

$

(18.0

)

$

1,949.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Timing of revenue recognition:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Services transferred at a point in time

$

27.1

 

$

 

$

 

$

27.1

 

Services transferred over time

 

809.8

 

 

1,111.6

 

 

(17.6

)

 

1,903.8

 

Revenue from contracts with customers

$

836.9

 

$

1,111.6

 

$

(17.6

)

$

1,930.9

 

79


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Year ended December 31, 2019 Electric Utilities Gas UtilitiesInter-company RevenuesTotal
Customer types:(in thousands)
Retail$632,936 $817,840 $— $1,450,776 
Transportation— 143,390 (1,042)142,348 
Wholesale28,464 — — 28,464 
Market - off-system sales16,081 691 — 16,772 
Transmission/Other53,750 47,725 (13,443)88,032 
Revenue from contracts with customers731,231 1,009,646 (14,485)1,726,392 
Other revenues8,124 384 — 8,508 
Total revenues$739,355 $1,010,030 $(14,485)$1,734,900 
Timing of revenue recognition:
Services transferred at a point in time$27,180 $— $— $27,180 
Services transferred over time704,051 1,009,646 (14,485)1,699,212 
Revenue from contracts with customers$731,231 $1,009,646 $(14,485)$1,726,392 


(5) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT


Property, plant and equipment at December 31 consisted of the following (dollars in thousands)millions):
20212020Lives (in years)
Electric UtilitiesProperty, Plant and EquipmentWeighted Average Useful Life (in years)Property, Plant and EquipmentWeighted Average Useful Life (in years)MinimumMaximum
Electric plant:
Production$1,452,055 41$1,417,951 403245
Electric transmission546,126 49517,794 494350
Electric distribution1,000,619 47959,453 464549
Integrated Generation720,490 30716,479 31259
Plant acquisition adjustment (a)
4,870 324,870 323232
General266,935 28259,010 282531
Total electric plant in service3,991,095 3,875,557 
Construction work in progress181,451 95,266 
Total electric plant4,172,546 3,970,823 
Less accumulated depreciation and depletion(1,016,738)(960,993)
Electric plant net of accumulated depreciation and depletion$3,155,808 $3,009,830 

2023

2022

Lives (in years)

Electric Utilities

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Weighted Average Useful Life (in years)

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Weighted Average Useful Life (in years)

Minimum

Maximum

Electric plant:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production

$

1,492.8

 

40

$

1,482.1

 

41

32

45

Electric transmission

 

737.4

 

48

 

632.9

 

48

42

51

Electric distribution

 

1,146.9

 

47

 

1,082.5

 

47

45

50

Integrated Generation

 

720.0

 

30

 

713.5

 

31

19

38

Plant acquisition adjustment (a)

 

4.9

 

32

 

4.9

 

32

32

32

General

 

291.7

 

27

 

274.8

 

27

24

28

Total electric plant in service

 

4,393.7

 

 

 

4,190.7

 

 

 

 

Construction work in progress

 

123.1

 

 

 

153.0

 

 

 

 

Total electric plant

 

4,516.8

 

 

 

4,343.7

 

 

 

 

Less accumulated depreciation and depletion

 

(1,207.7

)

 

 

(1,104.1

)

 

 

 

Electric plant net of accumulated depreciation and depletion

$

3,309.1

 

 

$

3,239.6

 

 

 

 

____________________

(a) The plant acquisition adjustment, which relates to the acquisition of our ownership interest in Wyodak Plant, is included in rate base and is being recovered with 97 years remaining.

85

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20212020Lives (in years)
Gas UtilitiesProperty, Plant and EquipmentWeighted Average Useful Life (in years)Property, Plant and EquipmentWeighted Average Useful Life (in years)MinimumMaximum
Gas plant:
Production$14,841 40$15,603 402446
Gas transmission645,550 58578,278 542271
Gas distribution2,394,352 532,115,082 534559
Cushion gas - depreciable (a)
3,539 283,539 282828
Cushion gas - not depreciable (a)
42,478 N/A39,184 N/AN/AN/A
Storage56,289 3855,481 382752
General474,964 21438,217 19323
Total gas plant in service3,632,013 3,245,384 
Construction work in progress37,860 67,229 
Total gas plant3,669,873 3,312,613 
Less accumulated depreciation(389,115)(323,679)
Gas plant net of accumulated depreciation$3,280,758 $2,988,934 

2023

2022

Lives (in years)

Gas Utilities

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Weighted Average Useful Life (in years)

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Weighted Average Useful Life (in years)

Minimum

Maximum

Gas plant:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production

$

21.0

 

45

$

17.8

 

45

24

47

Gas transmission

 

759.5

 

58

 

695.4

 

58

32

72

Gas distribution

 

2,860.0

 

57

 

2,620.2

 

57

48

61

Cushion gas - not depreciable (a)

 

58.2

 

N/A

 

63.1

 

N/A

N/A

N/A

Storage

 

71.4

 

42

 

65.8

 

41

36

49

General

 

571.8

 

22

 

497.4

 

23

20

25

Total gas plant in service

 

4,341.9

 

 

 

3,959.7

 

 

 

 

Construction work in progress

 

39.2

 

 

 

52.0

 

 

 

 

Total gas plant

 

4,381.1

 

 

 

4,011.7

 

 

 

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(588.3

)

 

 

(471.0

)

 

 

 

Gas plant net of accumulated depreciation

$

3,792.8

 

 

$

3,540.7

 

 

 

 

____________________

(a) Depreciation of Cushion Gas is determined by the respective regulatory jurisdiction in which the Cushion Gas resides. In 2022, assets classified as Cushion gas - depreciable were fully depreciated and removed from gross plant in service and accumulated depreciation.

2023

2022

Lives (in years)

Corporate

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Weighted Average Useful Life (in years)

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Weighted Average Useful Life (in years)

Minimum

Maximum

Total plant in service

$

5.7

 

10

$

5.7

 

11

4

23

Construction work in progress

 

13.6

 

 

 

13.7

 

 

 

 

Total gross property, plant and equipment

 

19.3

 

 

 

19.4

 

 

 

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(1.9

)

 

 

(1.8

)

 

 

 

Total net of accumulated depreciation

$

17.4

 

 

$

17.6

 

 

 

 

80


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2021Lives (in years)
Property, Plant and EquipmentConstruction Work in ProgressTotal Property Plant and EquipmentLess Accumulated DepreciationNet Property, Plant and EquipmentWeighted Average Useful LifeMinimumMaximum
Corporate$5,694 $8,460 $14,154 $(1,544)$12,610 101022

2020Lives (in years)
Property, Plant and EquipmentConstruction Work in ProgressTotal Property Plant and EquipmentLess Accumulated DepreciationNet Property, Plant and EquipmentWeighted Average Useful LifeMinimumMaximum
Corporate$5,692 $16,402 $22,094 $(1,144)$20,950 101022


(6) JOINTLY OWNED FACILITIES


Our consolidated financial statements include our share of several jointly-owned facilities as described below. Our share of the facilities’ expenses areis reflected in the appropriate categories of operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Each owner of the facility is responsible for financing its investment in the jointly-owned facilities.

At December 31, 2023, our interests in jointly-owned generating facilities and transmission systems were (in millions):

Ownership Interest

 

Plant in Service

 

Construction Work in Progress

 

Less Accumulated Depreciation

 

Plant Net of Accumulated Depreciation

 

Wyodak Plant (a)

 

20

%

$

122.3

 

$

 

$

(73.4

)

$

48.9

 

Transmission Tie

 

35

%

$

24.5

 

$

0.3

 

$

(7.8

)

$

17.0

 

Wygen III (b)

 

52

%

$

145.3

 

$

0.3

 

$

(32.2

)

$

113.4

 

Wygen I (c)

 

76.5

%

$

116.0

 

$

0.8

 

$

(60.1

)

$

56.7

 


(a)
Wyodak Plant

South Dakota Electric owns a 20% interest in the Wyodak Plant while PacifiCorp owns the remaining ownership interest and operates the Wyodak Plant. South Dakota Electric receives its proportionate share of the Wyodak Plant’s capacity and is committed to pay its proportionate share of its additions, replacements and operating and maintenance expenses. In addition to supplying South Dakota Electric with coal for its share of the Wyodak Plant, our mine supplies PacifiCorp’s share of the coal under a separate long-term agreement.agreement through December 31, 2026, with an annual renewal option for one-year extensions. This coal supply agreement is collateralized by a mortgage on and a security interest in some of WRDC’s coal reserves.

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(b)

Transmission Tie

South Dakota Electric owns a 35% interest in, and is the operator of, the Converter Station Site and South Rapid City Interconnection (the Transmission Tie), an AC-DC-AC transmission tie. Basin Electric Power Cooperative owns the remaining 65% interest in the Transmission Tie. South Dakota Electric is committed to pay its proportionate share of the additions and replacements and operating and maintenance expenses of the Transmission Tie.

Wygen III

South Dakota Electric owns 52% of the Wygen III generation facility. MDU and the City of Gillette each own an undivided ownership interest in Wygen III and are obligated to make payments for costs associated with administrative services and their proportionate share of the costs of operating the plant for the life of the facility. South Dakota Electric retains responsibility for plant operations. Our mineWRDC supplies fuel to Wygen III for the life of the plant.

Wygen I

(c)
Black Hills Wyoming owns 76.5% of the Wygen I plant while MEAN owns the remaining ownership interest. MEAN is obligated to make payments for its share of the costs associated with administrative services, plant operations and coal supply provided by our mine during the life of the facility. Black Hills Wyoming retains responsibility for plant operations.

At December 31, 2021, our interests in jointly-owned generating facilities and transmission systems were (in thousands):
Plant in ServiceConstruction Work in ProgressLess Accumulated DepreciationPlant Net of Accumulated Depreciation
Wyodak Plant$118,637 $882 $(70,468)$49,051 
Transmission Tie$24,544 $287 $(6,922)$17,909 
Wygen III$142,199 $635 $(26,598)$116,236 
Wygen I$120,565 $399 $(53,784)$67,180 

Jointly Owned Facilities - Related Party

Busch Ranch WRDC supplies fuel to Wygen I

Colorado Electric owns 50% of Busch Ranch I while Black Hills Electric Generation owns the remaining 50% ownership interest. Each company is obligated to make payments for costs associated with their proportionate share of the costs of operating the wind farm over the life of the facility. Colorado Electric retains responsibility for operations of the wind farm. Black Hills Electric Generation provides its share of energy from the wind farm to Colorado Electric through a PPA, which expires in October 2037.

Cheyenne Prairie

Cheyenne Prairie serves the utility customers of South Dakota Electric and Wyoming Electric. The facility includes one simple-cycle, 40 MW combustion turbine that is wholly-owned by Wyoming Electric and one combined-cycle, 100 MW unit that is jointly-owned by South Dakota Electric (58 MW) and Wyoming Electric (42 MW). BHSC is responsible for plant operations.

Corriedale

Corriedale serves as the dedicated wind energy supply for Renewable Ready customers in South Dakota and Wyoming. The 52.5 MW wind farm is jointly-owned by South Dakota Electric (32.5 MW) and Wyoming Electric (20 MW). BHSC is responsible for operations of the wind farm.

87plant.


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(7) ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS


We have identified legal obligations related to reclamation of mining sites; removal of fuel tanks, transformers containing polychlorinated biphenyls, and an evaporation pond; and reclamation of wind turbine sites at our Electric Utilities segment. In addition, we have identified legal obligations related to retirement of gas pipelines, wells and wellscompressor stations at our Gas Utilities and removal of asbestos at our Utilities. We periodically review and update estimated costs related to these AROs. The actual cost may vary from estimates due to regulatory requirements, changes in technology and increased labor, materials and equipment costs.


The following tables present the details of AROs which are included on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets in Other deferred credits and other liabilities (in thousands)millions):
December 31, 2020Liabilities IncurredLiabilities SettledAccretionRevisions to Prior EstimatesDecember 31, 2021
Electric Utilities$29,157 $— $(978)$1,315 $595 $30,089 
Gas Utilities (a)
42,274 — (66)1,733 1,514 45,455 
Total71,431 $— $(1,044)$3,048 $2,109 $75,544 

December 31, 2022

 

Liabilities Incurred

 

Liabilities Settled

 

Accretion

 

Revisions to Prior Estimates

 

December 31, 2023

 

Electric Utilities

$

27.6

 

$

 

$

 

$

1.2

 

$

(0.1

)

$

28.7

 

Gas Utilities (a)

 

61.3

 

 

6.7

 

 

 

 

2.3

 

 

(2.8

)

 

67.5

 

Total

$

88.9

 

$

6.7

 

$

 

$

3.5

 

$

(2.9

)

$

96.2

 

December 31, 2021

 

Liabilities Incurred

 

Liabilities Settled

 

Accretion

 

Revisions to Prior Estimates

 

December 31, 2022

 

Electric Utilities

$

30.1

 

$

 

$

(3.0

)

$

1.4

 

$

(0.9

)

$

27.6

 

Gas Utilities (a)

 

45.5

 

 

 

 

(0.2

)

 

2.0

 

 

14.0

 

 

61.3

 

Total

$

75.6

 

$

 

$

(3.2

)

$

3.4

 

$

13.1

 

$

88.9

 


(a)
December 31, 2019Liabilities IncurredLiabilities SettledAccretionRevisions to Prior EstimatesDecember 31, 2020
Electric Utilities (b) (c)
$28,120 $1,217 $(185)$1,230 $(1,225)$29,157 
Gas Utilities (d)
36,085 4,782 (132)1,539 — 42,274 
Total$64,205 $5,999 $(317)$2,769 $(1,225)$71,431 
____________________
(a)    The Revisions to Prior Estimates were primarily driven by changes in estimates associated with natural gas wells.
(b)    Liabilities incurred were related to new wind assets.
(c)    The Revisions to Prior Estimates were primarily driven by changes in estimated costs associated with back-filling the pit with overburden removed during the mining process.
(d)    Liabilities incurred were driven by an increase in gas pipeline miles; which increases our legal liability for retirement of gas pipelines, specifically to purgewells and cap these lines in accordance with federal regulations.compressor stations.


We also have legally required AROs related to certain assets within our electric transmission and distribution systems. These retirement obligations are pursuant to an easement or franchise agreement and are only required if we discontinue our utility service under such easement or franchise agreement. Accordingly, it is not possible to estimate a time period when these obligations could be settled, and therefore, a liability for the cost of these obligations cannot be measured at this time.


81


(8)    FINANCING

Short-term debt

We had the following Notes payable outstanding at the Consolidated Balance Sheets date (in thousands):
December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Balance Outstanding
Letters of Credit (a)
Balance Outstanding
Letters of Credit (a)
Revolving Credit Facility$— $27,209 $— $24,730 
CP Program420,180 — 234,040 — 
Total$420,180 $27,209 $234,040 $24,730 
____________________
(a)    Letters of credit are off-balance sheet commitments that reduce the borrowing capacity available on our corporate Revolving Credit Facility.

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(8) FINANCING

Shelf Registration Statement

We maintain an effective shelf registration statement with the SEC under which we may issue, from time to time, an unspecified amount of senior debt securities, subordinate debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, warrants and other securities. In anticipation of the approaching expiration of our previous shelf registration statement on Form S-3 originally filed on August 4, 2020 (Registration No. 333-240320), we filed a new shelf registration statement on Form S-3 on June 16, 2023 (Registration No. 333-272739).

Short-term debt

Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program


On July 19, 2021,May 9, 2023, we amended and restated our corporate Revolving Credit Facility, maintaining total commitmentswhich replaced LIBOR as a benchmark interest rate with the SOFR. The adoption of $750SOFR as a benchmark interest rate was in advance of the scheduled elimination of LIBOR as a benchmark interest rate on June 30, 2023. No other significant terms or conditions, including borrowing capacity, credit spreads or financial covenants were modified under these amendments and restatements.

We have a $750 million and extending the term throughRevolving Credit Facility that matures on July 19, 2026, with 2 one yeartwoone-year extension options (subject to consent from lenders). This Revolving Credit Facility is similar to the former revolving credit facility which includes an accordion feature that allows us to increase total commitments up to $1.0$1.0 billion with the consent of the administrative agent, the issuing agents and each bank increasing or providing a new commitment. Borrowings continue to be available under a base rate or various EurodollarSOFR rate options. The interest costs associated with the letters of credit or borrowings and the commitment fee under the Revolving Credit Facility are determined based upon our Corporate credit rating from S&P, Fitch and Moody's for our senior unsecured long-term debt. Based on our current credit ratings, the margins for base rate borrowings, EurodollarSOFR borrowings and letters of credit were 0.125%0.125%, 1.125%1.125% and 1.125%1.125%, respectively, at December 31, 2021.2023. Based on our credit ratings, a 0.175%the commitment fee on unused amounts was charged on the unused amount at December 31, 2021.


0.175
%.

We have a $750$750 million, unsecured CP Program that is backstopped by the Revolving Credit Facility. Amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and the CP Program, either individually or in the aggregate, cannot exceed $750$750 million. The notes issued under the CP Program may have maturities not to exceed 397 days from the date of issuance and bear interest (or are sold at par less a discount representing an interest factor) based on, among other things, the size and maturity date of the note, the frequency of the issuance and our credit ratings. Under the CP Program, any borrowings rank equally with our unsecured debt. Notes under the CP Program are not registered and are offered and issued pursuant to a registration exemption.


Our net short-termRevolving Credit Facility and CP Program, which are classified as Notes payable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, had the following borrowings, (payments) during 2021 were $186 million. Asoutstanding letters of credit, and available capacity at December 31 2021,(dollars in millions):

 

2023

 

2022

 

Amount outstanding

$

 

$

535.6

 

Letters of credit (a)

 

3.7

 

 

24.6

 

Available capacity

 

746.3

 

 

189.8

 

Weighted average interest rates

N/A

 

 

4.88

%

(a)
Letters of credit are off-balance sheet commitments that reduce the weighted average interest rateborrowing capacity available on short-term borrowingsour corporate Revolving Credit Facility.

Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program borrowing activity for the years ended December 31 was 0.30%.as follows (in millions):

 

2023

 

2022

 

Maximum amount outstanding (based on daily outstanding balances)

$

548.7

 

$

572.3

 

Average amount outstanding (based on daily outstanding balances)

 

81.7

 

 

390.7

 

Weighted average interest rates

 

4.91

%

 

2.11

%


Deferred Financing Costs on the Revolving Credit Facility

Total accumulated deferred financing costs on the Revolving Credit Facility of $8.9$8.9 million are being amortized over its estimated useful life and were included in Interest expense on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. See below for additional details.


82

Term Loan

On February 24, 2021, we entered into a nine-month, $800 million unsecured term loan to provide additional liquidity and to meet our cash needs related to the incremental fuel, purchased power and natural gas costs from Winter Storm Uri. The term loan, carried no prepayment penalty and was subject to the same covenant requirements as our Revolving Credit Facility. We repaid $200 million of this term loan in the first quarter of 2021. Proceeds from the August 26, 2021 public debt offering (discussed below) were used to repay the remaining balance on this term loan.

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Table of Contents

Long-term debt


Long-term debt outstanding was as follows (dollars in thousands)millions):

 

Interest Rate at

Balance Outstanding

 

Due Date

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2023

 

December 31, 2022

 

Corporate

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior unsecured notes due 2023

November 30, 2023

N/A

$

 

$

525.0

 

Senior unsecured notes due 2024

August 23, 2024

1.04%

 

600.0

 

 

600.0

 

Senior unsecured notes due 2026

January 15, 2026

3.95%

 

300.0

 

 

300.0

 

Senior unsecured notes due 2027

January 15, 2027

3.15%

 

400.0

 

 

400.0

 

Senior unsecured notes due 2028

March 15, 2028

5.95%

 

350.0

 

 

 

Senior unsecured notes, due 2029

October 15, 2029

3.05%

 

400.0

 

 

400.0

 

Senior unsecured notes, due 2030

June 15, 2030

2.50%

 

400.0

 

 

400.0

 

Senior unsecured notes due 2033

May 1, 2033

4.35%

 

400.0

 

 

400.0

 

Senior unsecured notes due 2034

May 15, 2034

6.15%

 

450.0

 

 

 

Senior unsecured notes, due 2046

September 15, 2046

4.20%

 

300.0

 

 

300.0

 

Senior unsecured notes, due 2049

October 15, 2049

3.88%

 

300.0

 

 

300.0

 

Total Corporate debt

 

 

 

3,900.0

 

 

3,625.0

 

Less unamortized debt discount

 

 

 

(8.9

)

 

(5.3

)

Total Corporate debt, net

 

 

 

3,891.1

 

 

3,619.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

South Dakota Electric

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Mortgage Bonds due 2032

August 15, 2032

7.23%

 

75.0

 

 

75.0

 

First Mortgage Bonds due 2039

November 1, 2039

6.13%

 

180.0

 

 

180.0

 

First Mortgage Bonds due 2044

October 20, 2044

4.43%

 

85.0

 

 

85.0

 

Total South Dakota Electric debt

 

 

 

340.0

 

 

340.0

 

Less unamortized debt discount

 

 

 

(0.1

)

 

(0.1

)

Total South Dakota Electric debt, net

 

 

 

339.9

 

 

339.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wyoming Electric

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial development revenue bonds due 2027(a) (b)

March 1, 2027

3.93%

 

10.0

 

 

10.0

 

First Mortgage Bonds due 2037

November 20, 2037

6.67%

 

110.0

 

 

110.0

 

First Mortgage Bonds due 2044

October 20, 2044

4.53%

 

75.0

 

 

75.0

 

Total Wyoming Electric debt

 

 

 

195.0

 

 

195.0

 

Less unamortized debt discount

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Wyoming Electric debt, net

 

 

 

195.0

 

 

195.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

 

 

 

4,426.0

 

 

4,154.6

 

Less current maturities

 

 

 

(600.0

)

 

(525.0

)

Less unamortized deferred financing costs (c)

 

 

 

(24.8

)

 

(22.3

)

Long-term debt, net of current maturities and deferred financing costs

 

 

$

3,801.2

 

$

3,607.3

 

Interest Rate atBalance Outstanding
Due DateDecember 31, 2021December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Corporate
Senior unsecured notes due 2023November 30, 20234.25%$525,000 $525,000 
Senior unsecured notes due 2024August 23, 20241.04%600,000 — 
Senior unsecured notes due 2026January 15, 20263.95%300,000 300,000 
Senior unsecured notes due 2027January 15, 20273.15%400,000 400,000 
Senior unsecured notes, due 2029October 15, 20293.05%400,000 400,000 
Senior unsecured notes, due 2030June 15, 20302.50%400,000 400,000 
Senior unsecured notes due 2033May 1, 20334.35%400,000 400,000 
Senior unsecured notes, due 2046September 15, 20464.20%300,000 300,000 
Senior unsecured notes, due 2049October 15, 20493.88%300,000 300,000 
Corporate term loan due 2021June 7, 2021N/A— 1,436 
Total Corporate debt3,625,000 3,026,436 
Less unamortized debt discount(6,125)(7,013)
Total Corporate debt, net3,618,875 3,019,423 
South Dakota Electric
First Mortgage Bonds due 2032August 15, 20327.23%75,000 75,000 
First Mortgage Bonds due 2039November 1, 20396.13%180,000 180,000 
First Mortgage Bonds due 2044October 20, 20444.43%85,000 85,000 
Total South Dakota Electric debt340,000 340,000 
Less unamortized debt discount(74)(78)
Total South Dakota Electric debt, net339,926 339,922 
Wyoming Electric
Industrial development revenue bonds due 2021(a)
September 1, 2021N/A— 7,000 
Industrial development revenue bonds due 2027(a) (b)
March 1, 20270.15%10,000 10,000 
First Mortgage Bonds due 2037November 20, 20376.67%110,000 110,000 
First Mortgage Bonds due 2044October 20, 20444.53%75,000 75,000 
Total Wyoming Electric debt195,000 202,000 
Less unamortized debt discount— — 
Total Wyoming Electric debt, net195,000 202,000 
Total long-term debt4,153,801 3,561,345 
Less current maturities— 8,436 
Less unamortized deferred financing costs (c)
26,878 24,809 
Long-term debt, net of current maturities and deferred financing costs$4,126,923 $3,528,100 
(a)
____________________
(a)    Variable interest rate.
(b)
A reimbursement agreement is in place with Wells Fargo on behalf of Wyoming Electric for the 2009A$10 million bonds of $10 million due March 1, 2027. In the case of default, we hold the assumption of liability for drawings on Wyoming Electric’s Letter of Credit attached to these bonds.
(c)
Includes deferred financing costs associated with our Revolving Credit Facility of $2.5$1.1 million and $1.0$1.8 million as of December 31, 20212023 and December 31, 2020,2022, respectively.

Scheduled maturities of long-term debt excluding amortization of premiumsand associated interest payments by year are shown below (in millions):

Payments Due by Period

 

2024

 

2025

 

2026

 

2027

 

2028

 

Thereafter

 

Total

 

Principal payments on Long-term debt including current maturities (a)

$

600.0

 

$

 

$

300.0

 

$

410.0

 

$

350.0

 

$

2,775.0

 

$

4,435.0

 

Interest payments on Long-term debt (a)

 

179.0

 

 

168.1

 

 

162.2

 

 

149.6

 

 

132.9

 

 

1,052.2

 

 

1,844.0

 

(a)
Long-term debt amounts do not include deferred financing costs or discounts for future yearsor premiums on debt. Estimated interest payments on variable rate debt are (in thousands):
2022$— 
2023$525,000 
2024$600,000 
2025$— 
2026$300,000 
Thereafter$2,735,000 
90calculated by utilizing the applicable rates as of December 31, 2023.

83



Our debt securities contain certain restrictive financial covenants, all of which the Company and its subsidiaries were in compliance with at December 31, 2021.2023. See below for additional information.


Substantially all of the tangible utility property of South Dakota Electric and Wyoming Electric is subject to the lien of indentures securing their first mortgage bonds. First mortgage bonds of South Dakota Electric and Wyoming Electric may be issued in amounts limited by property, earnings and other provisions of the mortgage indentures.


Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs


Our deferred financing costs and associated amortization expense included in Interest expense on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income were as follows (in thousands):
Deferred Financing Costs Remaining atAmortization Expense for the years ended December 31,
December 31, 2021202120202019
$26,878 $3,769 $3,272 $3,242 

Debt Transactions


On August 26, 2021,September 15, 2023, we completed a public debt offering which consisted of $600$450 million, 1.037% three-year6.15% senior unsecured notes due August 23, 2024. TheMay 15, 2034. Proceeds from the offering, which were net of $7.6 million of deferred financing costs, along with available cash were used to repay all of our $525 million principal amount outstanding notes include an optional redemption provisionon their November 30, 2023 maturity date and may be redeemed, in whole or in part, without premium, on or after February 23, 2022.for other general corporate purposes.

On March 7, 2023, we completed a public debt offering of $350 million, 5.95% five year senior unsecured notes due March 15, 2028. The proceeds from the offering, which were net of $3.7$4.2 million of deferred financing costs, were used to repay amountsnotes outstanding under our term loan entered into on February 24, 2021.


On June 17, 2020, we completed a public debt offering which consisted of $400 million of 2.50% 10-year senior unsecured notes due June 15, 2030. The proceeds were used to repay short-term debtCP Program and for working capital andother general corporate purposes.


Debt Covenants


Revolving Credit Facility


Under

We were in compliance with all of our Revolving Credit Facility wecovenants as of December 31, 2023. We are required to maintain a Consolidated Indebtedness to Capitalization Ratio not to exceed 0.65 to 1.00. Subject to applicable cure periods, a violation of any of these covenantsthis covenant would constitute an event of default that entitles the lenders to terminate their remaining commitments and accelerate all principal and interest outstanding.

As of December 31, 2023, our Consolidated Indebtedness to Capitalization Ratio was
0.58
We were to 1.00.

Wyoming Electric

Wyoming Electric was in compliance with ourall covenants atwithin its financing agreements as of December 31, 2021 as shown below:


As of December 31, 2021Covenant Requirement
Consolidated Indebtedness to Capitalization Ratio62.1%Less than65%

2023. Wyoming Electric

Covenants within Wyoming Electric's financing agreements require Wyoming Electric is required to maintain a debt to capitalization ratio of no more than 0.60 to 1.00. As of December 31, 2021, we were in compliance with these financial covenants.
2023, Wyoming Electric's debt to capitalization ratio was
0.51
to 1.00.

Dividend Restrictions


Our Revolving Credit Facility and other debt obligations contain restrictions on the payment of cash dividends when a default or event of default occurs.


Due to our holding company structure, substantially all of our operating cash flows are provided by dividends paid or distributions made by our subsidiaries. The cash to pay dividends to our shareholders is derived from these cash flows. As a result, certain statutory limitations or regulatory or financing agreements could affect the levels of distributions allowed to be made by our subsidiaries.


Our Utilities are generally limited to the amount of dividends allowed to be paid to our utility holding company under the Federal Power Act and settlement agreements with state regulatory jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2021,2023, the amount of restricted net assets at our Utilities that may not be distributed to our utility holding company in the form of a loan or dividend was approximately $155$142.6 million.


South Dakota Electric and Wyoming Electric are generally limited to the amount of dividends allowed to be paid to our utility holding company under certain financing agreements.


91

Equity


At-the-Market Equity Offering Program


On August 3, 2020, we filed a shelf registration and DRSPP with the SEC. In conjunction with these shelf filings, we renewed the ATM. The renewed ATM program, which allows us to sell shares ofAlthough our common stock, is the same as the prior program other than the aggregate value increased from $300 million to $400 million and a forward sales option was incorporated. This forward sales option allows us to sell our shares through the ATM program at the current trading price without actually issuing any shares to satisfy the sale until a future date. Under the ATM, shares may be offered from time to time pursuant to a sales agreement dated August 3, 2020. Shares of common stock are offered pursuant to ouraforementioned shelf registration statement filed withdoes not limit our issuance capacity, our ability to issue securities is limited to the SEC.

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, we issued a totalauthority granted by our Board of 1,812,197 shares of common stock under the ATM for $119 million, net of $1.1 millionDirectors, certain covenants in issuance costs. We did not issue any shares of common stock under the ATM during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, we issued a total of 1,328,332 shares of common stock under the ATM for $99 million, net of $1.2 million in issuance costs.

February 2020 Equity Issuance

On February 27, 2020, we issued 1.2 million shares of common stock to a single investor through an underwritten registered transaction at a price of $81.77 per share for proceeds of $99 million, net of $1.0 million of issuance costs. The shares of common stock were offered pursuant to our shelf registration statement filed with the SEC.

Shareholder Dividend Reinvestmentfinancing arrangements and Stock Purchase Plan

We have a DRSPP under which shareholders may purchase additional shares of common stock through dividend reinvestment and/or optional cash payments at 100% of the recent average market price. We have the option of issuing new shares or purchasing the shares on the open market. We issued new shares until March 1, 2018, after which we began purchasing shares on the open market. At December 31, 2021, there were 116,306 shares of unissued stock available for future offering under the DRSPP.

Preferred Stock

restrictions imposed by federal and state regulatory authorities. Our articles of incorporation authorize the issuance of 100 million shares of common stock and 25 million shares of preferred stockstock. As of whichDecember 31, 2023, we had approximately 68 million shares of common stock outstanding and no shares of preferred stock outstandingoutstanding.

84


At-the-Market Equity Offering Program


As previously disclosed, on August 4, 2020, we entered into an Amended and Restated Equity Distribution Sales Agreement ("Previous Sales Agreement") to sell shares of common stock up to an aggregate of $
400 million, from time to time, through our ATM program utilizing our shelf registration statement. In conjunction with the new shelf registration statement filing discussed above, we entered into a new Equity Distribution Sales Agreement ("Sales Agreement") on June 16, 2023. We also terminated the Previous Sales Agreement on June 16, 2023. The Sales Agreement is similar to the Previous Sales Agreement and allows us to sell shares of common stock up to an aggregate of $400 million through our ATM program.

ATM activity for the years ended December 31 was as follows (in millions, except Average price per share amounts):

 

December 31, 2023

 

December 31, 2022

 

December 31, 2021

 

August 4, 2020 ATM Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds, (net of issuance costs of $(0.5), $(0.9) and $(1.1), respectively)

$

48.5

 

$

90.3

 

$

118.8

 

Number of shares issued

 

0.8

 

 

1.3

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 16, 2023 ATM Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds, (net of issuance costs of $(0.7), $0, $0, respectively

$

70.2

 

$

 

$

 

Number of shares issued

 

1.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total activity under both ATM Programs

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds, (net of issuance costs of $(1.2), $(0.9) and $(1.1), respectively)

$

118.7

 

$

90.3

 

$

118.8

 

Number of shares issued

 

2.0

 

 

1.3

 

 

1.8

 

Average price per share

$

59.04

 

$

69.74

 

$

66.18

 

Shareholder Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan

Effective as of December 31, 2021July 7, 2023, we terminated our DRSPP. On July 10, 2023, we filed a post-effective amendment to amend the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-240319) filed with the SEC on August 4, 2020. The filing of this post-effective amendment de-registered all shares of common stock that were issuable under the DRSPP but not sold as of July 7, 2023. With the termination of the DRSPP, a direct stock purchase plan is being offered which will allow shareholders to continue making share transactions. This plan is sponsored and 2020.administered solely by EQ Shareowner Services, our transfer agent.



(9) RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVES


Market and Credit Risk Disclosures


Our activities in the energy industry expose us to a number of risks in the normal operations of our businesses. Depending on the activity, we are exposed to varying degrees of market risk and credit risk. To manage and mitigate these identified risks, we have adopted the Black Hills Corporation Risk Policies and Procedures. Valuation methodologies for our derivatives are detailed within

Note 1

.


Market Risk


Market risk is the potential loss that may occur as a result of an adverse change in market price, rate or supply. We are exposed, but not limited to, the following market risks:


Commodity price risk associated with our retail natural gas and wholesale electric power marketing activities and our fuel procurement for several of our gas-fired generation assets, which include market fluctuations due to unpredictable factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, weather (Winter(e.g. Winter Storm Uri), geopolitical events, market speculation, recession, inflation, pipeline constraints, and other factors that may impact natural gas and electric supply and demand; and


Interest rate risk associated with future debt, including reduced access to liquidity during periods of extreme capital markets volatility, such as the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.


Credit Risk


Credit risk is the risk of financial loss resulting from non-performance of contractual obligations by a counterparty.


92

Table of Contents

We attempt to mitigate our credit exposure by conducting business primarily with high credit quality entities, setting tenor and credit limits commensurate with counterparty financial strength, obtaining master netting agreements and mitigating credit exposure with less creditworthy counterparties through parental guarantees, cash collateral requirements, letters of credit and other security agreements.

85



Table of Contents

We perform ongoingperiodic credit evaluations of our customers and adjust credit limits based upon payment history and the customer’s current creditworthiness, as determined by review of their current credit information. We maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon historical experience, changes in current market conditions, expected losses and any specific customer collection issue that is identified. Our credit exposure at December 31, 20212023 was concentrated primarily among retail utility customers, investment grade companies, cooperative utilities and federal agencies.


Derivatives and Hedging Activity


Our derivative and hedging activities included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) are detailed below and within Note 10.


The operations of our Utilities, including natural gas sold by our Gas Utilities and natural gas used by our Electric Utilities’ generation plants or those plants under PPAs where our Electric Utilities must provide the generation fuel (tolling agreements), expose our utility customers to natural gas price volatility. Therefore, as allowed or required by state utility commissions, we have entered into commission approved hedging programs utilizing natural gas futures, options, over-the-counter swaps and basis swaps to reduce our customers’ underlying exposure to these fluctuations. These transactions are considered derivatives, and in accordance with accounting standards for derivatives and hedging, mark-to-market adjustments are recorded as Derivative assets or Derivative liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of balance sheet offsetting as permitted by GAAP.


For our regulated Utilities’ hedging plans, unrealized and realized gains and losses, as well as option premiums and commissions on these transactions are recorded as Regulatory assets or Regulatory liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with state regulatory commission guidelines. When the related costs are recovered through our rates, the hedging activity is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income.


We periodically have wholesale power purchase and sale contracts used to manage purchased power costs and load requirements associated with serving our electric customers that are considered derivative instruments due to not qualifying for the normal purchase and normal sales exception to derivative accounting. Changes in the fair value of these commodity derivatives are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income.


We

To support our Choice Gas Program customers, we buy, sell and deliver natural gas at competitive prices by managing commodity price risk. As a result of these activities, this area of our business is exposed to risks associated with changes in the market price of natural gas. We manage our exposure to such risks using over-the-counter and exchange traded options and swaps with counterparties in anticipation of forecasted purchases and sales during time frames ranging from January 20222024 through October 2024.2025. A portion of our over-the-counter swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges to mitigate the commodity price risk associated with deliveries under fixed price forward contracts to deliver gas to our Choice Gas Program customers. The gain or loss on these designated derivatives is reported in AOCI in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and reclassified into earnings in the same period that the underlying hedged item is recognized in earnings. Effectiveness of our hedging position is evaluated at least quarterly.


The contract or notional amounts and terms of the natural gas derivative commodity instruments held by our utilities are comprised of both short and long positions. We had the following net long positions as of:

 

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Units

Notional Amounts

Maximum Term (months) (a)

Notional Amounts

Maximum Term (months) (a)

Natural gas futures purchased

MMBtus

650,000

3

630,000

3

Natural gas options purchased, net

MMBtus

2,850,000

3

1,790,000

3

Natural gas basis swaps purchased

MMBtus

1,050,000

3

900,000

3

Natural gas over-the-counter swaps, net (b)

MMBtus

3,890,000

21

4,460,000

24

Natural gas physical commitments, net (c)

MMBtus

12,582,415

10

17,864,412

12

December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Notional (MMBtus)
Maximum Term (months) (a)
Notional (MMBtus)
Maximum Term (months) (a)
Natural gas futures purchased590,000 3620,000 3
Natural gas options purchased, net3,100,000 33,160,000 3
Natural gas basis swaps purchased870,000 3900,000 3
Natural gas over-the-counter swaps, net (b)
4,570,000 343,850,000 17
Natural gas physical commitments, net (c)
16,416,677 2417,513,061 22
Electric wholesale contracts (c)
— 0219,000 12
(a)
____________________
(a)    Term reflects the maximum forward period hedged.
(b)
As of December 31, 2021, 1,830,0002023, 2,101,700 MMBtus of natural gas over-the-counter swaps purchased were designated as cash flow hedges.
(c)
Volumes exclude derivative contracts that qualify for the normal purchase, normal sales exception permitted by GAAP.

93

Table of Contents

We have certain derivative contracts which contain credit provisions. These credit provisions may require the Company to post collateral when credit exposure to the Company is in excess of a negotiated line of unsecured credit. At December 31, 2021,2023, the Company posted $2.1$2.0 million related to such provisions, which is included in Other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

86


Derivatives by Balance Sheet Classification


As required by accounting standards for derivatives and hedges, fair values within the following tables are presented on a gross basis aside from the netting of asset and liability positions. Netting of positions is permitted in accordance with accounting standards for offsetting and under terms of our master netting agreements that allow us to settle positive and negative positions.

The following tables present the fair value and balance sheet classification of our derivative instruments as of December 31, (in thousands)millions):

Balance Sheet Location

2023

 

2022

 

Derivatives designated as hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

Asset derivative instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

Current commodity derivatives

Derivative assets - current

$

 

$

0.1

 

Noncurrent commodity derivatives

Other assets, non-current

 

 

 

0.2

 

Liability derivative instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

Current commodity derivatives

Derivative liabilities - current

 

(2.7

)

 

(1.7

)

Noncurrent commodity derivatives

Other deferred credits and other liabilities

 

(0.2

)

 

 

Total derivatives designated as hedges

 

$

(2.9

)

$

(1.4

)

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives not designated as hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

Asset derivative instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

Current commodity derivatives

Derivative assets - current

$

 

$

0.5

 

Noncurrent commodity derivatives

Other assets, non-current

 

 

 

0.3

 

Liability derivative instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

Current commodity derivatives

Derivative liabilities - current

 

(3.8

)

 

(4.9

)

Noncurrent commodity derivatives

Other deferred credits and other liabilities

 

(0.1

)

 

 

Total derivatives not designated as hedges

 

$

(3.9

)

$

(4.1

)

Balance Sheet Location20212020
Derivatives designated as hedges:
Asset derivative instruments:
Current commodity derivativesDerivative assets - current$2,017 $181 
Noncurrent commodity derivativesOther assets, non-current18 43 
Liability derivative instruments:
Current commodity derivativesDerivative liabilities - current— (108)
Total derivatives designated as hedges$2,035 $116 
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
Asset derivative instruments:
Current commodity derivativesDerivative assets - current$2,356 $1,667 
Noncurrent commodity derivativesOther assets, non-current804 151 
Liability derivative instruments:
Current commodity derivativesDerivative liabilities - current(1,439)(1,936)
Noncurrent commodity derivativesOther deferred credits and other liabilities(20)— 
Total derivatives not designated as hedges$1,701 $(118)


Derivatives Designated as Hedge Instruments


The impact of cash flow hedges on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Consolidated Statements of Income is presented below for the years ended December 31, 2021, 20202023, 2022 and 2019.2021. Note that this presentation does not reflect the gains or losses arising from the underlying physical transactions; therefore, it is not indicative of the economic profit or loss we realized when the underlying physical and financial transactions were settled.
202120202019202120202019
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging RelationshipsAmount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in OCIIncome Statement LocationAmount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Interest rate swaps$2,851 $2,851 $2,851 Interest expense$(2,851)$(2,851)$(2,851)
Commodity derivatives1,952 540 (965)Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold2,051 (601)417 
Total$4,803 $3,391 $1,886 $(800)$(3,452)$(2,434)


2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

 

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in OCI

 

Income Statement Location

Amount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income

 

(in millions)

 

 

(in millions)

 

Interest rate swaps

$

2.9

 

$

2.8

 

$

2.8

 

Interest expense

$

(2.9

)

$

(2.8

)

$

(2.9

)

Commodity derivatives

 

(1.6

)

 

(3.5

)

 

2.0

 

Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold

 

(3.0

)

 

2.7

 

 

2.1

 

Total

$

1.3

 

$

(0.7

)

$

4.8

 

 

$

(5.9

)

$

(0.1

)

$

(0.8

)

As of December 31, 2021, $0.92023, $5.9 million of net losses related to our interest rate swaps and commodity derivatives are expected to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings within the next 12 months. As market prices fluctuate, estimated and actual realized gains or losses will change during future periods.


94

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedge Instruments


The following table summarizes the impacts of derivative instruments not designated as hedge instruments on our Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2021, 20202023, 2022 and 2019.2021. Note that this presentation does not reflect the expected gains or losses arising from the underlying physical transactions; therefore, it is not indicative of the economic gross profit we realized when the underlying physical and financial transactions were settled.

 

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

Location of Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income

Amount of Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income

 

 

(in millions)

 

Commodity derivatives - Natural Gas

Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold

$

(4.2

)

$

(0.8

)

$

2.6

 

 

$

(4.2

)

$

(0.8

)

$

2.6

 

202120202019
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging InstrumentsIncome Statement LocationAmount of Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income
(in thousands)
Commodity derivatives - ElectricFuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold$(144)$144 $— 
Commodity derivatives - Natural GasFuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold2,599 1,640 (1,100)
$2,455 $1,784 $(1,100)


As discussed above, financial instruments used in our regulated Gas Utilities are not designated as cash flow hedges. However, there is no earnings impact because the unrealized gains and losses arising from the use of these financial instruments are recorded as Regulatory assets or Regulatory liabilities. The net unrealized losses included in oura Regulatory assets or Regulatory liability accountsasset related to these financial instruments used in our Gas Utilities were $2.6$5.1 million and $2.2$8.8 million at December 31, 20212023 and 2020,2022, respectively.

87


For our Electric Utilities, the unrealized gains and losses arising from these derivatives are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income.



(10) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS


Recurring Fair Value Measurements


Derivatives


Valuation methodologies for our derivatives are detailed within Note 1. The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our gross assets and gross liabilities and related offsetting as permitted by GAAP that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis for derivative instruments.

As of December 31, 2021
Level 1Level 2Level 3
Cash Collateral and Counterparty Netting (a)
Total
(in thousands)
Assets:
Commodity derivatives - Gas Utilities$— $7,569 $— $(2,374)$5,195 
Commodity derivatives - Electric Utilities— — — — — 
Total$— $7,569 $— $(2,374)$5,195 
Liabilities:
Commodity derivatives - Gas Utilities$— $3,273 $— $(1,814)$1,459 
Commodity derivatives - Electric Utilities0$— 0$— $— 
Total$— $3,273 $— $(1,814)$1,459 

As of December 31, 2023

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Cash Collateral and Counterparty Netting (a)

 

Total

 

(in millions)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commodity derivatives

$

 

$

1.9

 

$

 

$

(1.9

)

$

 

Total

$

 

$

1.9

 

$

 

$

(1.9

)

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commodity derivatives

$

 

$

10.1

 

$

 

$

(3.3

)

$

6.8

 

Total

$

 

$

10.1

 

$

 

$

(3.3

)

$

6.8

 

_____________________
(a)
(a)    As of December 31, 2021, $2.42023, $1.9 million of our commodity derivative gross assets and $1.8$3.3 million of our commodity derivative gross liabilities, as well as related gross collateral amounts, were subject to master netting agreements.

95

As of December 31, 2022

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Cash Collateral and Counterparty Netting (a)

 

Total

 

 

(in millions)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commodity derivatives

$

 

$

5.4

 

$

 

$

(4.3

)

$

1.1

 

Total

$

 

$

5.4

 

$

 

$

(4.3

)

$

1.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commodity derivatives

$

 

$

11.4

 

$

 

$

(4.8

)

$

6.6

 

Total

$

 

$

11.4

 

$

 

$

(4.8

)

$

6.6

 

As of December 31, 2020
Level 1Level 2Level 3
Cash Collateral and Counterparty Netting (a)
Total
Assets:
Commodity derivatives - Gas Utilities$— 2,504 $— $(1,527)$977 
Commodity derivatives - Electric Utilities— 1,065 — — 1,065 
Total$— $3,569 $— $(1,527)$2,042 
Liabilities:
Commodity derivatives - Gas Utilities$— $2,675 $— $(1,552)$1,123 
Commodity derivatives - Electric Utilities— 921 — — 921 
Total$— $3,596 $— $(1,552)$2,044 
(a)
____________________
(a)    As of December 31, 2020, $1.52022, $4.3 million of our commodity derivative assets and $1.6$4.8 million of our commodity derivative liabilities, as well as related gross collateral amounts, were subject to master netting agreements.

Pension and Postretirement Plan Assets


A discussion of the fair value of our Pension and Postretirement Plan assets is included in Note 13.


Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurement


A discussion of the fair value of our investment in equity securities of a privately held oil and gas company, a Level 3 asset, is included in Note 1.

Other Fair Value Measurements


The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and equivalents and short-term borrowings approximates fair value due to their liquid or short-term nature. Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash are classified in Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Notes payable consist of commercial paper borrowings and are not traded on an exchange; therefore, they are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

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Table of Contents

The following table presents the carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments not recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31 (in thousands)millions):

2023

 

2022

 

Carrying Amount

 

Fair Value

 

Carrying Amount

 

Fair Value

 

Long-term debt, including current maturities (a)

$

4,401.2

 

$

4,215.6

 

$

4,132.3

 

$

3,760.8

 


(a)
20212020
Carrying AmountFair ValueCarrying AmountFair Value
Long-term debt, including current maturities (a)
$4,126,923 $4,570,619 $3,536,536 $4,208,167 
____________________
(a)    Long-term debt is valued based on observable inputs available either directly or indirectly for similar liabilities in active markets and therefore is classified in Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Carrying amount of long-term debt is net of deferred financing costs.


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Table of Contents

(11) OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME


We record deferred gains (losses) in AOCI related to interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges, commodity contracts designated as cash flow hedges and the amortization of components of our defined benefit plans. Deferred gains (losses) for our commodity contracts designated as cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings upon settlement, while deferred gains (losses) related to our interest rate swaps are recognized in earnings as they are amortized.


The following table details reclassifications out of AOCI and into Net income. The amounts in parentheses below indicate decreases to Net income in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the period, net of tax (in thousands)millions):

Location on the Consolidated

Amount Reclassified from AOCI

 

 

Statements of Income

December 31, 2023

 

December 31, 2022

 

Gains and (losses) on cash flow hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate swaps

Interest expense

$

(2.9

)

$

(2.8

)

Commodity contracts

Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold

 

(3.0

)

 

2.7

 

 

 

(5.9

)

 

(0.1

)

Income tax

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

1.4

 

 

 

Total reclassification adjustments related to cash flow hedges, net of tax

 

$

(4.5

)

$

(0.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of components of defined benefit plans:

 

 

 

 

 

Prior service cost

Operations and maintenance

$

 

$

0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actuarial gain (loss)

Operations and maintenance

 

(0.2

)

 

(0.8

)

 

 

(0.2

)

 

(0.7

)

Income tax

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

 

 

0.2

 

Total reclassification adjustments related to defined benefit plans, net of tax

 

$

(0.2

)

$

(0.5

)

 

 

 

 

 

Total reclassifications

 

$

(4.7

)

$

(0.6

)

Location on the Consolidated Statements of IncomeAmount Reclassified from AOCI
December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Gains and (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swapsInterest expense$(2,851)$(2,851)
Commodity contractsFuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold2,051 (601)
(800)(3,452)
Income taxIncome tax benefit (expense)175 383 
Total reclassification adjustments related to cash flow hedges, net of tax$(625)$(3,069)
Amortization of components of defined benefit plans:
Prior service costOperations and maintenance$98 $103 
Actuarial gain (loss)Operations and maintenance(2,391)(2,387)
(2,293)(2,284)
Income taxIncome tax benefit (expense)638 935 
Total reclassification adjustments related to defined benefit plans, net of tax$(1,655)$(1,349)
Total reclassifications$(2,280)$(4,418)



Balances by classification included within AOCI, net of tax on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands)millions):

Derivatives Designated as
Cash Flow Hedges

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Rate Swaps

 

Commodity Derivatives

 

Employee Benefit Plans

 

Total

 

As of December 31, 2021

$

(10.4

)

$

1.5

 

$

(11.2

)

$

(20.1

)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

before reclassifications

 

 

 

(0.6

)

 

4.6

 

 

4.0

 

Amounts reclassified from AOCI

 

2.1

 

 

(2.1

)

 

0.5

 

 

0.5

 

As of December 31, 2022

$

(8.3

)

$

(1.2

)

$

(6.1

)

$

(15.6

)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

before reclassifications

 

 

 

(3.6

)

 

(0.3

)

 

(3.9

)

Amounts reclassified from AOCI

 

2.2

 

 

2.3

 

 

0.2

 

 

4.7

 

As of December 31, 2023

$

(6.1

)

$

(2.5

)

$

(6.2

)

$

(14.8

)

Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
Interest Rate SwapsCommodity DerivativesEmployee Benefit PlansTotal
As of December 31, 2020$(12,558)$$(14,790)$(27,346)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
before reclassifications— 3,023 1,959 4,982 
Amounts reclassified from AOCI2,174 (1,549)1,655 2,280 
As of December 31, 2021$(10,384)$1,476 $(11,176)$(20,084)
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
Interest Rate SwapsCommodity DerivativesEmployee Benefit PlansTotal
As of December 31, 2019$(15,122)$(456)$(15,077)$(30,655)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
before reclassifications— (47)(1,062)(1,109)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI2,564 505 1,349 4,418 
As of December 31, 2020$(12,558)$$(14,790)$(27,346)
97

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Table of Contents

(12) VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITY


Black Hills Colorado IPP owns and operates a 200 MW, combined-cycle natural gas generating facility located in Pueblo, Colorado. In 2016, Black Hills Electric Generation sold a 49.9%49.9%, non-controlling interest in Black Hills Colorado IPP to a third-party buyer. Black Hills Electric Generation is the operator of the facility, which is contracted to provide capacity and energy through 2031 to Colorado Electric.


The accounting for a partial sale of a subsidiary in which control is maintained and the subsidiary continues to be consolidated is specified under ASC 810, Consolidation. The partial sale is required to be recorded as an equity transaction with no resulting gain or loss on the sale. GAAP requires that non-controlling interests in subsidiaries and affiliates be reported in the equity section of a company’s balance sheet.


Net income available for common stock for the years ended December 31, 2021, 20202023, 2022 and 20192021 was reduced by $15$13.8 million, $15$12.4 million, and $14$14.5 million, respectively, attributable to this non-controlling interest. The net income allocable to the non-controlling interest holder is based on ownership interest with the exception of certain agreed upon adjustments. Distributions of net income attributable to this non-controlling interest are due within 30 days following the end of a quarter but may be withheld as necessary by Black Hills Electric Generation.


Black Hills Colorado IPP has been determined to be a VIE in which the Company has a variable interest. Black Hills Electric Generation has been determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE as Black Hills Electric Generation is the operator and manager of the generation facility and, as such, has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Black Hills Colorado IPP’s economic performance. Black Hills Electric Generation, as the primary beneficiary, continues to consolidate Black Hills Colorado IPP. Black Hills Colorado IPP has not received financial or other support from the Company outside of pre-existing contractual arrangements during the reporting period. Black Hills Colorado IPP does not have any debt and its cash flows from operations are sufficient to support its ongoing operations.


We have recorded the following assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheetsConsolidated Balance Sheets related to the VIE described above as of December 31 (in thousands)millions):

2023

 

2022

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

Current assets

$

15.1

 

$

12.8

 

Property, plant and equipment

$

166.8

 

$

178.8

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

$

4.8

 

$

5.4

 

20212020
Assets:
Current assets$13,220 $13,604 
Property, plant and equipment of variable interest entities, net$189,079 $190,637 
Liabilities:
Current liabilities$5,841 $5,318 



(13) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS


Defined Contribution Plans


We sponsor a 401(k) retirement savings plan (the 401(k) Plan). Participants in the 401(k) Plan may elect to invest a portion of their eligible compensation in the 401(k) Plan up to the maximum amounts established by the IRS. The 401(k) Plan provides employees the opportunity to invest up to 50%50% of their eligible compensation on a pre-tax or after-tax basis.


The 401(k) Plan provides a Company matching contribution for all eligible participants. Certain eligible participants who are not currently accruing a benefit in the Pension Plan also receive a Company retirement contribution based on the participant’s age and years of service. Vesting of all Company and matching contributions occurs at 20%20% per year with 100%100% vesting when the participant has 5 years of service with the Company.


Defined Benefit Pension Plan


We have 1one defined benefit pension plan, the Black Hills Retirement Plan (Pension Plan). The Pension Plan covers certain eligible employees of the Company. The benefits for the Pension Plan are based on years of service and calculations of average earnings during a specific time period prior to retirement. The Pension Plan is closed to new employees and frozen for certain employees who did not meet age and service basedservice-based criteria.


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Table of Contents

The Pension Plan assets are held in a Master Trust. Our Board of Directors has approved the Pension Plan’s investment policy. The objective of the investment policy is to manage assets in such a way that will allow the eventual settlement of our obligations to the Pension Plan’s beneficiaries. To meet this objective, our pension assets are managed by an outside adviser using a portfolio strategy that will provide liquidity to meet the Pension Plan’s benefit payment obligations. The Pension Plan’s assets consist primarily of equity, fixed income and hedged investments.


The expected rate of return on the Pension Plan assets is determined by reviewing the historical and expected returns of both equity and fixed income markets, taking into account asset allocation, the correlation between asset class returns and the mix of active and passive investments. The Pension Plan utilizes a dynamic asset allocation where the target range to return-seeking and liability-hedging assets is determined based on the funded status of the Plan. As of December 31, 2021,2023, the expected rate of return on pension plan assets was based on the targeted asset allocation range of 22%20% to 30%28% return-seeking assets and 70%72% to 78%80% liability-hedging assets.

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Table of Contents

Our Pension Plan is funded in compliance with the federal government’s funding requirements.


Plan Assets


The percentages of total plan asset by investment category for our Pension Plan at December 31 were as follows:

Return-seeking Assets

2023

2022

Equity

14%

14%

Real estate

5%

7%

Hedge funds

3%

3%

Fixed income

2%

2%

Total

24%

26%

 

 

 

Liability-hedging Assets

2023

2022

Fixed income

74%

72%

Cash

2%

2%

Total

76%

74%

 

 

 

Total Assets

100%

100%

20212020
Equity15%21%
Real estate73
Fixed income7469
Cash13
Hedge funds34
Total100%100%


Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans


We have various supplemental retirement plans for key executives of the Company. The plans are non-qualified defined benefit and defined contribution plans (Supplemental Plans). The Supplemental Plans are subject to various vesting schedules and are funded on a cash basis as benefits are paid.


Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan


BHC sponsors a retiree healthcare plan (Healthcare Plan) for employees who meet certain age and service requirements at retirement. Healthcare Plan benefits are subject to premiums, deductibles, co-payment provisions and other limitations. A portion of the Healthcare Plan for participating business units are pre-funded via VEBA trusts. Pre-65 retirees as well as a grandfathered group of post-65 retirees receive their retiree medical benefits through the Black Hills self-insured retiree medical plans.

Healthcare coverage for post-65 Medicare-eligible retirees is provided through an individual market healthcare exchange.


We fund the Healthcare Plan on a cash basis as benefits are paid. The Healthcare Plan provides for partial pre-funding via VEBA trusts. Assets related to this pre-funding are held in trust and are for the benefit of the union and non-union employees located in the states of Arkansas, Iowa and Kansas. We do not pre-fund the Healthcare Plan for those employees outside Arkansas, Iowa and Kansas.


Plan Contributions


Contributions to the Pension Plan are cash contributions made directly to the Master Trust. Healthcare and Supplemental Plan contributions are made in the form of benefit payments. Healthcare benefits include company and participant paid premiums.

Contributions for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands)millions):

2023

 

2022

 

Defined Contribution Plan

 

 

 

 

Company retirement contributions

$

12.7

 

$

11.9

 

Company matching contributions

$

17.1

 

$

16.2

 

Defined Benefit Plans

 

 

 

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

$

 

$

 

Non-Pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan

$

5.4

 

$

6.1

 

Supplemental Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans

$

3.5

 

$

3.1

 

20212020
Defined Contribution Plan
Company retirement contributions$11,332 $10,455 
Company matching contributions$15,938 $15,240 
99

20212020
Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Pension Plan$— $12,700 
Non-Pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan$6,432 $6,058 
Supplemental Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans$2,576 $2,674 

While weWe do not have any required contributions, we expect to make $3.9 million in contributions to our Pension Plan in 2022.2024; however, we expect to make $2.3 million in contributions.

91


Fair Value Measurements


The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the assets that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands)millions):
Pension PlanDecember 31, 2021
Level 1Level 2Level 3Total Investments Measured at Fair Value
NAV (a)
Total Investments
Common Collective Trust - Cash and Cash Equivalents$— $6,009 $— $6,009 $— $6,009 
Common Collective Trust - Equity— 70,262 — 70,262 — 70,262 
Common Collective Trust - Fixed Income— 339,219 — 339,219 — 339,219 
Common Collective Trust - Real Estate— — — — 30,407 30,407 
Hedge Funds— — — — 12,490 12,490 
Total investments measured at fair value$— $415,490 $— $415,490 $42,897 $458,387 

 

December 31, 2023

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total Investments Measured at Fair Value

 

NAV (a)

 

Total Investments

 

Pension Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Collective Trust - Cash and Cash Equivalents

$

 

$

6.7

 

$

 

$

6.7

 

$

 

$

6.7

 

Common Collective Trust - Equity

 

 

 

42.7

 

 

 

 

42.7

 

 

 

 

42.7

 

Common Collective Trust - Fixed Income

 

 

 

234.5

 

 

 

 

234.5

 

 

 

 

234.5

 

Common Collective Trust - Real Estate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16.4

 

 

16.4

 

Hedge Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.1

 

 

8.1

 

Total investments measured at fair value

$

 

$

283.9

 

$

 

$

283.9

 

$

24.5

 

$

308.4

 

Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

8.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.0

 

 

 

 

8.0

 

Total investments measured at fair value

$

8.0

 

$

 

$

 

$

8.0

 

 

 

$

8.0

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total Investments Measured at Fair Value

 

NAV (a)

 

Total Investments

 

Pension Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Collective Trust - Cash and Cash Equivalents

$

 

$

6.4

 

$

 

$

6.4

 

$

 

$

6.4

 

Common Collective Trust - Equity

 

 

 

45.1

 

 

 

 

45.1

 

 

 

 

45.1

 

Common Collective Trust - Fixed Income

 

 

 

242.0

 

 

 

 

242.0

 

 

 

 

242.0

 

Common Collective Trust - Real Estate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21.5

 

 

21.5

 

Hedge Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.1

 

 

8.1

 

Total investments measured at fair value

$

 

$

293.5

 

$

 

$

293.5

 

$

29.6

 

$

323.1

 

Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

7.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.8

 

 

 

 

7.8

 

Total investments measured at fair value

$

7.8

 

$

 

$

 

$

7.8

 

 

 

$

7.8

 


(a)
Pension PlanDecember 31, 2020
Level 1Level 2Level 3Total Investments Measured at Fair Value
NAV (a)
Total Investments
Common Collective Trust - Cash and Cash Equivalents— 16,810 — 16,810 — 16,810 
Common Collective Trust - Equity— 100,311 — 100,311 — 100,311 
Common Collective Trust - Fixed Income— 324,845 — 324,845 — 324,845 
Common Collective Trust - Real Estate— — — — 14,301 14,301 
Hedge Funds— — — — 17,454 17,454 
Total investments measured at fair value$— $441,966 $— $441,966 $31,755 $473,721 
____________________
(a)    Certain investments that are measured at fair value using NAV per share (or its equivalent) for practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in these tables for these investments are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the reconciliation of changes in the plan’s benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets above.

Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare PlanDecember 31, 2021
Level 1Level 2Level 3Total Investments Measured at Fair ValueTotal Investments
Cash and Cash Equivalents$7,972 $— $— $7,972 $7,972 
Total investments measured at fair value$7,972 $— $— $7,972 $7,972 


92

100


Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare PlanDecember 31, 2020
Level 1Level 2Level 3Total Investments Measured at Fair ValueTotal Investments
Cash and Cash Equivalents$8,165 $— $— $8,165 $8,165 
Total investments measured at fair value$8,165 $— $— $8,165 $8,165 


Additional information about assets of the benefit plans, including methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of these assets, is as follows:


Pension Plan


Common Collective Trust Funds: These funds are valued based upon the redemption price of units held by the Pension Plan, which is based on the current fair value of the common collective trust funds’ underlying assets. Unit values are determined by the financial institution sponsoring such funds by dividing the fund’s net assets at fair value by its units outstanding at the valuation dates. The Pension Plan’s investments in common collective trust funds, with the exception of shares of the common collective trust-real estate are categorized as Level 2.

The following investments are measured at NAV and are not classified in the fair value hierarchy, in accordance with accounting guidance:

Common Collective Trust-Real Estate Funds: These funds are valued based on various factors of the underlying real estate properties, including market rent, market rent growth, occupancy levels, etc. As part of the trustee’s valuation process, properties are externally appraised generally on an annual basis. The appraisals are conducted by reputable independent appraisal firms and signed by appraisers that are members of the Appraisal Institute, with professional designation of Member, Appraisal Institute. All external appraisals are performed in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices. We receive monthly statements from the trustee, along with the annual schedule of investments and rely on these reports for pricing the units of the fund. Some of the funds without participant withdrawal limitations are categorized as Level 2.

The following investments are measured at NAV and are not classified in the fair value hierarchy, in accordance with accounting guidance:

Common Collective Trust-Real Estate Fund: This is the same fund as above except that certain of the funds’ assets contain participant withdrawal policies with restrictions on redemption and are therefore not included in the fair value hierarchy.

Hedge Funds: These funds represent investments in other investment funds that seek a return utilizing a number of diverse investment strategies. The strategies, when combined, aim to reduce volatility and risk while attempting to deliver positive returns under all market conditions. Amounts are reported on a one-month lag. The fair value of hedge funds is determined using net asset value per share based on the fair value of the hedge fund’s underlying investments. 10%10% of the shares may be redeemed at the end of each month with a 15-day15-day notice and full redemptions are available at the end of each quarter with 60-day60-day notice and is limited to a percentage of the total net assets value of the fund. The net asset values are based on the fair value of each fund’s underlying investments. There are no unfunded commitments related to these hedge funds.

Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan


Cash and Cash Equivalents: This represents an investment in Northern Institutional Government Assets Portfolio, which is a government money market fund. As shares held reflect quoted prices in an active market, they are categorized as Level 1.

Components of Net Periodic Expense

The following table provides a reconciliation of components of the net periodic expense (in millions):

Defined Benefit
Pension Plan

 

Supplemental
Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans

 

Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan

 

For the years ended December 31,

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Service cost

$

2.5

 

$

3.9

 

$

5.0

 

$

3.1

 

$

(0.8

)

$

3.1

 

$

1.5

 

$

1.9

 

$

2.2

 

Interest cost

 

17.5

 

 

10.8

 

 

9.3

 

 

1.5

 

 

0.8

 

 

0.7

 

 

2.4

 

 

1.3

 

 

1.0

 

Expected return on assets

 

(18.7

)

 

(18.5

)

 

(20.8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.2

)

 

(0.1

)

 

(0.1

)

Net amortization of prior service cost

 

(0.1

)

 

(0.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.3

)

 

(0.4

)

Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)

 

2.0

 

 

6.1

 

 

7.3

 

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

0.5

 

Net periodic expense

$

3.2

 

$

2.2

 

$

0.8

 

$

4.6

 

$

0.3

 

$

5.6

 

$

3.7

 

$

2.9

 

$

3.2

 

Service costs are recorded in Operations and maintenance expense while non-service costs are recorded in Other expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Actuarial gains and losses are amortized using a straight-line method over the average remaining service period of active plan participants or over the average remaining lifetime of the remaining plan participants if the plan is viewed as “all or almost all” inactive participants.


93

101


Other Plan Information


The following tables provide a reconciliation of the employee benefit planobligations and fair value of employee benefit plan assets, amounts recognized in theon our Consolidated Balance Sheets, accumulated benefit obligation and reconciliation of components of the net periodic expense and elements of AOCI (in thousands)millions):

 

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

 

Supplemental Non-qualified Defined
Benefit Plans

 

Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan

 

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

 

Supplemental Non-qualified Defined
Benefit Plans

 

Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan

 

 

2023

 

2022

 

Accumulated benefit obligation at December 31

$

341.8

 

$

46.7

 

$

51.1

 

$

350.2

 

$

45.2

 

$

49.7

 

Change in benefit obligation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

$

358.4

 

$

45.2

 

$

49.7

 

$

478.3

 

$

55.3

 

$

63.5

 

Service cost

 

2.5

 

 

3.1

 

 

1.5

 

 

3.9

 

 

(0.8

)

 

1.9

 

Interest cost

 

17.5

 

 

1.5

 

 

2.4

 

 

10.8

 

 

0.8

 

 

1.3

 

Actuarial (gain) loss

 

11.6

 

 

0.3

 

 

1.7

 

 

(97.9

)

 

(7.0

)

 

(12.3

)

Benefits paid

 

(41.9

)

 

(3.4

)

 

(5.3

)

 

(36.7

)

 

(3.1

)

 

(6.1

)

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 

 

 

 

1.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.4

 

Projected benefit obligation at end of year

 

348.1

 

 

46.7

 

 

51.1

 

 

358.4

 

 

45.2

 

 

49.7

 

Change in fair value of plan assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

 

323.1

 

 

 

 

7.8

 

 

458.4

 

 

 

 

8.0

 

Investment income (loss)

 

27.4

 

 

 

 

0.2

 

 

(98.6

)

 

 

 

 

Employer contributions

 

 

 

3.5

 

 

4.3

 

 

 

 

3.1

 

 

4.5

 

Retiree contributions

 

 

 

 

 

1.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.4

 

Benefits paid

 

(41.9

)

 

(3.5

)

 

(5.4

)

 

(36.7

)

 

(3.1

)

 

(6.1

)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

 

308.6

 

 

 

 

8.0

 

 

323.1

 

 

 

 

7.8

 

Funded status - deficiency

$

39.5

 

$

46.7

 

$

43.1

 

$

35.3

 

$

45.2

 

$

41.9

 

Amounts recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory assets

$

79.9

 

$

 

$

4.8

 

$

78.7

 

$

 

$

3.8

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

2.4

 

 

4.2

 

 

 

 

2.2

 

 

4.4

 

Non-current assets

 

 

 

 

 

1.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.0

 

Non-current liabilities

 

39.4

 

 

44.3

 

 

40.2

 

 

35.2

 

 

43.0

 

 

38.5

 

Regulatory liabilities

 

2.9

 

 

 

 

5.5

 

 

2.8

 

 

 

 

6.2

 

Amounts recognized in AOCI, net of tax as of December 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (gain) loss

$

5.0

 

$

1.8

 

$

(0.7

)

$

5.2

 

$

1.6

 

$

(0.7

)

Prior service cost (gain)

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

 

0.1

 

Total amounts included in AOCI, net of tax not yet recognized as components of net periodic expense

$

5.0

 

$

1.8

 

$

(0.6

)

$

5.1

 

$

1.6

 

$

(0.6

)


Employee Benefit Plan Obligations
Defined Benefit Pension PlanSupplemental Non-qualified Defined
Benefit Plans
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan
As of December 31,202120202021202020212020
Change in benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year$514,008 $485,376 $55,054 $54,088 $70,238 $65,277 
Service cost (a)
5,038 5,411 3,149 1,579 2,237 2,056 
Interest cost9,313 13,426 706 1,099 1,058 1,649 
Actuarial (gain) loss(14,037)47,064 (1,073)962 (5,165)5,804 
Amendments(561)— — — — — 
Benefits paid(35,499)(37,269)(2,576)(2,674)(6,432)(6,058)
Plan participants’ contributions— — — — 1,548 1,510 
Projected benefit obligation at end of year$478,262 $514,008 $55,260 $55,054 $63,484 $70,238 
____________________
(a)    For the year ended December 31, 2020, Service Cost for the Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans includes a $1.4 million correction of a prior year overstatement of Projected benefit obligation.


Fair Value Employee Benefit Plan Assets
Defined Benefit
Pension Plan
Supplemental Non-qualified Defined
Benefit Plans
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan (a)
As of December 31,202120202021202020212020
Change in fair value of plan assets:
Beginning fair value of plan assets$473,721 $434,284 $— $— $8,165 $8,305 
Investment income (loss)20,165 64,006 — — (35)33 
Employer contributions— 12,700 2,576 2,674 4,726 4,374 
Retiree contributions— — — — 1,548 1,511 
Benefits paid(35,499)(37,269)(2,576)(2,674)(6,432)(6,058)
Ending fair value of plan assets$458,387 $473,721 $— $— $7,972 $8,165 
____________________
(a)    Assets of VEBA trusts.

In 2012, we froze our Pension Plan and closed it to new participants. Since then, we have implemented various de-risking strategies including lump sum buyouts, the purchase of annuities and the reduction of return-seeking assets over time to a more liability-hedged portfolio. As a result, capital markets volatility driven by the COVID-19 pandemic did not materially affecthad a limited impact to our unfunded status.


94

Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Defined Benefit
Pension Plan
Supplemental
Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan
As of December 31,202120202021202020212020
Regulatory assets$67,403 $86,677 $— $— $11,660 $16,102 
Current liabilities$— $— $2,156 $1,927 $4,584 $4,931 
Non-current liabilities$19,872 $40,287 $53,104 $53,127 $50,949 $57,142 
Regulatory liabilities$3,830 $3,607 $— $— $2,447 $2,140 

102


Accumulated Benefit Obligation
Defined Benefit
Pension Plan
Supplemental
Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan
As of December 31,202120202021202020212020
Accumulated Benefit Obligation$466,505 $498,815 $55,260 $54,779 $63,484 $70,238 

Assumptions

Defined Benefit
Pension Plan

 

Supplemental
Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans

 

Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan

 

 

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

4.99

%

 

5.17

%

 

2.88

%

 

4.93

%

 

5.13

%

 

2.77

%

 

4.97

%

 

5.14

%

 

2.79

%

Rate of increase in compensation levels

 

3.04

%

 

3.06

%

 

3.08

%

 

 

 

 

 

5.00

%

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for plan year:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate (a)

 

5.17

%

 

2.88

%

 

2.56

%

 

5.13

%

 

2.77

%

 

2.41

%

 

5.14

%

 

2.79

%

 

2.41

%

Expected long-term rate of return on assets (b)

 

6.00

%

 

4.25

%

 

4.50

%

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

3.10

%

 

1.70

%

 

1.80

%

Rate of increase in compensation levels

 

3.06

%

 

3.08

%

 

3.34

%

 

 

 

 

 

5.00

%

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 


(a)
Components of Net Periodic Expense
Defined Benefit
Pension Plan
Supplemental
Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan
For the years ended December 31,202120202019202120202019202120202019
Service cost (a)
$5,038 $5,411 $5,383 $3,149 $1,579 $4,995 $2,237 $2,056 $1,815 
Interest cost9,313 13,426 17,374 706 1,099 1,295 1,058 1,649 2,247 
Expected return on assets(20,876)(22,591)(24,401)— — — (136)(182)(230)
Net amortization of prior service cost— — 26 — (434)(546)(398)
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)7,315 8,372 3,763 1,754 1,702 535 466 20 — 
Net periodic expense$790 $4,618 $2,145 $5,609 $4,382 $6,827 $3,191 $2,997 $3,434 
____________________
(a)    For the year ended December 31, 2020, Service Cost for the Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans includes a $1.4 million correction of a prior year overstatement of Projected benefit obligation.

For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, Service costs were recorded in Operations and maintenance expense while non service costs were recorded in Other expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

AOCI Amounts (After-Tax)
Defined Benefit
Pension Plan
Supplemental
Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan
As of December 31,202120202021202020212020
Net (gain) loss$4,398 $5,511 $7,159 $9,323 $(308)$100 
Prior service cost (gain)(46)— — — (27)(144)
Total amounts included in AOCI, after-tax not yet recognized as components of net periodic expense$4,352 $5,511 $7,159 $9,323 $(335)$(44)

Assumptions
Defined Benefit
Pension Plan
Supplemental
Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:202120202019202120202019202120202019
Discount rate2.88 %2.56 %3.27 %2.77 %2.41 %3.14 %2.79 %2.41 %3.15 %
Rate of increase in compensation levels3.08 %3.34 %3.49 %5.00 %5.00 %5.00 %N/AN/AN/A
103

Defined Benefit
Pension Plan
Supplemental
Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for plan year:202120202019202120202019202120202019
Discount rate (a)
2.56 %3.27 %4.40 %2.41 %3.14 %4.34 %2.41 %3.15 %4.28 %
Expected long-term rate of return on assets (b)
4.50 %5.25 %6.00 %N/AN/AN/A1.80 %2.35 %3.00 %
Rate of increase in compensation levels3.34 %3.49 %3.52 %5.00 %5.00 %5.00 %N/AN/AN/A
____________________
(a)    The estimated discount rate for the Defined Benefit Pension Plan is 2.88%5.0% for the calculation of the 20222024 net periodic pension costs.
(b)
The expected rate of return on plan assets for the Defined Benefit Pension Plan is 4.25%6.0% for the calculation of the 20222024 net periodic pension cost.

The healthcare benefit obligation at December 31 was determined as follows:

2023

 

2022

 

Trend Rate - Medical

 

 

 

 

Pre-65 for next year - All Plans

 

6.69

%

 

7.00

%

Pre-65 Ultimate trend rate - Black Hills Corp

 

4.50

%

 

4.50

%

Trend Year

2034

 

2031

 

 

 

 

 

Post-65 for next year - All Plans

 

5.81

%

 

6.00

%

Post-65 Ultimate trend rate - Black Hills Corp

 

4.50

%

 

4.50

%

Trend Year

2034

 

2031

 

20212020
Trend Rate - Medical
Pre-65 for next year - All Plans6.05%6.10%
Pre-65 Ultimate trend rate - Black Hills Corp4.50%4.50%
Trend Year20302027
Post-65 for next year - All Plans5.10%4.92%
Post-65 Ultimate trend rate - Black Hills Corp4.50%4.50%
Trend Year20302029


The following benefit payments to employees, which reflect future service, are expected to be paid (in thousands)millions):
Defined Benefit Pension PlanSupplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit PlansNon-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan
2022$26,249 $2,156 $5,806 
2023$27,133 $2,224 $5,334 
2024$27,683 $2,410 $5,042 
2025$28,650 $2,757 $4,865 
2026$28,968 $2,782 $4,752 
2027-2031$144,422 $12,553 $21,615 


Defined Benefit Pension Plan

 

Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans

 

Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan

 

 2024

$

24.5

 

$

2.4

 

$

5.2

 

 2025

 

25.4

 

 

2.8

 

 

5.0

 

 2026

 

26.0

 

 

2.8

 

 

4.9

 

 2027

 

25.9

 

 

2.7

 

 

4.8

 

 2028

 

26.2

 

 

2.6

 

 

4.6

 

 2029 - 2033

$

129.7

 

$

11.7

 

$

21.4

 


104


Table of Contents

(14) SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS


Our Amended and Restated 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan allows for the granting of stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options, performance shares and performance share units. We had 416,3252,132,275 shares available to grant at December 31, 2021.

2023.


Compensation expense is determined using the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of accounting standards for stock compensation and is recognized over the vesting periods of the individual awards. As of December 31, 2021,2023, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock awards was approximately $14$10.6 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of two1.7 years. Stock-based compensation expense, which is included in Operations and maintenance on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income, was as follows for the years ended December 31 (in thousands)millions):

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Stock-based compensation expense

$

7.0

 

$

8.6

 

$

9.7

 

202120202019
Stock-based compensation expense$9,655 $5,373 $12,095 


Restricted Stock


The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards equals the market price of our stock on the date of grant.


The shares carry a restriction on the ability to sell the shares until the shares vest. The shares substantially vest over three years, contingent on continued employment. Compensation expense related to the awards is recognized over the vesting period.

95


A summary of the status of the restricted stock and restricted stock units at December 31, 2021,2023, was as follows:

Restricted StockWeighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
(in thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2021196 $69.05 
Granted118 65.64 
Vested(83)67.85 
Forfeited(12)69.59 
Balance at December 31, 2021219 $67.64 


Restricted Stock

 

Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2023

 

178,129

 

$

67.23

 

Granted

 

110,198

 

 

63.33

 

Vested

 

(97,084

)

 

67.56

 

Forfeited

 

(26,556

)

 

65.10

 

Balance at December 31, 2023

 

164,687

 

$

64.81

 

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted stock granted, and the total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, were as follows:

Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value

 

Total Fair Value of Shares Vested

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

2023

$

63.33

 

$

5.9

 

2022

$

69.03

 

$

6.4

 

2021

$

65.64

 

$

5.4

 

Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair ValueTotal Fair Value of Shares Vested
(in thousands)
2021$65.64 $5,400 
2020$69.49 $6,722 
2019$73.66 $8,438 


As of December 31, 2021,2023, there was $11$6.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.2 1.6 years.

Performance Share Units

Beginning in 2021, certain officers of the Company, and its subsidiaries, were granted performance share units which have a three-year vesting period, do not have voting rights until vested, and are subject to three specified conditions. A market condition of relative total shareholder return and two equally weighted performance metrics of average earnings per share and the average cost to serve. Beginning in 2023, the metric of natural gas emissions reduction by 2035 was added, resulting in three equally weighted performance metrics. The units are paid 100% in common stock should conditions be met and can range from 0% to 200% of the target award. Dividend equivalents are accrued during the vesting period and paid out based on the final number of shares awarded. In the event of participant’s death or retirement at age 55 or older, shares awarded vest on a pro-rata basis commensurate with the months of service performed over the three-year period.

Performance Share Units - Market Condition

The fair value of each share unit is based on the Company’s closing price at December 31 of the year prior to the award and a Monte Carlo simulation. The Monte Carlo simulation is used to estimate expected share payout based on the Company’s TSR for a three-year performance period relative to the designated peer group beginning January 1 of the award year. The significant assumptions included in the company's Monte Carlo simulations were as follows:

2023

2022

Fair value of share units award

$77.95

$74.48

Risk-free rate

3.84%

0.97%

Black Hills Corporation’s common stock volatility

31%

30%

Volatility range for the peer group

24-39%

22-67%

Performance Share Units - Performance Condition

A performance condition share unit vests at the end of the three-year performance period if the specified performance conditions are achieved. The conditions are based on the Company’s average earnings per share, the average cost to serve and natural gas emissions reductions by 2035. The grant-date fair value for an individual outcome of a performance condition is determined by the closing common share price on the grant date or, beginning in 2023, the average ten-day closing common share price preceding the grant date.

96



The following table summarizes the performance share unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2023:

Performance Share Units -
Market Condition

 

Performance Share Units -
Performance Condition

 

Share Units

 

Weighted-Average Fair Value per Share Unit

 

Share Units

 

Weighted-Average Fair Value per Share Unit

 

Nonvested at January 1, 2023

 

68,474

 

$

69.91

 

 

45,666

 

$

66.19

 

Granted

 

50,440

 

 

77.95

 

 

21,615

 

 

71.50

 

Forfeited

 

(8,167

)

 

73.43

 

 

(4,627

)

 

68.03

 

Nonvested at December 31, 2023

 

110,747

 

$

73.31

 

 

62,654

 

$

67.88

 

As of December 31, 2023, there was $4.0 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to outstanding performance share/units that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.

On January 25, 2024, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors confirmed a payout equal to 16.21% of target shares valued at $0.5 million. The payout was fully accrued at December 31, 2023.

Performance Share Plan


Prior to 2021, certain officers of the Company and its subsidiaries became participants in a market-based performance share award plan. Performance shares are awarded based on our total shareholder return over designated performance periods as measured against a selected peer group. In addition, certain stock price performance must be achieved for a payout to occur. The final value of the performance shares will vary according to the number of shares of common stock that are ultimately granted based upon the actual level of attainment of the performance criteria.


These performance share awards arewere paid 50%50% in cash and 50%50% in common stock. The cash portion accrued is classified as a liability and the stock portion is classified as equity. In the event of a change-in-control, performance awards are paid 100% in cash. If it is determined that a change-in-control is probable, the equity portion of $2.1 million at December 31, 2021 would be reclassified as a liability.



105

The outstanding performance periods at December 31, 20212023 were as follows (shares in thousands):
Possible Payout Range of Target
Grant DatePerformance PeriodTarget Grant of SharesMinimumMaximum
January 1, 2020January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2022360%200%
January 1, 2019January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2021360%200%
follows:


 

 

Possible Payout Range of Target

Grant Date

Performance Period

Target Grant of Shares

Minimum

Maximum

January 1, 2020

January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2022

35,571

0%

200%

A summary of the status of the Performance Share Plan at December 31, 20212023 was as follows:

Equity Portion

 

Liability Portion

 

 

 

Weighted-Average Grant Date

 

 

 

Weighted-Average Fair Value at

 

Shares

 

Fair Value (a)

 

Shares

 

December 31, 2023

 

Performance Shares balance at beginning of period

 

18,105

 

$

81.42

 

 

18,105

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

(18,105

)

 

81.42

 

 

(18,105

)

 

 

Performance Shares balance at end of period

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

Equity PortionLiability Portion
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (a)
Weighted-Average Fair Value at
SharesSharesDecember 31, 2021
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Performance Shares balance at beginning of period61 $69.71 61 
Granted— — — 
Forfeited— — — 
Vested(25)61.82 (25)
Performance Shares balance at end of period36 $68.14 36 $31.51 
____________________(a)
(a)    The grant date fair values for the performance shares granted in 2020 and 2019 were determined by Monte Carlo simulation using a blended volatility of 18% and 21%18%, respectively, comprised of 50%50% historical volatility and 50%50% implied volatility and the average risk-free interest rate of the three-year United States Treasury security rate in effect as of the grant date.

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of performance share awards granted was as follows in the years ended:

Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value

December 31, 2020$81.42 
December 31, 2019$68.72 

Performance plan payouts have been as follows (in thousands):
Performance PeriodYear PaidStock IssuedCash PaidTotal Intrinsic Value
January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020202128 $1,647 $3,294 
January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019202014 $1,100 $2,199 
January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018201944 $2,860 $5,720 

On January 25, 2022, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors determined that the Company’s total shareholder return for the January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020 performance period was at the 30th percentile of its peer group and confirmed a payout equal to 40.17% of target shares, valued at $1.0 million. The payout was fully accrued at December 31, 2021.

Performance Share Units

Beginning in 2021, certain officers of the Company, and its subsidiaries, were granted performance share units which have a three-year vesting period, do not have voting rights until vested, and are subject to three specified conditions. A market condition of relative total shareholder return, and two equally weighted performance metrics of average earnings per share and the average cost to serve. The units are paid 100% in commonmillions, except stock should conditions be met and can range from 0% to 200% of the target award. Dividend equivalents are accrued during the vesting period and paid out based on the final number of shares awarded. In the event of participant’s death or retirement at age 55 or older, awarded vest on a pro-rata basis over the three-year period.
issued):


106

Performance Period

Year Paid

Stock Issued

 

Cash Paid

 

Total Intrinsic Value

 

January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022

2023

 

4,958

 

$

0.3

 

$

0.7

 

January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021

2022

 

7,582

 

$

0.5

 

$

1.0

 

January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020

2021

 

27,515

 

$

1.6

 

$

3.3

 

97


Performance Share Units - Market Condition


The fair value of each share unit is based on the Company’’s closing price at December 31 of the year prior to the award and a Monte Carlo simulation. The Monte Carlo simulation is used to estimate expected share payout based on the Company’s TSR for a three-year performance period relative to the designated peer group beginning January 1 of the award year.

2021
Fair value of share units award$64.97
Three-year risk-free rate0.17%
Black Hills Corporation’s common stock volatility33%
Volatility range for the peer group25 %-76%

Performance Share Units - Performance Condition

A performance condition share unit vests at the end of the three-year performance period if the specified performance conditions are achieved. The conditions are based on the Company’s average earnings per share and the average cost to serve. The grant-date fair value for an individual outcome of a performance condition is determined by the closing common share price on the grant date.

The following table summarizes the performance share unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2021:

Performance Share Units -
Market Condition
Performance Share Units -
Performance Condition
Share UnitsWeighted-Average Fair Value per Share UnitShare UnitsWeighted-Average Fair Value per Share Unit
Nonvested at January 1, 2021— $— — $— 
Granted32,903 64.97 21,948 61.45 
Nonvested at December 31, 202132,903 $64.97 21,948 $61.45 

As of December 31, 2021, there was $2.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to outstanding performance share/unit plans that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.


(15) INCOME TAXES


Winter Storm Uri


IRS Revenue Procedure 2023-15

As discussed

On April 14, 2023, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2023-15 “Amounts paid to improve tangible property.” The Revenue Procedure provides a safe harbor method of accounting that taxpayers may use to determine whether costs to repair, maintain, replace, or improve natural gas transmission and distribution property must be capitalized. The revenue procedure may be adopted in Note 2 above, our Utilities submitted cost recovery applications which seektax years ending after May 1, 2023. We are currently assessing the Revenue Procedure to recover incremental costs from Winter Storm Uri through a regulatory mechanism. We expect to recover these costs from customers over several years. Winter Storm Uri costs, which will be deductible in our 2021 tax return, created a net deferred tax liability which had a balance of $124 million as of December 31, 2021. The deferred tax liability will reverse with the same timing as the costs are recovered from our customers.


The income tax deduction recognized from Winter Storm Uri will create a $509 million NOL in our 2021 federal income tax return and a $375 million NOL in our state income tax returns. Our federal NOL carryforwards related to Winter Storm Uri and other recent adjustments no longer expire due to the TCJA; however, our state NOL carryforwards expire at various dates from 2022 to 2041. We do not anticipate material changes to our valuation allowance against the state NOL carryforwards from Winter Storm Uri. Therefore, we did not record an additional valuation allowance against the state NOL carryforwards as of December 31, 2021.
107


CARES Act

On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the CARES Act, which contained, in part, an allowance for deferral of the employer portion of Social Security employment tax liabilities until 2021 and 2022, as well as a COVID-19 employee retention tax credit of up to $5,000 per eligible employee.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, we utilized the payroll tax deferral provision which allowed us to defer payment of approximately $10 million of Social Security employment tax liabilities, of which $4.8 million was subsequently paid in 2021 and the remaining portion will be paid in 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we completed our study of the CARES Act employee retention tax credits and recognized $1.2 million of gross payroll tax credits.

TCJA

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the TCJA. The TCJA reduced the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. As such, the Company remeasured the deferred income taxes at the 21% federal tax rate as of December 31, 2017. The entities subject to regulatory construct have made their best estimate regarding the probability of settlements of net regulatory liabilities established pursuant to the TCJA. The amount of the settlements may change based on decisions and actions by the federal and state utility commissions, which could have a materialdetermine its impact on the Company’s future results of operations, cash flows or financial position. A majority of the excess deferred taxes are subject to the average rate assumption method, as prescribed by the IRS, and will generally be amortized as a reduction of customer rates over the remaining lives of the related assets. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has amortized, or provided bill credits for, $23 million of the regulatory liability. The portion that was eligible for amortization under the average rate assumption method in 2021 but is awaiting resolution of the treatment of these amounts in future regulatory proceedings has not been recognized, and may be refunded in customer rates at any time in accordance with the resolution of pending or future regulatory proceedings.
our tax repairs deduction.


Income Tax Expense (Benefit)


Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations for the years ended December 31 was (in thousands)millions):

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

$

(0.8

)

$

(0.5

)

$

0.6

 

State

 

1.0

 

 

0.1

 

 

(0.7

)

Current income tax (benefit)

 

0.2

 

 

(0.4

)

 

(0.1

)

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

30.9

 

 

23.2

 

 

2.2

 

State

 

(5.5

)

 

2.4

 

 

5.1

 

Deferred income tax expense

 

25.4

 

 

25.6

 

 

7.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

$

25.6

 

$

25.2

 

$

7.2

 

202120202019
Current:
Federal$574 $(6,020)$(8,578)
State(666)847 138 
Current income tax (benefit)(92)(5,173)(8,440)
Deferred:
Federal2,170 35,672 34,551 
State5,091 2,419 3,469 
Deferred income tax expense7,261 38,091 38,020 
Income tax expense$7,169 $32,918 $29,580 



108

Effective Tax Rates


The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate for the years ended December 31, as follows:

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Federal statutory rate

 

21.0

%

 

21.0

%

 

21.0

%

State income tax (net of federal tax effect) (a)

 

(0.8

)

 

0.5

 

 

1.2

 

Non-controlling interest (b)

 

(1.0

)

 

(0.9

)

 

(1.2

)

Tax credits

 

(6.2

)

 

(7.7

)

 

(8.4

)

Flow-through adjustments (c)

 

(1.7

)

 

(1.4

)

 

(3.2

)

Amortization of excess deferred income taxes (d)

 

(3.0

)

 

(2.5

)

 

(3.1

)

TCJA bill credits (e)

 

 

 

(0.4

)

 

(3.6

)

Other

 

0.2

 

 

(0.1

)

 

0.1

 

Effective Tax Rate

 

8.5

%

 

8.5

%

 

2.8

%

(a)
The state effective tax rate contains the tax expense attributable to multiple statutory state rate changes in the Company's state jurisdictions. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized an $8.2 million tax benefit from a Nebraska income tax rate decrease.
202120202019
Federal statutory rate21.0 %21.0 %21.0 %
State income tax (net of federal tax effect)1.2 2.4 1.5 
Non-controlling interest (a)
(1.2)(1.2)(1.2)
Tax credits(b)
(8.4)(9.2)(3.9)
Flow-through adjustments (c)
(3.2)(1.6)(2.4)
Uncertain Tax Benefits0.3 1.5 — 
Valuation Allowance— 0.7 — 
Other tax differences(0.2)0.6 (1.6)
Amortization of excess deferred income tax expense (d)
(3.1)(2.3)(1.2)
TCJA bill credits (e)
(3.6)— — 
Effective Tax Rate2.8 %11.9 %12.2 %
(b)
____________________
(a)    The effective tax rate reflects the income attributable to the non-controlling interest in Black Hills Colorado IPP for which a tax provision was not recorded.
(b)    In 2020, the Company completed a research and development study which encompassed tax years from 2013 to 2019.
(c)
Flow-through adjustments related primarily to accounting method changes for tax purposes that allow us to take a current tax deduction for repair costs and certain indirect costs and gain deferral.costs. We recorded a deferred income tax liability in recognition of the temporary difference created between book and tax treatment and flowed the tax benefit through to tax expense. A regulatory asset was established to reflect the recovery of future increases in taxes payable from customers as the temporary differences reverse. As a result of this regulatory treatment, we continue to record tax benefits consistent with the flow-through method.
(d)
Primarily TCJA - see above.Note 2 for additional information.
(e)    As discussed in Note 2 above,
Primarily related to one-time bill credits of TCJA benefits delivered to Colorado Electric and Nebraska Gas bill credits, which represent a disposition of excess deferred income tax benefits resulting from the TCJA, were delivered to customers in 2021. These bill credits, which resulted in a reduction in revenue, were offset by a reduction in income tax expense and resulted in a minimal impact to Net income for the year ended December 31, 2021.

109

98


Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities


The temporary differences, which gave rise to the net deferred tax liability, for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands)millions):

2023

 

2022

 

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

Regulatory liabilities

$

74.0

 

$

74.7

 

State tax credits

 

22.8

 

 

22.8

 

Federal NOL

 

146.6

 

 

192.0

 

State NOL

 

16.5

 

 

23.0

 

Partnership

 

12.2

 

 

12.8

 

Credit Carryovers

 

110.1

 

 

90.9

 

Other deferred tax assets

 

33.7

 

 

45.4

 

Less: Valuation allowance

 

(15.4

)

 

(15.5

)

Total deferred tax assets

 

400.5

 

 

446.1

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Accelerated depreciation, amortization and other property-related differences

 

(686.2

)

 

(645.7

)

Regulatory assets

 

(65.6

)

 

(94.4

)

Goodwill

 

(67.8

)

 

(57.9

)

State deferred tax liability

 

(84.5

)

 

(98.2

)

Other deferred tax liabilities

 

(44.4

)

 

(58.8

)

Total deferred tax liabilities

 

(948.5

)

 

(955.0

)

 

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liability

$

(548.0

)

$

(508.9

)

20212020
Deferred tax assets:
Regulatory liabilities$77,099 $90,535 
State tax credits23,342 23,339 
Federal NOL (a)
227,535 96,155 
State NOL (a)
33,639 9,914 
Partnership13,395 15,601 
Credit Carryovers68,646 51,445 
Other deferred tax assets31,996 40,143 
Less: Valuation allowance(14,719)(13,943)
Total deferred tax assets460,933 313,189 
Deferred tax liabilities:
Accelerated depreciation, amortization and other property-related differences(597,284)(551,137)
Regulatory assets (a)
(124,582)(28,007)
Goodwill(45,471)(30,590)
State deferred tax liability (a)
(109,136)(73,910)
Other deferred tax liabilities(49,848)(38,169)
Total deferred tax liabilities(926,321)(721,813)
Net deferred tax liability$(465,388)$(408,624)
____________________
(a)    Increase primarily driven by Winter Storm Uri — see above.


Net Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforwards


At December 31, 2021,2023, we have federal NOL and state NOL and tax credit carryforwards that will expire at various dates as follows (in thousands)millions):

Amounts

 

Expiration Dates

Federal NOL Carryforward

$

111.0

 

2036-2037

Federal NOL Carryforward

$

587.3

 

No expiration

Federal Tax Credit Carryforward

$

110.1

 

2028-2043

 

 

 

State NOL Carryforward (a)

$

325.3

 

2024-2042

State Tax Credit Carryforward

$

22.8

 

2024-2038

AmountsExpiration Dates
Federal NOL Carryforward$476,033 2022to2037
Federal NOL Carryforward$607,465 No expiration
State NOL Carryforward (a)
$572,203 2022to2041
(a)
____________________
(a)    The carryforward balance is reflected on the basis of apportioned tax losses to jurisdictions imposing state income taxes.


As of December 31, 2021,2023, we had a $1.1$1.0 million valuation allowance against the state NOL carryforwards. Our 20212023 analysis of the ability to utilize such NOLs resulted in 0no increase in the valuation allowance. If the valuation allowance is adjusted due to higher or lower than anticipated utilization of the NOLs, the offsetting amount will affect tax expense.


110

TableAs of ContentsDecember 31, 2023, we had a $

14.4 million valuation allowance against the state ITC carryforwards. Our 2023 analysis of the ability to utilize such ITC resulted in a slight decrease in the valuation allowance.

Unrecognized Tax Benefits


The following table reconciles the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits, without interest, at the beginning and end of the period included in Other deferred credits and other liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands)millions):

Changes in Uncertain Tax Positions:

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Beginning balance

$

11.9

 

$

10.6

 

$

8.4

 

Additions for prior year tax positions

 

 

 

 

 

0.5

 

Reductions for prior year tax positions

 

(0.3

)

 

(0.8

)

 

(0.7

)

Additions for current year tax positions

 

2.1

 

 

2.1

 

 

2.4

 

Ending balance

$

13.7

 

$

11.9

 

$

10.6

 

Changes in Uncertain Tax Positions:202120202019
Beginning balance$8,383 $4,165 $3,583 
Additions for prior year tax positions448 3,788 446 
Reductions for prior year tax positions(732)(1,313)(862)
Additions for current year tax positions2,455 1,743 998 
Ending balance$10,554 $8,383 $4,165 


The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate is approximately $5.1$6.5 million.

99


We recognized no interest expense associated with income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 20202023, 2022 and December 31, 2019.2021. We had no accrued interest (before tax effect) associated with income taxes at December 31, 20212023 and December 31, 2020.

2022.


The Company is subject to federal income tax as well as income tax in various state and local jurisdictions. Black Hills Gas, Inc. and subsidiaries, which filed a separate consolidated tax return from BHC and subsidiaries through March 31, 2018, is under examination by the IRS for 2014. BHC is no longer subject to examination for tax years prior to 2017.


As of December 31, 2021,2023, we do not have any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease on or before December 31, 2022.2024.


State

We are subject to federal income tax credits have been generatedas well as income tax in various state and are available to offset future state income taxes. At December 31, 2021, we had the following state tax credit carryforwards (in thousands):

State Tax Credit CarryforwardsAmountsExpiration Year
ITC$23,060 2023to2041
Research and development$282 No expiration

local jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2023, tax years for 2020, 2021, and 2022 are subject to examination by the tax authorities. With few exceptions, we had a $13.6 million valuation allowance against theare no longer subject to U.S. or state ITC carryforwards. Our 2021 analysisexam for years before 2020. Tax years 2017 and 2018 was open as of the ability to utilize such ITC resulted in a $0.8 million increase in the valuation allowance, which resulted in an increase to tax expense of $0.8 million. The valuation allowance adjustment was primarily attributable to changes in forecasted future state taxable income.
December 31, 2023.



(16) BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION


Our chief operating decision maker (CODM)Chief Executive Officer, who is considered to be our CODM, reviews financial information presented on an operating segment basis for purposes of making decisions, allocating resources and assessing financial performance. Our operating segments are based on our method of internal reporting, which is generally segregated by differences in products and services. All of our operations and assets are located within the United States.

Our Electric Utilities segment includes the operating results of the regulated electric utility operations of Colorado Electric, South Dakota Electric, and Wyoming Electric, which supply regulated electric utility services to areas in Colorado, Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming. We also own and operate non-regulated power generation and mining businesses that are vertically integrated with our Electric Utilities.

Our Gas Utilities segment consists of the operating results of our regulated natural gas utility subsidiaries in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming.

Corporate and Other represents certain unallocated expenses for administrative activities that support our operating segments. Corporate and Other also includes business development activities that are not part of our operating segments and inter-segment eliminations.

Our CODM assesses the performance of our operating segments based on operating income.


In the prior year, we had reported four operating segments: Electric Utilities, Gas Utilities, Power Generation and Mining. In the fourth quarter of 2021, we changed our operating segments to align with the revised manner in which our Our CODM reviews our financial performance and allocates resources. Our power generation and mining businesses, which were previously presented as separatecapital expenditures by operating segments, are now part of our Electric Utilities segment. This change aligns with our vertically integrated business model for our Electric Utilities. Comparative periods presented reflect this change.

segment rather than any individual or total asset amount. Our operating segments are equivalent to our reportable segments.


Segment information was as follows (in thousands)millions):

Consolidating Income Statement

 

Year ended December 31, 2023

Electric Utilities

 

Gas Utilities

 

Corporate
and Other

 

Total

 

Revenue -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External Customers

$

853.6

 

$

1,477.7

 

$

 

$

2,331.3

 

Inter-segment

 

11.4

 

 

6.5

 

 

(17.9

)

 

 

Total revenue

 

865.0

 

 

1,484.2

 

 

(17.9

)

 

2,331.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold

 

200.1

 

 

783.2

 

 

(0.4

)

 

982.9

 

Operations and maintenance

 

236.2

 

 

328.7

 

 

(12.9

)

 

552.0

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

142.6

 

 

113.9

 

 

0.3

 

 

256.8

 

Taxes - property and production

 

37.3

 

 

29.6

 

 

 

 

66.9

 

Operating income (loss)

$

248.8

 

$

228.8

 

$

(4.9

)

$

472.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(167.9

)

Other income (expense), net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3.2

)

Income tax (expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(25.6

)

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

276.0

 

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(13.8

)

Net income available for common stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

262.2

 

Total Assets (net of intercompany eliminations) as of December 31,20212020
Electric Utilities$3,796,662 $3,602,233 
Gas Utilities5,246,370 4,376,204 
Corporate and Other88,864 110,349 
Total assets$9,131,896 $8,088,786 
111

100


Consolidating Income Statement

 

Year ended December 31, 2022

Electric Utilities

 

Gas Utilities

 

Corporate
and Other

 

Total

 

Revenue -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External Customers

$

888.4

 

$

1,663.4

 

$

 

$

2,551.8

 

Inter-segment

 

11.8

 

 

5.7

 

 

(17.5

)

 

 

Total revenue

 

900.2

 

 

1,669.1

 

 

(17.5

)

 

2,551.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold

 

266.3

 

 

965.1

 

 

(0.8

)

 

1,230.6

 

Operations and maintenance

 

244.8

 

 

317.3

 

 

(13.7

)

 

548.4

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

135.9

 

 

114.7

 

 

0.3

 

 

250.9

 

Taxes - property and production

 

38.9

 

 

27.8

 

 

 

 

66.7

 

Operating income (loss)

$

214.3

 

$

244.2

 

$

(3.3

)

$

455.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(161.0

)

Other income (expense), net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.8

 

Income tax (expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(25.2

)

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

270.8

 

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(12.4

)

Net income available for common stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

258.4

 

Consolidating Income Statement

 

Year ended December 31, 2021

Electric Utilities

 

Gas Utilities

 

Corporate
and Other

 

Total

 

Revenue -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External Customers

$

830.7

 

$

1,118.4

 

$

 

$

1,949.1

 

Inter-segment

 

11.5

 

 

6.5

 

 

(18.0

)

 

 

Total revenue

 

842.2

 

 

1,124.9

 

 

(18.0

)

 

1,949.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold

 

248.0

 

 

494.7

 

 

(0.8

)

 

741.9

 

Operations and maintenance

 

224.5

 

 

290.2

 

 

(13.0

)

 

501.7

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

131.5

 

 

104.2

 

 

0.3

 

 

236.0

 

Taxes - property and production

 

35.5

 

 

24.6

 

 

 

 

60.1

 

Operating income (loss)

$

202.7

 

$

211.2

 

$

(4.5

)

$

409.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(152.4

)

Other income (expense), net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.4

 

Income tax (expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(7.2

)

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

251.2

 

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(14.5

)

Net income available for common stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

236.7

 

Capital Expenditures (a) for the years ended December 31,
Capital Expenditures (a) for the years ended December 31,
202120202019

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

Electric UtilitiesElectric Utilities$285,770 $288,683 $316,687 

$

210.7

 

$

243.1

 

$

285.8

 

Gas UtilitiesGas Utilities383,320 449,209 512,366 

 

371.9

 

349.5

 

383.3

 

Corporate and OtherCorporate and Other10,500 17,500 20,702 

 

7.3

 

5.1

 

10.5

 

Total capital expendituresTotal capital expenditures$679,590 $755,392 $849,755 

$

589.9

 

$

597.7

 

$

679.6

 

____________________

(a)
Includes accruals for property, plant and equipment as disclosed in the Supplemental Cash Flow Information to the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

Consolidating Income Statement
Year ended December 31, 2021Electric UtilitiesGas UtilitiesCorporateInter-Company EliminationsTotal
Revenue -
Contracts with customers$825,404 $1,105,430 $— $— $1,930,834 
Other revenues5,336 12,932 — — 18,268 
830,740 1,118,362 — — 1,949,102 
Inter-company operating revenue -
Contracts with customers11,518 6,110 196 (17,824)— 
Other revenues— 393 356,151 (356,544)— 
11,518 6,503 356,347 (374,368)— 
Total revenue842,258 1,124,865 356,347 (374,368)1,949,102 
Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold248,018 494,738 96 (918)741,934 
Operations and maintenance, including taxes260,036 314,810 293,265 (306,325)561,786 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization131,528 104,160 26,838 (26,573)235,953 
Operating income (loss)$202,676 $211,157 $36,148 $(40,552)$409,429 
Interest expense, net(152,404)
Impairment of investment— 
Other income (expense), net1,404 
Income tax benefit (expense)(7,169)
Net income251,260 
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest(14,516)
Net income available for common stock$236,744 

112

Consolidating Income Statement
Year ended December 31, 2020Electric UtilitiesGas UtilitiesCorporateInter-Company EliminationsTotal
Revenue -
Contracts with customers$721,108 $959,696 $— $— $1,680,804 
Other revenues6,175 9,962 — $— 16,137 
727,283 969,658 — — 1,696,941 
Inter-company operating revenue -
Contracts with customers11,574 4,724 167 (16,465)— 
Other revenues— 288 352,976 (353,264)— 
11,574 5,012 353,143 (369,729)— 
Total revenue738,857 974,670 353,143 (369,729)1,696,941 
Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold138,572 354,645 83 (896)492,404 
Operations and maintenance, including taxes265,679 303,577 284,501 (301,980)551,777 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization123,632 100,559 25,150 (24,884)224,457 
Operating income (loss)210,974 215,889 43,409 (41,969)428,303 
Interest expense, net(143,470)
Impairment of investment(6,859)
Other income (expense), net(2,293)
Income tax benefit (expense)(32,918)
Net income242,763 
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest(15,155)
Net income available for common stock$227,608 

Consolidating Income Statement
Year ended December 31, 2019Electric UtilitiesGas UtilitiesCorporateInter-Company EliminationsTotal
Revenue -
Contracts with customers$719,205 $1,007,187 $— $— $1,726,392 
Other revenues8,124 384 — — 8,508 
727,329 1,007,571 — — 1,734,900 
Inter-company operating revenue -
Contracts with customers12,026 2,459 230 (14,715)— 
Other revenues— — 343,974 (343,974)— 
12,026 2,459 344,204 (358,689)— 
Total revenue739,355 1,010,030 344,204 (358,689)1,734,900 
Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold145,972 425,898 269 (1,310)570,829 
Operations and maintenance, including taxes259,167 301,844 286,800 (298,902)548,909 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization116,539 92,317 22,065 (21,801)209,120 
Operating income (loss)217,677 189,971 35,070 (36,676)406,042 
Interest expense, net(137,659)
Impairment of investment(19,741)
Other income (expense), net(5,740)
Income tax benefit (expense)(29,580)
Net income213,322 
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest(14,012)
Net income available for common stock$199,310 

113


(17) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS


Except as described below and in Note 23, there have been no events subsequent to December 31, 20212023 which would require recognition in the consolidated financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements or disclosures.


Winter Storm Uri

On January 27, 2022, Kansas Gas received approval from the KCC for their Winter Storm Uri cost recovery settlement with final rates to be implemented in 2022. See Note 2

 for additional information.

101





On January 1, 2022, South Dakota Electric entered into a firm point-to-point transmission service agreement with MEAN that provides a maximum of 20 MW of capacity and associated energy. This agreement expires December 31, 2023.


ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE


None.


ITEM 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


Disclosure Controls and Procedures


Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act)) as of December 31, 2021.2023. Based on their evaluation, they have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.


Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.


Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting


During the quarter ended December 31, 2021,2023, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting is presented on Page 56 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


ITEM 9B.OTHER INFORMATION


None.


None of our directors or officers


adopted
, modified, or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement during the three months ended December 31, 2023.

ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS


None.

114

PART III


ITEM 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE


Information required under this item with respect to directors and information required by Items 401, 405, 406, 407(c)(3), 407(d)(4), 407(d)(5) and 407(d)(5)408(b) of Regulation S-K, is set forth in the Proxy Statement for our 20222024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which is incorporated herein by reference. Information about our Executive Officers is reported in Part 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


Information required under this item is set forth in the Proxy Statement for our 20222024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which is incorporated herein by reference.

102


ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS


Information regarding the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is set forth in the Proxy Statement for our 20222024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which is incorporated herein by reference.

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table includes information as of December 31, 2023 with respect to our equity compensation plans which includes the Amended and Restated 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

Plan category

Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights

 

 

Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights

 

 

Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))

 

 

 

(a)

 

 

(b)

 

 

(c)

 

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

$

290,266

 

(1)

$

 

(1)

$

2,132,275

 

(2)

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

$

290,266

 

 

$

 

 

$

2,132,275

 

 

(1)
290,266 full value awards outstanding as of December 31, 2023, comprised of restricted stock units, performance shares, short-term incentive plan (STIP) units and Director common stock units. In addition, 148,163 shares of unvested restricted stock were outstanding as of December 31, 2023, which are not included in the table above because they have already been issued. We do not have any outstanding options, warrants or rights.

(2)
Shares available for issuance are from the 2015 Amended and Restated Omnibus Incentive Plan. The 2015 Amended and Restated Omnibus Incentive Plan permits grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, cash-based awards and other stock-based awards.


ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE


Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions and director independence is set forth in the Proxy Statement for our 20222024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES


Information regarding principal accounting fees and services billed to us by our principal accountant, Deloitte & Touche LLP (PCAOB ID No. 34)34) is set forth in the Proxy Statement for our 20222024 Annual Meeting to Shareholders, which is incorporated herein by reference.

103



PART IV


ITEM 15.EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES


(a)
(a)     Documents filed as part of this report


1.
1.    Consolidated Financial Statements


Financial statements required under this item are included in Item 8 of Part II


2.
2.    Schedules


All other schedules have been omitted because of the absence of the conditions under which they are required or because the required information is included in our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. Consolidated valuation and qualifying accounts are detailed within Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


3.
Exhibits

Exhibits


Exhibits filed herewithin are designated by an asterisk (*). All exhibits not so designated are incorporated by reference to a prior filing, as indicated. Items constituting a board of director or management compensatory plan are designated by a cross (†).


115

2.2

2.3

3.1

3.2

4.1

4.1.14.1-1

4.1.24.1-2

4.1.34.1-3

4.1.44.1-4

4.1.54.1-5

4.1.64.1-6

4.1.74.1-7

4.1.84.1-8

104


4.1.94.1-9

4.1.104.1-10

4.1-11

Eleventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 7, 2023 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on March 7, 2023).

4.1-12

Twelfth Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 15, 2023 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on September 15, 2023).

4.2

4.2.14.2-1

4.2.24.2-2

4.2.34.2-3

4.3

4.3.14.3-1

4.3.24.3-2

4.4

116

4.5

10.1†

10.1.1†10.1-1†

10.1.2†10.1-2†

10.2†

10.3†

10.3.1†10.2-1†

10.4†10.3†

10.4.1†10.3-1†

10.5†10.4†

10.6†10.5†

10.6.1†10.5-1†

10.6.2†10.5-2†

10.7*†10.6†

105


10.8†10.7†

10.9†10.8†

10.10†10.9†

10.11*†10.10†

10.12†10.11†

10.13†10.12†

10.14†10.13†

10.15*†10.14†

10.16*†10.15†

10.17†10.16†

10.18†10.17†

10.19†10.18†

10.20†10.19†

117

10.20.1†10.19-1†

10.20.2†10.19-2†

10.20.3†10.19-3†

10.20.4†10.19-4†

10.20.5†10.19-5†

10.20.6†10.19-6†

10.21†10.20†

10.2210.21

10.2310.22

10.2410.22-1

10.2510.23†

10.24†

Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Plan effective January 1, 2022.2022 (filed as Exhibit 10.25 to the Registrant's Form 10-K filed on February 15, 2022).

106


10.2610.25†

10.2710.26

Coal Leases between WRDC and the Federal Government

     -Dated May 1, 1959 (filed as Exhibit 5(i) to the Registrant’s Form S‑7, File No. 2‑60755)

        -Modified January 22, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 10(h) to the Registrant’s Form 10‑K for 1989)

     -Dated April 1, 1961 (filed as Exhibit 5(j) to the Registrant’s Form S‑7, File No. 2‑60755)

        -Modified January 22, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 10(i) to Registrant’s Form 10‑K for 1989)

     -Dated October 1, 1965 (filed as Exhibit 5(k) to the Registrant’s Form S‑7, File No. 2‑60755)

        -Modified January 22, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 10(j) to the Registrant’s Form 10‑K for 1989).

10.2810.27

Assignment of Mining Leases and Related Agreement effective May 27, 1997, between WRDC and Kerr-McGee Coal Corporation (filed as Exhibit 10(u) to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for 1997).

10.28†

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for the Amended and Restated 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan effective for awards granted on or after January 24, 2023 (filed as Exhibit 10.30 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2022).

10.29†

Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement for the Amended and Restated 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan effective for awards granted on or after January 1, 2023 (filed as Exhibit 10.29 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for 2022).

10.30*†

Form of Short-term Incentive Plan Award Agreement for the Amended and Restated 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan effective for awards granted on or after January 1, 2024.

10.31*†

Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement for the Amended and Restated 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan effective for awards granted on or after January 1, 2024.

19*

Insider Trading Policy

21*

23.1*

31.1*

31.2*

32.1*

32.2*

95*

97*†

Mandatory Compensation Recovery Policy dated December 1, 2023

101.INS*

Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document

101.SCH*

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema with Embedded Linkbases Document

101.CAL*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
118

101.PRE*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104*

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inlineInline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)



ITEM 16.FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None.


107

None.
119


SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

BLACK HILLS CORPORATION

By:

/S/ LINDEN R. EVANS

Linden R. Evans, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dated:

February 15, 202214, 2024


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

/S/ STEVEN R. MILLS

Director and

February 15, 202214, 2024

Steven R. Mills

Chairman

/S/ LINDEN R. EVANS

Director and

February 15, 202214, 2024

Linden R. Evans, President

Principal Executive Officer

and Chief Executive Officer

/S/ RICHARD W. KINZLEYKIMBERLY F. NOONEY

Principal Financial and

February 15, 202214, 2024

Richard W. Kinzley,Kimberly F. Nooney, Senior Vice President

Accounting Officer

and Chief Financial Officer

/S/ BARRY M. GRANGER

Director

February 15, 202214, 2024

Barry M. Granger

/S/ TONY A. JENSEN

Director

February 15, 202214, 2024

Tony A. Jensen

/S/ KATHLEEN S. MCALLISTER

Director

February 15, 202214, 2024

Kathleen S. McAllister

/S/ ROBERT P. OTTO

Director

February 15, 202214, 2024

Robert P. Otto

/S/ SCOTT M. PROCHAZKA

Director

February 15, 202214, 2024

Scott M. Prochazka

/S/ REBECCA B. ROBERTS

Director

February 15, 202214, 2024

Rebecca B. Roberts

/S/ MARK A. SCHOBER

Director

February 15, 202214, 2024

Mark A. Schober

/S/ TERESA A. TAYLOR

Director

February 15, 202214, 2024

Teresa A. Taylor

/S/ JOHN B. VERING

DirectorFebruary 15, 2022
John B. Vering

108

120