Black Hills customers ‘mad as hell’ over proposed rate increase

Black Hills executives heard another earful from its customers during a hearing on its proposed rate increase.

“I’m mad as hell about these rate increases,” said Frank Soudek.

“Reasonably priced power. That’s what we’re asking for,” said Lee Gladney.

Black Hills wants to increase utility rates by 4 percent starting next year to make up for the construction cost of a wind farm in Huerfano County.

“I’m here to absolutely oppose this rate increase,” Kiera Hatton said to Administrative Law Judge Robert Garvey.

Garvey heard from more than two dozen customers on Thursday at the Pueblo Convention Center who are opposed to the rate hike.

“I’m actually here to support Black Hills,” said Paul Haber, followed by: “Just kidding.”

Christopher Burke, vice president of Colorado Utility Operations for Black Hills Energy, said speakers have many misconceptions about the utility company.

“One of them certainly is the concept of our low-income assistance program that somehow Black Hills is making money from that and that contributes to our profits. That’s definitely not the case,” Burke said.

Since 2008, Black Hills has raised its rates by more than 17 percent.

“Black Hills is a monopoly. I can’t put up a wind turbine in my yard,” Soudek said.

Pueblo County Commissioner Terry Hart said it’s time to put those rate hikes to an end. “We are a poor town. We’re tired of making them rich,” he said.

Garvey will make a recommendation to the state’s Public Utilities commissioners whether they should grant Black Hills a rate increase.