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 September 30, 2016March 31, 2017
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

Commission File Number 1-7978

Black Hills Power, Inc.
Black Hills Power, Inc.
Incorporated in South DakotaIRS 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

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 definedor 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).Act.
Large accelerated filero Accelerated filero
     
Non-accelerated filerx(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 Smaller reporting companyo
Emerging growth companyo

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. o

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 October 31, 2016,April 30, 2017, 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 September 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016 and 2015 
   
 Condensed Balance Sheets - unaudited
 September 30, 2016March 31, 2017 and December 31, 20152016 
   
 Condensed Statements of Cash Flows - unaudited
 NineThree Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2017 and 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; 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)
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.
FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board
FERCUnited States Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FitchFitch Ratings
GAAPAccounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
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 Investors Service, Inc.
MWMegawatts
MWhMegawatt-hours
SECU. S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Silver SageSilver Sage Windpower, LLC, a subsidiary of Duke Energy Generation Services
S&PStandard & Poor’s, a 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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
(unaudited)2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Revenue$66,728
 $72,111
 $197,389
 $210,432
$73,794
 $68,642
          
Operating expenses:          
Fuel and purchased power18,421
 21,983
 55,375
 63,440
23,149
 20,730
Operations and maintenance15,601
 16,979
 49,538
 52,191
16,954
 17,031
Depreciation and amortization8,547
 8,248
 25,363
 24,215
8,694
 8,612
Taxes - property1,749
 1,445
 4,987
 4,497
1,621
 1,489
Total operating expenses44,318
 48,655
 135,263
 144,343
50,418
 47,862
          
Operating income22,410
 23,456
 62,126
 66,089
23,376
 20,780
          
Other income (expense):          
Interest expense(5,454) (5,542) (16,322) (16,914)(6,336) (5,454)
AFUDC - borrowed319
 239
 840
 322
192
 223
Interest income510
 269
 1,004
 434
707
 202
AFUDC - equity606
 434
 1,595
 584
471
 423
Other income (expense), net48
 21
 75
 119
(53) 74
Total other income (expense)(3,971) (4,579) (12,808) (15,455)(5,019) (4,532)
          
Income from continuing operations before income taxes18,439
 18,877
 49,318
 50,634
18,357
 16,248
Income tax expense(6,429) (6,590) (16,316) (17,397)(5,787) (5,062)
Net income12,010
 12,287
 33,002
 33,237
12,570
 11,186
          
Other comprehensive income (loss):          
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
Reclassification adjustments of cash flow hedges settled and included in net income (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(6) and $(6) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively)10
 10
Reclassification adjustment of benefit plan liability - net gain (loss) (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(8) and $(7) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively)14
 14
Other comprehensive income24
 26
 72
 419
24
 24
          
Comprehensive income$12,034
 $12,313
 $33,074
 $33,656
$12,594
 $11,210

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



BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)September 30, 2016December 31, 2015March 31, 2017December 31, 2016
(in thousands)(in thousands)
ASSETS  
Current assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents$10,250
$7,559
$1,127
$234
Receivables - customers, net25,633
27,856
27,457
30,614
Receivables - affiliates5,216
5,747
5,390
9,526
Other receivables, net453
236
420
351
Money pool notes receivable, net51,279
76,813
32,949
28,409
Materials, supplies and fuel21,364
24,282
23,244
22,389
Regulatory assets, current18,212
14,096
20,536
18,119
Other, current assets3,634
43,118
3,286
3,876
Total current assets136,041
199,707
114,409
113,518
  
Investments4,817
4,725
4,849
4,841
  
Property, plant and equipment1,216,000
1,166,126
1,254,710
1,236,387
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(334,546)(326,074)(342,400)(338,828)
Total property, plant and equipment, net881,454
840,052
912,310
897,559
  
Other assets:  
Regulatory assets, non-current72,403
71,717
73,445
74,015
Other, non-current assets3,900
152
3,545
3,816
Total other assets76,303
71,869
76,990
77,831
TOTAL ASSETS$1,098,615
$1,116,353
$1,108,558
$1,093,749

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



BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)September 30, 2016December 31, 2015March 31, 2017December 31, 2016
(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$20,647
$21,297
$16,809
$14,158
Accounts payable - affiliates30,284
30,032
27,289
31,799
Accrued liabilities32,286
69,454
44,891
37,436
Regulatory liabilities, current52


84
Total current liabilities83,269
120,783
88,989
83,477
  
Long-term debt339,721
339,616
339,791
339,756
  
Deferred credits and other liabilities:  
Deferred income tax liability, net, non-current212,276
188,961
214,657
211,443
Regulatory liabilities, non-current53,344
51,583
53,896
53,866
Benefit plan liabilities20,161
20,033
19,617
19,544
Other, non-current liabilities1,291
3,398
1,351
1,001
Total deferred credits and other liabilities287,072
263,975
289,521
285,854
  
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 earnings326,797
330,295
328,504
322,933
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(1,235)(1,307)(1,238)(1,262)
Total stockholder’s equity388,553
391,979
390,257
384,662
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY$1,098,615
$1,116,353
$1,108,558
$1,093,749

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)Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
2016201520172016
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Operating activities:  
Net income$33,002
$33,237
$12,570
$11,186
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities-  
Depreciation and amortization25,363
24,215
8,694
8,612
Deferred income tax22,267
8,161
2,704
18,076
Employee benefits1,327
1,802
205
443
AFUDC - equity(1,595)(584)(471)(423)
Other adjustments, net118
139
559
296
Change in operating assets and liabilities -  
Accounts receivable and other current assets5,499
1,291
7,908
(3,409)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities1,662
5,638
(380)(7,656)
Regulatory assets - current(4,029)(1,848)(2,170)(4,193)
Regulatory liabilities - current
(2,479)(84)
Contributions to defined benefit pension plan(820)
Other operating activities, net(3,994)8,019
(152)481
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities78,800
77,591
29,383
23,413
  
Investing activities:  
Property, plant and equipment additions(65,062)(39,338)(16,976)(18,928)
Change in money pool notes receivable, net(10,966)(14,694)(11,540)13,683
Other investing activities(81)(103)26
(27)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(76,109)(54,135)(28,490)(5,272)
  
Financing activities:  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities



  
Net change in cash and cash equivalents2,691
23,456
893
18,141
  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period7,559
6,620
234
297
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$10,250
$30,076
$1,127
$18,438

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 20152016 Annual Report on Form 10-K)

(1)    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 20152016 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 certain estimates required and all adjustments, including accruals, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the September 30, 2016March 31, 2017, December 31, 20152016 and September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 financial information and are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2015March 31, 2016, and our financial condition as of September 30, 2016March 31, 2017 and December 31, 20152016 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations and financial condition to be expected as of or for any other period.

Revisions

Certain revisions have been made to prior years’ financial information to conform to the current year presentation.

We revised our presentation of cash and certain cash transactions processed on behalf of affiliates.  We have banking arrangements at certain financial institutions whereby if required, payments of one account are cleared with cash from other accounts at the same financial institution; therefore, book overdrafts are presented on a combined basis by bank as cash and cash equivalents. Cash collected or disbursed on behalf of affiliates is presented as Receivables - affiliates or Accounts Payable - affiliates. Prior year amounts were corrected to conform to the current year presentation, which decreased cash and cash equivalents by $11 million as of March 31, 2016. It also decreased net cash flows provided by operations by $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. We assessed the materiality of these changes, taking into account quantitative and qualitative factors, and determined them to be immaterial to the balance sheet as of March 31, 2016 and to the Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016. There is no impact to the Statements of Income or Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for any period reported.

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards

Compensation - Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Post-Retirement Benefit Cost, ASU 2017-07

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Post-Retirement Benefit Cost”. The changes to the standard require employers to report the service cost component in the same line item(s) as other compensation costs, and require the other components of net periodic pension and post-retirement benefit costs to be separately presented in the income statement outside of income from operations. Additionally, only the service cost component may be eligible for capitalization, when applicable. However, all cost components remain eligible for capitalization under FERC regulations. ASU 2017-07 will be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension and post-retirement benefit costs in the income statement. The capitalization of the service cost component of net period pension and post-retirement benefit costs in assets will be applied on a prospective basis. ASU 2017-07 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. We are currently assessing the changes to the standard. The presentation changes required for net periodic pension and post-retirement costs will result in offsetting changes to Operating income and Other income and are not expected to be material.



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 will use the retrospective transition method to adopt this standard with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently assessing the impact thatThe adoption of ASU 2016-15this standard will not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations andor cash flows.

Leases, ASU 2016-02

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 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 us beginning after December 15, 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). 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 are 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 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 recognizingcustomer. The new disclosure requirements will provide information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue when the risks and rewards transfer to the customer under the existingcash flows from revenue guidance. On July 9, 2015, FASB voted to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year.contracts with customers. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 andwith early adoption ison January 1, 2017 permitted. Entities 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

We will adopt this standard for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We continue to actively evaluatingassess all of our sources of revenue to determine the impact that adoption of ASU 2014-09the new standard will have on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Our evaluation includes identifying revenue streams by like contracts to allow for ease of implementation. A majority of our revenues are from regulated tariff offerings that provide electricity with a defined contractual term. For such arrangements, we expect that the revenue from contracts with the customer will be equivalent to the electricity delivered in that period. Therefore, we do not expect that there will be a significant shift in the timing or pattern of revenue recognition for regulated tariff-based sales. The evaluation of other revenue streams is ongoing, including those tied to longer term contractual commitments. However, a number of industry-specific implementation issues are still unresolved and the final resolution of these issues could impact our current accounting policies and/or patterns for revenue recognition, as well as the transition method selected.



(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:
September 30, 2016December 31, 2015March 31, 2017December 31, 2016
Accounts receivable trade$15,171
$15,268
$16,197
$16,972
Unbilled revenues10,651
12,795
11,524
13,799
Allowance for doubtful accounts(189)(207)(264)(157)
Receivables - customers, net$25,633
$27,856
$27,457
$30,614



(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)
September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015
Recovery/Amortization Period
(in years)
March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Regulatory assets:        
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt (a)
8$1,885
 $2,096
8$1,745
 $1,815
AFUDC (b)
459,184
 8,571
Deferred taxes on AFUDC (b)
459,607
 9,367
Employee benefit plans (c)
1220,866
 20,866
1220,100
 20,100
Deferred energy and fuel cost adjustments - current (a)
Less than 1 year22,816
 19,875
Less than 1 year23,075
 23,016
Flow through accounting (a)
3512,498
 12,104
Deferred taxes on flow through accounting (a)
3512,802
 12,545
Decommissioning costs, net of amortization(b)
912,625
 13,686
812,025
 12,456
Other regulatory assets (a) (d)
210,741
 8,615
214,627
 12,835
Total regulatory assets $90,615
 $85,813
 $93,981
 $92,134

Regulatory liabilities:        
Cost of removal for utility plant (a)
44$40,728
 $38,131
61$41,592
 $41,541
Employee benefit plans (c)
1212,616
 12,616
Employee benefit plan costs and related deferred taxes (c)
1212,304
 12,304
Other regulatory liabilities1352
 836
13
 105
Total regulatory liabilities $53,396
 $51,583
 $53,896
 $53,950
____________________
(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 $9.8$14 million and $5.0$12 million of vegetation management expenses at September 30, 2016March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2015,2016, 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:
September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Receivables - affiliates$5,216
 $5,747
$5,390
 $9,526
Accounts payable - affiliates$30,284
 $30,032
$27,289
 $31,799

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 facilityexternal 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 September 30, 2016March 31, 2017, the average cost of borrowing under the Utility Money Pool was 1.81%1.47%.

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


 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Money pool notes receivable, net$32,949
 $28,409

Our net interest income (expense) relating to balances with the Utility Money Pool was as follows (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2016201520162015
Net interest income (expense)$277
$309
$845
$855
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20172016
Net interest income (expense)$126
$278

Other related party activity was as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
201620152016201520172016
Revenue:  
Energy sold to Cheyenne Light$599
$553
$1,908
$1,258
$878
$661
Rent from electric properties$1,229
$1,158
$3,817
$3,614
$1,272
$1,213
  
Fuel and purchased power:
  
Purchases of coal from WRDC$4,122
$4,580
$12,275
$12,724
$4,280
$4,796
Purchase of excess energy from Cheyenne Light$64
$111
$172
$800
$40
$55
Purchase of renewable wind energy from Cheyenne Light - Happy Jack$312
$268
$1,329
$1,097
$606
$664
Purchase of renewable wind energy from Cheyenne Light - Silver Sage$547
$476
$2,276
$1,910
$1,019
$1,127
  
Gas transportation service agreement:  
Gas transportation service agreement with Cheyenne Light for firm and interruptible gas transportation$100
$103
$300
$310
$99
$136
  
Corporate support:  
Corporate support services and fees from Parent, Black Hills Service Company and Black Hills Utility Holdings$6,257
$6,213
$19,155
$19,873
$6,611
$6,721



(5)
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

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, 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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016
Service cost$151
 $199
 $453
 $597
$136
 $151
Interest cost625
 739
 1,875
 2,217
585
 625
Expected return on plan assets(908) (984) (2,724) (2,952)(897) (908)
Prior service cost11
 11
 33
 33
11
 11
Net loss (gain)498
 549
 1,496
 1,647
307
 499
Net periodic benefit cost$377
 $514
 $1,133
 $1,542
$142
 $378

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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016
Service cost$51
 $59
 $153
 $176
$52
 $51
Interest cost47
 53
 141
 160
44
 47
Prior service cost (benefit)(84) (84) (252) (252)(84) (84)
Net periodic benefit cost$14
 $28
 $42
 $84
$12
 $14

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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016
Interest cost$30
 $35
 $90
 $107
$29
 $30
Net loss (gain)20
 23
 62
 69
22
 21
Net periodic benefit cost$50
 $58
 $152
 $176
$51
 $51

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.Trust. Contributions to the Healthcare and Supplemental Plans are made in the form of benefit payments. Contributions made for 2017 and anticipated contributions for 2017 and 2018 are as follows (in thousands):
Contributions
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Remaining Anticipated Contributions for 2016Anticipated Contributions for 2017
Contributions
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Remaining Anticipated Contributions for 2017Anticipated Contributions for 2018
Defined Benefit Pension Plan$820
$
$1,615
$
$1,305
$660
Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan$464
$155
$509
$135
$406
$565
Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans$162
$54
$248
$62
$185
$246



(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 20152016 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:
September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Carrying AmountFair Value Carrying AmountFair ValueCarrying AmountFair Value Carrying AmountFair Value
Cash and cash equivalents (a)
$10,250
$10,250
 $7,559
$7,559
$1,127
$1,127
 $234
$234
Long-term debt, including current maturities (b)
$339,721
$445,104
 $339,616
$404,864
$339,791
$424,453
 $339,756
$410,466
_________________
(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

Nine months ended September 30,2016 2015
Three months ended March 31,2017 2016
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Non-cash investing and financing activities -      
Property, plant and equipment acquired with accrued liabilities$5,565
 $2,074
$10,998
 $5,087
Non-cash (decrease) to money pool notes receivable, net$(36,500) $(18,500)$(7,000) $(12,500)
Non-cash dividend to Parent$36,500
 $18,500
$7,000
 $12,500
      
Cash (paid) refunded during the period for -      
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)$(13,486) $(14,192)$(3,014) $(2,989)

(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 20152016 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 in the first half of 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 September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
20162015Variance20162015Variance20172016Variance
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Revenue$66,728
$72,111
$(5,383)$197,389
$210,432
$(13,043)$73,794
$68,642
$5,152
Fuel and purchased power18,421
21,983
(3,562)55,375
63,440
(8,065)23,149
20,730
2,419
Gross margin48,307
50,128
(1,821)142,014
146,992
(4,978)50,645
47,912
2,733
  
Operating expenses25,897
26,672
(775)79,888
80,903
(1,015)27,269
27,132
137
Operating income22,410
23,456
(1,046)62,126
66,089
(3,963)23,376
20,780
2,596
  
Interest income (expense), net(4,625)(5,034)409
(14,478)(16,158)1,680
(5,437)(5,029)(408)
Other income (expense), net654
455
199
1,670
703
967
418
497
(79)
Income tax expense(6,429)(6,590)161
(16,316)(17,397)1,081
(5,787)(5,062)(725)
Net income$12,010
$12,287
$(277)$33,002
$33,237
$(235)$12,570
$11,186
$1,384




 Electric Revenue by Customer Type
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 (in thousands)
 2016 Percentage Change 2015 2016 Percentage Change 2015
Residential$17,501
 (5)% $18,471
 $53,057
 (2)% $54,081
Commercial25,714
 (5)% 27,156
 73,026
 (4)% 76,330
Industrial8,275
 (1)% 8,364
 24,540
 (2)% 25,122
Municipal1,053
 3% 1,024
 2,844
 4% 2,741
Total retail revenue52,543
 (4)% 55,015
 153,467
 (3)% 158,274
Contract wholesale4,596
 1% 4,563
 12,717
 (9)% 13,962
Wholesale off-system3,984
 (26)% 5,417
 11,304
 (40)% 18,718
Other revenue5,605
 (21)% 7,116
 19,901
 2% 19,478
Total revenue$66,728
 (7)% $72,111
 $197,389
 (6)% $210,432


 Megawatt Hours Sold by Customer Type
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2016 Percentage Change 2015 2016 Percentage Change 2015
Residential124,012
 (3)% 128,474
 381,616
 (1)% 385,454
Commercial213,276
 (2)% 218,305
 592,371
 (2)% 603,272
Industrial110,220
 —% 109,725
 320,861
 (1)% 324,078
Municipal9,927
 6% 9,322
 25,855
 7% 24,058
Total retail quantity sold457,435
 (2)% 465,826
 1,320,703
 (1)% 1,336,862
Contract wholesale62,547
 (5)% 65,952
 182,087
 (15)% 215,119
Wholesale off-system128,415
 (17)% 154,215
 438,852
 (32)% 646,066
Total quantity sold648,397
 (5)% 685,993
 1,941,642
 (12)% 2,198,047
Losses and company use41,585
 (16)% 49,496
 111,437
 (10)% 123,135
Total energy689,982
 (6)% 735,489
 2,053,079
 (12)% 2,321,182

 Megawatt Hours Generated and Purchased
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
Generated -2016 Percentage Change 2015 2016 Percentage Change 2015
Coal-fired (a)
401,231
 3% 389,784
 1,054,264
 (10)% 1,166,381
Gas-fired41,654
 10% 37,721
 96,649
 68% 57,482
Total generated442,885
 4% 427,505
 1,150,913
 (6)% 1,223,863
            
Total purchased247,097
 (20)% 307,984
 902,166
 (18)% 1,097,319
Total generated and purchased689,982
 (6)% 735,489
 2,053,079
 (12)% 2,321,182
____________________
(a)Decrease is primarily due to a planned outage at Wygen III and an extended planned outage at Wyodak for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.



 Power Plant Availability
 Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
 201620152016 2015
Coal-fired plants (a)
92.8% 93.6% 83.2% 92.1%
Other plants97.7% 93.7% 98.4% 95.3%
Total availability95.6% 93.7% 91.8% 93.9%
____________________
(a)Decrease is primarily due to a planned outage at Wygen III and an extended planned outage at Wyodak during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.


 Degree Days Degree Days
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2016 2015 2016 2015
 ActualVariance from 30-year Average ActualVariance from 30-year Average ActualVariance from 30-year Average ActualVariance from 30-year Average
            
Heating degree days161
(23)% 127
(40)% 3,844
(13)% 4,005
(10)%
Cooling degree days460
(18)% 477
(15)% 646
(3)% 573
(14)%


Three Months Ended September 30, 2016March 31, 2017 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2015.March 31, 2016. Net income was $1213 million compared to $1211 million for the same period in the prior year primarily due to the following:

Gross margin decreasedincreased primarily due to lower retail volumeshigher transmission revenue and the impact of a decrease in cooling degree dayscolder weather as compared to the same period in the prior year.

Operations and maintenanceOperating expenses decreased 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 comparedwere comparable to the 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 comparedwas comparable to the same period in the prior year.

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

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


 Electric Revenue by Customer Type
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 (in thousands)
 2017 Percentage Change 2016
Residential$20,071
 4% $19,315
Commercial24,291
 3% 23,589
Industrial8,454
 (1)% 8,501
Municipal836
 1% 831
Total retail revenue53,652
 3% 52,236
Contract wholesale (a)
7,843
 88% 4,174
Wholesale off-system (b)
3,833
 (16)% 4,586
Other revenue8,466
 11% 7,646
Total revenue$73,794
 8% $68,642
____________________
(a)Increase from the prior year is primarily due to a new power-sales agreement which was effective January 1, 2017.
(b)Decrease in 2017 revenue was primarily driven by commodity prices that impacted power marketing sales.

 Megawatt Hours Sold by Customer Type
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2017 Percentage Change 2016
Residential149,572
 5% 142,753
Commercial196,406
 4% 188,888
Industrial109,796
 2% 108,021
Municipal7,605
 2% 7,441
Total retail quantity sold463,379
 4% 447,103
Contract wholesale (a)
186,116
 193% 63,453
Wholesale off-system (b)
154,496
 (20)% 193,373
Total quantity sold803,991
 14% 703,929
Losses and company use41,841
 6% 39,324
Total energy845,832
 14% 743,253
____________________
(a)Effective January 1, 2017, we have an energy sales agreement with Cargill through December 31, 2021 to supply 50 MW of energy during heavy and light load timing intervals.
(b)Decrease in 2017 sales was primarily driven by commodity prices that impacted power marketing sales.



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:
 Megawatt Hours Generated and Purchased
 Three Months Ended March 31,
Generated -2017 Percentage Change 2016
Coal-fired387,985
 —% 388,001
Gas-fired (a) 
10,350
 (33)% 15,562
Total generated398,335
 (1)% 403,563
      
Total purchased (b)
447,497
 32% 339,690
Total generated and purchased (b)
845,832
 14% 743,253
____________________
(a)Decrease is primarily due to the ability to purchase excess generation in the open market at a lower cost than to generate for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
(b)Increase in 2017 is primarily driven by resource needs from a new 50 MW power sales agreement with Cargill, effective January 1, 2017.

 Power Plant Availability
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20172016
Coal-fired plants (a)
89.2% 92.4% 
Other plants99.4% 98.3% 
Total availability94.6% 95.8% 
____________________
(a)Decrease is primarily due to a planned outage at Neil Simpson II during the three months ended March 31, 2017.


Gross margin decreased primarily due to a prior year increase in return on invested capital of $1.2 million from a rate case, a $1.8 million decrease due to third party billing true-ups related to the current and prior years and 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 our Parent Company integrating the acquired SourceGas utilities, 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 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.
 Degree Days
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2017 2016
 ActualVariance from 30-year Average ActualVariance from 30-year Average
      
Heating degree days3,130
(3)% 2,806
(13)%

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 was in effect at September 30, 2016:March 31, 2017:
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 20152016 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 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, 2015.2016.

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 September 30, 2016.March 31, 2017. Based on their evaluation, they have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2016.March 31, 2017.

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 September 30, 2016March 31, 2017, 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 20152016 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, 2015.2016.


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).

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.




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: November 4, 2016May 8, 2017




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
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*Previously filed as part of the filing indicated and incorporated by reference herein.


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