The overall purpose of the Black Hills Energy, formerly Aquila, economic development program is to support and assist local leaders in enhancing the development potential of communities served by the company. That includes assisting with projects which will create or retain jobs by businesses which export their products or services outside the area, thereby importing dollars into the area economy.

Black Hills Energy may participate in community incentive packages for economic development projects which will increase energy sales. Such projects may involve the establishment of a new business or the expansion or retention of an existing business.

A major objective of the Black Hills Energy economic development incentive participation program is to help a business or community qualify for or compete more successfully for other economic development funds.

Black Hills Energy's participation may take a number of forms. Generally, the level of participation will be related to the electric or gas usage supplied by Black Hills Energy.

Participation may include one or more of the following methods where allowed by legal and regulatory authority:

• Extension of energy main or service lines
• Financing or cost sharing for energy equipment
• Financing or cost sharing for other energy conservation measures
• Energy rate incentives
• Interest "buy-downs" on a portion of project financing
• Other methods appropriate to the project

The following criteria will be considered in determining the degree of Black Hills Energy's participation in an economic development project incentive package:

• The electric and gas usage supplied by Aquila 
• Viability of the business plan for the project
• Impact of proposed project on local economy
• Total number of jobs created or retained
• The amount and proportion of local community participation in the project incentive package
• The amount and proportion of any other participation or contributions
• Cost and risk to Aquila
• Other criteria as the company deems necessary

Projects will be evaluated on individual merit without consideration of location or past participation except as noted above.

Questions about the program and applications should be directed to the local Aquila office. Information required will generally conform to that required for participation in state economic development financing programs including a written business plan (3 year financial history and projections, marketing plan, source and use of financing, and background of principals and management).

Apply online by completing an

For more information, complete our Information Request Form  or contact your Economic Development Team Representative.