Black Hills Energy to Refund $4.7M to Nebraska Customers

Utility company will issue one-time credits and checks after rate adjustment approved by state regulators.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:21pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a stack of dollar bills, a calculator, and a pen arranged neatly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the financial aspects of utility rate regulation.A regulatory review process ensures utility customers receive fair rates and timely refunds when interim charges are adjusted.Lincoln Today

The Nebraska Public Service Commission has approved a refund plan from Black Hills Energy that will return $4.7 million to customers across the state. The refunds, which include interest, reflect the difference between interim rates Black Hills began charging in August 2025 and final commission-approved rates that took effect on January 1, 2026.

Why it matters

The refund plan is part of the regulatory process that allows utility companies to adjust rates, which can have a significant impact on household and business budgets. This case highlights the role of state public service commissions in overseeing rate changes and ensuring fair treatment of customers.

The details

Under the approved plan, most current customers will receive a one-time credit on an upcoming bill, with residential customers getting an average refund of about $15 and small commercial customers not receiving refunds since their final rates are the same as the interim rates. Former customers owed more than $2 will receive refunds by check through the U.S. mail, while undeliverable checks and refunds for former customers owed $2 or less will be turned over to the state.

  • The interim rates Black Hills began charging customers took effect in August 2025.
  • The final commission-approved rates that replaced the interim rates took effect on January 1, 2026.

The players

Black Hills Energy

A utility company that provides electricity and natural gas services to customers in Nebraska and several other states.

Nebraska Public Service Commission

The state regulatory agency that oversees utility companies and approved the refund plan from Black Hills Energy.

Tim Schram

The chair of the Nebraska Public Service Commission.

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What they’re saying

“We appreciate the collaborative effort from all parties – including Black Hills, Commission staff, independent consultants and the Public Advocate who represented the ratepayers in this case. They came together to create a fair plan, and we look forward to customers receiving these refunds in a timely, efficient manner.”

— Tim Schram, Commission Chair

What’s next

Following completion of the refund process, Black Hills will file a final report with the commission detailing the total amounts refunded to customers and escheated to the state.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the important role of state utility regulators in ensuring that rate adjustments by energy companies are fair and transparent, with a focus on protecting the interests of residential and commercial customers.