Oct 24, 2015 - Black Hills Power is promoting the potential energy savings and greater indoor comfort available to anyone who takes a couple hours to weatherize their home, and Black Hills Weatherization Teams demonstrate the point at no charge for customers chosen by need.

'Helping our customers use energy wisely is important to us,' said Lee DeLange, Black Hills Power Manager of Customer Operations. 'Most do-it-yourselfers can complete a low-cost weatherization project on a weekend afternoon and see the benefits in reduced energy usage year-round. Our Weatherization day helps customers who are elderly, low income or have other physical limitations.'

A thorough weatherization home upgrade can block drafts and reduce heat loss. It's a relatively inexpensive task accomplished with materials from your local hardware store - weather stripping, caulk, expanding foam, window film, outlet gaskets and a water heater blanket. Doors and windows are a big culprit, and don't forget to cover window air conditioners.

'Manufacturers highly recommend calling on a professional for an annual furnace cleaning and inspection,' DeLange said. 'A trained technician will go through a safety checklist and make adjustments that produce energy savings through peak operating efficiency. You'll enjoy the same benefits and peace of mind from a furnace inspection that you get from routinely scheduled automobile maintenance and inspections.'

Black Hills Power partners with the community to complete each weatherization project. Over 30 volunteers including BHP employees, students from SD School of Mines and neighbors of Wonderland Homes signed up to help weatherize 15 homes. Customer service and energy efficiency experts identified candidates for the free program and then preformed an energy audit to determine each home's requirements. Those customers also received a complimentary package of energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Black Hills Power helps all of its customers manage their utility bills more effectively by offering a variety of options and services. Budget Billing is a great way to take the bite out of higher winter bills from increased usage. Budget Billing levels out bills for a more predicable amount due each month, based on average usage over the previous 12 months. In addition, the company's Energy Efficiency Solutions program offers heating and cooling system rebates, refrigerator purchase and/or recycling and a discounted residential lighting purchase program. Learn more at www.BHPsavemoney.com .

'We realize that even after weatherizing and taking advantage of the billing options they qualify for, some customers may struggle to make ends meet.' DeLange added, 'We want to help, and our Black Hills Cares energy assistance program is another way we give back to the community.'

When a customer makes a donation to Black Hills Cares, the company matches it dollar for dollar, and forwards the total to the energy assistance agency serving the area nearest to that customer. Bill stubs feature a pledge box for designating a monthly, one-time or round-up to the nearest dollar donation. In Rapid City, Black Hills Cares donations are distributed by the Salvation Army and Church Response.

For more energy-saving tips and other programs and services from Black Hills Power, visit www.blackhillspower.com or call the company's customer service center at 800-742-8948.

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