RAPID CITY, S.D. – Black Hills Energy has announced a return to normal operations following a record-breaking windstorm that left more than 25,000 customers without electricity across the region.
Work continues in Custer State Park, where some campgrounds and seasonal homes remain without service.

Wes Ashton, Black Hills Energy vice president of South Dakota and Wyoming utilities, said the restoration effort required replacing hundreds of power poles and repairing numerous power lines. The company utilized more than 150 linemen and hundreds of support staff members during the seven-day recovery period.

Ashton expressed appreciation for community partners, emergency managers, and local businesses that supported the safety efforts in Rapid City and surrounding areas.

Residents who have completed repairs to their homes or service masts are advised to contact Black Hills Energy at 888-890-5554 to coordinate service reconnection.

The company issued a reminder that secondary outages can occur in the days following a major storm. Strong winds may have weakened tree limbs that could still fall and impact electrical infrastructure. Customers are encouraged to check breakers and fuses if they remain without power.

Homeowners should also inspect their service masts, which are the metal tubes on the exterior of the home that feed electricity from overhead lines. If a mast appears bent, loose, or damaged, residents must contact a certified electrician for repairs before service can be restored.

Officials warned residents to stay away from any damaged power lines and report them immediately to the utility company. Keeping the area around electric meters clear will also assist crews in confirming service to individual properties.