Black Hills Energy and NorthWestern Energy submitted an application on Monday to the Nebraska Public Service Commission seeking regulatory approval for a merger between the two companies.
The companies say the merger is designed to create a stronger, more resilient energy company focused on delivering safe, reliable, and affordable energy solutions to customers. Represenatives of both companies say the merger does not change energy service or rates for customers.
“Bringing our companies together will deliver long-term value to our customers, employees and communities by providing safe, reliable and affordable energy solutions,” says Brian Bird, president and CEO of NorthWestern Energy. “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.”
Linn Evans is the CEO of Black Hills Corp. and says they 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.”
Pending all approvals, the combined company will 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 time of the August 2025 announcement.