RAPID CITY, S.D. – Black Hills Energy is advising customers in Rapid City and the surrounding areas to prepare for extended power outages that could last through the weekend as crews struggle with downed lines and damaged equipment.
Utility officials reported that as of 5:30 p.m. Thursday, nearly 9,000 customers in South Dakota remain without electricity. Those still without service after 7 p.m. are encouraged to make arrangements for the night, as restoration work is expected to continue well into Friday and Saturday.
Crews will continue working into the early evening to restore power. Additional support from utilities in eastern South Dakota, North Dakota, and Colorado is expected to arrive tomorrow to assist with the recovery efforts.
According to Black Hills Energy, outages are restored based on system priority rather than the order in which they are reported. Repair teams focus first on public safety and infrastructure that restores service to the largest number of customers. Residents in rural areas or those located further away from main power feeders are likely to experience longer outages lasting for several days.
The company provided several safety reminders for those affected by the wind damage in Rapid City and South Dakota:
- Stay away from downed powerlines and do not attempt to remove debris near electrical equipment. Call 911 immediately to report downed lines.
- Check the home service mast, which is the metal tube on the roof or meter that feeds electricity to the house. If it appears loose, bent, or damaged, it remains energized and should not be touched. Homeowners must contact a certified electrician for repairs to the mast.
- Residents needing emergency assistance or sheltering information are encouraged to contact the Red Cross at 844-292-7677.
Black Hills Energy plans to provide a formal update on restoration progress Friday morning. Residents can monitor the status of local repairs through the company’s website or social media pages.
