Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q
Form 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 20202021
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to __________.

Commission File Number 001-31303


Black Hills Corporation

Incorporated in South Dakota IRS Identification Number 46-0458824

7001 Mount Rushmore Road
Rapid City, South Dakota 57702
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 No


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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated FilerxAccelerated Filer
Large Accelerated FilerxAccelerated Filer
Non-accelerated FilerSmaller Reporting Company
Emerging Growth Company

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

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock of $1.00 par valueBKHNew York Stock Exchange

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.
ClassOutstanding at April 30, 20202021
Common stock, $1.00 par value62,749,72762,871,727 
shares



Table of Contents

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Item 3.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 4.
Item 6.


3



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
ALJAdministrative Law Judge
AOCIAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Arkansas GasBlack Hills Energy Arkansas, Inc., a direct,an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings, providing natural gas services to customers in Arkansas (doing business as Black Hills Energy).
ASC
ASCAccounting Standards Codification
ASUAccounting Standards Update issued by the FASB
ATMAt-the-market equity offering program
Availability
AvailabilityThe availability factor of a power plant is the percentage of the time that it is available to provide energy.
BHC
BHCBlack Hills Corporation; the Company
Black Hills Colorado IPPBlack Hills Colorado IPP, LLC a 50.1% owned subsidiary of Black Hills Electric Generation
Black Hills Electric GenerationBlack Hills Electric Generation, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings, providing wholesale electric capacity and energy primarily to our affiliate utilities.
Black Hills EnergyThe name used to conduct the business of our utility companies
Black Hills Energy ServicesBlack Hills Energy Services Company, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings, providing natural gas commodity supply for the Choice Gas Programs (doing business as Black Hills Energy).
Black Hills Non-regulated HoldingsBlack Hills Non-regulated Holdings, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation
Black Hills PowerBlack Hills Power, Inc., a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation (doing business as Black Hills Energy). Also known as South Dakota Electric.
Black Hills Utility HoldingsBlack Hills Utility Holdings, Inc., a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation (doing business as Black Hills Energy)
Black Hills WyomingBlack Hills Wyoming, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Electric Generation
Busch Ranch I
29 MW wind farm near Pueblo, Colorado, jointly owned by Colorado Electric and Black Hills Electric Generation, each having a 50% ownership interest in the wind farm.

Busch Ranch II60 MW wind farm near Pueblo, Colorado, built by Black Hills Electric Generation to provide wind energy to Colorado Electric through a power purchase agreement expiring in November 2044.
CAPPCustomer Appliance Protection Plan, which provides appliance repair services to residential natural gas customers through on-going monthly service agreements. The consolidation of the existing Service Guard and CAPP plans into the revamped Service Guard Comfort Plan is currently underway across our service territories.
CARES ActCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, signed on March 27, 2020, which is a tax and spending package intended to provide additional economic relief and address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cheyenne LightCheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation, providing electric service in the Cheyenne, Wyoming area (doing business as Black Hills Energy). Also known as Wyoming Electric.
Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM)Chief Executive Officer
Choice Gas ProgramRegulator-approved programs in Wyoming and Nebraska that allow certain utility customers to select their natural gas commodity supplier, providing for the unbundling of the commodity service from the distribution delivery service.
City of GilletteGillette, Wyoming
Colorado Electric
Black Hills Colorado Electric, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills
Utility Holdings, providing electric service to customers in Colorado (doing business as Black Hills Energy).
Colorado GasBlack Hills Colorado Gas, Inc., an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings, providing natural gas services to customers in Colorado (doing business as Black Hills Energy).

4



Consolidated Indebtedness to Capitalization RatioAny indebtedness outstanding at such time, divided by capital at such time. Capital being consolidated net worth (excluding noncontrolling interest) plus consolidated indebtedness (including letters of credit and certain guarantees issued) as defined within the current Revolving Credit Facility.
Cooling Degree Day (CDD)A cooling degree day is equivalent to each degree that the average of the high and low temperatures 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 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.
CorriedaleWind project near Cheyenne, Wyoming, that will be aThe 52.5 MW wind farm near Cheyenne, Wyoming, jointly owned by South Dakota Electric and Wyoming Electric, and will serveserving as the dedicated wind energy supply to the Renewable Ready program.
COVID-19The official name for the 2019 novel coronavirus disease which was announced on February 11, 2020 by the World Health Organization, that is causing a global pandemicpandemic.
CP ProgramCommercial Paper Program
CPUCColorado Public Utilities Commission
CVA
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Table of Contents
CVACredit Valuation Adjustment
Dodd-FrankDodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
Dth
DthDekatherm. A unit of energy equal to 10 therms or approximately one million British thermal units (MMBtu)
FASB
FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board
FERCUnited States Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FitchFitch Ratings Inc.
GAAPAccounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
Heating Degree Day (HDD)A heating degree day is equivalent to each degree that the average of the high and the low temperatures for a day is below 65 degrees. The colder the climate, the greater the number of heating degree days. Heating degree days are used in the utility industry to measure the relative coldness and to compare relative temperatures between one geographic area and another. Normal degree days are based on the National Weather Service data for selected locations.
HomeServe
Repair service plans offered to electric and natural gas residential customers that cover parts and labor to repair electrical, gas, heating, cooling, and water systems.

ICFRInternal Controls over Financial Reporting
Iowa GasBlack Hills Iowa Gas Utility Company, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings, providing natural gas services to customers in Iowa (doing business as Black Hills Energy).
IPPIndependent power producer
IRSUnited States Internal Revenue Service
Kansas GasBlack Hills Kansas Gas Utility Company, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings, providing natural gas services to customers in Kansas (doing business as Black Hills Energy)
MMBtuKCCKansas Corporation Commission
LIBORLondon Interbank Offered Rate
MMBtuMillion British thermal units
Moody’s
Moody’sMoody’s Investors Service, Inc.
MWMegawatts
MWhMWMegawatt-hoursMegawatts
MWhMegawatt-hours
Nebraska GasBlack Hills Nebraska Gas, LLC, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings, providing natural gas services to customers in Nebraska (doing business as Black Hills Energy)
NPSCNOLNet Operating Loss
NPSCNebraska Public Service Commission
OCI
OCIOther Comprehensive Income
PPAPower Purchase Agreement
PSAPower Sales Agreement
Pueblo Airport GenerationThe 420 MW combined cycle gas-fired power generation plants jointly owned by Colorado Electric (220 MW) and Black Hills Colorado IPP (200 MW). Black Hills Colorado IPP owns and operates this facility. The plants commenced operation on January 1, 2012.
Renewable AdvantageA 200 MW solar facility project to be constructed in Pueblo County, Colorado. The project aims to lower customer energy costs and provide economic and environmental benefits to Colorado Electric’s customers and communities. This project, which was approved by the CPUC in September 2020, will be owned by a third-party renewable energy developer with Colorado Electric purchasing all of the energy generated at the facility under the terms of a 15-year PPA. The project is expected to be placed in service in 2023.
Renewable ReadyVoluntary renewable energy subscription program for large commercial, industrial and governmental agency customers. The Corriedale wind project will provide 52.5 MW of energy for Renewable Ready subscriberscustomers in WyomingSouth Dakota and western South Dakota.

5



Revolving Credit FacilityOur $750 million credit facility used to fund working capital needs, letters of credit and other corporate purposes, which was amended and restated on July 30, 2018, and now terminates on July 30, 2023.
RMNGRocky Mountain Natural Gas LLC, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings, providing natural gas transmission and wholesale services in western Colorado (doing business as Black Hills Energy).
SDPUCSouth Dakota Public Utilities Commission
SECUnited States Securities and Exchange Commission
Service Guard Comfort PlanHomeAppliance protection plan that provides home appliance repair product offering for both natural gas and electric residential customersservices through on-going monthly service agreements. The consolidation of the existing Service Guard and CAPP plans into the revamped Service Guard Comfort Plan is currently underway across our service territories.agreements to residential utility customers.
Service Guard Comfort PlanS&PNew plan that will consolidate Service Guard and CAPP and provide similar services.
S&PStandard and Poor’s, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
South Dakota ElectricBlack Hills Power, Inc., a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation, providing electric service to customers in Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming (doing business as Black Hills Energy).
Tech ServicesSSIRNon-regulated product lines within Black Hills Corporation that 1) provide electrical system construction services to large industrial customers of our electric utilitiesSystem Safety and 2) serve gas transportation customers throughout its service territory by constructing and maintaining customer-owner gas infrastructure facilities, typically through one-time contracts.Integrity Rider
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Table of Contents
TCJATax Cuts and Jobs Act
Utilities
UtilitiesBlack Hills’ Electric and Gas Utilities
Wind Capacity FactorMeasures the amount of electricity a wind turbine produces in a given time period relative to its maximum potential
WPSCWinter Storm UriWyoming Public Service CommissionFebruary 2021 winter weather event that caused extremely cold temperatures in the central United States and led to unprecedented fluctuations in customer demand and market pricing for natural gas and energy.
WRDC
WRDCWyodak Resources Development Corporation, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings (doing business as Black Hills Energy)
Wygen IA mine-mouth, coal-fired power plant with a total capacity of 90 MW located at our Gillette, Wyoming energy complex. Black Hills Wyoming owns 76.5% of the facility and Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN) owns the remaining 23.5%.
Wyodak PlantWyodak, aThe 362 MW mine-mouth, coal-fired plant ingeneration facility near Gillette, Wyoming, jointly owned 80% by PacifiCorp (80%) and 20% by Black Hills Energy South Dakota.Dakota Electric (20%). Our WRDC mine supplies all of the fuel for the plant.facility.
Wyoming ElectricCheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation, providing electric service to customers in the Cheyenne, Wyoming area (doing business as Black Hills Energy).
Wyoming GasBlack Hills Wyoming Gas, LLC, an indirect and wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings, providing natural gas services to customers in Wyoming (doing business as Black Hills Energy).

6


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 the statement was made. 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 was made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or Winter Storm Uri, 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 our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K including statements contained within Item 1A - Risk Factors of our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other reports that we file with the SEC from time to time.


7


PART I.     FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.        FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(unaudited)Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenue$633,432 $537,050 
Operating expenses:
Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold293,147 187,879 
Operations and maintenance129,679 125,466 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization57,269 56,402 
Taxes - property and production15,022 14,118 
Total operating expenses495,117 383,865 
Operating income138,315 153,185 
Other income (expense):
Interest expense incurred net of amounts capitalized (including amortization of debt issuance costs, premiums and discounts)(37,825)(35,781)
Interest income225 328 
Impairment of investment(6,859)
Other income (expense), net266 2,353 
Total other income (expense)(37,334)(39,959)
Income before income taxes100,981 113,226 
Income tax (expense)(494)(16,002)
Net income100,487 97,224 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest(4,171)(4,050)
Net income available for common stock$96,316 $93,174 
Earnings per share of common stock:
Earnings per share, Basic$1.54 $1.51 
Earnings per share, Diluted$1.54 $1.51 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic62,633 61,778 
Diluted62,691 61,856 
(unaudited)Three Months Ended March 31,
 20202019
 (in thousands, except per share amounts)
   
Revenue$537,050
$597,810
   
Operating expenses:  
Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold187,879
249,742
Operations and maintenance125,466
123,584
Depreciation, depletion and amortization56,402
51,028
Taxes - property and production14,118
13,325
Total operating expenses383,865
437,679
   
Operating income153,185
160,131
   
Other income (expense):  
Interest expense incurred net of amounts capitalized (including amortization of debt issuance costs, premiums and discounts)(35,781)(35,016)
Interest income328
299
Impairment of investment(6,859)
Other income (expense), net2,353
(789)
Total other income (expense)(39,959)(35,506)
 

Income before income taxes113,226
124,625
Income tax (expense)(16,002)(17,263)
Net income97,224
107,362
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest(4,050)(3,554)
Net income available for common stock$93,174
$103,808
   
   
Earnings per share of common stock:  
Earnings per share, Basic$1.51
$1.73
Earnings per share, Diluted$1.51
$1.73
   
Weighted average common shares outstanding:  
Basic61,778
59,920
Diluted61,856
60,060


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

8
7




BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited)Three Months Ended
March 31,
20212020
(in thousands)
Net income$100,487 $97,224 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Benefit plan liability adjustments - net gain (net of tax of $0 and $(17), respectively)55 
Reclassification adjustments of benefit plan liability - prior service cost (net of tax of $9 and $7, respectively)(16)(23)
Reclassification adjustments of benefit plan liability - net loss (net of tax of $(217) and $(95), respectively)381 502 
Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges:
Reclassification of net realized losses on settled/amortized interest rate swaps (net of tax of $(190) and $(170), respectively)523 543 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on commodity derivatives (net of tax of $(35) and $54, respectively)107 (175)
Reclassification of net realized losses on settled commodity derivatives (net of tax of $(8) and $(115), respectively)23 371 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax1,018 1,273 
Comprehensive income101,505 98,497 
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest(4,171)(4,050)
Comprehensive income available for common stock$97,334 $94,447 
(unaudited)Three Months Ended
March 31,
 20202019
 (in thousands)
   
Net income$97,224
$107,362
   
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:  
Benefit plan liability adjustments - net gain (net of tax of $(17) and $0, respectively55

Reclassification adjustments of benefit plan liability - prior service cost (net of tax of $7 and $5, respectively)(23)(14)
Reclassification adjustments of benefit plan liability - net gain (net of tax of $(95) and $(53), respectively)502
167
Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges:  
Reclassification of net realized losses on settled/amortized interest rate swaps (net of tax of $(170) and $(163), respectively)543
550
Net unrealized gains (losses) on commodity derivatives (net of tax of $54 and $(54), respectively)(175)180
Reclassification of net realized (gains) losses on settled commodity derivatives (net of tax of $(115) and $128, respectively)371
(426)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax1,273
457
   
Comprehensive income98,497
107,819
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest(4,050)(3,554)
Comprehensive income available for common stock$94,447
$104,265

See Note 119 for additional disclosures.

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

9
8




BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)As of
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
(in thousands)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$13,442 $6,356 
Restricted cash and equivalents4,483 4,383 
Accounts receivable, net282,382 265,961 
Materials, supplies and fuel102,603 117,400 
Derivative assets, current1,917 1,848 
Income tax receivable, net18,115 19,446 
Regulatory assets, current129,951 51,676 
Other current assets25,722 26,221 
Total current assets578,615 493,291 
Property, plant and equipment7,415,818 7,305,530 
Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion(1,320,525)(1,285,816)
Total property, plant and equipment, net6,095,293 6,019,714 
Other assets:
Goodwill1,299,454 1,299,454 
Intangible assets, net11,649 11,944 
Regulatory assets, non-current672,306 226,582 
Other assets, non-current38,882 37,801 
Total other assets, non-current2,022,291 1,575,781 
TOTAL ASSETS$8,696,199 $8,088,786 
(unaudited)As of
 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
 (in thousands)
ASSETS   
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$54,137
 $9,777
Restricted cash and equivalents4,027
 3,881
Accounts receivable, net238,903
 255,805
Materials, supplies and fuel92,894
 117,172
Derivative assets, current1,780
 342
Income tax receivable, net22,319
 16,446
Regulatory assets, current49,415
 43,282
Other current assets26,198
 26,479
Total current assets489,673
 473,184
    
Investments15,250
 21,929
    
Property, plant and equipment6,808,261
 6,784,679
Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion(1,223,979) (1,281,493)
Total property, plant and equipment, net5,584,282
 5,503,186
    
Other assets:   
Goodwill1,299,454
 1,299,454
Intangible assets, net13,083
 13,266
Regulatory assets, non-current222,814
 228,062
Other assets, non-current24,258
 19,376
Total other assets, non-current1,559,609
 1,560,158
    
TOTAL ASSETS$7,648,814
 $7,558,457

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

10
9




BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Continued)
(unaudited)As of
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
(in thousands, except share amounts)
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$160,179 $183,340 
Accrued liabilities230,444 243,612 
Derivative liabilities, current2,526 2,044 
Regulatory liabilities, current13,580 25,061 
Notes payable815,870 234,040 
Current maturities of long-term debt7,000 8,436 
Total current liabilities1,229,599 696,533 
Long-term debt, net of current maturities3,529,158 3,528,100 
Deferred credits and other liabilities:
Deferred income tax liabilities, net428,127 408,624 
Regulatory liabilities, non-current497,810 507,659 
Benefit plan liabilities150,979 150,556 
Other deferred credits and other liabilities135,224 134,667 
Total deferred credits and other liabilities1,212,140 1,201,506 
Commitments, contingencies and guarantees (Note 3)
00
Equity:
Stockholders’ equity —
Common stock $1 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; issued 62,909,973 and 62,827,179 shares, respectively62,910 62,827 
Additional paid-in capital1,658,957 1,657,285 
Retained earnings931,538 870,738 
Treasury stock, at cost – 39,940 and 32,492 shares, respectively(2,564)(2,119)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(26,328)(27,346)
Total stockholders’ equity2,624,513 2,561,385 
Noncontrolling interest100,789 101,262 
Total equity2,725,302 2,662,647 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND TOTAL EQUITY$8,696,199 $8,088,786 
(unaudited)As of
 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
 (in thousands, except share amounts)
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY   
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable$136,344
 $193,523
Accrued liabilities203,445
 226,767
Derivative liabilities, current852
 2,254
Regulatory liabilities, current54,345
 33,507
Notes payable319,125
 349,500
Current maturities of long-term debt5,743
 5,743
Total current liabilities719,854
 811,294
    
Long-term debt, net of current maturities3,136,887
 3,140,096
    
Deferred credits and other liabilities:   
Deferred income tax liabilities, net387,939
 360,719
Regulatory liabilities, non-current504,149
 503,145
Benefit plan liabilities152,693
 154,472
Other deferred credits and other liabilities122,869
 124,662
Total deferred credits and other liabilities1,167,650
 1,142,998
    
Commitments and contingencies (See Notes 7, 9, 12, 13)


 

    
Equity:   
Stockholders’ equity —   
Common stock $1 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; issued 62,772,978 and 61,480,658 shares, respectively62,773
 61,481
Additional paid-in capital1,652,861
 1,552,788
Retained earnings838,841
 778,776
Treasury stock, at cost – 24,656 and 3,956 shares, respectively(1,925) (267)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(29,382) (30,655)
Total stockholders’ equity2,523,168
 2,362,123
Noncontrolling interest101,255
 101,946
Total equity2,624,423
 2,464,069
    
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND TOTAL EQUITY$7,648,814
 $7,558,457

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

11
10




BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)Three Months Ended March 31,
 20202019
Operating activities:(in thousands)
Net income$97,224
$107,362
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization56,402
51,028
Deferred financing cost amortization2,237
2,007
Impairment of investment6,859

Stock compensation291
3,296
Deferred income taxes21,876
19,602
Employee benefit plans1,235
3,137
Other adjustments, net892
4,428
Changes in certain operating assets and liabilities:  
Materials, supplies and fuel19,222
29,387
Accounts receivable and other current assets8,171
(15,857)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities(43,297)(41,689)
Regulatory assets - current20,679
13,031
Regulatory liabilities - current1,316
(1,635)
Other operating activities, net(1,138)1,796
Net cash provided by operating activities191,969
175,893
   
Investing activities:  
Property, plant and equipment additions(171,882)(144,126)
Other investing activities(1,202)(901)
Net cash (used in) investing activities(173,084)(145,027)
   
Financing activities:  
Dividends paid on common stock(32,902)(30,332)
Common stock issued99,321
19,949
Net (payments) borrowings of short-term debt(30,375)(20,970)
Long-term debt - repayments(4,291)(1,436)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest(4,741)(4,846)
Other financing activities(1,391)(1,657)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities25,621
(39,292)
   
Net change in cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents44,506
(8,426)
   
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period13,658
24,145
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period$58,164
$15,719
   
Supplemental cash flow information:  
Cash (paid) refunded during the period:  
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)$(21,776)$(30,672)
Income taxes
8
Non-cash investing and financing activities:  
Accrued property, plant and equipment purchases at March 3153,011
56,571


(unaudited)Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020
Operating activities:(in thousands)
Net income$100,487 $97,224 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization57,269 56,402 
Deferred financing cost amortization2,214 2,237 
Impairment of investment6,859 
Stock compensation3,257 291 
Deferred income taxes153 21,876 
Employee benefit plans2,304 1,235 
Other adjustments, net6,151 892 
Changes in certain operating assets and liabilities:
Materials, supplies and fuel15,932 19,222 
Accounts receivable and other current assets(11,599)8,171 
Accounts payable and other current liabilities(23,602)(43,297)
Regulatory assets(533,006)20,679 
Regulatory liabilities(5,291)1,316 
Other operating activities, net(355)(1,138)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities(386,086)191,969 
Investing activities:
Property, plant and equipment additions(146,302)(171,882)
Other investing activities78 (1,202)
Net cash (used in) investing activities(146,224)(173,084)
Financing activities:
Dividends paid on common stock(35,514)(32,902)
Common stock issued99,321 
Term loan - borrowings800,000 
Term loan - repayments(200,000)
Net (payments) borrowings of Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program(18,170)(30,375)
Long-term debt - repayments(1,436)(4,291)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest(4,644)(4,741)
Other financing activities(740)(1,391)
Net cash provided by financing activities539,496 25,621 
Net change in cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents7,186 44,506 
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period10,739 13,658 
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period$17,925 $58,164 
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash (paid) refunded during the period:
Interest, net of amounts capitalized$(21,232)$(21,776)
Income taxes990 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Accrued property, plant and equipment purchases at March 3151,914 53,011 


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

12
11




BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(unaudited)Common StockTreasury Stock
(in thousands except share amounts)SharesValueSharesValueAdditional Paid in CapitalRetained EarningsAOCINon controlling InterestTotal
December 31, 202062,827,179 $62,827 32,492 $(2,119)$1,657,285 $870,738 $(27,346)$101,262 $2,662,647 
Net income— — — — — 96,316 — 4,171 100,487 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax— — — — — — 1,018 — 1,018 
Dividends on common stock ($0.565 per share)— — — — — (35,514)— — (35,514)
Share-based compensation82,794 83 7,448 (445)1,672 — — — 1,310 
Other— — — — — (2)— — (2)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest— — — — — — — (4,644)(4,644)
March 31, 202162,909,973 $62,910 39,940 $(2,564)$1,658,957 $931,538 $(26,328)$100,789 $2,725,302 

Common StockTreasury Stock
(in thousands except share amounts)SharesValueSharesValueAdditional Paid in CapitalRetained EarningsAOCINon controlling InterestTotal
December 31, 201961,480,658 $61,481 3,956 $(267)$1,552,788 $778,776 $(30,655)$101,946 $2,464,069 
Net income— — — — — 93,174 — 4,050 97,224 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax— — — — — — 1,273 — 1,273 
Dividends on common stock ($0.535 per share)— — — — — (32,902)— — (32,902)
Share-based compensation69,378 69 20,700 (1,658)2,263 — — — 674 
Issuance of common stock1,222,942 1,223 — — 98,777 — — — 100,000 
Issuance costs— — — — (967)— — — (967)
Implementation of ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments -- Credit Losses— — — — — (207)— — (207)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest— — — — — — — (4,741)(4,741)
March 31, 202062,772,978 $62,773 24,656 $(1,925)$1,652,861 $838,841 $(29,382)$101,255 $2,624,423 

13

(unaudited)Common StockTreasury Stock     
(in thousands except share amounts)SharesValueSharesValueAdditional Paid in CapitalRetained EarningsAOCINon controlling InterestTotal
December 31, 201961,480,658
$61,481
3,956
$(267)$1,552,788
$778,776
$(30,655)$101,946
$2,464,069
Net income available for common stock




93,174

4,050
97,224
Other comprehensive income, net of tax





1,273

1,273
Dividends on common stock ($0.535 per share)




(32,902)

(32,902)
Share-based compensation69,378
69
20,700
(1,658)2,263



674
Issuance of common stock1,222,942
1,223


98,777



100,000
Issuance costs



(967)


(967)
Implementation of ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments -- Credit Losses




(207)

(207)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest






(4,741)(4,741)
March 31, 202062,772,978
$62,773
24,656
$(1,925)$1,652,861
$838,841
$(29,382)$101,255
$2,624,423
          

 Common StockTreasury Stock     
(in thousands except share amounts)SharesValueSharesValueAdditional Paid in CapitalRetained EarningsAOCINon controlling InterestTotal
December 31, 201860,048,567
$60,049
44,253
$(2,510)$1,450,569
$700,396
$(26,916)$105,835
$2,287,423
Net income (loss) available for common stock




103,808

3,554
107,362
Other comprehensive income, net of tax





457

457
Dividends on common stock ($0.505 per share)




(30,332)

(30,332)
Share-based compensation48,956
49
(20,497)1,078
(589)


538
Issuance of common stock280,497
280


19,719



19,999
Issuance costs



(289)


(289)
Implementation of ASU 2016-02 Leases




3,390


3,390
Distributions to noncontrolling interest






(4,846)(4,846)
March 31, 201960,378,020
$60,378
23,756
$(1,432)$1,469,410
$777,262
$(26,459)$104,543
$2,383,702
          


12




BLACK HILLS CORPORATION

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(Reference is made to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
included in the Company’s 20192020 Annual Report on Form 10-K)


(1)    Management’s Statement

The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein have been prepared by Black Hills Corporation (together with our subsidiaries the “Company”, “us”, “we” 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 Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes included in our 20192020 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.10-K.

Segment Reporting

We conduct our operations through the following reportable segments: Electric Utilities, Gas Utilities, Power Generation and Mining. Our reportable segments are based on our method of internal reporting, which is generally segregated by differences in products, services and regulation. All of our operations and assets are located within the United States.

Use of Estimates and Basis of Presentation

The information furnished in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated 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 March 31, 2020,2021, December 31, 20192020 and March 31, 20192020 financial information. Certain industrieslines of business in which we operate are highly seasonal, and revenue from, and certain expenses for, such operations may fluctuate significantly among quarterly periods. Demand for electricity and natural gas is sensitive to seasonal cooling, heating and industrial load requirements. In particular, the normal peak usage season for electric utilities is June through August while the normal peak usage season for gas utilities is November through March. Significant earnings variances can be expected between the Gas Utilities segment’s peak and off-peak seasons. Due to this seasonal nature, our interim results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019, and our financial condition as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations and financial condition to be expected for any other period. All earnings per share amounts discussed refer to diluted earnings per share unless otherwise noted.an entire year.

Reclassification

We changed certain classifications of operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2019.  Amounts previously reported as Operations and maintenance, Taxes - property and production, and Other operating expenses of ($0.3) million, ($0.3) million, and ($0.4) million, respectively, have been reclassified to Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold to conform with current year presentation.  The prior year reclassifications did not impact previously reported operating income or net income.

COVID-19 Pandemic

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

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

13




Change in Accounting Principle - Pension Accounting Asset Method

Effective January 1, 2020, we changed our method of accounting for net periodic benefit cost. Prior to the change, the Company used a calculated value for determining market-related value of plan assets which amortized the effects of gains and losses over a five-year period. Effective with the accounting change, the Company will continue to use a calculated value for the return-seeking assets (equities) in the portfolio and change to fair value for the liability-hedging assets (fixed income). See Note 12 for additional information.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, ASU 2020-04

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which was subsequently amended by ASU 2021-01. The standard provides relief for companies preparing for discontinuation of interest rates, such as LIBOR, and allows optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in this update are elective and are effective upon the ASU issuance through December 31, 2022. We are currently evaluating whether we will apply the optional guidance as we assess the impact of the discontinuance of LIBOR on our current arrangements and the potential impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.



14


Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, ASU 2019-12

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes as part of its overall simplification initiative to reduce costs and complexity in applying accounting standards while maintaining or improving the usefulness of the information provided to users of the financial statements. Amendments include removal of certain exceptions to the general principles of ASC 740, Income Taxes, and simplification in several other areas such as accounting for a franchise tax (or similar tax) that is partially based on income. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020 with early adoption permitted. We are currently reviewing this standard to assess the impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Financial Instruments -- Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, ASU 2016-13

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments -- Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which was subsequently amended by ASU 2018-19, ASU 2019-04, 2019-05, 2019-10, and 2019-11. The standard introduces new accounting guidance for credit losses on financial instruments within its scope, including trade receivables. This new guidance adds an impairment model that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses.

We adopted this standard on January 1, 2020 with prior year comparative financial information remaining as previously reported when transitioning to the new standard. On January 1, 2020, we recorded an increase to our allowance for credit losses, primarily associated with the inclusion of expected losses on unbilled revenue. The cumulative effect of the adoption, net of tax impact, was $0.2 million, which was recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings.

Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, ASU 2017-04

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment by eliminating step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the new guidance, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss will be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. We adopted this standard prospectively on January 1, 2020.2021. Adoption of this guidance isstandard did not expected to have an impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract, ASU 2018-15


(2)    Regulatory Matters

We had the following regulatory assets and liabilities (in thousands) as of:
As ofAs of
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Regulatory assets
Winter Storm Uri (a)
$480,842 $
Deferred energy and fuel cost adjustments (a) (b)
68,402 39,035 
Deferred gas cost adjustments (a) (b)
17,066 3,200 
Gas price derivatives (b)
324 2,226 
Deferred taxes on AFUDC (c)
7,469 7,491 
Employee benefit plans and related deferred taxes (d)
117,886 116,598 
Environmental (b)
1,413 1,413 
Loss on reacquired debt (b)
22,386 22,864 
Deferred taxes on flow through accounting (d)
51,823 47,515 
Decommissioning costs (c)
7,827 8,988 
Gas supply contract termination (b)
1,013 2,524 
Other regulatory assets (b)
25,806 26,404 
Total regulatory assets802,257 278,258 
   Less current regulatory assets(129,951)(51,676)
Regulatory assets, non-current$672,306 $226,582 
Regulatory liabilities
Deferred energy and gas costs (b)
$426 $13,253 
Employee benefit plan costs and related deferred taxes (d)
40,471 40,256 
Cost of removal (b)
177,003 172,902 
Excess deferred income taxes (d)
271,492 285,259 
Other regulatory liabilities (d)
21,998 21,050 
Total regulatory liabilities511,390 532,720 
   Less current regulatory liabilities(13,580)(25,061)
Regulatory liabilities, non-current$497,810 $507,659 
__________
(a)    We are in discussions with our regulators regarding the timing of Winter Storm Uri incremental cost recovery. See further information below.
(b)    Recovery of costs, but we are not allowed a rate of return.
(c)    In August 2018,addition to recovery of costs, we are allowed a rate of return.
(d)    In addition to recovery or repayment of costs, we are allowed a return on a portion of this amount or a reduction in rate base.

Regulatory Activity

Except as discussed below, there have been no other significant changes to our Regulatory Matters from those previously disclosed in Note 2 of the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
15


Customer's AccountingTable of Contents
Winter Storm Uri

In February 2021, a prolonged period of historic cold temperatures across the central United States, which covered all of our Utilities’ service territories, caused a significant increase in heating and energy demand and contributed to unforeseeable and unprecedented market prices for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract, which aligns the requirements for recording implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software.natural gas and electricity. As a result of Winter Storm Uri, our net pre-tax incremental fuel, purchased power and natural gas costs during the three months ended March 31, 2021 were approximately $571 million. This amount does not include potential pipeline transportation charges for certain categoriessuppliers who have requested and received approval from FERC to delay billings.

Our Utilities have regulatory mechanisms to recover approximately $559 million of implementationincremental costs from Winter Storm Uri. However, given the extraordinary impact of these higher costs to our customers, our regulators are performing a heightened review. We are engaged with our regulators to identify appropriate periods over which to recover incremental costs with consideration of the impacts to our customers’ bills. We expect to recover most of the Winter Storm Uri incremental costs through a separately tracked regulatory mechanism but we also anticipate recovery of a portion of the costs through existing mechanisms.

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we expensed $12.5 million of Winter Storm Uri net incremental costs as a result of negative impacts to our Utilities and financing costs partially offset by favorable impacts to our Power Generation segment. Our Electric Utilities incurred a $3.2 million negative impact to our regulated wholesale power margins due to higher fuel costs and $2.1 million of incremental fuel costs that previouslyare not recoverable through our fuel cost recovery mechanisms. Black Hills Energy Services offers fixed contract pricing for non-regulated gas supply services to our regulated natural gas customers and the $8.2 million increase in cost of natural gas sold during Winter Storm Uri is not recoverable through the regulatory construct. Additionally, we incurred $0.7 million of interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021, related to our $800 million term loan which is discussed in Note 5. Our non-regulated Power Generation segment benefited from a $1.7 million favorable impact to operating income from Winter Storm Uri.

Winter Storm Uri Costs by Jurisdiction

As of March 31, 2021, our estimate of incremental costs from Winter Storm Uri which was recorded to a regulatory asset is shown below by jurisdiction. This information is based on anticipated filings that we expect to complete in the second quarter of 2021 and is subject to adjustments as applications are submitted and final decisions are issued.

Costs by Jurisdiction(in thousands)
Gas Utilities:
Arkansas Gas$137,500 
Colorado Gas77,850 
Iowa Gas95,450 
Kansas Gas87,900 
Nebraska Gas79,750 
Wyoming Gas29,409 
Gas Utilities Total$507,859 
Electric Utilities:
Colorado Electric$25,500 
South Dakota Electric22,200 
Wyoming Electric3,266 
Electric Utilities Total$50,966 
Total Winter Storm Uri Incremental Costs Recorded to Regulatory Asset$558,825 
Costs by Regulatory Asset
Winter Storm Uri (a)
$480,842 
Deferred energy and fuel cost adjustments27,166 
Deferred gas cost adjustments (b)
50,817 
$558,825 
__________
(a)    We expect to recover most of the Winter Storm Uri incremental costs through a separately tracked regulatory mechanism but also expect to recover a portion through our existing mechanisms.
(b)    Incremental natural gas costs from Winter Storm Uri are reflected as an increase in the Deferred gas cost adjustments regulatory asset, net of existing Deferred energy and gas cost regulatory liabilities, for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
16



TCJA

On December 30, 2020, an administrative law judge approved a settlement of Colorado Electric’s plan to provide $9.3 million of TCJA-related bill credits to its customers. The bill credits, which represent a disposition of excess deferred income tax benefits resulting from the TCJA, were delivered to customers in February 2021. These bill credits, which resulted in a reduction in revenue, were offset by a reduction in income tax expense and resulted in a minimal impact to Net Income for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

On January 26, 2021, the NPSC approved Nebraska Gas’s plan to provide $2.9 million of TCJA-related bill credits to its customers. The bill credits, which represent a disposition of excess deferred income tax benefits resulting from the TCJA, are expected to be delivered to customers in the second quarter of 2021. These bill credits, which will result in a reduction in revenue, will be offset by a reduction in income tax expense and will result in a minimal impact to Net income.

Colorado Gas

Rate Review

On September 11, 2020, Colorado Gas filed a rate review with the CPUC seeking recovery on significant infrastructure investments in its 7,000-mile natural gas pipeline system. On January 6, 2021, the CPUC issued an Order dismissing the rate review. Colorado Gas plans to file a rate review in the second quarter of 2021.

On September 11, 2020, in accordance with the final order from the earlier rate review filed February 1, 2019, Colorado Gas filed a SSIR proposal with the CPUC that would recover safety and integrity focused investments in its system for five years. A decision from the CPUC is expected by mid-2021.

Nebraska Gas

Jurisdictional Consolidation and Rate Review

On January 26, 2021, Nebraska Gas received approval from the NPSC to consolidate rate schedules into a new, single statewide structure and recover infrastructure investments in its 13,000-mile natural gas pipeline system. Final rates were enacted on March 1, 2021, which replaced interim rates effective September 1, 2020. The approval shifted $4.6 million of SSIR revenue to base rates and is expected to generate $6.5 million in new annual revenue with a capital structure of 50% equity and 50% debt and an authorized return on equity of 9.5%. The approval also includes an extension of the SSIR for five years and an expansion of this mechanism across the consolidated jurisdictions.


(3)    Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees

There have been chargedno significant changes to expense as incurred are now capitalized as prepaymentscommitments, contingencies and amortized overguarantees from those previously disclosed in Note 3 of our Notes to the termConsolidated Financial Statements in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K except for those described below.

Power Purchase Agreement - Colorado Electric Renewable Advantage

On February 19, 2021, Colorado Electric entered into a PPA with TC Colorado Solar, LLC to purchase up to 200 MW of renewable energy upon construction of a new solar facility, to be owned by TC Colorado Solar, LLC, which is expected to be completed by the arrangement. We adopted this standard prospectively on January 1, 2020. Adoptionend of this guidance did not have2023. This agreement will expire 15 years after construction completion. The solar project represents Colorado Electric’s preferred bid in a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.competitive solicitation process completed in September 2020 through its Renewable Advantage plan.




14
17



(2)(4)    Revenue

Our revenue contracts generally provide for performance obligations that are: fulfilled and transfer control to customers over time; represent a series of distinct services that are substantially the same; involve the same pattern of transfer to the customer; and provide a right to consideration from our customers in an amount that corresponds directly with the value to the customer for the performance completed to date. Therefore, we recognize revenue in the amount to which we have a right to invoice. The following tables depict the disaggregation of revenue, including intercompany revenue, from contracts with customers by customer type and timing of revenue recognition for each of the reportingreportable segments for the three months ended March 31, 20202021 and 2019.2020. Sales tax and other similar taxes are excluded from revenues.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Electric Utilities Gas Utilities Power Generation MiningInter-company RevenuesTotal
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Electric Utilities Gas Utilities Power Generation MiningInter-company RevenuesTotal
Customer types:(in thousands)Customer types:(in thousands)
Retail$148,640
$298,247
$
$14,403
$(7,839)$453,451
Retail$198,500 $341,605 $$14,083 $(7,107)$547,081 
Transportation
44,108


(139)43,969
Transportation47,951 (110)47,841 
Wholesale5,552

25,467

(23,612)7,407
Wholesale5,922 28,692 (24,451)10,163 
Market - off-system sales4,867
138


(2,639)2,366
Market - off-system sales7,656 73 (2,884)4,845 
Transmission/Other14,857
12,572


(4,413)23,016
Transmission/Other15,193 10,390 (5,296)20,287 
Revenue from contracts with customers$173,916
$355,065
$25,467
$14,403
$(38,642)$530,209
Revenue from contracts with customers$227,271 $400,019 $28,692 $14,083 $(39,848)$630,217 
Other revenues223
5,708
499
802
(391)6,841
Other revenues137 2,500 471 589 (482)3,215 
Total revenues$174,139
$360,773
$25,966
$15,205
$(39,033)$537,050
Total revenues$227,408 $402,519 $29,163 $14,672 $(40,330)$633,432 
 
Timing of revenue recognition: Timing of revenue recognition:
Services transferred at a point in time$
$
$
$14,403
$(7,839)$6,564
Services transferred at a point in time$$$$14,083 $(7,107)$6,976 
Services transferred over time173,916
355,065
25,467

(30,803)523,645
Services transferred over time227,271 400,019 28,692 (32,741)623,241 
Revenue from contracts with customers$173,916
$355,065
$25,467
$14,403
$(38,642)$530,209
Revenue from contracts with customers$227,271 $400,019 $28,692 $14,083 $(39,848)$630,217 
 


Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Electric Utilities Gas Utilities Power Generation MiningInter-company RevenuesTotal
Customer Types:
Retail$148,640 $298,247 $$14,403 $(7,839)$453,451 
Transportation44,108 (139)43,969 
Wholesale5,552 25,467 (23,612)7,407 
Market - off-system sales4,867 138 (2,639)2,366 
Transmission/Other14,857 12,572 (4,413)23,016 
Revenue from contracts with customers$173,916 $355,065 $25,467 $14,403 $(38,642)$530,209 
Other revenues223 5,708 499 802 (391)6,841 
Total Revenues$174,139 $360,773 $25,966 $15,205 $(39,033)$537,050 
Timing of Revenue Recognition:
Services transferred at a point in time$$$$14,403 $(7,839)$6,564 
Services transferred over time173,916 355,065 25,467 (30,803)523,645 
Revenue from contracts with customers$173,916 $355,065 $25,467 $14,403 $(38,642)$530,209 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Electric Utilities Gas Utilities Power Generation MiningInter-company RevenuesTotal
Customer Types:      
Retail$153,463
$354,275
$
$15,829
$(8,128)$515,439
Transportation
44,517


(432)44,085
Wholesale8,343

24,147

(21,891)10,599
Market - off-system sales6,692
217


(2,224)4,685
Transmission/Other14,175
13,190


(4,203)23,162
Revenue from contracts with customers$182,673
$412,199
$24,147
$15,829
$(36,878)$597,970
Other revenues254
(1,119)1,098
600
(993)(160)
Total Revenues$182,927
$411,080
$25,245
$16,429
$(37,871)$597,810
       
Timing of Revenue Recognition:      
Services transferred at a point in time$
$
$
$15,829
$(8,128)$7,701
Services transferred over time182,673
412,199
24,147

(28,750)590,269
Revenue from contracts with customers$182,673
$412,199
$24,147
$15,829
$(36,878)$597,970
       



15



Contract Balances

The nature of our primary revenue contracts provides an unconditional right to consideration upon service delivery; therefore, no customer contract assets or liabilities exist. The unconditional right to consideration is represented by the balance in our Accounts Receivable further discussed in Note 413. We do not typically incur costs that would be capitalized to obtain or fulfill a revenue contract.


(3)    Business Segment Information

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

Segment and Corporate and Other information is as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
External Operating
Revenue
 Inter-company Operating Revenue Total Revenues
 Contract Customers Other Revenues Contract Customers Other Revenues
Segment:       
Electric Utilities$167,503
$223
 $6,413
$
 $174,139
Gas Utilities354,287
5,708
 778

 360,773
Power Generation1,855
443
 23,612
56
 25,966
Mining6,564
467
 7,839
335
 15,205
Inter-company eliminations

 (38,642)(391) (39,033)
Total$530,209
$6,841
 $
$
 $537,050
        
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019External Operating Revenue Inter-company Operating Revenue  Total Revenues
 Contract Customers Other Revenues Contract Customers Other Revenues
Segment:       
Electric Utilities$176,663
$254
 $6,010
$
 $182,927
Gas Utilities411,500
(1,119) 699

 411,080
Power Generation2,257
436
 21,890
662
 25,245
Mining7,550
269
 8,279
331
 16,429
Inter-company eliminations

 (36,878)(993) (37,871)
Total$597,970
$(160) $
$
 $597,810


18



16



(5)    Financing
   
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20202019
Adjusted operating income (a):
  
Electric Utilities$35,650
$41,020
Gas Utilities102,897
103,314
Power Generation11,349
11,967
Mining3,129
4,337
Corporate and Other160
(507)
Operating income153,185
160,131
   
Interest expense, net(35,453)(34,717)
Impairment of investment(6,859)
Other income (expense), net2,353
(789)
Income tax (expense)(16,002)(17,263)
Net income97,224
107,362
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest(4,050)(3,554)
Net income available for common stock$93,174
$103,808
__________
(a)Adjusted operating income recognizes intersegment revenues and costs for Colorado Electric’s PPA with Black Hills Colorado IPP on an accrual basis rather than as a finance lease. This presentation of segment information does not impact consolidated financial results.

Segment and Corporate and Other balances included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands):
Total assets (net of inter-company eliminations) as of:March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Segment:   
Electric Utilities$2,931,902
 $2,900,983
Gas Utilities4,043,539
 4,032,339
Power Generation412,572
 417,715
Mining80,289
 77,175
Corporate and Other180,512
 130,245
Total assets$7,648,814
 $7,558,457


Short-term debt

(4)    Selected Balance Sheet Information

Accounts Receivable

Following is a summary of Accounts receivable, net included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:
 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Accounts receivable, trade$162,138
 $144,747
Unbilled revenue81,927
 113,502
Less: Allowance for credit losses(5,162) (2,444)
Accounts receivable, net$238,903
 $255,805


The ongoing credit evaluation of our customers during the COVID-19 pandemic is further discussed in the Credit Risk section of Note 9. The Company did not experience material credit losses or customer defaults during the three months ended March 31, 2020.



17





Materials, Supplies and Fuel

The following amounts by major classification are included in Materials, supplies and fuel on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:
 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Materials and supplies$88,346
 $82,809
Fuel - Electric Utilities3,049
 2,425
Natural gas in storage1,499
 31,938
Total materials, supplies and fuel$92,894
 $117,172


Accrued Liabilities

The following amounts by major classification are included in Accrued liabilities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:
 March 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Accrued employee compensation, benefits and withholdings$45,070
$62,837
Accrued property taxes45,666
44,547
Customer deposits and prepayments43,524
54,728
Accrued interest43,776
31,868
Other (none of which is individually significant)25,409
32,787
Total accrued liabilities$203,445
$226,767




18



(5)    Regulatory Matters

We had the following regulatory assets and liabilities (in thousands) as of:
 March 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Regulatory assets  
Deferred energy and fuel cost adjustments (a)
$35,687
$34,088
Deferred gas cost adjustments (a)

1,540
Gas price derivatives (a)
1,302
3,328
Deferred taxes on AFUDC (b)
7,739
7,790
Employee benefit plans (c)
117,150
115,900
Environmental (a)
1,439
1,454
Loss on reacquired debt (a)
24,299
24,777
Renewable energy standard adjustment (a)
340
1,622
Deferred taxes on flow through accounting (c)
44,589
41,220
Decommissioning costs (b)
10,248
10,670
Gas supply contract termination (a)
7,007
8,485
Other regulatory assets (a)
22,429
20,470
Total regulatory assets272,229
271,344
Less current regulatory assets(49,415)(43,282)
Regulatory assets, non-current$222,814
$228,062
   
Regulatory liabilities  
Deferred energy and gas costs (a)
$40,002
$17,278
Employee benefit plan costs and related deferred taxes (c)
41,518
43,349
Cost of removal (a)
170,954
166,727
Excess deferred income taxes (c)
283,690
285,438
TCJA revenue reserve5,147
3,418
Other regulatory liabilities (c)
17,183
20,442
Total regulatory liabilities558,494
536,652
Less current regulatory liabilities(54,345)(33,507)
Regulatory liabilities, non-current$504,149
$503,145
__________
(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.


19



Regulatory Activity

Except as discussed below, there have been no other significant changes to our Regulatory Matters from those previously disclosed in Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Black Hills Wyoming and Wyoming Electric

Wygen 1 FERC Filing

Black Hills Wyoming has a PPA with Wyoming Electric expiring on December 31, 2022, which provides 60 MW of unit-contingent capacity and energy from Black Hills Wyoming’s Wygen I facility. On August 2, 2019, Black Hills Wyoming and Wyoming Electric jointly filed a request with FERC for approval of a new 60 MW PPA. The agreement would fulfill Wyoming Electric’s capacity need at the expiration of the current agreement on December 31, 2022. If approved, Black Hills Wyoming will continue to deliver 60 MW of energy to Wyoming Electric from its Wygen I power plant starting January 1, 2023, and continuing for an additional 20 years to December 31, 2042. On February 21, 2020, the FERC set this filing for hearing. However, the hearing has been placed in abeyance pending a FERC monitored settlement process. Settlement negotiations are ongoing among all parties. Any settlement would require FERC approval. To the extent the parties are unable to reach agreement, the next step in FERC’s process would be to set the matter for hearing. We will continue to evaluate our options to fulfill Wyoming Electric’s 60 MW capacity need.

Colorado Gas

Jurisdictional Consolidation and Rate Review

On February 1, 2019, Colorado Gas filed a rate review with the CPUC requesting approval to consolidate rates, tariffs, and services of its 2 existing gas distribution territories. The rate review requested $2.5 million in new revenue to recover investments in safety, reliability and system integrity. Colorado Gas also requested a new rider mechanism to recover future safety and integrity investments in its system. On December 27, 2019, the ALJ issued a recommended decision denying the company’s plan to consolidate rate territories and rider mechanism and also recommended a rate decrease. On April 14, 2020, the CPUC deliberated on the ALJ’s recommended decision and filed exceptions to that decision. The CPUC essentially accepted the ALJ’s recommended decisions, except for return on equity, which they lowered from 9.5% to 9.2%. A final order and new rates are anticipated to be effective in the second quarter of 2020.


(6)    Earnings Per Share

A reconciliation of share amounts used to compute earnings per share in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income was as follows (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20202019
   
Net income available for common stock$93,174
$103,808
   
Weighted average shares - basic61,778
59,920
Dilutive effect of:  
Equity compensation78
140
Weighted average shares - diluted61,856
60,060
   
Earnings per share of common stock:  
Earnings per share, Basic$1.51
$1.73
Earnings per share, Diluted$1.51
$1.73




20



The following securities were excluded from the diluted earnings per share computation because of their anti-dilutive nature (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20202019
   
Equity compensation12
6
Restricted stock26

Anti-dilutive shares38
6




(7)    Notes Payable, Current Maturities and Debt

We had the following short-term debtNotes payable outstanding in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:
 March 31, 2020December 31, 2019
 Balance Outstanding
Letters of Credit (a)
Balance Outstanding
Letters of Credit (a)
Revolving Credit Facility$165,000
$17,281
$
$30,274
CP Program154,125

349,500

Total$319,125
$17,281
$349,500
$30,274
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Balance Outstanding
Letters of Credit (a)
Balance Outstanding
Letters of Credit (a)
Term Loan$600,000 $$$
Revolving Credit Facility16,629 24,730 
CP Program215,870 234,040 
Total Notes payable$815,870 $16,629 $234,040 $24,730 
_______________
(a) Letters of credit are off-balance sheet commitments that reduce the borrowing capacity available on our corporate Revolving Credit
Facility.

ForTerm Loan

On February 24, 2021, we entered into a nine-month, $800 million unsecured term loan to provide additional liquidity and meet our cash needs related to the three months endedincremental fuel, purchased power and natural gas costs from Winter Storm Uri. The term loan, which matures on November 24, 2021, has an interest rate based on LIBOR plus 75 basis points, carries 0 prepayment penalty and is subject to the same covenant requirements as our Revolving Credit Facility. We repaid $200 million of this term loan in the first quarter of 2021. The interest rate on term loan borrowings on March 31, 2020,2021 was 0.86%.

We expect to refinance a portion of the term loan with longer-term debt prior to maturity. In the event we utilized a combination ofare unable to refinance the remaining obligation, we believe it is probable that our $750 million current plans to manage liquidity would be sufficient to meet our obligations.

Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program to meet our business needs and support our capital investment plan.

Our net short-term borrowings (payments)related to our Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program during the three months ended March 31, 2020 were $(30)2021 decreased by $18 million. The weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings related to our Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program borrowings at March 31, 20202021 was 1.92% and 1.74%, respectively.0.23%.

Debt Covenants

Under our Revolving Credit Facility and term loan agreements, we are required to maintain a Consolidated Indebtedness to Capitalization Ratio not to exceed 0.65 to 1.00. Our Consolidated Indebtedness to Capitalization Ratio was calculated by dividing (i) consolidated indebtedness, which includes letters of credit and certain guarantees issued, by (ii) capital, which includes consolidated indebtedness plus consolidated net worth, which excludes noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries. Subject to applicable cure periods, a violation of any of these covenants would constitute an event of default that entitles the lenders to terminate their remaining commitments and accelerate all principal and interest outstanding.

Our Revolving Credit Facility and term loans require compliance with the following financial covenant, which we were in compliance with at March 31, 2020:2021:
As of March 31, 2021Covenant Requirement
Consolidated Indebtedness to Capitalization Ratio62.6%Less than65%



19

 As of March 31, 2020 Covenant Requirement
Consolidated Indebtedness to Capitalization Ratio58.2% Less than65%


South Dakota Electric Series 94A Debt

On March 24, 2020 South Dakota Electric paid off its $2.9 million, Series 94A variable rate notes due June 1, 2024. These notes were tendered by the sole investor on March 17, 2020.



21



(6)    Earnings Per Share
(8)    Equity

February 2020 Equity Issuance

On February 27, 2020, we issued 1.2 million sharesA reconciliation of common stockshare amounts used to a single investor through an underwritten registered transaction at a price of $81.77compute earnings per share for proceedsin the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of $99 million, netIncome was as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020
Net income available for common stock$96,316 $93,174 
Weighted average shares - basic62,633 61,778 
Dilutive effect of:
Equity compensation58 78 
Weighted average shares - diluted62,691 61,856 
Earnings per share of common stock:
Earnings per share, Basic$1.54 $1.51 
Earnings per share, Diluted$1.54 $1.51 

The following securities were excluded from the diluted earnings per share computation because of $1.0 million of issuance costs. The shares of common stock were offered pursuant to our shelf registration statement filed with the SEC.their anti-dilutive nature (in thousands):

Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020
Equity compensation14 12 
Restricted stock19 26 
Anti-dilutive shares33 38 
ATM Activity

Our ATM allows us to sell shares of our common stock with an aggregate value of up to $300 million. The shares may be offered from time to time pursuant to a sales agreement dated August 4, 2017. Shares of common stock are offered pursuant to our shelf registration statement filed with the SEC. We did not issue any common shares during the three months ended March 31, 2020 under the ATM. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we issued a total of 0.3 million shares of common stock under the ATM for proceeds of $20 million, net of $0.2 million in issuance costs.


(9)(7)    Risk Management and Derivatives

Market and Credit Risk Disclosures

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

Market Risk

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

Commodity price risk associated with our retail natural gas and wholesale electric power marketing activities, as well as our fuel procurement for several of our gas-fired generation assets, which include market fluctuations due to unpredictable factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic,Winter Storm Uri, weather, market speculation, pipeline constraints, and other factors that may impact natural gas and electric energy supply and demand; and

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

Credit Risk

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

For production and generation activities, weWe attempt to mitigate our credit exposure by conducting business primarily with high credit quality entities, setting tenor and credit limits commensurate with counterparty financial strength, obtaining master netting agreements and mitigating credit exposure with less creditworthy counterparties through parental guarantees, prepayments,cash collateral requirements, letters of credit and other security agreements.

20


We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and adjust credit limits based onupon payment history and the customer’s current creditworthiness, as determined by review of their current credit information. We maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon historical experience, changes in current market conditions, expected losses and any specific customer collection issue that is identified.

Although we did not experience material credit losses or customer defaults for the three months ended March 31, 2020, we are monitoring COVID-19 impacts and changes to customer load, consistency in customer payments, requests for deferred or discounted payments, and requests for changes to credit limits to quantify future financial impacts to the allowance for credit losses.


22



Derivatives and Hedging Activity

Our derivative and hedging activities included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income are detailed below and in Note 108.

Utilities

The operations of our utilities, including natural gas sold by our Gas Utilities and natural gas used by our Electric Utilities’ generationgenerating facilities plants or those plantsfacilities under PPAs where our Electric Utilities must provide the generation fuel (tolling agreements) and natural gas sold by our Gas Utilities,, expose our utility customers to volatility in natural gas prices.price volatility. Therefore, as allowed or required by state utilityregulatory commissions, we have entered into commission-approved hedging programs utilizing natural gas futures, options, over-the-counter swaps and basis swaps to reduce our customers’ underlying exposure to these fluctuations. These transactions are considered derivatives, and in accordance with accounting standards for derivatives and hedging, mark-to-market adjustments are recorded as Derivative assets or Derivative liabilities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of balance sheet offsetting as permitted by GAAP.

For our regulated Utilities’ hedging plans, unrealized and realized gains and losses, as well as option premiums and commissions on these transactions are recorded as Regulatory assets or Regulatory liabilities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with the state utilityregulatory commission guidelines. When the related costs are recovered through our rates, the hedging activity is recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

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

We buy, sell and deliver natural gas at competitive prices by managing commodity price risk. As a result of these activities, this area of our business is exposed to risks associated with changes in the market price of natural gas. We manage our exposure to such risk using over-the-counter and exchange traded options and swaps with counterparties in anticipation of forecasted purchases and/orand sales during time frames ranging from April 20202021 through May 2022.August 2023. A portion of our over-the-counter swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges to mitigate the commodity price risk associated with deliveries under fixed price forward contracts to deliver gas to our Choice Gas Program customers. The effective portion of the gain or loss on these designated derivatives is reported in AOCI in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and reclassified into earnings in the ineffective portion, if any,same period that the underlying hedged item is reportedrecognized in Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold.earnings. Effectiveness of our hedging position is evaluated at least quarterly.

The contract or notional amounts and terms of the electric and natural gas derivative commodity instruments held at our Utilities are composed of both long and short positions. We had the following net long positions as of:
 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Units
Notional
Amounts
 
Maximum
Term
(months) (a)
 
Notional
Amounts
 
Maximum
Term
(months) (a)
UnitsNotional
Amounts
Maximum
Term
(months) (a)
Notional
Amounts
Maximum
Term
(months) (a)
Natural gas futures purchasedMMBtus920,000
 9 1,450,000
 12Natural gas futures purchasedMMBtus0620,000 3
Natural gas options purchased, netMMBtus
 0 3,240,000
 3Natural gas options purchased, netMMBtus03,160,000 3
Natural gas basis swaps purchasedMMBtus790,000
 9 1,290,000
 12Natural gas basis swaps purchasedMMBtus0900,000 3
Natural gas over-the-counter swaps, net (b)
MMBtus4,620,000
 26 4,600,000
 24
Natural gas over-the-counter swaps, net (b)
MMBtus3,590,000 293,850,000 17
Natural gas physical contracts, net (c)
MMBtus1,104,725
 12 13,548,235
 12
Natural gas physical contracts, net (c)
MMBtus3,107,817 1217,513,061 22
Electric wholesale contracts (c)
MWh195,825
 9 
 0
Electric wholesale contracts (c)
MWh183,025 9219,000 12
__________
(a)Term reflects the maximum forward period hedged.
(b)As of March 31, 2020, 800,000 MMBtus of natural gas over-the-counter swaps purchases were designated as cash flow hedges.
(c)Volumes exclude contracts that qualify for the normal purchases and normal sales exception.
(a)    Term reflects the maximum forward period hedged.
(b)    As of March 31, 2021, 442,900 MMBtus of natural gas over-the-counter swaps purchases were designated as cash flow hedges.
(c)    Volumes exclude derivative contracts that qualify for the normal purchases and normal sales exception permitted by GAAP.

We have certain derivative contracts which contain credit provisions. These credit provisions may require the Company to post collateral when credit exposure to the Company is in excess of a negotiated line of unsecured credit. At March 31, 2020,2021, the Company posted $0.5$1.4 million related to such provisions, which is included in Other current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.


23
21



Derivatives by Balance Sheet Classification

As required by accounting standards for derivatives and hedges, fair values within the following tables are presented on a gross basis aside from the netting of asset and liability positions. Netting of positions is permitted in accordance with accounting standards for offsetting and under terms of our master netting agreements that allow us to settle positive and negative positions.

The following table presents the fair value and balance sheet classification of our derivative instruments (in thousands) as of:
Balance Sheet LocationMarch 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Derivatives designated as hedges:
Asset derivative instruments:
Current commodity derivativesDerivative assets, current$285 $181 
Noncurrent commodity derivativesOther assets, non-current43 
Liability derivative instruments:
Current commodity derivativesDerivative liabilities, current(108)
Noncurrent commodity derivativesOther deferred credits and other liabilities
Total derivatives designated as hedges$289 $116 
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
Asset derivative instruments:
Current commodity derivativesDerivative assets, current$1,632 $1,667 
Noncurrent commodity derivativesOther assets, non-current32 151 
Liability derivative instruments:
Current commodity derivativesDerivative liabilities, current(2,526)(1,936)
Noncurrent commodity derivativesOther deferred credits and other liabilities(43)
Total derivatives not designated as hedges$(905)$(118)
 Balance Sheet Location March 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Derivatives designated as hedges:    
Asset derivative instruments:    
Current commodity derivativesDerivative assets, current $8
$1
Noncurrent commodity derivativesOther assets, non-current 
3
Liability derivative instruments:    
Current commodity derivativesDerivative liabilities, current (284)(490)
Noncurrent commodity derivativesOther deferred credits and other liabilities (10)(29)
Total derivatives designated as hedges  $(286)$(515)
     
Derivatives not designated as hedges:    
Asset derivative instruments:    
Current commodity derivativesDerivative assets, current $1,772
$341
Noncurrent commodity derivativesOther assets, non-current 156
2
Liability derivative instruments:    
Current commodity derivativesDerivative liabilities, current (568)(1,764)
Noncurrent commodity derivativesOther deferred credits and other liabilities (28)(63)
Total derivatives not designated as hedges  $1,332
$(1,484)



Derivatives Designated as HedgesHedge Instruments

The impacts of cash flow hedges on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income are presented below for the three months ended March 31, 20202021 and 2019.2020. Note that this presentation does not reflect gains or losses arising from the underlying physical transactions; therefore, it is not indicative of the economic profit or loss we realized when the underlying physical and financial transactions were settled.
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2021202020212020
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging RelationshipsAmount of (Gain)/Loss Recognized in OCIIncome Statement LocationAmount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Interest rate swaps$713 $713 Interest expense$(713)$(713)
Commodity derivatives173 257 Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold(31)(486)
Total$886 $970 $(744)$(1,199)

 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended March 31,
 20202019 20202019
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging RelationshipsAmount of (Gain)/Loss Recognized in OCIIncome Statement LocationAmount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Interest rate swaps$713
$713
Interest expense$(713)$(713)
Commodity derivatives257
(320)Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold(486)554
Total$970
$393
 $(1,199)$(159)

Based onAs of March 31, 2020 prices, a $0.32021, $0.9 million gain wouldof net losses related to our interest rate swaps and commodity derivatives are expected to be realized, reported in pre-tax earnings and reclassified from AOCI duringinto earnings within the next 12 months. As market prices fluctuate, estimated and actual realized gains or losses will change during future periods.


24
22



Derivatives Not Designated as HedgesHedge Instruments

The following table summarizes the impacts of derivative instruments not designated as hedge instruments on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 20202021 and 2019.2020. Note that this presentation does not reflect gains or losses arising from the underlying physical transactions; therefore, it is not indicative of the economic profit or loss we realized when the underlying physical and financial transactions were settled.
Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging InstrumentsIncome Statement LocationAmount of Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income
(in thousands)
Commodity derivatives - ElectricFuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold$(1,524)$1,362 
Commodity derivatives - Natural GasFuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold366 766 
$(1,158)$2,128 
  Three Months Ended March 31,
  20202019
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging InstrumentsIncome Statement LocationAmount of Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income
  (in thousands)
Commodity derivatives - ElectricFuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold$1,362
$
Commodity derivatives - Natural GasFuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold766
25
  $2,128
$25


As discussed above, financial instruments used in our regulated utilitiesGas Utilities are not designated as cash flow hedges. There is no earnings impact for our Gas Utilities because the unrealized gains and losses arising from the use of these financial instruments are recorded as Regulatory assets or Regulatory liabilities. The net unrealized losses included in our Regulatory asset or Regulatory liability accounts related to the hedges in our Gas Utilities were $1.3$0.3 million and $3.3$2.2 million as of March 31, 20202021 and December 31, 2019,2020, respectively. For our Electric Utilities, the unrealized gains and losses arising from these derivatives are recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.


(10)(8)    Fair Value Measurements

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

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

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

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

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

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


25
23



Recurring Fair Value Measurements

Derivatives

The commodity contracts for our Utilities segments are valued using the market approach and include forward strip pricing at liquid delivery points, exchange-traded futures, options, basis swaps and over-the-counter swaps and options (Level 2) for wholesale electric energy and natural gas contracts. For exchange-traded futures, options and basis swap assets and liabilities, fair value was derived using broker quotes validated by the exchange settlement pricing for the applicable contract. For over-the-counter instruments, the fair value is obtained by utilizing a nationally recognized service that obtains observable inputs to compute the fair value, which we validate by comparing our valuation with the counterparty. The fair value of these swaps includes a CVA based on the credit spreads of the counterparties when we are in an unrealized gain position or on our own credit spread when we are in an unrealized loss position. For additional information, see Note 1 of our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 20192020 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.10-K.

As of March 31, 2021
Level 1Level 2Level 3Cash Collateral and Counterparty
Netting
Total
(in thousands)
Assets:
Commodity derivatives — Gas Utilities$$1,389 $$$1,389 
Commodity derivatives — Electric Utilities$$564 $$$564 
Total$$1,953 $$$1,953 
Liabilities:
Commodity derivatives — Gas Utilities$$625 $$$625 
Commodity derivatives — Electric Utilities$$1,944 $$$1,944 
Total$$2,569 $$$2,569 
 As of March 31, 2020
 Level 1Level 2Level 3 
Cash Collateral and Counterparty
Netting
Total
 (in thousands)
Assets:      
Commodity derivatives — Gas Utilities$
$1,949
$
 $(13)$1,936
Commodity derivatives — Electric Utilities
1,362

 
1,362
Total$
$3,311
$
 $(13)$3,298
       
Liabilities:      
Commodity derivatives — Gas Utilities$
$2,464
$
 $(1,573)$891
Total$
$2,464
$
 $(1,573)$891


As of December 31, 2020
Level 1Level 2Level 3Cash Collateral and Counterparty
Netting
Total
(in thousands)
Assets:
Commodity derivatives — Gas Utilities$$2,504 $$(1,527)$977 
Commodity derivatives — Electric Utilities$$1,065 $$$1,065 
Total$$3,569 $$(1,527)$2,042 
Liabilities:
Commodity derivatives — Gas Utilities$$2,675 $$(1,552)$1,123 
Commodity derivatives — Electric Utilities$$921 $$$921 
Total$$3,596 $$(1,552)$2,044 
 As of December 31, 2019
 Level 1Level 2Level 3 
Cash Collateral and Counterparty
Netting
Total
 (in thousands)
Assets:      
Commodity derivatives — Gas Utilities$
$1,433
$
 $(1,085)$348
Total$
$1,433
$
 $(1,085)$348
       
Liabilities:      
Commodity derivatives — Gas Utilities$
$5,254
$
 $(2,909)$2,345
Total$
$5,254
$
 $(2,909)$2,345


Pension and Postretirement Plan Assets

Fair value measurements also apply to the valuation of our pension and postretirement plan assets. Current accounting guidance requires employers to annually disclose information about the fair value measurements of their assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. The fair value of these assets is presented in Note 1815 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 20192020 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company has concluded that the market volatility associated with COVID-19 does not require interim re-measurement of our pension plan assets or defined benefit obligations. See
Note 12 for additional information.

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurement

24
A discussion of the fair value of our investment in equity securities of a privately held oil and gas company, a Level 3 asset, is included in Note 15.

26




Other fair value measures

The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and equivalents, and short-term borrowings approximates fair value due to their liquid or short-term nature. Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash are classified in Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Notes payable consist of commercial paper borrowings and since these borrowings are not traded on an exchange, they are classified in Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

The following table presents the carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments not recorded at fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:
 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
 
Carrying
Amount
Fair Value 
Carrying
Amount
Fair Value
Long-term debt, including current maturities (a)
$3,142,630
$3,320,562
 $3,145,839
$3,479,367
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Carrying
Amount
Fair ValueCarrying
Amount
Fair Value
Long-term debt, including current maturities (a)
$3,536,158 $3,938,977 $3,536,536 $4,208,167 
__________
(a)
(a)    Long-term debt is valued based on observable inputs available either directly or indirectly for similar liabilities in active markets and therefore is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Carrying amount of long-term debt is net of deferred financing costs.



(11)Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(9)    Other Comprehensive Income

We record deferred gains (losses) in AOCI related to interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges, commodity contracts designated as cash flow hedges and the amortization of components of our defined benefit plans. Deferred gains (losses) for our commodity contracts designated as cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings upon settlement, while deferred gains (losses) related to our interest rate swaps are recognized in earnings as they are amortized.

The following table details reclassifications out of AOCI and into netNet income. The amounts in parentheses below indicate decreases to netNet income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the period (in thousands):
 Location on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of IncomeAmount Reclassified from AOCI
Three Months Ended March 31,
20202019
Gains and (losses) on cash flow hedges:   
Interest rate swapsInterest expense$(713)$(713)
Commodity contracts
Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold

(486)554
  (1,199)(159)
Income taxIncome tax benefit (expense)285
35
Total reclassification adjustments related to cash flow hedges, net of tax $(914)$(124)
    
Amortization of components of defined benefit plans:   
Prior service costOperations and maintenance$30
$19
    
Actuarial gain (loss)Operations and maintenance(597)(220)
  (567)(201)
Income taxIncome tax benefit (expense)88
48
Total reclassification adjustments related to defined benefit plans, net of tax $(479)$(153)
Total reclassifications $(1,393)$(277)



Location on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of IncomeAmount Reclassified from AOCI
Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020
Gains and (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swapsInterest expense$(713)$(713)
Commodity contractsFuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold(31)(486)
(744)(1,199)
Income taxIncome tax benefit198 285 
Total reclassification adjustments related to cash flow hedges, net of tax$(546)$(914)
Amortization of components of defined benefit plans:
Prior service costOperations and maintenance$25 $30 
Actuarial gain (loss)Operations and maintenance(598)(597)
(573)(567)
Income taxIncome tax benefit208 88 
Total reclassification adjustments related to defined benefit plans, net of tax$(365)$(479)
Total reclassifications$(911)$(1,393)
27
25



Balances by classification included within AOCI, net of tax on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands):
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
Interest Rate SwapsCommodity DerivativesEmployee Benefit PlansTotal
As of December 31, 2020$(12,558)$$(14,790)$(27,346)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
before reclassifications107 107 
Amounts reclassified from AOCI523 23 365 911 
As of March 31, 2021$(12,035)$132 $(14,425)$(26,328)
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
Interest Rate SwapsCommodity DerivativesEmployee Benefit PlansTotal
As of December 31, 2019$(15,122)$(456)$(15,077)$(30,655)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
before reclassifications(175)55 (120)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI543 371 479 1,393 
As of March 31, 2020$(14,579)$(260)$(14,543)$(29,382)
 Interest Rate SwapsCommodity DerivativesEmployee Benefit PlansTotal
As of December 31, 2019$(15,122)$(456)$(15,077)$(30,655)
Other comprehensive income (loss)    
before reclassifications
(175)55
(120)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI543
371
479
1,393
As of March 31, 2020$(14,579)$(260)$(14,543)$(29,382)
     
     
 Interest Rate SwapsCommodity DerivativesEmployee Benefit PlansTotal
As of December 31, 2018$(17,307)$328
$(9,937)$(26,916)
Other comprehensive income (loss)    
before reclassifications
180

180
Amounts reclassified from AOCI550
(426)153
277
As of March 31, 2019$(16,757)$82
$(9,784)$(26,459)



(12)(10)    Employee Benefit Plans

Change in Accounting Principle - Pension Accounting Asset Method

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company changed its method of accounting for net periodic benefit cost. Prior to the change, the Company used a calculated value for determining market-related value of plan assets which amortized the effects of gains and losses over a five-year period. Effective with the accounting change, the Company will continue to use a calculated value for the return-seeking assets (equities) in the portfolio and fair value for the liability-hedging assets (fixed income). The Company considers the fair value method for determining market-related value of liability-hedging assets to be a preferable method of accounting because asset-related gains and losses are subject to amortization into pension cost immediately. Additionally, the fair value for liability-hedging assets allows for the impact of gains and losses on this portion of the asset portfolio to be reflected in tandem with changes in the liability which is linked to changes in the discount rate assumption for re-measurement.

We evaluated the effect of this change in accounting method and deemed it immaterial to the historical and current financial statements and therefore did not account for the change retrospectively. Accordingly, the Company calculated the cumulative difference using a calculated value versus fair value to determine market-related value for liability-hedging assets of the portfolio. The cumulative effect of this change, as of January 1, 2020, resulted in a decrease to prior service costs, as recorded in Other income (expense), net, of $0.6 million, an increase in Income tax expense of $0.2 million and an increase to Net income of $0.4 million within the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Funding Status of Employee Benefit Plans

Based on the fair value of assets and estimated discount rate used to value benefit obligations as of March 31, 2020, we estimate the unfunded status of our employee benefit plans to be approximately $46 million compared to $51 million at December 31, 2019. The Company has concluded that the market volatility associated with COVID-19 does not require interim re-measurement of our pension plan assets or defined benefit obligations.

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Defined Benefit Pension Plan

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Defined Benefit Pension Plan were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020
Service cost$1,259 $1,353 
Interest cost2,328 3,357 
Expected return on plan assets(5,219)(5,648)
Net loss (gain)1,829 2,093 
Net periodic benefit cost$197 $1,155 
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20202019
Service cost$1,353
$1,346
Interest cost3,357
4,343
Expected return on plan assets(5,648)(6,100)
Prior service cost (benefit)
6
Net loss (gain)2,093
941
Net periodic benefit cost$1,155
$536


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,
20212020
Service cost$559 $514 
Interest cost265 412 
Expected return on plan assets(34)(45)
Prior service cost (benefit)(109)(137)
Net loss (gain)117 
Net periodic benefit cost$798 $749 
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20202019
Service cost$514
$454
Interest cost412
560
Expected return on plan assets(45)(57)
Prior service cost (benefit)(137)(99)
Net loss (gain)5

Net periodic benefit cost$749
$858

26


Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020
Service cost$693 $(1,370)
Interest cost177 275 
Net loss (gain)439 426 
Net periodic benefit cost$1,309 $(669)
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20202019
Service cost$(1,370)$1,285
Interest cost275
324
Net loss (gain)426
134
Net periodic benefit cost$(669)$1,743



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Contributions

Contributions to the Defined Benefit Pension Plan are cash contributions made directly to the Pension Plan Trust account. Contributions to the Postretirement Healthcare and Supplemental Plans are made in the form of benefit payments. Contributions made in the first quarter of 20202021 and anticipated contributions for 20202021 and 20212022 are as follows (in thousands):
Contributions MadeAdditional ContributionsContributions
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021Anticipated for 2021Anticipated for 2022
Defined Benefit Pension Plan$$$3,788 
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan$1,382 $4,145 $5,241 
Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans$482 $1,445 $1,967 
 Contributions MadeAdditional ContributionsContributions
 Three Months Ended March 31, 2020Anticipated for 2020Anticipated for 2021
Defined Benefit Pension Plan$
$12,700
$12,700
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans$1,335
$4,006
$5,364
Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans$355
$1,065
$1,614



(13)    Commitments and Contingencies

(11)    Income Taxes
There have been
Winter Storm Uri

As discussed in Note 2 above, $559 million of the incremental costs from Winter Storm Uri are recoverable through our Utilities’ regulatory mechanisms, and we recorded these costs as regulatory assets at March 31, 2021. We expect to recover these costs from customers over several years. Winter Storm Uri costs, which will be deductible in our 2021 tax return, created a net deferred tax liability of approximately $132 million at March 31, 2021. The deferred tax liability will reverse with the same timing as the costs are recovered from our customers.

The income tax deduction recognized from Winter Storm Uri will create an NOL in our 2021 federal and state income tax returns. Our federal NOL carryforwards no significantlonger expire due to the TCJA; however, our state NOL carryforwards expire at various dates from 2021 to 2040. We do not anticipate material changes to commitments and contingenciesour valuation allowance against the state NOL carryforwards from those previously disclosed in Note 19 of our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K except for those described below.

Future Purchase Agreement - Black Hills Wyoming and Wyoming Electric

Black Hills Wyoming has a PPA with Wyoming Electric expiring on December 31, 2022, which provides 60 MW of unit-contingent capacity and energy from Black Hills Wyoming’s Wygen I facility. On August 2, 2019, Black Hills Wyoming and Wyoming Electric jointly filed a request with FERC for approval of a new 60 MW PPA. On February 21, 2020, the FERC set this filing for hearing. However, the hearing has been placed in abeyance pending a FERC monitored settlement process. Settlement negotiations are ongoing among all parties. Any settlement would require FERC approval. To the extent the parties are unable to reach agreement, the next step in FERC’s process would be to set the matter for hearing. See Note 5 for additional information.


(14)    Income Taxes

CARES Act

On March 27, 2020, the President signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), which contained in part, an allowance for deferral of the employer portion of Social Security employment tax liabilities until 2021 and 2022, as well as a COVID-19 employee retention tax credit of up to $5,000 per eligible employee.

Eligible employers are taxpayers experiencing either: (1) a full or partial suspension of business operations stemming from a government COVID-19-related order or (2) a more than 50% drop in gross receipts compared to the corresponding calendar quarter in 2019. This 50% employee retention tax credit applies to up to $10,000 in qualified wages paid between March 13, 2020 through December 31, 2020, and is refundable to the extent it exceeds the employer portion of payroll tax liability.

Eligible wages or employer-paid health benefits must be paid for the period of time during which an employeeWinter Storm Uri. Therefore, we did not provide services. However, employees do not need to stop providing all services torecord an additional valuation allowance against the employer for the credit to potentially apply.

Additionally, the CARES Act accelerates the amountstate NOL carryforwards as of alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) credits that can be refunded for the 2018 and 2019 annual tax returns.

Based on the timing of the CARES Act, for the three months ended March 31, 2020, the related tax benefits from the CARES Act were not material. We are currently reviewing the potential future benefits related to employee retention tax credits and the payroll tax deferral provision to assess the impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.2021.

30




Income tax (expense) for the Tax Benefit (Expense) and Effective Tax Rates

Three Months Ended March 31, 20202021 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019.2020

Income tax benefit (expense) for the three months ended March 31, 20202021 was $(16)$(0.5) million compared to $(17)$(16) million reported for the same period in 2019.2020. For the three months ended March 31, 20202021 the effective tax rate was 14.1%0.5% compared to 13.9%14.1% for the same period in 2019.2020. The higherlower effective tax rate is primarily due to a discrete tax adjustment related to the impairment$7.6 million of our investment in equity securities of a privately held oil and gas company partially offset by increased tax benefits from forecastedColorado Electric’s TCJA-related bill credits to customers (which is offset by reduced revenue), $1.5 million of increased tax benefits from amortization of excess deferred income taxes and $1.3 million of increased tax benefits from federal production tax credits associated with new wind assets.


27
(15)     Investments


In February 2018, we contributed $28 million(12)    Business Segment Information

Our reportable segments are based on our method of assetsinternal reporting, which is generally segregated by differences in exchange for equity securities in a privately held oilproducts, services and gas company as we divested our Oil and Gas segment. The carrying valueregulation. All of our investmentoperations and assets are located within the United States.

Accounting standards for presentation of segments require an approach based on the way we organize the segments for making operating decisions and how the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) assesses performance. The CODM assesses the performance of our segments using adjusted operating income, which recognizes intersegment revenues, costs, and assets for Colorado Electric’s PPA with Black Hills Colorado IPP on an accrual basis rather than as a finance lease. This presentation of segment information does not impact consolidated financial results.

Segment information was as follows (in thousands):
Total assets (net of intercompany eliminations) as of:March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Electric Utilities$3,217,474 $3,120,928 
Gas Utilities4,900,939 4,376,204 
Power Generation406,742 404,220 
Mining76,097 77,085 
Corporate and Other94,947 110,349 
Total assets$8,696,199 $8,088,786 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021External Operating RevenueInter-company Operating RevenueTotal Revenues
 Contract Customers Other Revenues Contract Customers Other Revenues
Segment:
Electric Utilities$220,500 $137 $6,771 $$227,408 
Gas Utilities398,499 2,408 1,520 92 402,519 
Power Generation4,241 421 24,451 50 29,163 
Mining6,977 249 7,106 340 14,672 
Inter-company eliminations— — (39,848)(482)(40,330)
Total$630,217 $3,215 $$$633,432 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020External Operating RevenueInter-company Operating Revenue Total Revenues
 Contract Customers Other Revenues Contract Customers Other Revenues
Segment:
Electric Utilities$167,503 $223 $6,413 $$174,139 
Gas Utilities354,287 5,708 778 360,773 
Power Generation1,855 443 23,612 56 25,966 
Mining6,564 467 7,839 335 15,205 
Inter-company eliminations— — (38,642)(391)(39,033)
Total$530,209 $6,841 $$$537,050 
28


Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020
Adjusted operating income:
Electric Utilities$21,813 $35,650 
Gas Utilities102,094 102,897 
Power Generation14,269 11,349 
Mining3,261 3,129 
Corporate and Other(3,122)160 
Operating income138,315 153,185 
Interest expense, net(37,600)(35,453)
Impairment of investment(6,859)
Other income (expense), net266 2,353 
Income tax (expense)(494)(16,002)
Net income100,487 97,224 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest(4,171)(4,050)
Net income available for common stock$96,316 $93,174 


(13)    Selected Balance Sheet Information

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses

Following is a summary of Accounts receivable, net included in the equity securities was recorded at cost. We review this investment on a periodic basisaccompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Accounts receivable, trade$199,548 $146,899 
Unbilled revenue91,085 126,065 
Less: Allowance for credit losses(8,251)(7,003)
Accounts receivable, net$282,382 $265,961 

Changes to determine whether a significant event or change in circumstances has occurred that may have an adverse effect on the value of the investment.

During the third quarter of 2019, we assessed our investmentallowance for impairment as a result of a deterioration in earnings performance of the privately held oil and gas company and an adverse change in future natural gas prices. We engaged a third-party valuation consultant to estimate the fair value of our investment. The valuation was primarily based on an income approach but also considered a market valuation approach. The significant inputs used to estimate the fair value were the oil and gas reserve quantities and values utilizing forward market price curves, industry standard reserve adjustment factors and a discount rate of 10%. Based on the results of the valuation, we concluded that the carrying value of the investment exceeded fair value. As a result, we recorded a pre-tax impairment loss of $20 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, which was the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the investment at that time.

During the first quarter of 2020, we assessed our investment for impairment as a result of continued adverse changes in future natural gas prices and liquidity concerns at the privately held oil and gas company. We performed an internal analysis to compute the fair value of our investment, utilizing a consistent methodology as applied during the third quarter of 2019. Based on the results of the valuation, we concluded that the carrying value of the investment exceeded fair value. As a result, we recorded a pre-tax impairment loss of $6.9 millioncredit losses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, which was the difference between the carrying amountrespectively, were as follows (in thousands):

Balance at Beginning of YearAdditions Charged to Costs and ExpensesRecoveries and Other AdditionsWrite-offs and Other DeductionsBalance at March 31,
2021$7,003 $1,877 $1,014 $(1,643)$8,251 
2020$2,444 $3,519 $922 $(1,723)$5,162 

Materials, Supplies and the fair value of the investment at March 31, 2020.Fuel

The following table presentsamounts by major classification are included in Materials, supplies and fuel on the carrying value of our investmentsaccompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Materials and supplies$88,088 $85,250 
Fuel - Electric Utilities1,590 1,531 
Natural gas in storage12,925 30,619 
Total materials, supplies and fuel$102,603 $117,400 
 March 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Investment in privately held oil and gas company$1,500
$8,359
Cash surrender value of life insurance contracts13,235
13,056
Other investments515
514
Total investments$15,250
$21,929


29

(16)    Subsequent Events

We evaluated all subsequent event activity and concluded that no subsequent events have occurred that would require recognition in the condensed consolidated financial statements or disclosures, with the exception of the Note 5 disclosure surrounding Colorado Gas’ jurisdictional consolidation and rate review.

There are many uncertainties regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Company is closely monitoring the impact of the pandemic on all aspects of its business, including how it will impact its customers, employees, suppliers, vendors, and business partners. We are unable to predict the impact that COVID-19 will have on our financial position and operating results due to numerous uncertainties. The Company expects to continue to assess the evolving impact of COVID-19 and intends to make adjustments to its responses accordingly.



31


Accrued Liabilities

The following amounts by major classification are included in Accrued liabilities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Accrued employee compensation, benefits and withholdings$57,347 $77,806 
Accrued property taxes49,267 47,105 
Customer deposits and prepayments50,194 52,185 
Accrued interest45,896 31,520 
Other (none of which is individually significant)27,740 34,996 
Total accrued liabilities$230,444 $243,612 


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

The following discussions should be read in conjunction with the Notes contained herein and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations appearing in the 2020 Form 10-K.


Executive Summary

We are a customer-focused, growth-oriented utility company operating in the United States. We report our operationselectric and results in the following financial segments:

Electric Utilities: Our Electric Utilities segment generates, transmits and distributes electricity to approximately 214,000 customers in Colorado, Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming. Our electric generating facilities and power purchase agreements provide for the supply of electricity principally to our distribution systems. Additionally, we sell excess power to other utilities and marketing companies, including our affiliates. We also provide non-regulated services through our Tech Services product lines.

Gas Utilities: Our Gas Utilities segment conducts natural gas utility operations through ourcompany with a mission of Improving Life with Energy and a vision to be the Energy Partner of Choice. The Company provides electric and natural gas utility service to 1.3 million customers over 800 communities in eight states, including Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming subsidiaries. Our Gas Utilities segment distributesWyoming.

Recent Developments

Winter Storm Uri

In February 2021, a prolonged period of historic cold temperatures across the central United States, which covered all of our Utilities’ service territories, caused a significant increase in heating and transportsenergy demand and contributed to unforeseeable and unprecedented market prices for natural gas and electricity. As a result of Winter Storm Uri, our net pre-tax incremental fuel, purchased power and natural gas costs during the three months ended March 31, 2021 were approximately $571 million. This amount does not include potential pipeline transportation charges from certain suppliers who have requested and received approval from the FERC to delay billings. The pre-tax incremental costs for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from Winter Storm Uri were as follows:
(in millions)
Incremental fuel, purchased power and natural gas costs recorded to regulatory assets$558.8 
Electric Utilities wholesale power margin sharing$3.2 
Electric Utilities non-recoverable fuel costs2.1 
Black Hills Energy Services non-recoverable natural gas costs8.2 
Interest expense from $800 million term loan0.7 
Less Power Generation favorable net impact(1.7)
Incremental costs recorded as expenses, net$12.5 
Total incremental costs related to Winter Storm Uri, net$571.3 

On February 24, 2021, we entered into a nine-month, $800 million unsecured term loan to provide additional liquidity and meet our cash needs related to the incremental fuel, purchased power and natural gas costs from Winter Storm Uri. The nine-month term loan has no prepayment penalty and is subject to the same covenants as our Revolving Credit Facility. As of March 31, 2021, we have repaid $200 million of this term loan and expect to refinance a portion with longer-term debt later in 2021. See Note 5 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional term loan information.

30


Our Utilities have regulatory mechanisms to recover approximately $559 million of incremental costs from Winter Storm Uri. However, given the extraordinary impact of these higher costs to our customers, our regulators are performing a heightened review. We are engaged with our regulators to determine appropriate recovery periods for Winter Storm Uri incremental costs with consideration of the impacts to our customers’ bills. Our estimate of the recoverable incremental costs is based on anticipated filings that we expect to complete in the second quarter of 2021 and is subject to adjustments as applications are submitted and final decisions are issued. See Note 2 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding estimated Winter Storm Uri incremental costs by jurisdiction.

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we expensed $12.5 million of Winter Storm Uri net incremental costs as a result of negative impacts to our Utilities and financing costs partially offset by favorable impacts to our Power Generation segment. Our Electric Utilities incurred a $3.2 million negative impact to regulated wholesale power margins due to higher fuel costs and $2.1 million of incremental fuel costs that are not recoverable through our pipeline network to approximately 1,066,000 natural gas customers. Additionally, we sell contractual pipeline capacity and gas commodities to other utilities and marketing companies, including our affiliates, on an as-available basis.

fuel cost recovery mechanisms. Black Hills Energy Services providesoffers fixed contract pricing for non-regulated gas supply services to our regulated natural gas supply to approximately 49,000 retail distribution customers underand $8.2 million of increased cost of natural gas sold during Winter Storm Uri is not recoverable through the Choice Gas Program in Nebraska and Wyoming.regulatory construct. Additionally, we provide services underincurred $0.7 million of interest expense for the Service Guard Comfort Plan and Tech Services and also offer HomeServe products.

Power Generation:three months ended March 31, 2021, related to our $800 million term loan. Our non-regulated Power Generation segment produces electric powerbenefited from its non-regulated generating plantsa $1.7 million favorable impact to operating income from Winter Storm Uri. We expect opportunities in 2021 to mitigate these negative impacts through cost management and sellsregulatory actions.

COVID-19 Update

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

We continue to provide periodic status updates and maintain ongoing dialogue with the regulatory commissions in our jurisdictions regarding our right to preserve deferred regulatory treatment for certain COVID-19 related costs and to seek recovery of these costs at a later date.
Mining: Our Mining segment extracts coal at our mine near Gillette, Wyoming, and sells the coal primarily to on-site, mine-mouth power generation facilities.

As we look forward, our operating results from COVID-19 could be affected as discussed in the “Risk Factors” section in Part I, Item 1A of our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our reportable segments are based on our method
Business Segment Highlights and Corporate Activity

Electric Utilities Segment

On February 19, 2021, Colorado Electric entered into a PPA with TC Colorado Solar, LLC to purchase up to 200 MW of internal reporting,renewable energy upon construction of a new solar facility, to be owned by TC Colorado Solar, LLC, which is generally segregatedexpected to be completed by the end of 2023. This agreement will expire 15 years after construction completion. The utility-scale solar project represents Colorado Electric’s preferred bid in a competitive solicitation process completed in September 2020 through its Renewable Advantage plan. With the addition of 200 MW of solar energy on its system, more than half of the Colorado Electric’s generation is forecasted to be sourced from renewable energy resources by 2023, leading to a 70% reduction in carbon emissions by 2024 compared to the 2005 base year.

On February 11, 2021, South Dakota Electric set a new winter peak load of 326 MW, surpassing the previous winter peak of 320 MW set in February 2019.

Gas Utilities Segment

On January 26, 2021, Nebraska Gas received approval from the NPSC to consolidate rate schedules into a new, single statewide structure and recover infrastructure investments in its 13,000-mile natural gas pipeline system. Final rates were enacted on March 1, 2021 and are expected to generate $6.5 million in new annual revenue with a capital structure of 50% equity and 50% debt and an authorized return on equity of 9.5%. The approval also includes an extension of the SSIR for five years and an expansion of this mechanism across the consolidated jurisdictions.

On September 11, 2020, Colorado Gas filed a rate review with the CPUC seeking recovery on infrastructure investments in its 7,000-mile natural gas pipeline system. On January 6, 2021, the CPUC issued an Order dismissing the rate review. Colorado Gas plans to file a rate review in the second quarter of 2021.

On September 11, 2020, in accordance with the final order from the earlier rate review filed February 1, 2019, Colorado Gas filed a SSIR proposal with the CPUC that would recover safety and integrity focused investments in its system for five years. A decision from the CPUC is expected by mid-2021.


31


Results of Operations

The segment information does not include inter-company eliminations. Minor differences in products, services and regulation.amounts may result due to rounding. All of our operations and assets are located within the United States. All of our non-utility business segments support our utilities. Certain unallocated corporate expenses that support our operating segmentsamounts are presented as Corporate and Other.

on a pre-tax basis unless otherwise indicated.

Certain industrieslines of business in which we operate are highly seasonal, and revenue from, and certain expenses for, such operations may fluctuate significantly among quarterly periods. Demand for electricity and natural gas is sensitive to seasonal cooling, heating and industrial load requirements. In particular, the normal peak usage season for our Electric Utilities is June through August while the normal peak usage season for our Gas Utilities is November through March. Significant earnings variances can be expected between the Gas Utilities segment’s peak and off-peak seasons. Due to this seasonal nature, our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 20202021 and 2019,2020, and our financial condition as of March 31, 20202021 and December 31, 2019,2020, are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations and financial condition to be expected as of or for any other period or for the entire year.

See Forward-Looking Information in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of this Item 2, beginning on Page 45.

The segment information does not include inter-company eliminations. Minor differences in amounts may result due to rounding. All amounts are presented on a pre-tax basis unless otherwise indicated.



32



Results of Operations

COVID-19 Pandemic

One of the Company’s core values is safety. The COVID-19 pandemic has given us an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to the health and safety of our employees, customers, business partners and the communities we serve. We have executed our business continuity plans across all of our jurisdictions with the goal of continuing to provide safe and reliable service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, we did not experience significant impacts to our financial results and operational activities due to COVID-19.
Decline in revenues and customer loads for the three months ended March 31, 2020, when compared to the same period in the prior year, were driven primarily by weather. We continue to closely monitor loads, particularly in states that have implemented more restrictive stay-at-home executive orders or recommendations. We have proactively communicated with various commercial and industrial customers in our service territories to understand their needs and forecast the potential financial implications. We did not experience a significant increase in bad debt expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020.
We have informed both our customers and regulators that disconnections for non-payment will be temporarily suspended. We continue to monitor the impacts of COVID-19 on our cash flows and bad debt expense.

We continue to maintain adequate liquidity to operate our businesses and fund our capital investment program. In February 2020, the Company issued $100 million in equity to support its 2020 capital investment program. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company utilized a combination of its $750 million Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program to meet its funding requirements. In recent weeks, the liquidity for A-2/P-2 rated issuers, which is the Company’s current Commercial Paper rating with S&P and Moody’s, respectively, within the Commercial Paper market has improved which provides additional liquidity options under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company has no material debt maturities until late 2023, and as of March 31, 2020, had $468 million of liquidity which included cash and available capacity on its Revolving Credit Facility. We also continue to monitor the funding status of our employee benefit plan obligations, which did not materially change during the first quarter 2020.

We are monitoring supply chains, including lead times for key materials and supplies, availability of resources, and status of large capital projects. To date, there have been limited impacts to supply chains including availability of supplies and materials and lead times. Capital projects are ongoing without material disruption to schedules. Our third party resources continue to support our business plans without disruption. Contingency plans are ongoing due to the impacts of COVID-19, including the potential for rescheduling projects. We currently do not anticipate a significant impact on our capital investment plan for 2020.

We continue to work closely with local health, public safety and government officials to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and minimize the impact to our employees and the service we provide to our customers. Some of the actions the Company has taken include implementing protocols for our field operations personnel to continue to safely and effectively interact with our customers, asking employees to work from home to the extent possible, quarantining employees if they had traveled to an at-risk area, limiting travel to only mission critical purposes and sequestering essential employees.

As we look forward, we anticipate that our 2020 operating results could potentially be impacted as a result of COVID-19, including impact related to the following:

Increased residential load and decreased commercial and industrial demand;
Increased allowance for credit losses and bad debt expense as a result of suspending disconnections and delayed or non-payment from customers;
Disruption in our supply chains impacting our ability to timely execute our capital investment and maintenance project plans;
Volatility in cost of sales due to changes in commodity prices;
Rate actions from our regulators;
Decreased training, travel and outside services related expenses;
Increased operation and maintenance costs if we experience a shortage of labor availability which would lead to deferral of capital projects and sequestration costs for employees deemed critical at our generating facilities; and
Increased tax benefits for employee retention tax credits and reduced cash tax payments for the payroll tax deferral provision and acceleration of alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) credit refunds from the CARES Act


33



We provide recurring status updates and maintain ongoing dialogue with the regulatory commissions in our jurisdictions.  We are working with regulators in each of our service territories to preserve our right for deferred regulatory treatment for certain COVID-19 related costs at a later date.

During these uncertain times, we remain highly focused on the safety and health of our employees, customers, business partners and communities. We continue to monitor load, customers’ ability to pay, the potential for supply chain disruption that may impact our capital and maintenance project plans, the availability of resources to execute our plans and the capital markets to ensure we have the liquidity necessary to support our financial needs.

Consolidated Summary and Overview
Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020
(in thousands except per share amounts)
Adjusted operating income (a)
Electric Utilities$21,813 $35,650 
Gas Utilities102,094 102,897 
Power Generation14,269 11,349 
Mining3,261 3,129 
Corporate and Other(3,122)160 
Operating income138,315 153,185 
Interest expense, net(37,600)(35,453)
Impairment of investment— (6,859)
Other income (expense), net266 2,353 
Income tax (expense)(494)(16,002)
Net income100,487 97,224 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest(4,171)(4,050)
Net income available for common stock96,316 93,174 
Total earnings per share of common stock, Diluted$1.54 $1.51 
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2020 2019
(in millions, except per share amounts)IncomeEPS IncomeEPS
      
Net income available for common stock$93.2
$1.51
 $103.8
$1.73
__________

(a)    Adjusted operating income recognizes intersegment revenues and costs for Colorado Electric’s PPA with Black Hills Colorado IPP on an accrual basis rather than as a finance lease. This presentation of segment information does not impact consolidated financial results.

Three Months Ended March 31, 20202021 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2019.2020

The variance to the prior year included the following:

Electric Utilities’ adjusted operating income decreased $5.4$14 million primarily due to lower heating demandColorado Electric’s TCJA-related bill credits to customers, impacts from warmer winter weather, lower power marketing marginsWinter Storm Uri and higher operating expensesunfavorable mark-to-market adjustments on wholesale energy contracts partially offset by increased mark-to-market on wholesale energy contractsrider revenues and increased rider revenues;lower operating expenses;
Gas Utilities’ adjusted operating income decreased $0.4$0.8 million primarily due to lower heating demand from warmer winter weatherWinter Storm Uri costs incurred by Black Hills Energy Services and higher operating expenses mostly offset by new rates and higher heating demand from colder winter weather;
Power Generation’s adjusted operating income increased $2.9 million primarily due to favorable impacts from Winter Storm Uri;
Corporate and Other expenses increased $3.3 million primarily due to a prior year amortizationfavorable true-up of excess deferred income taxes, customer growth and increased mark-to-market on non-utility natural gas commodity contracts;employee costs allocated to our subsidiaries in the current year, which is offset in our reportable segments;
A $2.1 million increase in interest expense due to higher debt balances partially offset by lower rates;
A prior year $6.9 million pre-tax non-cash impairment of our investment in equity securities of a privately held oil and gas company; and
32


A $3.1$2.1 million increasedecrease in other income primarily due to reduced costsprior year credits for our non-qualified benefit plan driven by market performance on plan assets.assets; and


34



The following table summarizes select financial results by operating segment and details significant items (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20202019Variance
Revenue   
Revenue$576,083
$635,681
$(59,598)
Inter-company eliminations(39,033)(37,871)(1,162)
 $537,050
$597,810
$(60,760)
Adjusted operating income (a)
   
Electric Utilities$35,650
$41,020
$(5,370)
Gas Utilities102,897
103,314
(417)
Power Generation11,349
11,967
(618)
Mining3,129
4,337
(1,208)
Corporate and Other160
(507)667
Operating income153,185
160,131
(6,946)
    
Interest expense, net(35,453)(34,717)(736)
Impairment of investment(6,859)
(6,859)
Other income (expense), net2,353
(789)3,142
Income tax (expense)(16,002)(17,263)1,261
Net income97,224
107,362
(10,138)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest(4,050)(3,554)(496)
Net income available for common stock$93,174
$103,808
$(10,634)
__________
(a)Adjusted operating income recognizes intersegment revenues and costs for Colorado Electric’s PPA with Black Hills Colorado IPP on an accrual basis rather than as a finance lease. This presentation of segment information does not impact consolidated financial results.

Business Segment Highlights and Corporate Activity

Electric Utilities Segment

On April 14, 2020, Colorado Electric submitted its 30-day report to the CPUC summarizing the first milestoneA $15.5 million decrease in the Renewable Advantage Plan which is expected to provide cost savings to customers and double its renewable energy portfolio. The bidding process for new renewable energy projects concluded on February 15, 2020, attracting interest from developers in southern Colorado and across the U.S. In total, Colorado Electric received 54 bids from 25 bidders for renewable energy projects at varying sizes, prices, technology types and locations, with the majority of projects to be sited in Pueblo and Pueblo County. The winning bid(s) and pricing will be determined in June 2020 when Colorado Electric files its 120-day report to the CPUC.

Construction continues on the $79 million Corriedale project, which is expected to be placed in service by year-end 2020. As a result of COVID-19, we regularly communicate with our key suppliers to maintain visibility into any disruptions they are experiencing in the receipt of supplies and materials from their suppliers. At this time, we have not experienced significant disruption in our supply chainincome tax expense due to COVID-19 which would cause us to adjust the in-service date for this project. If significant disruptions occurlower pre-tax income and we were unable to complete the projecta lower effective tax rate driven primarily by December 31, 2020, we could experience losstax benefits from Colorado Electric’s TCJA-related bill credits, amortization of excess deferred income taxes and federal production tax credits.credits associated with new wind assets.

On August 2, 2019, Black Hills Wyoming and Wyoming Electric jointly filed a request with FERC for approval of a new 60 MW PPA. If approved, Wyoming Electric will continue to receive 60 MW of energy from the Wygen I power plant starting January 1, 2023, and for 20 additional years. On February 21, 2020, the FERC set this filing for hearing. However, the hearing has been placed in abeyance pending a FERC monitored settlement process. Settlement negotiations are ongoing among all parties. Any settlement would require FERC approval. To the extent the parties are unable to reach agreement, the next step in FERC’s process would be to set the matter for hearing. We will continue to evaluate our options to fulfill our 60 MW capacity need.

35




Gas Utilities Segment

On February 1, 2019, Colorado Gas filed a rate review with the CPUC requesting approval to consolidate rates, tariffs, and services of its two existing gas distribution territories. The rate review requested $2.5 million in new revenue to recover investments in safety, reliability and system integrity. Colorado Gas also requested a new rider mechanism to recover future safety and integrity investments in its system. On December 27, 2019, the ALJ issued a recommended decision denying the company’s plan to consolidate rate territories and rider mechanism and also recommended a rate decrease. On April 14, 2020, the CPUC deliberated on the ALJ’s recommended decision and filed exceptions to that decision. The CPUC essentially accepted the ALJ’s recommended decisions, except for return on equity, which they lowered from 9.5% to 9.2%. A final order and new rates are anticipated to be effective in the second quarter of 2020.

Wyoming Gas’s new single statewide rate structure was effective March 1, 2020. On December 11, 2019, Wyoming Gas received approval from the WPSC to consolidate the rates, tariffs and services of its four existing gas distribution territories. New rates are expected to generate $13 million in new revenue based on a return on equity of 9.40% and a capital structure of 50.23% equity and 49.77% debt. The approval also allows for a rider to recover integrity investments for system safety and reliability.

On January 1, 2020, Nebraska Gas completed the legal consolidation of its two natural gas utilities, having received approval from the NPSC on October 29, 2019. A rate review is expected to be filed mid-year 2020 to consolidate the rates, tariffs and services of its two utilities.

Power Generation Segment

On August 2, 2019, Black Hills Wyoming and Wyoming Electric jointly filed a request with FERC for approval of a new 60 MW PPA. If approved, Black Hills Wyoming will continue to deliver 60 MW of energy to Wyoming Electric from its Wygen I power plant starting January 1, 2023, and for 20 additional years. On February 21, 2020, the FERC set this filing for hearing. However, the hearing has been placed in abeyance pending a FERC monitored settlement process. See additional information in the Electric Utilities Segment highlights above.

Corporate and Other

On April 16, 2020, S&P affirmed South Dakota Electric’s credit rating at A.

On April 10, 2020, S&P affirmed our BBB+ rating and maintained a stable outlook.

On February 27, 2020, we issued 1.2 million shares of common stock at a price of $81.77 per share for net proceeds of $99 million.

Operating Results

A discussion of operating results from our business segments and Corporate activities follows in the sections below. Revenues for operating segments in the following sections are presented in total and by retail class. For disaggregation of revenue by contract type and operating segment, see follows.
Note 2 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.


Non-GAAP Financial Measure

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 and amortization from the measure. The presentation of gross margin is intended to supplement investors’ understanding of our operating performance.


36



Gross margin for our Electric Utilities is calculated as operating revenue less cost of fuel and purchased power. Gross margin for our Gas Utilities is calculated as operating revenue less cost of natural gas sold. Our gross margin is impacted by the fluctuations in power and natural gas purchases 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.

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, we did not experience significant impacts to gross margin for any business segment as a result of COVID-19. Prudently incurred fuel, purchased power, and natural gas costs to serve our customers are recovered through cost adjustment mechanisms at each of our regulated utilities.

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.


Electric Utilities

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20202019Variance
 (in thousands)
Revenue$174,139
$182,927
$(8,788)
    
Total fuel and purchased power64,460
73,283
(8,823)
    
Gross margin (non-GAAP)109,679
109,644
35
    
Operations and maintenance50,499
47,144
3,355
Depreciation and amortization23,530
21,480
2,050
Total operating expenses74,029
68,624
5,405
    
Adjusted operating income$35,650
$41,020
$(5,370)

Results of OperationsOperating results for the Electric Utilities for the were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020Variance
Revenue$227,408 $174,139 $53,269 
Total fuel and purchased power132,069 64,460 67,609 
Gross margin (non-GAAP)95,339 109,679 (14,340)
Operations and maintenance48,577 50,499 (1,922)
Depreciation and amortization24,949 23,530 1,419 
Total operating expenses73,526 74,029 (503)
Adjusted operating income$21,813 $35,650 $(13,837)

33


Three Months Ended March 31, 20202021 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019:2020:

Gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2020 did not change2021 decreased as a result of the following:
(in millions)
TCJA-related bill credits (a)
$(9.3)
Winter Storm Uri impacts (b)
(5.3)
Mark-to-market on wholesale energy contracts(2.9)
Rider recovery1.3 
Weather1.1 
Residential customer growth0.3 
Other0.5 
Total change in Gross margin (non-GAAP)$(14.3)
 (in millions)
Increased mark-to-market on wholesale energy contracts$1.4
Rider recovery1.0
Weather(1.8)
Off-system power marketing(1.2)
Other0.6
Total change in Gross margin (non-GAAP)$
________________
(a)    In February 2021, Colorado Electric delivered TCJA-related bill credits to its customers. These bill credits were offset by a reduction in income tax expense and resulted in a minimal impact to Net Income.
(b)    As a result of Winter Storm Uri, our Electric Utilities incurred a $3.2 million negative impact to our regulated wholesale power margins due to higher fuel costs and $2.1 million of incremental fuel costs that are not recoverable through our fuel cost recovery mechanisms.

Operations and maintenance expense increaseddecreased primarily due to higher employee-related costs and higher generationprior year expenses driven by timing of planned outages.related to the municipalization efforts in Pueblo, Colorado.

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

37



Operating Statistics
 Electric Revenue Quantities Sold
 (in thousands) (MWh)
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 20202019 20202019
Residential$54,505
$57,638
 373,150
389,178
Commercial57,823
60,963
 494,308
505,573
Industrial32,169
32,440
 460,632
426,614
Municipal3,878
4,139
 36,399
36,636
Subtotal Retail Revenue - Electric148,375
155,180
 1,364,489
1,358,001
Contract Wholesale (a)
5,553
8,343
 131,778
223,020
Off-system/Power Marketing Wholesale4,867
6,692
 165,785
140,850
Other15,344
12,712
 

Total Revenue and Energy Sold174,139
182,927
 1,662,052
1,721,871
Other Uses, Losses or Generation, net (b)


 90,871
97,000
Total Revenue and Energy174,139
182,927
 1,752,923
1,818,871
Less cost of fuel and purchased power64,460
73,283
   
Gross Margin (non-GAAP)$109,679
$109,644
   
Revenue (in thousands)Quantities Sold (MWh)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021202020212020
Residential$72,760 $54,505 396,086 373,150 
Commercial77,007 57,823 492,955 494,308 
Industrial43,009 32,169 415,191 460,632 
Municipal5,020 3,878 36,242 36,399 
Subtotal Retail Revenue - Electric197,796 148,375 1,340,474 1,364,489 
Contract Wholesale (a)
8,465 5,553 156,995 131,778 
Off-system/Power Marketing Wholesale5,113 4,867 127,583 165,785 
Other16,034 15,344 — — 
Total Revenue and Energy Sold227,408 174,139 1,625,052 1,662,052 
Other Uses, Losses or Generation, net— — 130,975 90,871 
Total Revenue and Energy227,408 174,139 1,756,027 1,752,923 
Less cost of fuel and purchased power132,069 64,460 
Gross Margin (non-GAAP)$95,339 $109,679 
          
Three Months Ended March 31, 
Electric Revenue
(in thousands)
 Gross Margin (non-GAAP) (in thousands) 
Quantities Sold (MWh) (b)
  20202019 20202019 20202019
Colorado Electric $58,558
$59,847
 $32,270
$31,444
 550,771
491,682
South Dakota Electric (a)
 71,611
79,041
 55,624
56,308
 685,224
845,001
Wyoming Electric 43,970
44,039
 21,785
21,892
 516,928
482,188
Total Electric Revenue, Gross Margin (non-GAAP), and Quantities Sold $174,139
$182,927
 $109,679
$109,644
 1,752,923
1,818,871
________________
(a)Revenue and purchased power for the three months ended March 31, 2020, as well as associated quantities, for certain wholesale contracts have been presented on a net basis.  Amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were presented on a gross basis and, due to their immaterial nature, were not revised.  This presentation change has no impact on Gross margin.
(b)Includes company uses, line losses, and excess exchange production.

 Three Months Ended
March 31,
Quantities Generated and Purchased (MWh)20202019
   
Coal-fired547,829
585,295
Natural Gas and Oil167,744
124,657
Wind73,550
55,419
Total Generated789,123
765,371
Purchased (a)
963,800
1,053,500
Total Generated and Purchased1,752,923
1,818,871


38



 Three Months Ended
March 31,
Quantities Generated and Purchased (MWh)20202019
Generated:  
Colorado Electric94,051
100,530
South Dakota Electric472,966
457,369
Wyoming Electric222,106
207,472
Total Generated789,123
765,371
Purchased:  
Colorado Electric456,720
391,152
South Dakota Electric (a)
212,258
387,632
Wyoming Electric294,822
274,716
Total Purchased963,800
1,053,500
   
Total Generated and Purchased1,752,923
1,818,871
________________
(a)Purchased power quantities for the three months ended March 31, 2020, for certain wholesale contracts have been presented on a net basis.  Amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were presented on a gross basis and, due to their immaterial nature, were not revised.  This presentation change has no impact on Gross margin.

34


Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,Revenue
(in thousands)
Gross Margin (non-GAAP) (in thousands)
Quantities Sold (MWh)(a)
202120202021202020212020
Colorado ElectricColorado Electric$79,741 $58,558 $24,091 $32,270 606,343 550,771 
South Dakota ElectricSouth Dakota Electric95,336 71,611 49,550 55,624 657,779 685,224 
Wyoming ElectricWyoming Electric52,331 43,970 21,698 21,785 491,905 516,928 
Total Electric Revenue, Gross Margin (non-GAAP), and Quantities SoldTotal Electric Revenue, Gross Margin (non-GAAP), and Quantities Sold$227,408 $174,139 $95,339 $109,679 1,756,027 1,752,923 
Three Months Ended March 31,
2020 2019
Heating Degree DaysActual 
Variance from
Normal
 Actual Variance to Prior Year Actual 
Variance from
Normal
       
Colorado Electric2,456
 (7)% (4)% 2,549
 (4)%
South Dakota Electric3,111
 (3)% (21)% 3,916
 22 %
Wyoming Electric2,999
 (1)% (6)% 3,198
  %
Combined (a)
2,789
 (4)% (11)% 3,147
 7 %
____________________________________
(a)    Includes company uses, line losses, and excess exchange production.
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Quantities Generated and Purchased (MWh)20212020
Generated:
Coal482,978 547,829 
Natural Gas and Oil132,105 167,744 
Wind62,295 73,550 
Total Generated677,378 789,123 
Purchased1,078,649 963,800 
Total Generated and Purchased1,756,027 1,752,923 

Three Months Ended
March 31,
Quantities Generated and Purchased (MWh)20212020
Generated:
Colorado Electric90,256 94,051 
South Dakota Electric434,322 472,966 
Wyoming Electric152,800 222,106 
Total Generated677,378 789,123 
Purchased:
Colorado Electric516,087 456,720 
South Dakota Electric223,457 212,258 
Wyoming Electric339,105 294,822 
Total Purchased1,078,649 963,800 
Total Generated and Purchased1,756,027 1,752,923 
(a)Combined actuals are calculated based on the weighted average number of total customers by state.

 Three Months Ended March 31,
Contracted Power Plant Fleet Availability (a)
20202019
Coal-fired plants90.8%96.2%
Natural gas-fired plants and Other plants (b)
83.5%90.7%
Wind99.0%96.8%
Total Availability87.1%92.9%
   
Wind Capacity Factor45.6%42.6%
____________________
(a)Availability and Wind Capacity Factor are calculated using a weighted average based on capacity of our generating fleet.
(b)2020 included an unplanned outage at Pueblo Airport Generation.


Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020
Heating Degree DaysActualVariance from
Normal
ActualVariance from
Normal
Colorado Electric2,731 %2,456 (7)%
South Dakota Electric3,324 %3,111 (3)%
Wyoming Electric3,261 %2,999 (1)%
Combined (a)
3,040 %2,789 (4)%

____________________
(a)    Combined actuals are calculated based on the weighted average number of total customers by state.
39
35



Three Months Ended March 31,
Contracted generating facilities availability by fuel type (a)
20212020
Coal (b)
83.7 %90.8 %
Natural Gas and diesel oil (b) (c)
87.6 %83.5 %
Wind93.5 %99.0 %
Total availability87.2 %87.1 %
Wind capacity factor43.1 %45.6 %
____________________
(a)    Availability and wind capacity factor are calculated using a weighted average based on capacity of our generating fleet.
(b)     2021 included a planned outage at Wygen II and unplanned outages at Neil Simpson II and Pueblo Airport Generation.
(c)    2020 included an unplanned outage at Pueblo Airport Generation.


Gas Utilities
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20202019Variance
 (in thousands)
Revenue:   
Natural gas - regulated$335,897
$383,875
$(47,978)
Other - non-regulated services24,876
27,205
(2,329)
Total revenue360,773
411,080
(50,307)
    
Cost of sales:   
Natural gas - regulated153,999
201,050
(47,051)
Other - non-regulated services1,363
6,229
(4,866)
Total cost of sales155,362
207,279
(51,917)
    
Gross margin (non-GAAP)205,411
203,801
1,610
    
Operations and maintenance77,293
77,938
(645)
Depreciation and amortization25,221
22,549
2,672
Total operating expenses102,514
100,487
2,027
    
Adjusted operating income$102,897
$103,314
$(417)



Results of OperationsOperating results for the Gas Utilities for the were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020Variance
Revenue:
Natural gas - regulated$378,077 $335,897 $42,180 
Other - non-regulated services24,442 24,876 (434)
Total revenue402,519 360,773 41,746 
Cost of sales:
Natural gas - regulated182,967 153,999 28,968 
Other - non-regulated services10,083 1,363 8,720 
Total cost of sales193,050 155,362 37,688 
Gross margin (non-GAAP)209,469 205,411 4,058 
Operations and maintenance82,200 77,293 4,907 
Depreciation and amortization25,175 25,221 (46)
Total operating expenses107,375 102,514 4,861 
Adjusted operating income$102,094 $102,897 $(803)

36


Three Months Ended March 31, 20202021 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019:2020

Gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 20202021 increased as a result of:
(in millions)
New rates$9.2 
Weather7.5 
Black Hills Energy Services Winter Storm Uri costs (a)
(8.2)
Non-utility Gas Supply Services(1.2)
Mark-to-market on non-utility natural gas commodity contracts(0.4)
Other(2.8)
Total increase in Gross margin (non-GAAP)$4.1 
 (in millions)
New rates$5.1
Prior year amortization of excess deferred income taxes3.2
Customer growth - distribution1.5
Increased mark-to-market on non-utility natural gas commodity contracts0.9
Non-utility - Gas supply services0.8
Weather(10.4)
Decreased transportation and transmission(0.7)
Other1.2
Total increase in Gross margin (non-GAAP)$1.6
__________
(a)    Black Hills Energy Services offers fixed contract pricing for non-regulated gas supply services to our regulated natural gas customers. The increased cost of natural gas sold during Winter Storm Uri is not recoverable through a regulatory mechanism.

Operations and maintenance expense increased primarily due to $5.5 million of higher employee related costs and outside services expenses driven by higher headcount and higher stock compensation expense related to market performance partially offset by $1.0 million of lower travel and training expenses.

Depreciation and amortization was comparable to the same period in the prior year due to lower depreciation rates approved in the Nebraska Gas and Colorado Gas rate reviews mostly offset by increased primarilydepreciation due to a higher asset base driven by prior year capital expenditures.



Operating Statistics
Revenue
(in thousands)
Gross Margin (non-GAAP)
(in thousands)
Quantities Sold & Transported (Dth)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
202120202021202020212020
Residential$234,397 $207,231 $110,148 $103,121 30,568,738 28,230,795 
Commercial91,089 80,236 35,484 33,519 13,812,321 12,834,803 
Industrial4,902 5,200 1,789 2,043 898,289 1,061,052 
Other(472)(1,242)(472)(1,242)— — 
Total Distribution329,916 291,425 146,949 137,441 45,279,348 42,126,650 
Transportation and Transmission48,161 44,472 48,161 44,457 45,314,438 45,055,507 
Total Regulated378,077 335,897 195,110 181,898 90,593,786 87,182,157 
Non-regulated Services24,442 24,876 14,359 23,513 
Total Gas Revenue & Gross Margin (non-GAAP)$402,519 $360,773 $209,469 $205,411 
40
37



Operating Statistics
          
  Gas Revenue (in thousands) 
Gross Margin (non-GAAP)
(in thousands)
 Gas Utilities Quantities Sold & Transported (Dth)
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
  20202019 20202019 20202019
          
Residential $207,231
$241,129
 $103,121
$105,057
 28,230,795
32,838,018
Commercial 80,236
96,139
 33,519
35,158
 12,834,803
14,990,848
Industrial 5,200
6,014
 2,043
2,017
 1,061,052
1,182,527
Other (1,242)(4,354) (1,242)(4,354) 

Total Distribution 291,425
338,928
 137,441
137,878
 42,126,650
49,011,393
          
Transportation and Transmission 44,472
44,947
 44,457
44,947
 45,055,507
46,316,160
          
Total Regulated 335,897
383,875
 181,898
182,825
 87,182,157
95,327,553
          
Non-regulated Services 24,876
27,205
 23,513
20,976
   
          
Total Gas Revenue & Gross Margin (non-GAAP) $360,773
$411,080
 $205,411
$203,801
   

Revenue
(in thousands)
Gross Margin (non-GAAP)
(in thousands)
Gas Utilities Quantities Sold & Transported (Dth)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
202120202021202020212020
Arkansas Gas$86,994 $74,845 $51,949 $48,855 13,306,734 10,962,948 
Colorado Gas79,122 72,606 38,212 38,006 13,366,015 13,096,405 
Iowa Gas56,754 54,824 22,631 21,328 14,313,973 14,280,273 
Kansas Gas40,063 33,494 18,766 18,603 10,462,797 9,914,858 
Nebraska Gas93,098 83,666 49,932 51,666 27,284,101 26,509,036 
Wyoming Gas46,488 41,338 27,979 26,953 11,860,166 12,418,637 
Total Gas Revenue & Gross Margin (non-GAAP)$402,519 $360,773 $209,469 $205,411 90,593,786 87,182,157 
          
  Revenue (in thousands) 
Gross Margin (non-GAAP) 
(in thousands)
 
Gas Utilities Quantities Sold & Transported (Dth)

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
  20202019 20202019 20202019
          
Arkansas Gas $74,845
$79,391
 $48,855
$44,282
 10,962,948
12,424,196
Colorado Gas 72,606
76,471
 38,006
37,600
 13,096,405
13,176,925
Iowa Gas 54,824
65,641
 21,328
23,050
 14,280,273
15,663,687
Kansas Gas 33,494
41,217
 18,603
18,119
 9,914,858
10,443,270
Nebraska Gas 83,666
108,797
 51,666
56,073
 26,509,036
28,999,018
Wyoming Gas 41,338
39,563
 26,953
24,677
 12,418,637
14,620,457
Total Gas Revenue & Gross Margin (non-GAAP) $360,773
$411,080
 $205,411
$203,801
 87,182,157
95,327,553

Our Gas Utilities are highly seasonal, and sales volumes vary considerably with weather and seasonal heating and industrial loads. Approximately 70% of our Gas Utilities’ revenue and margins are expected in the first and fourth quarters of each year. Therefore, revenue for, and certain expenses of, these operations fluctuate significantly among quarters. Depending upon the geographic location in which our Gas Utilities operate, the winter heating season begins around November 1 and ends around March 31.


41



          
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2020   2019
Heating Degree Days:Actual 
Variance
from Normal
 Actual Variance to Prior Year Actual 
Variance
from Normal
Arkansas Gas (a)
1,659 (21)% (21)% 2,101 —%
Colorado Gas2,829 (3)% (7)% 3,030 3%
Iowa Gas3,181 (6)% (17)% 3,830 14%
Kansas Gas (a)
2,304 (7)% (17)% 2,779 13%
Nebraska Gas2,835 (7)% (19)% 3,483 15%
Wyoming Gas3,217 1% (8)% 3,513 10%
Combined Gas (b)
2,918 (6)% (15)% 3,449 11%
__________
(a)Arkansas and Kansas have weather normalization mechanisms that mitigate the weather impact on gross margins.
(b)The combined heating degree days are calculated based on a weighted average of total customers by state excluding Kansas due to its weather normalization mechanism. Arkansas is excluded based on the weather normalization mechanism in effect from November through April.


Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020
Heating Degree Days:ActualVariance
from Normal
ActualVariance
from Normal
Arkansas Gas (a)
2,1211%1,659(21)%
Colorado Gas2,9651%2,829(3)%
Iowa Gas3,4221%3,181(6)%
Kansas Gas (a)
2,5765%2,304(7)%
Nebraska Gas3,0972%2,835(7)%
Wyoming Gas3,4257%3,2171%
Combined Gas (b)
3,1863%2,918(6)%
__________
(a)    Arkansas and Kansas have weather normalization mechanisms that mitigate the weather impact on gross margins.
(b)    The combined heating degree days are calculated based on a weighted average of total customers by state excluding Kansas due to its weather normalization mechanism. Arkansas is partially excluded based on the weather normalization mechanism in effect from November through April.


Regulatory Matters

For more information on recent regulatory activity and enacted regulatory provisions with respect to the states in which our Utilities operate, see Note 52 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Part I, Items 1 and 2 and Part II, Item 8 of our 20192020 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.10-K.


38


Power Generation

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20202019Variance
 (in thousands)
Revenue$25,966
$25,245
$721
    
Fuel expense2,285
2,626
(341)
Operations and maintenance6,997
6,062
935
Depreciation and amortization5,335
4,590
745
Total operating expense14,617
13,278
1,339
  

 
Adjusted operating income$11,349
$11,967
$(618)

Results of Operations forOur Power Generation for the segment operating results were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020Variance
Revenue$29,163 $25,966 $3,197 
Fuel expense2,671 2,285 386 
Operations and maintenance7,358 6,997 361 
Depreciation and amortization4,865 5,335 (470)
Total operating expense14,894 14,617 277 
Adjusted operating income$14,269 $11,349 $2,920 

Three Months Ended March 31, 20202021 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019:2020:

RevenueOperating income increased in the current year driven by an increase in MWh sold$1.7 million due to new wind assets and additionalWinter Storm Uri’s favorable impact to Black Hills Colorado IPP fired-engine hours. Operating expensesWyoming under the economy energy PSA. Revenue also increased in the current year primarily due to higher maintenance expense and depreciation from new wind assets.Wygen I MWh sold driven by a prior year planned outage.

The following table summarizes MWh for our Power Generation segment:Operating Statistics
Revenue (in thousands)
Quantities Sold (MWh) (a)
Three Months Ended March 31,2021202020212020
Black Hills Colorado IPP$14,254 $14,179 239,194 265,225 
Black Hills Wyoming (b)
13,433 10,158 164,957 156,352 
Black Hills Electric Generation1,476 1,629 96,294 97,279 
Total Power Generation Revenue and Quantities Sold$29,163 $25,966 500,445 518,856 
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20202019
Quantities Sold, Generated and Purchased
(MWh) (a)
  
Sold  
Black Hills Colorado IPP265,225
205,973
Black Hills Wyoming (b)
156,352
164,049
Black Hills Electric Generation97,279
33,753
Total Sold518,856
403,775
   
Generated  
Black Hills Colorado IPP265,225
205,973
Black Hills Wyoming (b)
126,485
132,593
Black Hills Electric Generation97,279
33,753
Total Generated488,989
372,319
   
Purchased  
Black Hills Wyoming (b)
29,856
25,579
Total Purchased29,856
25,579
____________
(a)Company uses and losses are not included in the quantities sold, generated, and purchased.
(b)Under the 20-year economy energy PPA with the City of Gillette effective September 2014, Black Hills Wyoming purchases energy on behalf of the City of Gillette and sells that energy to the City of Gillette. MWh sold may not equal MWh generated and purchased due to a dispatch agreement Black Hills Wyoming has with South Dakota Electric to cover energy imbalances.

 Three Months Ended March 31,
Contracted Power Plant Fleet Availability (a)
20202019
   
Coal-fired plant (b)
89.3%94.8%
Natural gas-fired plants99.5%95.6%
Wind99.3%90.4%
Total Availability97.8%94.1%
   
Wind Capacity Factor30.4%28.2%
____________________
(a)Availability and Wind Capacity Factor are calculated using a weighted average based on capacity of our generating fleet.
(b)2020 included a planned outage at Wygen I.


Three Months Ended March 31,
Quantities Generated and Purchased (MWh) (a)
Fuel Type20212020
Generated
Black Hills Colorado IPPNatural Gas239,194 265,225 
Black Hills Wyoming (b)
Coal136,104 126,485 
Black Hills Electric GenerationWind96,294 97,279 
Total Generated471,592 488,989 
Purchased
Black Hills Wyoming (b)
Various29,567 29,856 
Total Purchased29,567 29,856 
____________
(a)    Company uses and losses are not included in the quantities sold, generated, and purchased.
(b)    Under the 20-year economy energy PSA with the City of Gillette effective September 2014, Black Hills Wyoming purchases energy on behalf of the City of Gillette and sells that energy to the City of Gillette. MWh sold may not equal MWh generated and purchased due to a dispatch agreement that Black Hills Wyoming has with South Dakota Electric to cover energy imbalances.
42
39



Three Months Ended March 31,
Contracted generating facilities availability by fuel type (a)
20212020
Coal (b)
97.0 %89.3 %
Natural gas98.6 %99.5 %
Wind94.2 %99.3 %
Total availability96.7 %97.8 %
Wind capacity factor32.6 %30.4 %
____________________
(a)    Availability and Wind Capacity Factor are calculated using a weighted average based on capacity of our generating fleet.
(b)     2020 included a planned outage at Wygen I.


Mining


Three Months Ended March 31,

20202019Variance

(in thousands)
Revenue$15,205
$16,429
$(1,224)
    
Operations and maintenance9,826
9,913
(87)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization2,250
2,179
71
Total operating expenses12,076
12,092
(16)
    
Adjusted operating income$3,129
$4,337
$(1,208)
Our Mining segment operating results were as follows (in thousands):

Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020Variance
Revenue$14,672 $15,205 $(533)
Operations and maintenance9,197 9,826 (629)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization2,214 2,250 (36)
Total operating expenses11,411 12,076 (665)
Adjusted operating income$3,261 $3,129 $132 
Results of Operations for Mining for the
Three Months Ended March 31, 20202021 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019:2020:


Adjusted operating income was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Current year revenue decreased due to 10% fewer tons sold driven primarily by decreased demand at the Wyodak Plant and timing of planned spring outages at our coal-fired generation facilities partially offset by an increase in price per ton sold driven by contract price adjustments based on actual mining costs.
Operating Statistics

The following table provides certain operating statistics for our Mining segment (in thousands, except for Revenue per ton):
Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020
Tons of coal sold875 896 
Cubic yards of overburden moved1,822 2,267 
Revenue per ton$16.09 $16.08 


40

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20202019
Tons of coal sold896
997
Cubic yards of overburden moved2,267
1,994
   
Revenue per ton$16.08
$15.87



Corporate and Other

Corporate and Other operating results were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020Variance
Adjusted operating income (loss)$(3,122)$160 $(3,282)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020:

The variance in Adjusted operating income (loss) was primarily due to a prior year favorable true-up of employee costs which was allocated to our subsidiaries in the current year. This allocation was offset in our reportable segments and had no impact to consolidated results.


 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20202019Variance
 (in thousands)
Adjusted operating income (loss)$160
$(507)$667


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

Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020Variance
(in thousands)
Interest expense, net$(37,600)$(35,453)$(2,147)
Impairment of investment— (6,859)$6,859 
Other income (expense), net266 2,353 $(2,087)
Income tax (expense)(494)(16,002)$15,508 
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20202019Variance
 (in thousands)
Interest expense, net$(35,453)$(34,717)$(736)
Impairment of investment(6,859)
$(6,859)
Other income (expense), net2,353
(789)$3,142
Income tax (expense)(16,002)(17,263)$1,261


Consolidated Interest expense, Impairment of investment, Other income (expense) and Income tax (expense) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 20202021 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019.2020.

Interest Expense

The increase in Interest expense, net was due to higher debt balances driven by the February 2021 term loan and the June 2020 senior unsecured notes partially offset by lower interest rates.

Impairment of Investment

ForIn the three months ended March 31, 2020,prior year, we recorded a pre-tax non-cash write-down of $6.9 million in our investment in equity securities of a privately held oil and gas company. The impairment was triggered by continued adverse changes in future natural gas prices and liquidity concerns at the privately held oil and gas company. The remaining book value of our investment is $1.5 million, and this is our only remaining investment in oil and gas exploration and production activities. See Note 15 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details.

Other Income (Expense)

The increasedecrease in Other income for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily due to reduced costsprior year credits for our non-qualified benefit plan which are driven by market performance on plan assets.

Income Tax (Expense)

For the three months ended March 31, 2020,2021, the effective tax rate was 14.1%0.5% compared to 13.9%14.1% for the same period in 2019.2020. The higherlower effective tax rate is primarily due to a discrete tax adjustment related to the impairment$7.6 million of our investment in equity securities of a privately held oil and gas company partially offset by increased tax benefits from forecastedColorado Electric’s TCJA-related bill credits to customers (which is offset by reduced revenue), $1.5 million of increased tax benefits from amortization of excess deferred income taxes and $1.3 million of increased tax benefits from federal production tax credits associated with new wind assets.


Critical Accounting Policies Involving Significant Accounting Estimates

There have been no material changes in our critical accounting estimates from those reported in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC except for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits provided below. We continue to closely monitor the rapidly evolving and uncertain impact of COVID-19 on our critical accounting estimates including, but not limited to, collectibility of customer receivables, recoverability of regulatory assets, impairment risk of goodwill and long-lived assets, valuation of pension assets and liabilities, and contingent liabilities. For more information on our critical accounting estimates, see Part II, Item 7 of our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

As described in Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, we have one defined benefit pension plan, one defined post-retirement healthcare plan and several non-qualified retirement plans. A Master Trust holds the assets for the pension plan. A trust for the funded portion of the post-retirement healthcare plan has also been established.

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

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company changed its method of accounting for net periodic benefit cost. Prior to the change, the Company used a calculated value for determining market-related value of plan assets which amortized the effects of gains and losses over a five-year period. Effective with the accounting change, the Company will continue to use a calculated value for the return-seeking assets (equities) in the portfolio and fair value for the liability-hedging assets (fixed income). The Company considers the fair value method for determining market-related value of liability-hedging assets to be a preferable method of accounting because asset-related gains and losses are subject to amortization into pension cost immediately. Additionally, the fair value for liability-hedging assets allows for the impact of gains and losses on this portion of the asset portfolio to be reflected in tandem with changes in the liability which is linked to changes in the discount rate assumption for re-measurement.

See
41


Note 12Table of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.Contents



Liquidity and Capital Resources

There have been no material changes in Liquidity and Capital Resources from those reported in Item 7 of our 20192020 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC except as described below and within the “COVID-19 Pandemic” discussion in the Results of Operations section above.below.

Collateral Requirements

Our utilities maintain wholesale commodity contracts for the purchases and sales of electricity and natural gas which have performance assurance provisions that allow the counterparty to require collateral postings under certain conditions, including when requested on a reasonable basis due to a deterioration in our financial condition or nonperformance. A significant downgrade in our credit ratings, such as a downgrade to a level below investment grade, could result in counterparties requiring collateral postings under such adequate assurance provisions. The amount of credit support that we may be required to provide at any point in the future is dependent on the amount of the initial transaction, changes in the market price, open positions and the amounts owed by or to the counterparty. At March 31, 2020, we had sufficient liquidity to cover collateral that could be required to be posted under these contracts. For the three months ended March 31, 2020,2021, we did not experience any requestssignificant impacts to post additional collateral, including for concerns over a potential deterioration of our liquidity or financial condition due to COVID-19.the COVID-19 pandemic.


In response to the February 2021 Winter Storm Uri, we took steps to maintain adequate liquidity to operate our businesses and fund our capital investment program as discussed in the Recent Developments above and in further detail in Note 5 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


Cash Flow Activities

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2020 (in thousands):
Cash provided by (used in):20212020Variance
Operating activities$(386,086)$191,969 $(578,055)
Investing activities$(146,224)$(173,084)$26,860 
Financing activities$539,496 $25,621 $513,875 
Cash provided by (used in):20202019Variance
Operating activities$191,969
$175,893
$16,076
Investing activities$(173,084)$(145,027)$(28,057)
Financing activities$25,621
$(39,292)$64,913


43



Three Months Ended March 31, 20202021 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 20192020

Operating ActivitiesActivities:

Net cash provided by operating activities was $192$578 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $176 million forlower than the same period in 2019 for an increase of $16 million.2020. The variance to the prior year was primarily attributable to:

Cash earnings (net income plus non-cash adjustments) were $4$15 million lower for the three months ended March 31, 20202021 compared to the same period in the prior year primarily driven by lower operating income at theour Electric Utilities and Mining segments;Utilities;

Net cash inflows from changes in certain operating assets and liabilities were $5.0$563 million lower, primarily attributable to:

Cash outflows increased by $560 million as a result of changes in our regulatory assets and liabilities primarily driven by incremental costs from Winter Storm Uri;

Cash inflows decreased by $23 million primarily as a result of changes in natural gas in storage and lower collections of accounts receivable; and

Cash outflows decreased by $20 million as a result of increases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities primarily driven by payment timing of natural gas and power purchases and other working capital requirements.

Cash inflows increased by $0.8 million for other operating activities.

Investing Activities:

Net cash used in investing activities was $27 million lower than the same period in 2020. The variance to the prior year was primarily attributable to:

Capital expenditures of $146 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020,2021 compared to net cash outflows of $15 million in the same period in the prior year. This $20 million increase was primarily due to:

Cash inflows increased by $14 million primarily as a result of decreases in natural gas in storage and higher collections of accounts receivable partially offset by increased materials and supplies purchases;

Cash outflows increased by $1.6 million as a result of decreases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities primarily driven by higher employee costs and other working capital requirements partially offset by lower interest paid;

Cash inflows increased by $11 million primarily as a result of changes in our current regulatory assets driven by the timing of recovery from fuel cost adjustments; and

Net cash outflows increased by $2.9 million from other operating activities primarily due to higher employee benefits costs and outside services.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $173 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $145 million for the same period in 2019 for a variance of $28 million. The variance was primarily attributable to:

Capital expenditures of $172 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $144 million for the same period in the prior year. HigherLower current year expenditures are driven by higherlower programmatic safety, reliability and integrity spending at our Gas Utilities and Electric Utilities segments and the prior year Corriedale wind project at our Electric Utilities segment.

Cash outflows decreased by $1.3 million for other investing activities.

42


Financing ActivitiesActivities:

Net cash provided by financing activities was $514 million higher than the same period in 2020. The variance to the prior year was primarily attributable to:

Cash inflows increased $615 million due to borrowings of short-term debt in excess of short-term and long-term debt repayments. This increase was primarily driven by $600 million net borrowings from our term loan;

Cash inflows decreased $99 million due to the prior year issuance of common stock;

Cash outflows increased $2.6 million due to increased dividends paid on common stock; and

Cash outflows decreased by $0.7 million for other financing activities.


Capital Sources

Term Loan

See Note 5 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information relating to our term loan.

Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program

Our Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program had the following borrowings, outstanding letters of credit, and available capacity (in millions):
CurrentShort-term borrowings at
Letters of Credit (a) at
Available Capacity at
Credit FacilityExpirationCapacityMarch 31, 2021March 31, 2021March 31, 2021
Revolving Credit Facility and CP ProgramJuly 30, 2023$750 $216 $17 $517 
__________
(a)    Letters of credit are off-balance sheet commitments that reduce the borrowing capacity available on our corporate Revolving Credit Facility.

The weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings related to our Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program at March 31, 2021 was 0.23%. Short-term borrowing activity related to our Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $262021 was:
(dollars in millions)
Maximum amount outstanding (based on daily outstanding balances)$311 
Average amount outstanding (based on daily outstanding balances)$199 
Weighted average interest rates0.24 %

Covenant Requirements

The Revolving Credit Facility and Wyoming Electric’s financing agreements contain covenant requirements. We were in compliance with these covenants as of March 31, 2021 See Note 5 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

Future Financing Plans

We will continue to assess debt and equity needs to support our capital investment plans and other key strategic objectives. In 2021, we expect to fund our capital plan and strategic objectives by using cash generated from operating activities, our Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program, and issuing $100 million compared to $39$120 million of netcommon stock under the ATM. As discussed in the Recent Developments above and in further detail in Note 5 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, on February 24, 2021, we entered into an $800 million term loan maturing on November 24, 2021. We expect to refinance a portion of the term loan with longer-term debt.


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Credit Ratings

After assessing the current operating performance, liquidity and the credit ratings of the Company, management believes that the Company will have access to the capital markets at prevailing market rates for companies with comparable credit ratings.

The following table represents the credit ratings and outlook and risk profile of BHC at March 31, 2021:
Rating AgencySenior Unsecured RatingOutlook
S&P (a)
BBB+Stable
Moody’s (b)
Baa2Stable
Fitch (c)
BBB+Stable
__________
(a)    On April 10, 2020, S&P reported BBB+ rating and maintained a Stable outlook.
(b)    On December 21, 2020, Moody’s reported Baa2 rating and maintained a Stable outlook.
(c)    On August 20, 2020, Fitch reported BBB+ rating and maintained a Stable outlook.

The following table represents the credit ratings of South Dakota Electric at March 31, 2021:
Rating AgencySenior Secured Rating
S&P (a)
A
Moody’s (b)
A1
Fitch (c)
A
__________
(a)    On April 16, 2020, S&P reported A rating.
(b)    On December 21, 2020, Moody’s reported A1 rating.
(c)    On August 20, 2020, Fitch reported A rating.


Capital Requirements

Capital Expenditures
ActualForecasted
Capital Expenditures by Segment
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 (a)
2021 (b)
2022202320242025
(in millions)
Electric Utilities$52 $240 $180 $143 $156 $154 
Gas Utilities73 377 347 339 330 326 
Power Generation10 
Mining10 
Corporate and Other11 13 13 13 
Incremental Projects (c)
— — 50 100 100 100 
$132 $647 $600 $610 $612 $608 
__________
(a)    Includes accruals for property, plant and equipment as disclosed in supplemental cash usedflow information in financing activitiesthe Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
(b)    Includes actual capital expenditures for the same period in 2019, an increase of $65 million due to the following:three months ended March 31, 2021.

(c)    These represent projects that are being evaluated by our segments for timing, cost and other factors.
Increase of $79 million in common stock issued driven by current year net proceeds of $99 million through an underwritten registered transaction as compared to prior year net proceeds of $20 million issued through our ATM;

$12 million of higher repayments of short-term and long-term debt; and

$2.6 million of higher current year dividend payments.


Dividends

Dividends paid on our common stock totaled $33$36 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020,2021, or $0.535$0.565 per share per quarter. On April 27, 2020,26, 2021, our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.535$0.565 per share payable June 1, 2020,2021, equivalent to an annual dividend of $2.14$2.26 per share. The amount of any future cash dividends to be declared and paid, if any, will depend upon, among other things, our financial condition, funds from operations, the level of our capital expenditures, restrictions under our Revolving Credit Facility and our future business prospects.

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Financing Transactions and Short-Term Liquidity

Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program

Our Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program had the following borrowings, outstanding lettersTable of credit, and available capacity (in millions):
Contents
  CurrentRevolver Borrowings atCP Program Borrowings atLetters of Credit atAvailable Capacity at
Credit FacilityExpirationCapacityMarch 31, 2020March 31, 2020March 31, 2020March 31, 2020
Revolving Credit Facility and CP ProgramJuly 30, 2023$750
$165
$154
$17
$414


The weighted average interest rates on CP Program and Revolving Credit Facility borrowings at March 31, 2020 were 1.74% and 1.92%, respectively. CP Program and Revolving Credit Facility borrowing activity for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was (dollars in millions):
 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
Maximum amount outstanding - CP Program (based on daily outstanding balances)$366
Maximum amount outstanding - Revolving Credit Facility (based on daily outstanding balances)$165
Average amount outstanding - CP Program (based on daily outstanding balances)$288
Average amount outstanding - Revolving Credit Facility (based on daily outstanding balances)$150
Weighted average interest rates - CP Program1.84%
Weighted average interest rates - Revolving Credit Facility1.92%

Covenant Requirements

Unconditional Purchase Obligations
The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, such as limitations on certain liens, restrictions on certain transactions, and maintenance of a certain Consolidated Indebtedness to Capitalization Ratio. Subject to applicable cure periods, a violation of any of these covenants would constitute an event of default that entitles the lenders to terminate their remaining commitments and accelerate all principal and interest outstanding. We were in compliance with these covenants as of March 31, 2020.
See Note 73 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.recent updates to our purchase obligations.

Covenants within Wyoming Electric’s financing agreements require Wyoming Electric to maintain a debt to capitalization ratio of no more than 0.60 to 1.00. As of March 31, 2020, we were in compliance with these covenants.
Financing Activities

Critical Accounting Policies Involving Significant Estimates
Financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2020 consisted of the following:

On February 27, 2020, we issued 1.2 million shares of common stock to a single investor through an underwritten registered transaction at a price of $81.77 per share for proceeds of $99 million, net of $1.0 million of issuance costs.

Short-term borrowings from our Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program.

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Future Financing Plans

We anticipate the following financing activities in 2020:

Renew our shelf registration and ATM;

Refinance a portion of short-term borrowings held through the Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program to long-term debt; and

Continue to assess debt and equity needs to support our capital expenditure plan.

Credit Ratings

After assessing the current operating performance, liquidity and the credit ratings of the Company, management believes that the Company will have access to the capital markets at prevailing market rates for companies with comparable credit ratings.

The following table represents the credit ratings and outlook and risk profile of BHC at March 31, 2020:
Rating AgencySenior Unsecured RatingOutlook
S&P (a)
BBB+Stable
Moody’s (b)
Baa2Stable
Fitch (c)
  BBB+Stable
__________
(a)On April 10, 2020, S&P affirmed our BBB+ rating and maintained a Stable outlook.
(b)On December 20, 2019, Moody’s affirmed our Baa2 rating and maintained a Stable outlook.
(c)On August 29, 2019, Fitch affirmed our BBB+ rating and maintained a Stable outlook.

The following table represents the credit ratings of South Dakota Electric at March 31, 2020:
Rating AgencySenior Secured Rating
S&P (a)
A
Moody’s (b)
A1
Fitch (c)
A
__________
(a)On April 16, 2020, S&P affirmed A rating.
(b)On December 20, 2019, Moody’s affirmed A1 rating.
(c)On August 29, 2019, Fitch affirmed A rating.

Capital Requirements

Capital Expenditures
 ActualPlannedPlannedPlannedPlannedPlanned
Capital Expenditures by Segment
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 (a)
2020 (b)
2021202220232024
(in millions)      
Electric Utilities$49
$246
$203
$170
$137
$152
Gas Utilities113
391
309
285
316
293
Power Generation5
7
9
11
6
6
Mining1
8
12
9
9
9
Corporate and Other5
17
22
11
12
10
 $173
$669
$555
$486
$480
$470
__________
(a)    Expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2020 include the impact of accruals for property, plant and equipment.
(b)    Includes actual capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

We are monitoring supply chains, including lead times for key materials and supplies, availability of resources, and status of large capital projects. To date, thereThere have been limited impacts to supply chains including availability of supplies and materials and lead times and capital projects are ongoing withoutno material disruption to schedules. Our third party resourceschanges in our critical accounting estimates from those reported in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We continue to support our business plans without disruption. Contingency plans are ongoing due toclosely monitor the impacts of COVID-19 including the potential for rescheduling projects. We currently do not anticipate a significant impactand Winter Storm Uri on our capital investment plan for 2020.

Contractual Obligations

There have been no significant changes in contractual obligations from those previously disclosed in Note 19critical accounting estimates including, but not limited to, collectibility of customer receivables, recoverability through regulatory assets, impairment risk of goodwill and long-lived assets, valuation of pension assets and liabilities, and contingent liabilities. For more information on our critical accounting estimates, see Part II, Item 7 of our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 20192020 Annual Report on Form 10-K except for the items described in 10-K.
Note 13 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Off-Balance Sheet Commitments

There have been no significant changes to off-balance sheet commitments from those previously disclosed in Item 7 of our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC except for the items described in Note 7 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Other than the pronouncements reported in our 20192020 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and those discussed in Note 1 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, there have been no new accounting pronouncements that are expected to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

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 the statement was made. 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 was made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, 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 our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K including statements contained within Item 1A - Risk Factors of our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other reports that we file with the SEC from time to time.


ITEM 3.
ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Information regarding
There have been no material changes to our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk ispreviously disclosed in Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K. See
Note 9 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for updates to market risks during the three months ended March 31, 2020.


ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of March 31, 2020.2021. Based on their evaluation, they have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at March 31, 2020.2021.

Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended March 31, 2020,2021, there have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting. Although we have altered some work routines due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the changes in our work environment (i.e. remote work arrangements) have not materially impacted our internal controls over financial reporting and have not adversely affected the Company’s ability to maintain operations, including financial reporting systems, ICFR, and disclosure controls and procedures.



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PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

For information regarding legal proceedings, see Note 193 in Item 8 of our 20192020 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Note 133 in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which information from Note 13 is incorporated by reference into this item.10-Q.

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

There are no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in Item 1A of Part I in our 20192020 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC except as shown below:10-K.

Our business, results
ITEM 2.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table contains monthly information about our acquisitions of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be adversely affected by the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

We are responding to the global pandemic of COVID-19 by taking steps to mitigate the potential risks to us posed by its spread. We provide an essential service to our customers which means it is critical we keep our employees who operate our businesses healthy and minimize unnecessary exposure to the virus. We continue to execute our business continuity plan and have implemented a comprehensive set of actionsequity securities for the health and safety of our customers, employees, business partners and the communities we serve. We have taken extra precautions for our employees who work in the field and for employees who continue to work in our facilities and we have implemented work from home policies where appropriate. We have implemented sequestration plans for employees critical to maintaining reliable service.

We have informed both our customers and regulators that disconnections for non-payment will be temporarily suspended. We have instituted measures to ensure our supply chain remains open to us. We continue to implement strong physical and cyber-security measures to ensure our systems remain functional to both serve our operational needs with a remote workforce and to provide uninterrupted service to our customers.

For the three months ended March 31, 2020,2021:
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased (a)
Average Price Paid per ShareTotal Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or ProgramsMaximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
January 1, 2021 - January 31, 2021116.0$60.06 — — 
February 1, 2021 - February 28, 202111,696.061.92 — — 
March 1, 2021 - March 31, 20211.459.86 — — 
Total11,813 $61.90 — — 
_____________
(a)    Shares were acquired under the impacts of COVID-19 had a minimal financial impact on our business, operations and financial condition. In particular, we experienced minimal financial impacts to the following due to COVID-19:

Volatility in electricity and natural gas usage from our residential, commercial and industrial customers resulting in a minimal decrease in total demand;
Delayed payments from an isolated population of our commercial and industrial customers within hard-hit industries;
Minimal disruptions receiving the materials and supplies necessary to maintain operations and continue executing our capital investment plans as planned;
Reduced availability and productivity of our employees;
Minimal impacts to the availability of our third-party resources;
Minimal decline in the funded status of our pension plan;
Increased costs due to sequestration of mission critical and essential employees; and
Reduced training, travel and outside services related expenses.

Should the COVID-19 pandemic continue for a prolonged period, or impact the areas we serve more significantly than it has today, our business, operations and financial condition could be impacted in more significant ways. The continued spread of COVID-19 and efforts to contain the virus could have the following impacts, in addition to exacerbating the impacts described above:

Adversely impact our strategic business plans, growth strategy and capital investment plans;
Adversely impact electricity and natural gas demand from our customers, particularly from businesses, commercial and industrial customers;
Reduce the availability and productivity of our employees and third-party resources;
Cause us to experience an increase in costs as a result of our emergency measures;
Result in increased allowance for credit losses and bad debt expense as a result of delayed or non-payment from our customers, both of which could be magnified by Federal or state government legislation that requires us to extend suspensions of disconnections for non-payment;
Cause delays and disruptions in the availability, timely delivery and cost of materials and components used in our operations;

46



Cause delays and disruptions in the supply chain resulting in disruptions in the commercial operation dates of certain projects impacting qualification criteria for certain tax credits and potential damages in our power purchase agreements;
Cause a deteriorationshare withholding provisions of the credit qualityOmnibus Incentive Plan for payment of our counterparties, including gas commodity contract counterparties, power purchase agreement counterparties, contractors or retail customers, that could result in credit losses;taxes associated with the vesting of various equity compensation plans.
Cause impairment of goodwill or long-lived assets;
Adversely impact our ability to develop, construct and operate facilities;
Result in our inability to meet the requirements of the covenants in our existing credit facilities, including covenants regarding Consolidated Indebtedness to Capitalization Ratio;
Cause a deterioration in our financial metrics or the business environment that adversely impacts our credit ratings;
Cause a delay in the permitting process of certain development projects, affecting the timing of final investment decisions and start dates of construction;
Adversely impact our liquidity position and cost of and ability to access funds from financial institutions and capital markets;
Cause delays in our ability to change rates through regulatory proceedings; and
Cause other risks to impact us, such as the risks described in the “Risk Factors” section of our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and our ability to meet our financial obligations.

To date, we have not experienced significant impacts to our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows or business plans. However, the situation remains fluid and it is difficult to predict with certainty the potential impact of COVID-19 on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

ITEM 4.
ITEM 4.        MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES


Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Sections 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act is included in Exhibit 95 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 6.        EXHIBITS

Exhibits filed herewithin are designated by an asterisk (*). All exhibits not so designated are incorporated by reference to a prior filing, as indicated.

ITEM 6.Exhibit NumberEXHIBITSDescription

46


4.1.4
4.1.5
4.1.6
4.1.7
4.1.8
Exhibit 4.2*4.2
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.2.3
Exhibit 4.3*4.3
4.3.1
4.3.2

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Exhibit 4.4*4.4
Exhibit 18.110.1
Exhibit 31.131.1*
Exhibit 31.231.2*
Exhibit 32.132.1*
Exhibit 32.232.2*
Exhibit 9595*
101.INS*
101.INSXBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
101.SCH101.SCH*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL101.CAL*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF101.DEF*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB101.LAB*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE101.PRE*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104*
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
__________
*Previously filed as part of the filing indicated and incorporated by reference herein.


48
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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 CORPORATION
/s/ Linden R. Evans
Linden R. Evans, President and
  Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Linden R. Evans
Linden R. Evans, President and
  Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Richard W. Kinzley
Richard W. Kinzley, Senior Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer
Dated:May 5, 20202021


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