UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the quarterly period ended March 31,September 30, 2016
OR 
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the transition period from __________ to __________.

Commission File Number 1-7978

Black Hills Power, Inc.
Incorporated in South Dakota  IRS Identification Number 46-0111677

625 Ninth Street, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701

Registrant’s telephone number (605) 721-1700

Former name, former address, and former fiscal year if changed since last report
NONE

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 x
No o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes x
No o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Large accelerated filero Accelerated filero
     
Non-accelerated filerx Smaller reporting companyo

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

As of April 30,October 31, 2016, there were issued and outstanding 23,416,396 shares of the Registrant’s common stock, $1.00 par value, all of which were held beneficially and of record by Black Hills Corporation.

Reduced Disclosure

The Registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H (1) (a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Page
 GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
   
PART 1.FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
   
Item 1.Financial Statements 
   
 Condensed Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income - unaudited
 Three and Nine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2016 and 2015 
   
 Condensed Balance Sheets - unaudited
 March 31,September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 
   
 Condensed Statements of Cash Flows - unaudited
 ThreeNine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2016 and 2015 
   
 Notes to Condensed Financial Statements - unaudited
   
Item 2.Managements’ Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
   
Item 4.Controls and Procedures
   
PART II.OTHER INFORMATION
   
Item 1.Legal Proceedings
   
Item 1A.Risk Factors
   
Item 6.Exhibits
   
 Signatures
   
 Exhibit Index



GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

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

AFUDCAllowance for Funds Used During Construction
ASCAccounting Standards Codification
ASUAccounting Standards Update issued by the FASB
BHCBlack Hills Corporation,Corporation; the Parent Company
Black Hills EnergyThe name used to conduct the business of BHC utility companies
Black Hills Utility HoldingsBlack Hills Utility Holdings, Inc. a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation (doing business as Black Hills Energy)
Black Hills Service CompanyBlack Hills Service Company, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of BHC
Cheyenne LightCheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation (doing business as Black Hills Energy)
Cheyenne PrairieCheyenne Prairie Generating Station is a 132 MW natural gas-fired generating facility jointly owned by Black Hills Power and Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company. Cheyenne Prairie was placed into commercial service on October 1, 2014.
Cooling degree dayA 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 over a 30-year average.
CPCNCertificate of Public Convenience and Necessity
CTCombustion Turbine
FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board
FERCUnited States Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FitchFitch Ratings
GAAPGenerally Accepted Accounting Principlesprinciples generally accepted in the United States of America
Global Settlement
Settlement with a utilities commission where the dollar figure is agreed upon, but the specific adjustments used by each party to arrive at the figure are not specified in public rate orders.

Happy JackHappy Jack Wind Farms, LLC, a subsidiary of Duke Energy Generation Services
Heating degree dayA 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 over a 30-year average.
kVKilovolt
LIBORLondon Interbank Offered Rate
Moody’sMoody’s Investor Services,Investors Service, Inc.
MWMegawatts
MWhMegawatt-hours
SDPUCSouth Dakota Public Utilities Commission
SECU.S.U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Silver SageSilver Sage Windpower, LLC, a subsidiary of Duke Energy Generation Services
S&PStandard & Poor’s, Rating Servicesa division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
WPSCWyoming Public Service Commission
WRDCWyodak Resources Development Corp., an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BHC






BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(unaudited)2016 20152016 2015 2016 2015
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Revenue$68,642
 $70,283
$66,728
 $72,111
 $197,389
 $210,432
          
Operating expenses:          
Fuel, purchased power and natural gas20,730
 22,104
Fuel and purchased power18,421
 21,983
 55,375
 63,440
Operations and maintenance17,031
 17,091
15,601
 16,979
 49,538
 52,191
Depreciation and amortization8,612
 8,125
8,547
 8,248
 25,363
 24,215
Taxes - property1,489
 1,473
1,749
 1,445
 4,987
 4,497
Total operating expenses47,862
 48,793
44,318
 48,655
 135,263
 144,343
          
Operating income20,780
 21,490
22,410
 23,456
 62,126
 66,089
          
Other income (expense):          
Interest expense(5,454) (5,692)(5,454) (5,542) (16,322) (16,914)
AFUDC - borrowed223
 39
319
 239
 840
 322
Interest income202
 104
510
 269
 1,004
 434
AFUDC - equity423
 70
606
 434
 1,595
 584
Other income (expense), net74
 35
48
 21
 75
 119
Total other income (expense)(4,532) (5,444)(3,971) (4,579) (12,808) (15,455)
          
Income from continuing operations before income taxes16,248
 16,046
18,439
 18,877
 49,318
 50,634
Income tax expense(5,062) (5,643)(6,429) (6,590) (16,316) (17,397)
Net income11,186
 10,403
12,010
 12,287
 33,002
 33,237
          
Other comprehensive income (loss):          
Reclassification adjustments of cash flow hedges settled and included in net income (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(6) and $336 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015)10
 352
Reclassification adjustment of benefit plan liability - net gain (loss) (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(7) and $(8) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015)14
 15
Reclassification adjustments of cash flow hedges settled and included in net income (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(6) and $(5) for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and $(17) and $325 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively)10
 11
 31
 373
Reclassification adjustment of benefit plan liability - net gain (loss) (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(8) and $(9) for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and $(21) and $(25) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively)14
 15
 41
 46
Other comprehensive income24
 367
24
 26
 72
 419
          
Comprehensive income$11,210
 $10,770
$12,034
 $12,313
 $33,074
 $33,656

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



BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)March 31, 2016December 31, 2015September 30, 2016December 31, 2015
(in thousands)(in thousands)
ASSETS  
Current assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents$28,999
$7,559
$10,250
$7,559
Receivables - customers, net27,140
27,856
25,633
27,856
Receivables - affiliates8,391
5,747
5,216
5,747
Other receivables, net242
236
453
236
Money pool notes receivable, net50,630
76,813
51,279
76,813
Materials, supplies and fuel22,891
24,282
21,364
24,282
Regulatory assets, current18,550
14,096
18,212
14,096
Other, current assets4,995
43,118
3,634
43,118
Total current assets161,838
199,707
136,041
199,707
  
Investments4,756
4,725
4,817
4,725
  
Property, plant and equipment1,175,978
1,166,126
1,216,000
1,166,126
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(329,494)(326,074)(334,546)(326,074)
Total property, plant and equipment, net846,484
840,052
881,454
840,052
  
Other assets:  
Regulatory assets, non-current71,125
71,717
72,403
71,717
Other, non-current assets345
3,292
3,900
152
Total other assets71,470
75,009
76,303
71,869
TOTAL ASSETS$1,084,548
$1,119,493
$1,098,615
$1,116,353

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



BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)March 31, 2016December 31, 2015September 30, 2016December 31, 2015
(in thousands, except common stock par value and share amounts)(in thousands, except common stock par value and share amounts)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY  
Current liabilities:  
Accounts payable$21,508
$21,297
$20,647
$21,297
Accounts payable - affiliates27,148
30,032
30,284
30,032
Accrued liabilities22,014
69,454
32,286
69,454
Regulatory liabilities, current34

52

Total current liabilities70,704
120,783
83,269
120,783
  
Long-term debt339,651
342,756
339,721
339,616
  
Deferred credits and other liabilities:  
Deferred income tax liability, net, non-current207,508
188,961
212,276
188,961
Regulatory liabilities, non-current52,644
51,583
53,344
51,583
Benefit plan liabilities20,363
20,033
20,161
20,033
Other, non-current liabilities2,989
3,398
1,291
3,398
Total deferred credits and other liabilities283,504
263,975
287,072
263,975
  
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 4, 5 and 8)

  
Stockholder’s equity:  
Common stock $1 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 23,416,396 shares issued23,416
23,416
23,416
23,416
Additional paid-in capital39,575
39,575
39,575
39,575
Retained earnings328,981
330,295
326,797
330,295
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(1,283)(1,307)(1,235)(1,307)
Total stockholder’s equity390,689
391,979
388,553
391,979
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY$1,084,548
$1,119,493
$1,098,615
$1,116,353

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


BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)Three Months Ended March 31,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016201520162015
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Operating activities:  
Net income$11,186
$10,403
$33,002
$33,237
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities-  
Depreciation and amortization8,612
8,125
25,363
24,215
Deferred income tax18,076
4,962
22,267
8,161
Employee benefits443
601
1,327
1,802
AFUDC - equity(423)(70)(1,595)(584)
Other adjustments, net296
85
118
139
Change in operating assets and liabilities -  
Accounts receivable and other current assets(2,041)7,951
5,499
1,291
Accounts payable and other current liabilities(5,725)(10,237)1,662
5,638
Regulatory assets - current(4,193)(2,722)(4,029)(1,848)
Regulatory liabilities - current
3,715

(2,479)
Contributions to defined benefit pension plan(820)
Other operating activities, net481
(719)(3,994)8,019
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities26,712
22,094
78,800
77,591
  
Investing activities:  
Property, plant and equipment additions(18,928)(8,697)(65,062)(39,338)
Change in money pool notes receivable, net13,683
35,111
(10,966)(14,694)
Other investing activities(27)(44)(81)(103)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(5,272)26,370
(76,109)(54,135)
  
Financing activities:  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities



  
Net change in cash and cash equivalents21,440
48,464
2,691
23,456
  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period7,559
6,620
7,559
6,620
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$28,999
$55,084
$10,250
$30,076

See Note 7 for supplemental cash flow information.

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


BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(Reference is made to Notes to Financial Statements
included in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K)

(1)    MANAGEMENT’S STATEMENT
MANAGEMENT’S STATEMENT

The unaudited condensed financial statements included herein have been prepared by Black Hills Power, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations; however, we believe that the footnotes adequately disclose the information presented. These condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto, included in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

Accounting methods historically employed require certain estimates as of interim dates. The information furnished in the accompanying condensed financial statements reflects all adjustments, including accruals, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the March 31,September 30, 2016, December 31, 2015 and March 31,September 30, 2015 financial information and are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2016 and March 31,September 30, 2015, and our financial condition as of March 31,September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations and financial condition to be expected as of or for any other period.

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards

Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, ASU 2016-15

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force). This ASU requires changes in the presentation of certain items including but not limited to debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies and distributions received from equity method investees. The ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017.We are currently assessing the impact that adoption of ASU 2016-15 will have on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Leases, ASU 2016-02

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes ASC 840, Leases. This ASU requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for all leases with terms of more than 12 months. Lessees are permitted to make an accounting policy election to not recognize the asset and liability for leases with a term of 12 months or less. The ASU does not significantly change the lessees’ recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows from the previous accounting standard. Lessors’ accounting under the ASC is largely unchanged from the previous accounting standard. In addition, the ASU expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements. Lessees and lessors will use a modified retrospective transition approach, which includes a number of practical expedients. The guidance is effective for the Companyus beginning after December 15, 2019.2018. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact that adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or its Equivalent), ASU 2015-07

On May 1, 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or its Equivalent).The This ASU removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient and also removes certain disclosure requirements. The new requirements were effective for us beginning January 1, 2016 and will be applied retrospectively to all periods presented, in our 2016 Form 10-K. This ASU will not materially affect our financial statements and disclosures, but will change certain presentation and disclosure of the fair value of certain plan assets in our pension and other postretirement benefit plan disclosures in our 2016 Form 10-K, for all periods presented.



Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, ASU 2015-03

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. Debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability will beare presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability, similar to the presentation of debt discounts, rather than as an asset. Amortization of these costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We adopted ASU 2015-03 in the first quarter of 2016 on a retrospective basis. As of March 31,September 30, 2016, we have presented the debt issuance costs, previously reported in other assets, as direct deductions from the carrying amount of long-term debt. The implementation of this standard resulted in reductions of other non-current assets and long-term debt of $3.1 million in the Condensed Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015. Adoption of ASU 2015-03 did not have a material impact on our financial position.




Revenue from Contracts with Customers, ASU 2014-09

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The standard provides companies with a single model for use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific revenue guidance. The core principle of the model is to recognize revenue when control of the goods or services transfers to the customer, as opposed to recognizing revenue when the risks and rewards transfer to the customer under the existing revenue guidance. On July 9, 2015, FASB voted to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. The proposed guidance would beis effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. We are currentlyEntities will have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach to adopting this guidance. Under the modified approach, an entity would recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance with an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. As of September 30, 2016, we were actively evaluating all of our sources of revenue to determine the impact ofthat adoption if any, thatof ASU 2014-09 will have on our financial position, results of operations orand cash flows.

(2)
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

Following is a summary of Receivables - customers, net included in the accompanying Condensed Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:
March 31, 2016December 31, 2015September 30, 2016December 31, 2015
Accounts receivable trade$15,777
$15,268
$15,171
$15,268
Unbilled revenues11,619
12,795
10,651
12,795
Allowance for doubtful accounts(256)(207)(189)(207)
Receivables - customers, net$27,140
$27,856
$25,633
$27,856



(3)
REGULATORY ACCOUNTING

Our regulated electric operations are subject to regulation by various state and federal agencies. The accounting policies followed are generally subject to the Uniform System of Accounts of the FERC.

Our regulatory assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands) as of:
Recovery/Amortization Period
(in years)
March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
Recovery/Amortization Period
(in years)
September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015
Regulatory assets:        
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt (a)
9$2,025
 $2,096
8$1,885
 $2,096
AFUDC (b)
458,719
 8,571
459,184
 8,571
Employee benefit plans (c)
1220,866
 20,866
1220,866
 20,866
Deferred energy and fuel cost adjustments - current (a)
Less than 1 year21,493
 19,875
Less than 1 year22,816
 19,875
Flow through accounting (a)
3512,412
 12,104
3512,498
 12,104
Decommissioning costs, net of amortization(b)
1013,317
 13,686
912,625
 13,686
Other regulatory assets (a) (d)
210,843
 8,615
210,741
 8,615
Total regulatory assets $89,675
 $85,813
 $90,615
 $85,813

Regulatory liabilities:        
Cost of removal for utility plant (a)
53$39,157
 $38,131
44$40,728
 $38,131
Employee benefit plans (c)
1212,616
 12,616
1212,616
 12,616
Other regulatory liabilities13906
 836
1352
 836
Total regulatory liabilities $52,679
 $51,583
 $53,396
 $51,583
____________________
(a)Recovery of costs, but we are not allowed a rate of return.
(b)In addition to recovery of costs, we are 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, respectively.
(d)Includes approximately $7.0$9.8 million and $5.0 million of vegetation management expenses at March 31,September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, for which we are allowed a rate of return.




(4)RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Receivables and Payables

We have accounts receivable and accounts payable balances related to transactions with other BHC subsidiaries. The balances were as follows (in thousands) as of:
March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015
Receivables - affiliates$8,391
 $5,747
$5,216
 $5,747
Accounts payable - affiliates$27,148
 $30,032
$30,284
 $30,032

Money Pool Notes Receivable and Notes Payable

We have entered into a Utility Money Pool Agreement (the “Agreement”) with BHC, Black Hills Service Company and the utility companies conducting business as Black Hills Energy. We are the administrator of the Money Pool. Under the Agreement, we may borrow from BHC; however the Agreement restricts us from loaning funds to BHC or to any of BHC’s non-utility subsidiaries. The Agreement does not restrict us from paying dividends to BHC. Borrowings and advances under the Agreement bear interest at the weighted average daily cost of our parent company’s credit facility borrowings as defined under the Agreement, or if there are no external funds outstanding on that date, then the rate will be the daily one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%. At March 31,September 30, 2016, the average cost of borrowing under the Utility Money Pool was 1.62%1.81%.

We had the following balances with the Utility Money Pool (in thousands) as of:
 March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
Money pool notes receivable, net$50,630
 $76,813
 September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015
Money pool notes receivable, net$51,279
 $76,813



Our net interest income (expense) relating to balances with the Utility Money Pool was as follows (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20162015
Net interest income (expense)$278
$258


 Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2016201520162015
Net interest income (expense)$277
$309
$845
$855

Other related party activity was as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
201620152016201520162015
Revenue:  
Energy sold to Cheyenne Light$661
$326
$599
$553
$1,908
$1,258
Rent from electric properties$1,213
$1,124
$1,229
$1,158
$3,817
$3,614
  
Fuel and purchased power:
  
Purchases of coal from WRDC$4,796
$4,045
$4,122
$4,580
$12,275
$12,724
Purchase of excess energy from Cheyenne Light$55
$476
$64
$111
$172
$800
Purchase of renewable wind energy from Cheyenne Light - Happy Jack$664
$549
$312
$268
$1,329
$1,097
Purchase of renewable wind energy from Cheyenne Light - Silver Sage$1,127
$936
$547
$476
$2,276
$1,910
  
Gas transportation service agreement:  
Gas transportation service agreement with Cheyenne Light for firm and interruptible gas transportation$136
$103
$100
$103
$300
$310
  
Corporate support:  
Corporate support services and fees from Parent, Black Hills Service Company and Black Hills Utility Holdings$6,721
$7,033
$6,257
$6,213
$19,155
$19,873



(5)
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Beginning in 2016, we changed the method used to estimate the service and interest cost components of the net periodic pension, supplemental non-qualified defined benefit and other postretirement benefit costs. The new method uses the spot yield curve approach to estimate the service and interest costs by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used to determine the benefit obligations to relevant projected cash outflows. Previously, those costs were determined using a single weighted-average discount rate. The change does not affect the measurement of the total benefit obligations as the change in service and interest costs offsets the actuarial gains and losses recorded in other comprehensive income.income, regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities. The new method provides a more precise measure of interest and service costs by improving the correlation between the projected benefit cash flows and the discrete spot yield curve rates. We accounted for this change as a change in estimate prospectively beginning in the first quarter of 2016. The discount rates used to measure the 2016 service costs are 4.81%, 4.88% and 4.18% for pension, supplemental non-qualified defined benefit and other postretirement benefit costs, respectively. The discount rates used to measure the 2016 interest costs are 3.90%, 3.82% and 3.17% for pension, supplemental non-qualified defined benefit and other postretirement benefit costs, respectively. The previous method would have used a discount rate for both service and interest costs of 4.63% for pension, 4.50% for supplemental non-qualified defined benefit and 4.03% for other postretirement benefit costs. The decrease in the total 2016 service and interest costs is approximately $0.5 million, $0.3 million and $0.1 million for the pension, supplemental non-qualified defined benefit and other postretirement benefit costs, respectively, as compared to the previous method.



The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Defined Benefit Pension Plan were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 20152016 2015 2016 2015
Service cost$151
 $199
$151
 $199
 $453
 $597
Interest cost625
 739
625
 739
 1,875
 2,217
Expected return on plan assets(908) (984)(908) (984) (2,724) (2,952)
Prior service cost11
 11
11
 11
 33
 33
Net loss (gain)499
 549
498
 549
 1,496
 1,647
Net periodic benefit cost$378
 $514
$377
 $514
 $1,133
 $1,542

Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 20152016 2015 2016 2015
Service cost$51
 $58
$51
 $59
 $153
 $176
Interest cost47
 54
47
 53
 141
 160
Prior service cost (benefit)(84) (84)(84) (84) (252) (252)
Net periodic benefit cost$14
 $28
$14
 $28
 $42
 $84

Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 20152016 2015 2016 2015
Interest cost$30
 $36
$30
 $35
 $90
 $107
Net loss (gain)21
 23
20
 23
 62
 69
Net periodic benefit cost$51
 $59
$50
 $58
 $152
 $176

Contributions

We anticipate we will make contributions to the benefit plans during 2016 and 2017. Contributions to the Defined Benefit Pension Plan are cash contributions made directly to the Pension Plan Trust accounts. Contributions to the Healthcare and Supplemental Plans are made in the form of benefit payments. Contributions and anticipated contributions are as follows (in thousands):
Contributions
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Remaining Anticipated Contributions for 2016Anticipated Contributions for 2017
Contributions
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Remaining Anticipated Contributions for 2016Anticipated Contributions for 2017
Defined Benefit Pension Plan$
$1,638
$1,615
$820
$
$1,615
Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan$155
$464
$509
$464
$155
$509
Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans$54
$162
$248
$162
$54
$248



(6)FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting guidance on fair value measurements establishes a hierarchy for grouping assets and liabilities, based on significance of inputs. For additional information see Note 1 included in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

The estimated fair values of our financial instruments were as follows (in thousands) as of:
March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015
Carrying AmountFair Value Carrying AmountFair ValueCarrying AmountFair Value Carrying AmountFair Value
Cash and cash equivalents (a)
$28,999
$28,999
 $7,559
$7,559
$10,250
$10,250
 $7,559
$7,559
Long-term debt, including current maturities (b)
$339,651
$429,059
 $342,756
$404,864
$339,721
$445,104
 $339,616
$404,864
_________________
(a)Carrying value approximates fair value due to either short-term length of maturity or variable interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates and therefore is classified in Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
(b)Long-term debt is valued using the market approach based on observable inputs of quoted market prices and yields available for debt instruments either directly or indirectly for similar maturities and debt ratings in active markets and therefore is classified in Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The carrying amount of our variable rate debt approximates fair value due to the variable interest rates with short reset periods.

(7)SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Three months ended March 31,2016 2015
Nine months ended September 30,2016 2015
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Non-cash investing and financing activities -      
Property, plant and equipment acquired with accrued liabilities$5,087
 $2,042
$5,565
 $2,074
Non-cash (decrease) to money pool notes receivable, net$(12,500) $
$(36,500) $(18,500)
Non-cash dividend to Parent$12,500
 $
$36,500
 $18,500
      
Cash (paid) refunded during the period for -      
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)$(2,989) $(2,718)$(13,486) $(14,192)
Income taxes, net$
 $

(8)COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

There have been no significant changes to commitments and contingencies from those previously disclosed in Note 11 of our Notes to the Financial Statements in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.




ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Amounts are presented on a pre-tax basis unless otherwise indicated.
Minor differences in amounts may result due to rounding.

Significant Events

Name Rebranding

We now operate with the trade name Black Hills Energy. BHC rebranded all of its regulated utilities to operate under the name Black Hills Energy.

Regulatory Matters

During the first quarter of 2016, we commenced construction of the $54 million, 230-kV, 144 mile-long transmission line that will connect the Teckla Substation in northeast Wyoming, to the Lange Substation near Rapid City, South Dakota. The first segment of this project connecting Teckla to Osage, WY was energized on August 31, 2016. The second segment of the project is expected to be placed in service byin the endfirst half of 2016.

2017.

Results of Operations

The following discussion includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as another financial measure, gross 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. Gross margin (revenue less cost of sales) is a non-GAAP financial measure due to the exclusion of depreciation from the measure. The presentation of gross margin is intended to supplement investors’ understanding of our operating performance.

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

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

The following tables provide certain financial information and operating statistics:

Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20162015Variance20162015Variance20162015Variance
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Revenue$68,642
$70,283
$(1,641)$66,728
$72,111
$(5,383)$197,389
$210,432
$(13,043)
Fuel and purchased power20,730
22,104
(1,374)18,421
21,983
(3,562)55,375
63,440
(8,065)
Gross margin47,912
48,179
(267)48,307
50,128
(1,821)142,014
146,992
(4,978)
  
Operating expenses27,132
26,689
443
25,897
26,672
(775)79,888
80,903
(1,015)
Operating income20,780
21,490
(710)22,410
23,456
(1,046)62,126
66,089
(3,963)
  
Interest income (expense), net(5,029)(5,549)520
(4,625)(5,034)409
(14,478)(16,158)1,680
Other income (expense), net497
105
392
654
455
199
1,670
703
967
Income tax expense(5,062)(5,643)581
(6,429)(6,590)161
(16,316)(17,397)1,081
Net income$11,186
$10,403
$783
$12,010
$12,287
$(277)$33,002
$33,237
$(235)




Electric Revenue by Customer TypeElectric Revenue by Customer Type
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)(in thousands)
2016 Percentage Change 20152016 Percentage Change 2015 2016 Percentage Change 2015
Residential$19,315
 (4)% $20,140
$17,501
 (5)% $18,471
 $53,057
 (2)% $54,081
Commercial23,589
 (5)% 24,741
25,714
 (5)% 27,156
 73,026
 (4)% 76,330
Industrial8,501
 2% 8,299
8,275
 (1)% 8,364
 24,540
 (2)% 25,122
Municipal831
 (3)% 858
1,053
 3% 1,024
 2,844
 4% 2,741
Total retail revenue52,236
 (3)% 54,038
52,543
 (4)% 55,015
 153,467
 (3)% 158,274
Contract wholesale4,174
 (23)% 5,420
4,596
 1% 4,563
 12,717
 (9)% 13,962
Wholesale off-system4,586
 (31)% 6,635
3,984
 (26)% 5,417
 11,304
 (40)% 18,718
Other revenue7,646
 82% 4,190
5,605
 (21)% 7,116
 19,901
 2% 19,478
Total revenue$68,642
 (2)% $70,283
$66,728
 (7)% $72,111
 $197,389
 (6)% $210,432


Megawatt Hours Sold by Customer TypeMegawatt Hours Sold by Customer Type
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 Percentage Change 20152016 Percentage Change 2015 2016 Percentage Change 2015
Residential142,753
 (3)% 146,963
124,012
 (3)% 128,474
 381,616
 (1)% 385,454
Commercial188,888
 (3)% 195,078
213,276
 (2)% 218,305
 592,371
 (2)% 603,272
Industrial108,021
 (3)% 111,859
110,220
 —% 109,725
 320,861
 (1)% 324,078
Municipal7,441
 (3)% 7,700
9,927
 6% 9,322
 25,855
 7% 24,058
Total retail quantity sold447,103
 (3)% 461,600
457,435
 (2)% 465,826
 1,320,703
 (1)% 1,336,862
Contract wholesale63,453
 (25)% 84,271
62,547
 (5)% 65,952
 182,087
 (15)% 215,119
Wholesale off-system193,373
 (21)% 245,638
128,415
 (17)% 154,215
 438,852
 (32)% 646,066
Total quantity sold703,929
 (11)% 791,509
648,397
 (5)% 685,993
 1,941,642
 (12)% 2,198,047
Losses and company use39,324
 48% 26,646
41,585
 (16)% 49,496
 111,437
 (10)% 123,135
Total energy743,253
 (9)% 818,155
689,982
 (6)% 735,489
 2,053,079
 (12)% 2,321,182

Megawatt Hours Generated and Purchased Megawatt Hours Generated and Purchased
Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
Generated -2016 Percentage Change 2015 2016 Percentage Change 2015 2016 Percentage Change 2015
Coal-fired(a)388,001
 3% 376,834
 401,231
 3% 389,784
 1,054,264
 (10)% 1,166,381
Gas-fired (a)
15,562
 441% 2,878
 41,654
 10% 37,721
 96,649
 68% 57,482
Total generated403,563
 6% 379,712
 442,885
 4% 427,505
 1,150,913
 (6)% 1,223,863
           
Total purchased339,690
 (23)% 438,443
 247,097
 (20)% 307,984
 902,166
 (18)% 1,097,319
Total generated and purchased743,253
 (9)% 818,155
 689,982
 (6)% 735,489
 2,053,079
 (12)% 2,321,182
______________________________
(a)An increase in generation from Cheyenne Prairie was driven by outagesDecrease is primarily due to a planned outage at Wygen III and an extended planned outage at Wyodak for the Wyodak plant during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2016.



Power Plant AvailabilityPower Plant Availability
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20162015201620152016 2015
Coal-fired plants (a)
92.4% 87.7% 92.8% 93.6% 83.2% 92.1%
Other plants98.3% 95.2% 97.7% 93.7% 98.4% 95.3%
Total availability95.8% 92.0% 95.6% 93.7% 91.8% 93.9%
______________________________________
(a)The threeDecrease is primarily due to a planned outage at Wygen III and an extended planned outage at Wyodak during the nine months ended March 31, 2015 reflects a planned annual outage at Neil Simpson II and an unplanned outage for a catalyst repair at Wygen III.September 30, 2016.


Degree DaysDegree Days Degree Days
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 20152016 2015 2016 2015
ActualVariance from 30-year Average ActualVariance from 30-year AverageActualVariance from 30-year Average ActualVariance from 30-year Average ActualVariance from 30-year Average ActualVariance from 30-year Average
Heating degree days:   
       
Heating degree days2,806
(13)% 2,873
(11)%161
(23)% 127
(40)% 3,844
(13)% 4,005
(10)%
Cooling degree days460
(18)% 477
(15)% 646
(3)% 573
(14)%


Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2016 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2015. Net income was $1112 million compared to $10.412 million for the same period in the prior year primarily due to the following:

Gross margin decreased primarily due to lower residential volume due to milder weatherretail volumes and the impact of a decrease in commercial and industrial MWh sold, partially offset bycooling degree days compared to the benefit from an additional day as a result of leapsame period in the prior year.

Operations and maintenance increaseddecreased primarily due to lower employee costs driven by a change in operating expense allocations impacting us as a result of our Parent Company integrating the acquired SourceGas utilities and lower generation and outside services, partially offset by higher depreciation expense driven by additional plant in service compared to the same period in the prior year.

Interest expense, net decreased primarily due to higher AFUDC interest income in the current year driven by higher construction work-in-process balances compared to the same period in the prior year.

Other income, net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.

Income tax expense: The effective tax rate was comparable to the same period in the prior year.



Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015. Net income was $33 million compared to $33 million for the same period in the prior year primarily due to the following:

Gross margindecreased primarily due primarily to a favorable re-measurementprior year increase in return on invested capital of an uncertain tax position liability involving research$1.2 million from a rate case, a $1.8 million decrease due to third party billing true-ups related to the current and development creditsprior years and deductions,a decrease in commercial MW sold driven by lower demand, partially offset by the weather impact from the increase in cooling degree days compared to the same period in the prior year.
Operations and maintenance decreased primarily due to lower employee costs driven by a change in operating expense allocations impacting us as a result of an agreement reached duringour Parent Company integrating the first quarter of 2016 withacquired SourceGas utilities, partially offset by higher depreciation expense driven by additional plant in service compared to the IRS.same period in the prior year.

Interest expense, net decreased primarily due to higher AFUDC income in the current year driven by higher construction work-in-process balances compared to the same period in the prior year.

Other income, net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.

Income tax expense: The effective tax rate was comparable to the same period in the prior year.

Credit Ratings

Credit ratings impact our ability to obtain short and long-term financing, the cost of such financing, and vendor payment terms, including collateral requirements. The following table represents our secured credit rating from each agency’s review which werewas in effect at March 31,September 30, 2016:

Rating AgencySecured Rating
S&PA-
Moody’sA1
FitchA




FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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 2 - 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, 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 described in Item 1A of our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K, including statements contained within Item 1A - Risk Factors and Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10Q.10-Q.

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

This section should be read in conjunction with Item 9A, “Controls and Procedures” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.2015.

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) as of March 31, 2016.September 30, 2016. Based on their evaluation, they have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31,September 30, 2016.

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 Security Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’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 March 31,September 30, 2016, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.



BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.

Part II - Other Information

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

For information regarding legal proceedings, see Note 11 of Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Note 8 of our Notes to Condensed Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which information from Note 8 is incorporated by reference into this item.


Item 1A.Risk Factors

There are no material changes to the Risk Factors previously disclosed in Item 1A of Part I in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.


Item 6.Exhibits

Exhibit 3.1*Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant dated March 30, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015).
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015).

Exhibit 3.2*Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant dated March 30, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015).
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015).

Exhibit 4.1*Restated and Amended Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust of Black Hills Corporation (now called Black Hills Power, Inc.) dated as of September 1, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 4.19 to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-150669-01)). First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 13, 2002, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to J.P. Morgan Chase Bank), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.20 to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-150669-01)). Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 27, 2009, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (filed as Exhibit 4.21 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-150669-01)). Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2014, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2014).

Exhibit 31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 32.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 32.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 101Financial Statements for XBRL Format
_________________________
*Previously filed as part of the filing indicated and incorporated by reference herein.




BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements 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 POWER, INC.


/S/ DAVID R. EMERY
David R. Emery, Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer


/S/ RICHARD W. KINZLEY
Richard W. Kinzley, Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer

Dated: May 11,November 4, 2016




EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit NumberDescription

Exhibit 3.1*Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant dated March 30, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015).

Exhibit 3.2*Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant dated March 30, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015).

Exhibit 4.1*
Restated and Amended Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust of Black Hills Corporation (now called Black Hills Power, Inc.) dated as of September 1, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 4.19 to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-150669-01)). First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 13, 2002, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to J.P. Morgan Chase Bank), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.20 to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-150669-01)). Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 27, 2009, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (filed as Exhibit 4.21 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-150669-01)). Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2014, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2014).

Exhibit 31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 32.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 32.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 101Financial Statements for XBRL Format
_________________________
*Previously filed as part of the filing indicated and incorporated by reference herein.


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