RAPID CITY, S.D. – Black Hills Corp., which operates as Black Hills Energy, and NorthWestern Energy have filed a joint application with the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, requesting regulatory approval for a merger the companies say will make them “Better Together.”
The proposed merger aims to combine the companies’ resources, creating a larger, more financially stable, and operationally expert utility focused on delivering safe, reliable, and affordable energy solutions to customers across the region, including in Rapid City and the Black Hills area of South Dakota.
Under the merger agreement, NorthWestern Energy president and CEO Brian Bird will become president and CEO of the combined electric and natural gas utility company. Black Hills Corp. CEO Linn Evans will continue in his role until the transaction closes, when he will retire.
Merger’s Impact and Regulatory Process
The companies emphasize that the merger will not change energy service or rates for current customers of Black Hills Energy and NorthWestern Energy, and regulatory oversight by the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission will remain unchanged.
“Bringing our companies together will deliver long-term value to our customers, employees and communities by providing safe, reliable and affordable energy solutions,” Bird said. “By joining forces, we will have the added scale to make us a financially stronger, more resilient utility better equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing energy landscape.”
Evans added, “We share a commitment to safety, reliability, integrity, and customer service. We are confident that our closely aligned cultures and skilled workforces will enable us to improve life with energy for the people, businesses, and communities we are privileged to serve.”
The companies highlighted several key benefits for customers in South Dakota, including:
- Continued safe, reliable, and affordable service with no changes to local operations.
- Long-term rate stability, as merger efficiencies are expected to moderate future rate increases.
- Enhanced reliability and resiliency through a larger pool of crews and resources.
- Maintenance of a local presence and community commitment, with South Dakota utility operations remaining locally managed.
- Access to innovation and best practices via the deployment of new technologies and shared expertise.
Approvals and Timeline
Beyond the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, the companies are seeking approval from the Nebraska Public Service Commission and the Montana Public Service Commission, along with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The transaction also requires clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and approval from both companies’ shareholders.
The combined company is projected to serve approximately 2.1 million electric and natural gas customers across eight contiguous states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. The merger transaction is expected to conclude 12 to 15 months from the initial August 2025 announcement. The application is filed with the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission under Docket No. GE25-00