10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
	EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016
OR
o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
	EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the transition period from __________ to __________.
	Commission File Number 001-31303

Black Hills Corporation
Incorporated in South Dakota	IRS Identification Number 46-0458824
625 Ninth Street
Rapid City, South Dakota 57701
Registrant’s telephone number (605) 721-1700
Former name, former address, and former fiscal year if changed since last report
NONE

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.

Class	Outstanding at April 30, 2016
Common stock, $1.00 par value	51,587,415	shares

TABLE OF CONTENTS
		Page
	Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations	3
PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION	6
Item 1.	Financial Statements	6
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) - unaudited
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015	6
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - unaudited
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015	7
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - unaudited
	March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015	8
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - unaudited
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015	10
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - unaudited	11
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	41
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	74
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	75
PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION	76
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	76
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	76
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	77
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	77
Item 5.	Other Information	77
Item 6.	Exhibits	78
	Signatures	80
	Index to Exhibits	81

2

GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

The following terms and abbreviations appear in the text of this report and have the definitions described below:

AFUDC	Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
AOCI	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
APSC	Arkansas Public Service Commission
ASU	Accounting Standards Update issued by the FASB
ATM	At-the-market equity offering program
Bbl	Barrel
BHC	Black Hills Corporation; the Company
Black Hills Gas	Black Hills Gas, LLC, a subsidiary of Black Hills Gas Holdings, which was previously named SourceGas LLC.
Black Hills Gas Holdings	Black Hills Gas Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings, which was previously named SourceGas Holdings LLC
Black Hills Electric Generation	Black Hills Electric Generation, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings
Black Hills Energy	The name used to conduct the business of our utility companies
Black Hills Energy Arkansas Gas	Includes the acquired SourceGas utility Black Hills Energy Arkansas, Inc. utility operations
Black Hills Energy Colorado Electric	Includes all of Colorado Electric’s utility operations
Black Hills Energy Colorado Gas	Includes Black Hills Energy Colorado Gas utility operations, as well as the acquired SourceGas utility Black Hills Gas Distribution’s Colorado gas operations and RMNG
Black Hills Energy Iowa Gas	Includes Black Hills Energy Iowa gas utility operations
Black Hills Energy Kansas Gas	Includes Black Hills Energy Kansas gas utility operations
Black Hills Energy Nebraska Gas	Includes Black Hills Energy Nebraska gas utility operations, as well as the acquired SourceGas utility Black Hills Gas Distribution’s Nebraska gas operations
Black Hills Energy South Dakota Electric	Includes all Black Hills Power operations in South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana
Black Hills Energy Wyoming Electric	Includes all of Cheyenne Light’s electric utility operations
Black Hills Energy Wyoming Gas	Includes Cheyenne Light’s natural gas utility operations, as well as the acquired SourceGas utility Black Hills Gas Distribution’s Wyoming gas operations
Black Hills Gas Distribution	Black Hills Gas Distribution, LLC, a company acquired in the SourceGas Acquisition that conducts the gas distribution operations in Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming. It was formerly named SourceGas Distribution LLC.
Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings	Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation
Black Hills Power	Black Hills Power, Inc., a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation (doing business as Black Hills Energy)
Black Hills Utility Holdings	Black Hills Utility Holdings, Inc., a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation (doing business as Black Hills Energy)
Black Hills Wyoming	Black Hills Wyoming, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Electric Generation
Btu	British thermal unit
Ceiling Test	Related to our Oil and Gas subsidiary, capitalized costs, less accumulated amortization and related deferred income taxes, are subject to a ceiling test which limits the pooled costs to the aggregate of the discounted value of future net revenue attributable to proved natural gas and crude oil reserves using a discount rate defined by the SEC plus the lower of cost or market value of unevaluated properties.
Cheyenne Light	Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation (doing business as Black Hills Energy)
Cheyenne Prairie	Cheyenne Prairie Generating Station is a 132 MW natural gas-fired generating facility jointly owned by Black Hills Power, Inc. and Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company. Cheyenne Prairie was placed into commercial service on October 1, 2014.
CIAC	Contribution In Aid of Construction

3

City of Gillette	Gillette, Wyoming
Colorado Electric	Black Hills Colorado Electric Utility Company, LP (doing business as Black Hills Energy), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings
Colorado IPP	Black Hills Colorado IPP, LLC a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Electric Generation
Cooling degree day	A cooling degree day is equivalent to each degree that the average of the high and low temperature for a day is above 65 degrees. The warmer the climate, the greater the number of cooling degree days. Cooling degree days are used in the utility industry to measure the relative warmth of weather and to compare relative temperatures between one geographic area and another. Normal degree days are based on the National Weather Service data for selected locations over a 30-year average.
Cost of Service Gas Program	A program our utility subsidiaries submitted applications for with respective state utility regulators in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Colorado and Wyoming, seeking approval for a Cost of Service Gas Program designed to provide long-term natural gas price stability for the Company’s utility customers, along with a reasonable expectation of customer savings over the life of the program.
CPCN	Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity
CPUC	Colorado Public Utilities Commission
CTII	The 40 MW Gillette CT, a simple-cycle, gas-fired combustion turbine owned by the City of Gillette.
CVA	Credit Valuation Adjustment
Dodd-Frank	Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
Dth	Dekatherm. A unit of energy equal to 10 therms or one million British thermal units (MMBtu)
Energy West	Energy West Wyoming, Inc., a subsidiary of Gas Natural, Inc. Energy West is an acquisition we closed on July 1, 2015 (doing business as Black Hills Energy)
EPA	United States Environmental Protection Agency
Equity Unit	Each Equity Unit has a stated amount of $50, consisting of a purchase contract issued by BHC to purchase shares of BHC common stock and a 1/20, or 5% undivided beneficial ownership interest in $1,000 principal amount of BHC RNSs due 2028.
FASB	Financial Accounting Standards Board
Fitch	Fitch Ratings
GAAP	Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
Global Settlement	Settlement with a utilities commission where the dollar figure is agreed upon, but the specific adjustments used by each party to arrive at the figure are not specified in public rate orders.
Heating Degree Day	A heating degree day is equivalent to each degree that the average of the high and the low temperatures for a day is below 65 degrees. The colder the climate, the greater the number of heating degree days. Heating degree days are used in the utility industry to measure the relative coldness of weather and to compare relative temperatures between one geographic area and another. Normal degree days are based on the National Weather Service data for selected locations over a 30-year average.
Iowa Gas	Black Hills Iowa Gas Utility Company, LLC (doing business as Black Hills Energy), a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings
IPP	Independent power producer
IRS	United States Internal Revenue Service
IUB	Iowa Utilities Board
Kansas Gas	Black Hills Kansas Gas Utility Company, LLC (doing business as Black Hills Energy), a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings
KCC	Kansas Corporation Commission
kV	Kilovolt
LIBOR	London Interbank Offered Rate
LOE	Lease Operating Expense
Mcf	Thousand cubic feet
Mcfe	Thousand cubic feet equivalent.
MGTC	MGTC, Inc., a gas utility in northeast Wyoming serving 400 customers. MGTC is an acquisition we closed on January 1, 2015 (doing business as Black Hills Energy)

4

MMBtu	Million British thermal units
Moody’s	Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
MW	Megawatts
MWh	Megawatt-hours
Nebraska Gas	Black Hills Nebraska Gas Utility Company, LLC (doing business as Black Hills Energy), a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings
NGL	Natural Gas Liquids (1 barrel equals 6 Mcfe)
NOL	Net Operating Loss
NPSC	Nebraska Public Service Commission
NYMEX	New York Mercantile Exchange
NYSE	New York Stock Exchange
Peak View Wind Project	New $109 million 60 MW wind generating project for Colorado Electric, adjacent to Busch Ranch wind farm
PPA	Power Purchase Agreement
Recourse Leverage Ratio	Any indebtedness outstanding at such time, divided by Capital at such time. Capital being consolidated net-worth plus all recourse indebtedness.
Revolving Credit Facility	Our $500 million credit facility used to fund working capital needs, letters of credit and other corporate purposes, which matures in 2020.
RMNG	Rocky Mountain Natural Gas, a regulated gas utility acquired in the SourceGas Acquisition that provides regulated transmission and wholesale natural gas service to Black Hills Gas in western Colorado (doing business as Black Hills Energy)
SDPUC	South Dakota Public Utilities Commission
SEC	U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission
SourceGas	SourceGas Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries, a gas utility owned by funds managed by Alinda Capital Partners and GE Energy Financial Services, a unit of General Electric Co. (NYSE:GE) that was acquired on February 12, 2016, and is now named Black Hills Gas Holdings, LLC (doing business as Black Hills Energy)
SourceGas Acquisition	On February 12, 2016, Black Hills Utility Holdings acquired SourceGas pursuant to a purchase and sale agreement executed on July 12, 2015 for approximately $1.89 billion, which included the assumption of $760 million in debt at closing.
S&P	Standard and Poor’s, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
WPSC	Wyoming Public Service Commission
WRDC	Wyodak Resources Development Corp., a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings

5

BLACK HILLS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)

(unaudited)	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenue	$	449,959		$	441,987
Operating expenses:
Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold	171,856			205,327
Operations and maintenance	107,062			93,134
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	44,407			39,002
Taxes - property, production and severance	12,117			11,936
Impairment of long-lived assets	14,496			22,036
Other operating expenses	26,431			52
Total operating expenses	376,369			371,487
Operating income (loss)	73,590			70,500
Other income (expense):
Interest charges -
Interest expense incurred (including amortization of debt issuance costs, premiums and discounts)	(32,074		)	(19,910		)
Allowance for funds used during construction - borrowed	501			158
Capitalized interest	235			276
Interest income	655			448
Allowance for funds used during construction - equity	707			56
Other income (expense), net	688			331
Total other income (expense), net	(29,288		)	(18,641		)
Income (loss) before earnings (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and income taxes	44,302			51,859
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	—			(297		)
Income tax benefit (expense)	(4,252		)	(17,712		)
Net income (loss)	40,050			33,850
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	(48		)	—
Net income (loss) available for common stock	$	40,002		$	33,850
Earnings (loss) per share of common stock:
Earnings (loss) per share, Basic	$	0.78		$	0.76
Earnings (loss) per share, Diluted	$	0.77		$	0.76
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	51,044			44,541
Diluted	51,858			44,660
Dividends declared per share of common stock	$	0.420		$	0.405

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

6

BLACK HILLS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(unaudited)	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
	(in thousands)
Net income (loss)	$	40,050		$	33,850
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Fair value adjustments on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges (net of tax (expense) benefit of $4,576 and $(1,042) for the three months ended 2016 and 2015, respectively)	(8,644		)	1,836
Reclassification adjustments for cash flow hedges settled and included in net income (loss) (net of tax (expense) benefit of $1,946 and $1,254 for the three months ended 2016 and 2015, respectively)	(3,412		)	(1,241		)
Benefit plan liability adjustments - net gain (loss) (net of tax (expense) benefit of $0 and $15 for the three months ended 2016 and 2015, respectively)	—			(27		)
Reclassification adjustments of benefit plan liability - prior service cost (net of tax (expense) benefit of $19 and $19 for the three months ended 2016 and 2015, respectively)	(36		)	(36		)
Reclassification adjustments of benefit plan liability - net gain (loss) (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(172) and $(247) for the three months ended 2016 and 2015, respectively)	322			458
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(11,770		)	990
Comprehensive income (loss)	28,280			34,840
Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest	(48		)	—
Comprehensive income (loss) available for common stock	$	28,232		$	34,840

See Note 15 for additional disclosures.

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

7

BLACK HILLS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)	As of
	March 31, 2016			December 31, 2015			March 31, 2015
	(in thousands)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	46,974		$	456,535		$	63,385
Restricted cash and equivalents	1,839			1,697			2,191
Accounts receivable, net	206,276			147,486			178,421
Materials, supplies and fuel	78,176			86,943			66,626
Derivative assets, current	1,486			—			—
Income tax receivable, net	—			368			159
Deferred income tax assets, net, current	—			—			23,913
Regulatory assets, current	54,108			57,359			56,542
Other current assets	34,287			71,763			47,448
Total current assets	423,146			822,151			438,685
Investments	12,126			11,985			17,210
Property, plant and equipment	6,063,943			4,976,778			4,652,058
Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion	(1,742,070		)	(1,717,684		)	(1,407,214		)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	4,321,873			3,259,094			3,244,844
Other assets:
Goodwill	1,306,169			359,759			353,396
Intangible assets, net	10,957			3,380			3,121
Regulatory assets, non-current	239,023			175,125			178,935
Derivative assets, non-current	85			3,441			—
Other assets, non-current	11,274			7,382			16,994
Total other assets, non-current	1,567,508			549,087			552,446
TOTAL ASSETS	$	6,324,653		$	4,642,317		$	4,253,185

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

8

BLACK HILLS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Continued)

(unaudited)	As of
	March 31, 2016			December 31, 2015			March 31, 2015
	(in thousands, except share amounts)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	121,684		$	105,468		$	88,770
Accrued liabilities	272,181			232,061			166,781
Derivative liabilities, current	3,965			2,835			3,342
Accrued income taxes, net	10,899			—			—
Regulatory liabilities, current	35,933			4,865			17,621
Notes payable	215,600			76,800			102,600
Total current liabilities	660,262			422,029			379,114
Long-term debt	3,159,055			1,853,682			1,531,372
Deferred credits and other liabilities:
Deferred income tax liabilities, net, non-current	500,202			450,579			503,117
Derivative liabilities, non-current	14,522			156			2,143
Regulatory liabilities, non-current	200,337			148,176			148,918
Benefit plan liabilities	181,270			146,459			162,334
Other deferred credits and other liabilities	124,181			155,369			154,604
Total deferred credits and other liabilities	1,020,512			900,739			971,116
Commitments and contingencies (See Notes 9, 10, 17, 18)
Redeemable non-controlling interest	4,141			—			—
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock equity —
Common stock $1 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; issued 51,477,472; 51,231,861; and 44,856,790 shares, respectively	51,477			51,232			44,857
Additional paid-in capital	960,605			953,044			749,517
Retained earnings	490,999			472,534			592,951
Treasury stock, at cost – 30,903; 39,720; and 33,755 shares, respectively	(1,573		)	(1,888		)	(1,688		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(20,825		)	(9,055		)	(14,054		)
Total stockholders’ equity	1,480,683			1,465,867			1,371,583
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	6,324,653		$	4,642,317		$	4,253,185

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

9

BLACK HILLS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
Operating activities:	(in thousands)
Net income (loss) available for common stock	$	40,002		$	33,850
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	44,407			39,002
Deferred financing cost amortization	1,666			519
Impairment of long-lived assets	14,496			22,036
Stock compensation	4,461			2,083
Deferred income taxes	32,579			14,640
Employee benefit plans	3,466			5,283
Other adjustments, net	(5,000		)	6,748
Changes in certain operating assets and liabilities:
Materials, supplies and fuel	25,822			25,689
Accounts receivable, unbilled revenues and other operating assets	27,559			13,954
Accounts payable and other operating liabilities	(68,101		)	(44,652		)
Regulatory assets - current	12,856			20,272
Regulatory liabilities - current	11,613			13,721
Other operating activities, net	(7,489		)	(1,658		)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	138,337			151,487
Investing activities:
Property, plant and equipment additions	(83,885		)	(117,523		)
Acquisition, net of long term debt assumed and cash acquired	(1,132,318		)	—
Other investing activities	(329		)	(348		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(1,216,532		)	(117,871		)
Financing activities:
Dividends paid on common stock	(21,537		)	(18,148		)
Common stock issued	7,821			999
Short-term borrowings - issuances	208,100			77,700
Short-term borrowings - repayments	(69,300		)	(50,100		)
Long-term debt - issuances	545,959			—
Other financing activities	(2,409		)	(1,900		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	668,634			8,551
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(409,561		)	42,167
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	456,535			21,218
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	46,974		$	63,385

See Note 16 for supplemental disclosure of cash flow information.

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

10

BLACK HILLS CORPORATION

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(Reference is made to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

included in the Company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K)

(1)    MANAGEMENT’S STATEMENT

The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein have been prepared by Black Hills Corporation (together with our subsidiaries the “Company,” “us,” “we,” or “our”), pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations; however, we believe that the footnotes adequately disclose the information presented. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

Segment Reporting

We conduct our operations through the following reportable segments: Electric Utilities, Gas Utilities, Power Generation, Mining and Oil and Gas. Our reportable segments are based on our method of internal reporting, which is generally segregated by differences in products, services and regulation. All of our operations and assets are located within the United States. Prior to March 31, 2016, our segments were reported within two business groups, our Utilities Group, containing the Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities segments, and our Non-regulated Energy Group, containing the Power Generation, Coal Mining and Oil and Gas segments. We have continued to report our operations consistently through our reportable segments; however we will no longer separate the segments by business group. We are a customer-focused, growth-oriented, vertically-integrated utility company. All of our non-utility business segments support our utilities, other than the Oil and Gas segment, and in 2015 we began transitioning the Oil and Gas business to support utilities through a Cost of Service Gas Program. The following changes have been made to our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income to reflect combined operations and maintenance expenses, rather than by business group as previously reported, for the three months ended March 31, 2015:

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
(in thousands)	As Previously Reported		Presentation Reclassification			As Currently Reported
Utilities - operations and maintenance	$	71,084	$	(71,084	)	$	—
Non-regulated energy operations and maintenance	$	22,050	$	(22,050	)	$	—
Operations and maintenance	$	—	$	93,134		$	93,134

This presentation reclassification did not impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Segment reporting transition of Cheyenne Light’s natural gas distribution

Effective January 1, 2016, the natural gas operations of Cheyenne Light have been included in our Gas Utilities Segment. Through December 31, 2015, Cheyenne Light’s natural gas operations were included in our Electric Utilities Segment as these natural gas operations were consolidated within Cheyenne Light since its acquisition. This change is a result of our business segment reorganization to, among other things, integrate all regulated natural gas operations, including the SourceGas Acquisition, into our Gas Utilities Segment which is led by the Group Vice President, Natural Gas Utilities. Likewise, all regulated electric utility operations, including Cheyenne Light’s electric utility operations, are reported in our Electric Utilities Segment, which is led by the Group Vice President, Electric Utilities. The prior period has been reclassified to reflect this change in presentation between the Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities segments. See Note 3 for Revenues, Net Income and Segment Assets reclassified from the Electric Utilities segment to the Gas Utilities segment for the period ending March 31, 2015. This segment reclassification did not impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

11

Use of estimates and basis of presentation

Accounting methods historically employed require certain estimates as of interim dates. The information furnished in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflects all adjustments, including accruals, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015, and March 31, 2015 financial information and are of a normal recurring nature. Certain industries in which we operate are highly seasonal, and revenue from, and certain expenses for, such operations may fluctuate significantly among quarterly periods. Demand for electricity and natural gas is sensitive to seasonal cooling, heating and industrial load requirements, as well as changes in market prices. In particular, the normal peak usage season for electric utilities is June through August while the normal peak usage season for gas utilities is November through March. Significant earnings variances can be expected between the Gas Utilities segment’s peak and off-peak seasons. Due to this seasonal nature, our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015, and our financial condition as of March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015, and March 31, 2015, are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations and financial condition to be expected as of or for any other period. All earnings per share amounts discussed refer to diluted earnings per share unless otherwise noted.

Significant Accounting Policies

Business Combinations

We record acquisitions in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, with identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed recorded at their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net tangible and net intangible assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The application of ASC 805, Business Combinations requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions in the determination of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in order to properly allocate purchase price consideration between goodwill and assets that are depreciated and amortized. Our estimates are based on historical experience, information obtained from the management of the acquired companies and, when appropriate, include assistance from independent third-party appraisal firms. Our significant assumptions and estimates can include, but are not limited to, the cash flows that an acquired entity is expected to generate in the future, the appropriate weighted-average cost of capital, and the savings expected to be derived from the business combination. These estimates are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. In addition, unanticipated events or circumstances may occur which may affect the accuracy or validity of such estimates. See Note 2 for additional detail on the accounting for our acquisition.

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards

Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, ASU 2016-09

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This ASU simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for forfeitures, income taxes, and statutory tax withholding requirements. The ASU will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adoption of ASU 2016-09 will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows, and disclosure.

Leases, ASU 2016-02

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes ASC 840, Leases. This ASU requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for all leases with terms of more than 12 months. Lessees are permitted to make an accounting policy election to not recognize the asset and liability for leases with a term of 12 months or less. The ASU does not significantly change the lessees’ recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows from the previous accounting standard. Lessors’ accounting under the ASC is largely unchanged from the previous accounting standard. In addition, the ASU expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements. Lessees and lessors will use a modified retrospective transition approach, which includes a number of practical expedients. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact that adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

12

Revenue from Contracts with Customers, ASU 2014-09

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The standard provides companies with a single model for use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific revenue guidance. The core principle of the model is to recognize revenue when control of the goods or services transfers to the customer, as opposed to recognizing revenue when the risks and rewards transfer to the customer under the existing revenue guidance. On July 9, 2015, FASB voted to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. The guidance would be effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact that adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or its Equivalent), ASU 2015-07

On May 1, 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or its Equivalent).The ASU removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient and also removes certain disclosure requirements. The new requirements were effective for us beginning January 1, 2016 and will be applied retrospectively to all periods presented, in our 2016 Form 10-K. This ASU will not materially affect our financial statements and disclosures, but will change certain presentation and disclosure of the fair value of certain plan assets in our pension and other postretirement benefit plan disclosures in our 2016 Form 10-K, for all periods presented.

Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, ASU 2015-03

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. Debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability will be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability, similar to the presentation of debt discounts, rather than as an asset. Amortization of these costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We adopted ASU 2015-03 in the first quarter of 2016 on a retrospective basis. As of March 31, 2016, we have presented the debt issuance costs, previously reported in other assets, as direct deductions from the carrying amount of long-term debt. The implementation of this standard resulted in reductions of other assets, non-current and long-term debt of $13 million and $11 million in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively. Adoption of ASU 2015-03 did not have a material impact on our financial position.

Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, ASU 2015-16

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. This ASU eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account for changes to provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date in a business combination. ASU 2015-16 requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined, including the effect of the change in the provisional amount as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The provisions of this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years and should be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date. We have implemented ASU 2015-16 as of March 31, 2016. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

13

(2)    ACQUISITION

Acquisition of SourceGas

On February 12, 2016, Black Hills Corporation acquired SourceGas, pursuant to the purchase and sale agreement executed on July 12, 2015 for approximately $1.89 billion, including the assumption of $760 million in debt at closing. The purchase price is subject to post-closing adjustments for capital expenditures, indebtedness and working capital, which will be determined and agreed to, subject to a review period.  SourceGas is a 99.5% owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation and has been renamed Black Hills Gas Holdings, LLC. Black Hills Gas Holdings primarily operates four regulated natural gas utilities serving approximately 429,000 customers in Arkansas, Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming, and a 512-mile regulated intrastate natural gas transmission pipeline in Colorado.

Cash consideration of $1.135 billion paid on February 12, 2016 to close the SourceGas Acquisition included net proceeds of approximately $536 million from the November 23, 2015 issuance of 6.325 million shares of our common stock and 5.98 million equity units, and $546 million in net proceeds from our debt offerings on January 13, 2016. We funded the cash consideration and out-of-pocket expenses payable with the SourceGas Acquisition using the proceeds listed above, cash on hand, and draws under our revolving credit facility.

In connection with the acquisition, we recorded pre-tax acquisition costs of approximately $25 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016. These costs consisted of transaction costs, professional fees, employee-related expenses and other miscellaneous costs. The costs are recorded primarily in Other operating expenses on the Condensed Consolidating Income Statements. No acquisition costs were recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Our consolidated operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2016 include revenues of $76 million and net income of $7.6 million attributable to SourceGas for the period from February 12 through March 31, 2016. SourceGas is included in our Gas Utilities reporting segment. We believe the SourceGas Acquisition enhances Black Hills Corporation’s utility growth strategy, providing greater operating scale, driving more efficient delivery of services and benefiting customers.

We accounted for the SourceGas Acquisition in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, with identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed recorded at their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. Substantially all of SourceGas’ operations are subject to the rate-setting authority of state regulatory commissions, and are accounted for in accordance with GAAP for regulated operations. SourceGas’ assets and liabilities subject to rate setting provisions provide revenues derived from costs, including a return on investment of assets and liabilities included in rate base. As such, the fair value of these assets and liabilities equal their historical net book values.

We are still determining the purchase price allocation for SourceGas. A preliminary purchase price allocation of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is included in the table below. The cash consideration paid of $1.132 billion, net of long-term debt assumed of $760 million and cash acquired of $2.5 million, resulted in a preliminary estimate of goodwill totaling $946 million. These estimates are subject to change and will likely result in an increase or decrease in goodwill, which could be material. We have up to one year from the acquisition date to finalize the purchase price allocation. Approximately $219 million of the goodwill balance is amortizable for tax purposes, relating to the partnership interests that were directly acquired in the transaction. The remainder of the goodwill balance is not amortizable for tax purposes. Goodwill generated from the acquisition reflects the benefits of increased operating scale and organic growth opportunities.

14

	(in thousands)
Preliminary Purchase Price	$	1,894,882
Less: Long-term debt assumed	(760,000		)
Consideration Paid	$	1,134,882
Preliminary Allocation of Purchase Price:
Current Assets	$	119,549
Property, plant & equipment, net	1,015,200
Goodwill	946,410
Deferred charges and other assets, excluding goodwill	136,240
Current liabilities	(172,710		)
Long-term debt	(760,000		)
Deferred credits and other liabilities	(149,807		)
Total preliminary consideration paid	$	1,134,882

Conditions of Approval

The acquisition was subject to regulatory approvals from the public utility commissions in Arkansas (APSC), Colorado (CPUC), Nebraska (NPSC), and Wyoming (WPSC). Approvals were obtained from all commissions, subject to various conditions as set forth below:

The APSC order includes a 12 month base rate moratorium, an annual $0.25 million customer credit for a term of up to five-years or until we file the next rate case, whichever comes first, and provides the Company recovery of a portion of specific labor synergies at the time of the next base rate case, as well as various other terms and reporting requirements.

The CPUC order includes a two-year base rate moratorium for our regulated transmission and wholesale natural gas provider, a three-year base rate moratorium for our regulated gas distribution utility, an annual $0.2 million customer credit for a term of up to five-years or until we file the next rate case, whichever comes first, and provides the Company recovery of a portion of specific labor synergies at the time of the next base rate case, as well as various other terms and reporting requirements.

The NPSC order includes a three-year base rate moratorium, a three-year continuation of the Choice Gas program, and provides the Company recovery of a portion of specific labor synergies at the time of the next base rate case, as well as various other terms and reporting requirements.

The WPSC order includes a three-year continuation of the Choice Gas program, as well as various other terms and reporting requirements.

All four orders also disallowed recovery of goodwill and transaction costs. Recovery of transition costs are disallowed in Arkansas, Colorado and Nebraska, however Wyoming allows for request of recovery of transition costs. Transition costs are those non-recurring costs related to the transition and integration of SourceGas. In the conditions mentioned above, the orders that include base rate moratoriums over a specified period of time do not impact our ability to adjust rates through riders or gas supply cost recovery mechanisms as allowed under the current enacted state tariffs. In certain cases, we may file for leave to increase general base rates and/or cost of sales recovery limited to material adverse changes, but only if there are changes in law or regulations or the occurrence of other extraordinary events outside of our control which result in a material adverse change in revenues, revenue requirement and/or increase in operating costs.

15

Pro Forma Results

We calculated the pro forma impact of the SourceGas Acquisition and the associated debt and equity financings on our operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015. The following pro forma results give effect to the acquisition, assuming the transaction closed on January 1, 2015:

	Pro Forma Results
	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2016		March 31, 2015
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenue	$	528,921	$	628,464
Net income (loss) available for common stock	$	66,690	$	52,041
Earnings (loss) per share, Basic	$	1.31	$	1.02
Earnings (loss) per share, Diluted	$	1.29	$	1.01

We derived the pro forma results for the SourceGas Acquisition based on historical financial information obtained from the sellers and certain management assumptions. Our pro forma adjustments relate to incremental interest expense associated with the financings to effect the transaction, and for the three months ended March 31, 2015, also include adjustments to shares outstanding to reflect the equity issuances as if they had occurred on January 1, 2015, and to reflect pro forma dilutive effects of the equity units issued. The pro forma results do not reflect any cost savings, (or associated costs to achieve such savings) from operating efficiencies or restructuring that could result from the Acquisition, and exclude any unique one-time items that are not expected to have a continuing impact on the combined consolidated results. Pro forma results for the three months ended March 31, 2016 reflect lower gas pricing than in 2015 and tax benefits realized in the first quarter of 2016, as described in Footnote 20. In addition, we calculated the tax impact of these adjustments at an estimated combined federal and state income tax rate of 37%.

These pro forma results are for illustrative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of the results that would have been obtained had the SourceGas Acquisition been completed on January 1, 2015, or that may be obtained in the future.

Seller’s non-controlling interest

One of the sellers retained 0.5% of the outstanding equity interests of SourceGas under the terms of the purchase agreement. As part of the transaction we entered into an associated option agreement with that holder of the retained interest. The terms of this agreement provide us a call option to purchase the remaining interest beginning 366 days after the initial close of the SourceGas transaction. If we choose not to exercise this option during a ninety-day period, the seller is provided a put option to sell us the retained interest.

16

(3)    BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

Segment information and Corporate activities included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) were as follows (in thousands):

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016	External Operating Revenue		Inter-company Operating Revenue			Net Income (Loss)
Segment:
Electric	$	163,531	$	3,745		$	19,215
Gas	268,667		1,806			31,975
Power Generation	1,852		21,456			8,582
Mining	7,534		8,748			2,938
Oil and Gas (a)	8,375		—			(7,024		)
Corporate activities (b)(d)	—		—			(15,684		)
Inter-company eliminations	—		(35,755		)	—
Total	$	449,959	$	—		$	40,002

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015	External Operating Revenue		Inter-company Operating Revenue			Net Income (Loss)
Segment:
Electric (c)	$	166,493	$	3,424		$	17,553
Gas (c)	254,132		—			23,588
Power Generation	1,953		20,721			8,145
Mining	8,142		7,792			3,010
Oil and Gas (a)	11,267		—			(19,115		)
Corporate activities	—		—			669
Inter-company eliminations	—		(31,937		)	—
Total	$	441,987	$	—		$	33,850

(a) Net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015 include non-cash after-tax ceiling test impairments of $8.8 million and $14 million, respectively. See Note 19 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

(b) Net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 included incremental, non-recurring acquisition costs, net of tax of $15 million and after-tax internal labor costs attributable to the acquisition of $3.8 million. See Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

(c) Effective January 1, 2016, Cheyenne Light’s natural gas utility results are reported in our Gas Utility segment. Cheyenne Light’s gas utility results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 have been reclassified from the Electric Utility segment to the Gas Utility segment. Revenue and Net Income of $16 million and $1.4 million, respectively, previously reported in the Electric Utility segment in 2015 are now included in the Gas Utility segment.

(d) Includes net income attributable to non-controlling interest of $0.1 million.

17

Segment information and Corporate balances included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands):

Total Assets (net of inter-company eliminations) as of:	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015		March 31, 2015
Segment:
Electric (a) (b)	$	2,714,450	$	2,720,004	$	2,691,822
Gas (b)	3,146,315		999,778		960,435
Power Generation (a)	74,403		60,864		75,945
Mining	73,878		76,357		77,399
Oil and Gas (c)	197,291		208,956		348,300
Corporate activities (d)	118,316		576,358		99,284
Total assets	$	6,324,653	$	4,642,317	$	4,253,185

__________

(a) The PPA under which Black Hills Colorado IPP provides generation to support Colorado Electric customers from the Pueblo Airport Generation Station is accounted for as a capital lease. As such, assets owned by our Power Generation segment are recorded at Colorado Electric under accounting for a capital lease.

(b) Effective January 1, 2016, Cheyenne Light’s natural gas utility results are reported in our Gas Utility segment. Cheyenne Light’s gas utility assets as of the three months ended March 31, 2015 have been reclassified from the Electric Utility segment to the Gas Utility segment. Assets of $135 million and $121 million, respectively, previously reported in the Electric Utility segment in 2015 are now presented in the Gas Utility segment as of December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015.

(c) As a result of continued low commodity prices during 2016 and 2015, we recorded non-cash impairments of oil and gas assets included in our Oil and Gas segment of $14 million for the for the three months ended March 31, 2016, $250 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, and $22 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. See Note 19 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

(d) Corporate assets at December 31, 2015 included approximately $440 million of cash from the November 23, 2015 equity offerings, which was used to partially fund the SourceGas acquisition on February 12, 2016.

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(4)    ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Following is a summary of Accounts receivable, net included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:

	Accounts		Unbilled		Less Allowance for			Accounts
March 31, 2016	Receivable, Trade		Revenue		Doubtful Accounts			Receivable, net
Electric Utilities	$	41,981	$	32,660	$	(772	)	$	73,869
Gas Utilities	73,259		55,014		(4,363		)	123,910
Power Generation	1,210		—		—			1,210
Mining	2,484		—		—			2,484
Oil and Gas	2,395		—		(13		)	2,382
Corporate	2,421		—		—			2,421
Total	$	123,750	$	87,674	$	(5,148	)	$	206,276

	Accounts		Unbilled		Less Allowance for			Accounts
December 31, 2015	Receivable, Trade		Revenue		Doubtful Accounts			Receivable, net
Electric Utilities (a)	$	41,679	$	35,874	$	(727	)	$	76,826
Gas Utilities (a)	30,331		32,869		(1,001		)	62,199
Power Generation	1,187		—		—			1,187
Mining	2,760		—		—			2,760
Oil and Gas	3,502		—		(13		)	3,489
Corporate	1,025		—		—			1,025
Total	$	80,484	$	68,743	$	(1,741	)	$	147,486

	Accounts		Unbilled		Less Allowance for			Accounts
March 31, 2015	Receivable, Trade		Revenue		Doubtful Accounts			Receivable, net
Electric Utilities (a)	$	49,046	$	23,088	$	(873	)	$	71,261
Gas Utilities (a)	68,068		30,237		(1,549		)	96,756
Power Generation	1,152		—		—			1,152
Mining	3,638		—		—			3,638
Oil and Gas	4,646		—		(13		)	4,633
Corporate	981		—		—			981
Total	$	127,531	$	53,325	$	(2,435	)	$	178,421

___________

(a) Effective January 1, 2016, Cheyenne Light’s natural gas utility results are reported in our Gas Utility segment. Cheyenne Light’s gas utility accounts receivable has been reclassified from the Electric Utility segment to the Gas Utility segment. Accounts receivable of $6.8 million and $6.3 million as of December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively, previously reported in the Electric Utility segment is now presented in the Gas Utility segment.

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(5)    REGULATORY ACCOUNTING

We had the following regulatory assets and liabilities (in thousands):

	Maximum	As of		As of		As of
	Amortization (in years)	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015		March 31, 2015
Regulatory assets
Deferred energy and fuel cost adjustments - current (a) (d)	1	$	24,479	$	24,751	$	30,833
Deferred gas cost adjustments (a)(d)	1	14,895		15,521		6,138
Gas price derivatives (a)	7	20,324		23,583		21,606
AFUDC (b)	45	13,677		12,870		12,114
Employee benefit plans (c) (e)	12	111,661		83,986		97,700
Environmental (a)	subject to approval	1,162		1,180		1,240
Asset retirement obligations (a)	44	487		457		3,237
Bond issue cost (a)	22	3,097		3,133		3,240
Renewable energy standard adjustment (b)	5	4,507		5,068		5,590
Flow through accounting (c)	35	30,614		29,722		26,835
Decommissioning costs (f)	10	18,134		18,310		13,702
Gas supply contract termination	5	30,613		—		—
Other regulatory assets (a)	15	19,481		13,903		13,242
		$	293,131	$	232,484	$	235,477
Regulatory liabilities
Deferred energy and gas costs (a) (d)	1	$	40,797	$	7,814	$	18,094
Employee benefit plans (c) (e)	12	63,580		47,218		53,151
Cost of removal (a)	44	123,076		90,045		81,449
Other regulatory liabilities (c)	25	8,817		7,964		13,845
		$	236,270	$	153,041	$	166,539

__________

(a) Recovery of costs, but we are not allowed a rate of return.

(b) In addition to recovery of costs, we are allowed a rate of return.

(c) In addition to recovery or repayment of costs, we are allowed a return on a portion of this amount or a reduction in rate base, respectively.

(d) Our deferred energy, fuel cost, and gas cost adjustments represent the cost of electricity and gas delivered to our electric and gas utility customers that is either higher or lower than current rates and will be recovered or refunded in future rates. Our electric and gas utilities file periodic quarterly, semi-annual, and/or annual filings to recover these costs based on the respective cost mechanisms approved by their applicable state utility commissions.

(e) Increase compared to December 31, 2015 was driven by addition of the SourceGas employee benefit plans.

(f) South Dakota Electric has approximately $13 million of decommissioning costs associated with the retirements of the Neil Simpson I and Ben French power plants that are allowed a rate of return, in addition to recovery of costs.

Gas Supply Contract Termination - Black Hills Gas Holdings had agreements under the previous ownership that required the company to purchase all of the natural gas produced over the productive life of specific leaseholds in the Bowdoin Field in Montana. The majority of these purchases were committed to distribution customers in Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming, which are subject to cost recovery mechanisms. The prices to be paid under these agreements vary, currently ranging from $6 to $8 per MMBtu, and exceed market prices. We recorded a liability for this contract in our purchase price allocation. We applied for and subsequent to March 31, 2016, we were granted approval to terminate these agreements with the NPSC, CPUC and WPSC, on the basis that these agreements are not beneficial to customers over the long term. We received written orders allowing us to create a regulatory asset for the net buyout costs associated with the contract termination, and recover the majority of costs from customers over a five year period. We settled the liability on April 29, 2016. See Note 22.

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(6)    MATERIALS, SUPPLIES AND FUEL

The following amounts by major classification are included in Materials, supplies and fuel in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015		March 31, 2015
Materials and supplies	$	66,542	$	55,726	$	52,429
Fuel - Electric Utilities	5,365		5,567		6,780
Natural gas in storage held for distribution	6,269		25,650		7,417
Total materials, supplies and fuel	$	78,176	$	86,943	$	66,626

(7)    GOODWILL & INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Following is a summary of Goodwill included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):

	Electric Utilities (b)		Gas Utilities (b)		Power Generation		Total
Ending balance at December 31, 2015	$	250,487	$	100,507	$	8,765	$	359,759
Acquisition of SourceGas (a)	—		946,410		—		946,410
Ending balance at March 31, 2016	$	250,487	$	1,046,917	$	8,765	$	1,306,169

__________

(a) Represents preliminary goodwill recorded with the acquisition of SourceGas. See Note 2 for more information.

(b) Goodwill of $6.3 million is now presented in the Gas Utilities segment as a result of the inclusion of Cheyenne Light’s Gas operations in the Gas Utility segment, previously reported in the Electric Utilities segment. See Note 1 for additional details.

Following is a summary of Intangible assets included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):

Intangible assets, net beginning balance December 31, 2015	$	3,380
Additions, net (a)	7,734
Amortization expense	(157		)
Intangible assets, net, ending balance at March 31, 2016	$	10,957

__________

(a) Intangible assets, net acquired from SourceGas are primarily trademarks and tradenames, and are amortized over 5-year estimated useful lives. See Note 2 for more information.

(8)    EARNINGS PER SHARE

A reconciliation of share amounts used to compute Earnings (loss) per share in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
Net income (loss) available for common stock	$	40,002	$	33,850
Weighted average shares - basic	51,044		44,541
Dilutive effect of:
Equity Units (a)	720		—
Equity compensation	94		119
Weighted average shares - diluted	51,858		44,660

__________

(a) Calculated using the treasury stock method.

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The following outstanding securities were excluded in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016	2015
Equity compensation	74	107
Anti-dilutive shares	74	107

(9)    NOTES PAYABLE

We had the following short-term debt outstanding in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015				March 31, 2015
	Balance Outstanding		Letters of Credit		Balance Outstanding		Letters of Credit		Balance Outstanding		Letters of Credit
Revolving Credit Facility	$	215,600	$	24,000	$	76,800	$	33,399	$	102,600	$	22,300

Revolving Credit Facility

On June 26, 2015, we amended our $500 million corporate Revolving Credit Facility agreement to extend the term through June 26, 2020. This facility is similar to the former agreement, which includes an accordion feature that allows us, with the consent of the administrative agent and issuing agents, to increase the capacity of the facility to $750 million. Borrowings continue to be available under a base rate or various Eurodollar rate options. The interest costs associated with the letters of credit or borrowings and the commitment fee under the Revolving Credit Facility are determined based upon our most favorable Corporate credit rating from S&P and/or Moody’s for our unsecured debt. Based on our credit ratings, the margins for base rate borrowings, Eurodollar borrowings, and letters of credit were 0.125%, 1.125%, and 1.125%, respectively, at March 31, 2016. A commitment fee is charged on the unused amount of the Revolving Credit Facility and was 0.175% based on our credit rating.

Debt Financial Covenants

On February 12, 2016, in connection with the SourceGas Acquisition discussed in Note 2, our Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan credit agreements were amended to permit the assumption of certain indebtedness of SourceGas and to increase the Recourse Leverage Ratio, and we amended and restated SourceGas’s $340 million term loan due June 30, 2017. On February 12, 2016, the maximum Recourse Leverage Ratio increased to 0.75 to 1.00 for the next four fiscal quarters; it was previously 0.65 to 1.00. Additionally, covenants within Black Hills Gas Holdings financing agreements require Black Hills Gas Holdings to maintain a consolidated debt to capitalization ratio of no more than 0.75 to 1.00.

Except as provided above, our Revolving Credit Facility, our Term Loan and the SourceGas term loan require compliance with the following financial covenant at the end of each quarter:

	As of March 31, 2016	Covenant Requirement
Recourse Leverage Ratio	71%	Less than	75%

As of March 31, 2016, we were in compliance with this covenant.

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(10)    LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt was as follows (dollars in thousands):

	Interest Rate at
	March 31, 2016	March 31, 2016			December 31, 2015			March 31, 2015
Corporate
Remarketable junior subordinated notes due November 1, 2028	3.50%	$	299,000		$	299,000		$	—
Senior unsecured notes due January 15, 2026	3.95%	300,000			—			—
Unamortized discount on Senior unsecured notes due 2026		(892		)	—			—
Senior unsecured notes due November 30, 2023	4.25%	525,000			525,000			525,000
Unamortized discount on Senior unsecured notes due 2023		(1,822		)	(1,890		)	(2,095		)
Senior unsecured notes due July 15, 2020	5.88%	200,000			200,000			200,000
Senior unsecured notes due January 11, 2019	2.50%	250,000			—			—
Unamortized discount on Senior unsecured notes due 2019		(282		)	—			—
Corporate term loan due June 30, 2017 (a) (b)	1.38%	340,000			—			—
Corporate term loan due April 12, 2017 (b)	1.40%	300,000			300,000			—
Corporate term loan due June 19, 2015 (b)	1.31%	—			—			275,000
Total Corporate Debt		2,211,004			1,322,110			997,905
Gas Utilities
Senior secured notes due September 29, 2019 (a) (e)	3.98%	95,000			—			—
Senior unsecured notes due April 1, 2017 (a)	5.90%	325,000			—			—
Unamortized discount on Senior unsecured notes due 2017		(103		)	—			—
		419,897			—			—
Electric Utilities
First Mortgage Bonds due October 20, 2044	4.43%	85,000			85,000			85,000
First Mortgage Bonds due October 20, 2044	4.53%	75,000			75,000			75,000
First Mortgage Bonds due August 15, 2032	7.23%	75,000			75,000			75,000
First Mortgage Bonds due November 1, 2039	6.13%	180,000			180,000			180,000
Unamortized discount on First Mortgage Bonds due 2039		(97		)	(99		)	(102		)
First Mortgage Bonds due November 20, 2037	6.67%	110,000			110,000			110,000
Industrial development revenue bonds due September 1, 2021 (c)	0.45%	7,000			7,000			7,000
Industrial development revenue bonds due March 1, 2027 (c)	0.47%	10,000			10,000			10,000
Series 94A Debt, variable rate due June 1, 2024 (c)	0.85%	2,855			2,855			2,855
Total Electric Utilities Debt		544,758			544,756			544,753
Total long-term debt		3,175,659			1,866,866			1,542,658
Less current maturities		—			—			—
Less deferred financing costs (d)		(16,604		)	(13,184		)	(11,286		)
Long-term debt, net of current maturities		$	3,159,055		$	1,853,682		$	1,531,372

_______________

(a) Long-term debt assumed with the SourceGas Acquisition.

(b) Variable interest rate, based on LIBOR plus a spread.

(c) Variable interest rate.

(d) Includes deferred financing costs associated with our Revolving Credit Facility of $1.6 million, $1.7 million and $1.6 million as of March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively.

(e) Currently unsecured, required to be ratably secured if Black Hills Gas Holdings incurs other secured indebtedness.

23

Scheduled maturities of long-term debt, excluding amortization of premiums or discounts, for future years are (in thousands):

2016	$	—
2017	$	965,000
2018	$	—
2019	$	345,000
2020	$	200,000
Thereafter	$	1,668,855

Our debt securities contain certain restrictive financial covenants, all of which the Company and its subsidiaries were in compliance with at March 31, 2016.

Debt Transactions

On January 13, 2016, we completed a public debt offering of $550 million in senior unsecured notes. The debt offering consisted of $300 million of 3.95%, 10-year senior notes due 2026, and $250 million of 2.50%, 3-year senior notes due 2019. After discounts and underwriter fees, net proceeds from the offering totaled $546 million and were used as funding for the SourceGas Acquisition. The discounts will be amortized over the life of each respective note.

Assumption of Long-Term Debt

At the closing of the SourceGas Acquisition on February 12, 2016, we assumed $760 million in long-term debt, consisting of the following:

• $325 million, 5.9% senior unsecured notes with an original issue date of April 16, 2007 due April 1, 2017.

• $95 million, 3.98% senior secured notes with an original issue date of September 29, 2014 due September 29, 2019.

• $340 million unsecured corporate term loan due June 30, 2017. Interest expense under this term loan is LIBOR plus a margin of 0.875%.

(11)    EQUITY

A summary of the changes in equity is as follows:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016	Total Stockholders’ Equity
	(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	1,465,867
Net income (loss) available for common stock	40,002
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(11,770		)
Dividends on common stock	(21,543		)
Share-based compensation	561
Issuance of common stock	6,824
Dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan	755
Other stock transactions	(13		)
Balance at March 31, 2016	$	1,480,683

24

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015	Total Stockholders’ Equity
	(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	1,353,884
Net income (loss) available for common stock	33,850
Other comprehensive income	990
Dividends on common stock	(18,148		)
Share-based compensation	209
Issuance of common stock	—
Dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan	798
Other stock transactions	—
Balance at March 31, 2015	$	1,371,583

At-the-Market Equity Offering Program

On March 18, 2016, we implemented an at-the-market equity offering program allowing us to sell shares of our common stock with an aggregate value of up to $200 million. The shares may be offered from time to time pursuant to a sales agreement dated March 18, 2016. Shares of common stock are offered pursuant to our shelf registration statement filed with the SEC. We have issued 121,000 common shares for $7.0 million, net of $0.1 million in fees and issuance costs with settlement dates through March 31, 2016 under the ATM equity offering program. Additionally, 140,000 shares for net proceeds of $8.4 million have been offered, but were not yet settled as of March 31, 2016.

(12)    RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

Our activities in the regulated and non-regulated energy sectors expose us to a number of risks in the normal operation of our businesses. Depending on the activity, we are exposed to varying degrees of market risk and credit risk. To manage and mitigate these identified risks, we have adopted the Black Hills Corporation Risk Policies and Procedures as discussed in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Market Risk

Market risk is the potential loss that might occur as a result of an adverse change in market price or rate. We are exposed to the following market risks including, but not limited to:

• Commodity price risk associated with our natural long position in crude oil and natural gas reserves and production; and our fuel procurement for certain of our gas-fired generation assets; and

• Interest rate risk associated with our variable-rate debt and anticipated future refinancings.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss resulting from non-performance of contractual obligations by a counterparty.

For production and generation activities, we attempt to mitigate our credit exposure by conducting business primarily with high credit quality entities, setting tenor and credit limits commensurate with counterparty financial strength, obtaining master netting agreements, and mitigating credit exposure with less creditworthy counterparties through parental guarantees, prepayments, letters of credit, and other security agreements.

We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and adjust credit limits based on payment history and the customer’s current creditworthiness, as determined by review of their current credit information. We maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon historical experience and any specific customer collection issue that is identified.

Our derivative and hedging activities recorded in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) are detailed below and in Note 13.

25

Oil and Gas

We produce natural gas, NGLs and crude oil through our exploration and production activities. Our natural long positions, or unhedged open positions, result in commodity price risk and variability to our cash flows.

To mitigate commodity price risk and preserve cash flows, we primarily use exchange traded futures and related options to hedge portions of our crude oil and natural gas production. We elect hedge accounting on these instruments. These transactions were designated at inception as cash flow hedges, documented under accounting standards for derivatives and hedging, and initially met prospective effectiveness testing. Effectiveness of our hedging position is evaluated at least quarterly.

The derivatives were marked to fair value and were recorded as Derivative assets or Derivative liabilities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of balance sheet offsetting as permitted by GAAP. The effective portion of the gain or loss on these derivatives for which we have elected cash flow hedge accounting is reported in AOCI in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the ineffective portion, if any, is reported in Revenue in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

The contract or notional amounts, terms of our commodity derivatives, and the derivative balances for our Oil and Gas segment reflected on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (dollars in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015				March 31, 2015
	Crude Oil Futures, Swaps and Options		Natural Gas Futures and Swaps		Crude Oil Futures, Swaps and Options		Natural Gas Futures and Swaps		Crude Oil Futures, Swaps and Options		Natural Gas Futures and Swaps
Notional (a)	159,000		3,447,500		198,000		4,392,500		305,000		5,367,500
Maximum terms in months (b)	1		1		1		1		1		1
Derivative assets, current	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets, non-current	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Derivative liabilities, current	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Derivative liabilities, non-current	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

__________

(a) Crude oil in Bbls, natural gas in MMBtus.

(b) Refers to the tenor of the derivative instrument. Assets and liabilities are classified as current/non-current based on the production month hedged and the corresponding settlement of the derivative instrument.

Based on March 31, 2016 prices, a $7.6 million gain would be realized, reported in pre-tax earnings and reclassified from AOCI during the next 12 months. Estimated and actual realized gains or losses will change during future periods as market prices fluctuate.

Utilities

The operations of our utilities, including natural gas sold by our Gas Utilities and natural gas used for Electric Utility generation plants or those plants under PPAs where our Electric Utilities must provide the generation fuel (tolling agreements), expose our utility customers to volatility in natural gas prices. Therefore, as allowed or required by state utility commissions, we have entered into commission approved hedging programs utilizing natural gas futures, options, fixed to float swaps and basis swaps to reduce our customers’ underlying exposure to these fluctuations. These transactions are considered derivatives, and in accordance with accounting standards for derivatives and hedging, mark-to-market adjustments are recorded as Derivative assets or Derivative liabilities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of balance sheet offsetting as permitted by GAAP.

For our regulated utilities’ hedging plans, unrealized and realized gains and losses, as well as option premiums and commissions on these transactions are recorded as Regulatory assets or Regulatory liabilities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with state commission guidelines. When the related costs are recovered through our rates, the hedging activity is recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss), or the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

26

For hedging activities associated with our retail marketing operations, the effective portion of the gain or loss on these derivatives for which we have elected cash flow hedge accounting is reported in AOCI in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the ineffective portion, if any, is reported in Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

The contract or notional amounts and terms of the natural gas derivative commodity instruments held at our Utilities were as follows, as of:

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015		March 31, 2015
	Notional (MMBtus)	Maximum Term (months) (a)	Notional (MMBtus)	Maximum Term (months) (a)	Notional (MMBtus)	Maximum Term (months) (a)
Natural gas futures purchased	18,270,000	57	20,580,000	60	17,280,000	69
Natural gas options purchased	990,000	21	2,620,000	3	1,320,000	12
Natural gas basis swaps purchased	16,810,000	57	18,150,000	60	15,735,000	57
Natural gas fixed for float swaps purchased (b)	2,374,000	23	—	0	—	0
Natural gas fixed for float swaps sold (b)	816,989	15	—	0	—	0
Natural gas physical purchases	2,948,250	12	—	0	—	0
Natural gas physical sales	813,200	11	—	0	—	0

__________

(a) Term reflects the maximum forward period hedged.

(b) 1,109,500 MMBtus and 112,500 MMBtus were designated as cash flow hedges for the natural gas swaps purchased and sold, respectively.

We had the following derivative balances related to the hedges in our Utilities reflected in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of (in thousands):

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015		March 31, 2015
Derivative assets, current	$	1,486	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets, non-current	$	85	$	—	$	—
Derivative liabilities, current	$	1,675	$	—	$	—
Derivative liabilities, non-current	$	44	$	—	$	—
Net unrealized (gain) loss included in Regulatory assets or Regulatory liabilities	$	20,324	$	23,578	$	21,606

27

Financing Activities

We entered into pay fixed interest rate swap agreements to reduce our exposure to interest rate fluctuations associated with our floating rate debt obligations and anticipated debt refinancings. The contract or notional amounts, terms of our interest rate swaps and the interest rate swaps balances reflected on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (dollars in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2016									December 31, 2015						March 31, 2015
	Interest Rate Swaps (a)			Interest Rate Swaps (a)			Interest Rate Swaps (b)			Interest Rate Swaps (a)			Interest Rate Swaps (b)			Interest Rate Swaps (b)
Notional	$	150,000		$	250,000		$	75,000		$	250,000		$	75,000		$	75,000
Weighted average fixed interest rate	2.09		%	2.29		%	4.97		%	2.29		%	4.97		%	4.97		%
Maximum terms in years	1.08			1.08			0.75			1.33			1.00			1.75
Derivative assets, non-current	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	3,441		$	—		$	—
Derivative liabilities, current	$	—		$	—		$	2,290		$	—		$	2,835		$	3,342
Derivative liabilities, non-current	$	3,785		$	10,693		$	—		$	—		$	156		$	2,143

__________

(a) These swaps are designated as cash flow hedges of anticipated debt refinancings.

(b) These swaps are designated to borrowings on our Revolving Credit Facility and are priced using three-month LIBOR, matching the floating portion of the related borrowings.

Based on March 31, 2016market interest rates and balances related to our interest rate swaps, a loss of approximately$2.3 millionwould be realized, reported in pre-tax earnings and reclassified from AOCI during the next 12 months.Estimated and actual realized gains or losses will change during future periods as market interest rates change.

Cash Flow Hedges

The impacts of cash flow hedges on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) were as follows (in thousands):

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCI Derivative (Effective Portion)			Location of Reclassifications from AOCI into Income	Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Settlements)		Location of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
Interest rate swaps	$	(15,047	)	Interest expense	$	1,709		$	—
Commodity derivatives	1,589			Revenue	3,592			—
Commodity derivatives	238			Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold	57		Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold	—
Total	$	(13,220	)		$	5,358		$	—

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCI Derivative (Effective Portion)			Location of Reclassifications from AOCI into Income	Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Settlements)			Location of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
Interest rate swaps	$	(886	)	Interest expense	$	1,437			$	—
Commodity derivatives	3,764			Revenue	(3,932		)		—
Total	$	2,878			$	(2,495	)		$	—

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(13)    FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Derivative Financial Instruments

The accounting guidance for fair value measurements requires certain disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. This guidance establishes a hierarchical framework for disclosing the observability of the inputs utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value. Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. We record transfers, if necessary, between levels at the end of the reporting period for all of our financial instruments. For additional information see Notes 1, 8, 9 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

Transfers into Level 3, if any, occur when significant inputs used to value the derivative instruments become less observable such as a significant decrease in the frequency and volume in which the instrument is traded, negatively impacting the availability of observable pricing inputs. Transfers out of Level 3, if any, occur when the significant inputs become more observable, such as when the time between the valuation date and the delivery date of a transaction becomes shorter, positively impacting the availability of observable pricing inputs.

Valuation Methodologies for Derivatives

Oil and Gas Segment:

• The commodity contracts for our Oil and Gas segment are valued using the market approach and include exchange-traded futures and basis swaps. Fair value was derived using exchange quoted settlement prices from third party brokers for similar instruments as to quantity and timing. The prices are then validated through third-party sources and therefore support Level 2 disclosure.

Utilities Segments:

• The commodity contracts for our Utilities Segments, valued using the market approach, include exchange-traded futures, options, basis swaps and over-the-counter swaps (Level 2) for natural gas contracts. For exchange-traded futures, options and basis swap assets and liabilities, fair value was derived using broker quotes validated by the exchange settlement pricing for the applicable contract. For over-the-counter swaps, the fair value is obtained by utilizing a nationally recognized service that obtains observable inputs to compute the fair value, which we validate by comparing our valuation with the counterparty on a daily basis. The fair value of these swaps include a CVA component based on the credit spreads of the counterparties when we are in an unrealized gain position or on our own credit spread when we are in an unrealized loss position.

Corporate Activities:

• The interest rate swaps are valued using the market approach. We establish fair value by obtaining price quotes directly from the counterparty which are based on the floating three-month LIBOR curve for the term of the contract. The fair value obtained from the counterparty is then validated by utilizing a nationally recognized service that obtains observable inputs to compute fair value for the same instrument. In addition, the fair value for the interest rate swap derivatives includes a CVA component. The CVA considers the fair value of the interest rate swap and the probability of default based on the life of the contract. For the probability of a default component, we utilize observable inputs supporting a Level 2 disclosure by using the credit default spread of the obligor, if available, or a generic credit default spread curve that takes into account our credit ratings, and the credit rating of our counterparty.

29

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

There have been no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 derivative balances. Amounts included in cash collateral and counterparty netting in the following tables represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements that allow us to settle positive and negative positions, netting of asset and liability positions permitted in accordance with accounting standards for offsetting as well as cash collateral posted with the same counterparties.

The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy are gross assets and gross liabilities and related offsetting cash collateral and counterparty netting as permitted by GAAP that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis for derivative instruments.

	As of March 31, 2016
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Cash Collateral and Counterparty Netting			Total
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas
Options -- Oil	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Basis Swaps -- Oil	—		4,668		—		(4,668		)	—
Options -- Gas	—		—		—		—			—
Basis Swaps -- Gas	—		3,761		—		(3,761		)	—
Commodity derivatives — Utilities	—		3,070		—		(1,499		)	1,571
Interest Rate Swaps	—		—		—		—			—
Total	$	—	$	11,499	$	—	$	(9,928	)	$	1,571
Liabilities:
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas
Options -- Oil	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Basis Swaps -- Oil	—		—		—		—			—
Options -- Gas	—		—		—		—			—
Basis Swaps -- Gas	—		250		—		(250		)	—
Commodity derivatives — Utilities	—		23,428		—		(21,709		)	1,719
Interest rate swaps	—		16,768		—		—			16,768
Total	$	—	$	40,446	$	—	$	(21,959	)	$	18,487

30

	As of December 31, 2015
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Cash Collateral and Counterparty Netting			Total
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas
Options -- Oil	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Basis Swaps -- Oil	—		6,309		—		(6,309		)	—
Options -- Gas	—		—		—		—			—
Basis Swaps -- Gas	—		4,335		—		(4,335		)	—
Commodity derivatives —Utilities	—		2,293		—		(2,293		)	—
Interest Rate Swaps	—		3,441		—		—			3,441
Total	$	—	$	16,378	$	—	$	(12,937	)	$	3,441
Liabilities:
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas
Options -- Oil	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Basis Swaps -- Oil	—		—		—		—			—
Options -- Gas	—		—		—		—			—
Basis Swaps -- Gas	—		556		—		(556		)	—
Commodity derivatives — Utilities	—		24,585		—		(24,585		)	—
Interest rate swaps	—		2,991		—		—			2,991
Total	$	—	$	28,132	$	—	$	(25,141	)	$	2,991

	As of March 31, 2015
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Cash Collateral and Counterparty Netting			Total
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas
Options -- Oil	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Basis Swaps -- Oil	—		8,096		—		(8,096		)	—
Options -- Gas	—		—		—		—			—
Basis Swaps -- Gas	—		6,526		—		(6,526		)	—
Commodity derivatives — Utilities	—		1,184		—		(1,184		)	—
Interest Rate Swaps	—		—		—		—			—
Total	$	—	$	15,806	$	—	$	(15,806	)	$	—
Liabilities:
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas
Options -- Oil	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Basis Swaps -- Oil	—		2		—		(2		)	—
Options -- Gas	—		—		—		—			—
Basis Swaps -- Gas	—		256		—		(256		)	—
Commodity derivatives — Utilities	—		22,002		—		(22,002		)	—
Interest rate swaps	—		5,485		—		—			5,485
Total	$	—	$	27,745	$	—	$	(22,260	)	$	5,485

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Fair Value Measures by Balance Sheet Classification

As required by accounting standards for derivatives and hedges, fair values within the following tables are presented on a gross basis aside from the netting of asset and liability positions permitted in accordance with accounting standards for offsetting and under terms of our master netting agreements and the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements that allow us to settle positive and negative positions. However, the amounts do not include net cash collateral on deposit in margin accounts at March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015, and March 31, 2015, to collateralize certain financial instruments, which are included in Derivative assets and/or Derivative liabilities. Therefore, the balances are not indicative of either our actual credit exposure or net economic exposure. Additionally, the amounts below will not agree with the amounts presented on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, nor will they correspond to the fair value measurements presented in Note 12.

The following tables present the fair value and balance sheet classification of our derivative instruments (in thousands):

As of March 31, 2016
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value of Asset Derivatives		Fair Value of Liability Derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedges:
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — current	$	7,986	$	—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — non-current	607		—
Interest rate swaps	Derivative assets — non-current	—		—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — current	—		982
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		71
Interest rate swaps	Derivative liabilities — current	—		2,290
Interest rate swaps	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		14,478
Total derivatives designated as hedges		$	8,593	$	17,821
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — current	$	1,326	$	—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — non-current	79		—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — current	—		9,117
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		12,009
Total derivatives not designated as hedges		$	1,405	$	21,126

As of December 31, 2015
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value of Asset Derivatives		Fair Value of Liability Derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedges:
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — current	$	9,981	$	—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — non-current	663		—
Interest rate swaps	Derivative assets — non-current	3,441		—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — current	—		465
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		91
Interest rate swaps	Derivative liabilities — current	—		2,835
Interest rate swaps	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		156
Total derivatives designated as hedges		$	14,085	$	3,547
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — current	$	—	$	—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — non-current	—		—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — current	—		9,586
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		12,706
Total derivatives not designated as hedges		$	—	$	22,292

32

As of March 31, 2015
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value of Asset Derivatives		Fair Value of Liability Derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedges:
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — current	$	9,989	$	—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — non-current	4,633		—
Interest rate swaps	Derivative assets — non-current	—		—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — current	—		126
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		132
Interest rate swaps	Derivative liabilities — current	—		3,342
Interest rate swaps	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		2,143
Total derivatives designated as hedges		$	14,622	$	5,743
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — current	$	—	$	—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — non-current	—		—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — current	—		7,530
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		13,288
Total derivatives not designated as hedges		$	—	$	20,818

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(14)    FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The estimated fair values of our financial instruments, excluding derivatives which are presented in Note 13, were as follows (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015				March 31, 2015
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Cash and cash equivalents (a)	$	46,974	$	46,974	$	456,535	$	456,535	$	63,385	$	63,385
Restricted cash and equivalents (a)	$	1,839	$	1,839	$	1,697	$	1,697	$	2,191	$	2,191
Notes payable (a)	$	215,600	$	215,600	$	76,800	$	76,800	$	102,600	$	102,600
Long-term debt, including current maturities (b)	$	3,159,055	$	3,392,652	$	1,853,682	$	1,992,274	$	1,531,372	$	1,767,113

__________

(a) Carrying value approximates fair value due to either the short-term length of maturity or variable interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates, and therefore is classified in Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

(b) Long-term debt is valued based on observable inputs available either directly or indirectly for similar liabilities in active markets and therefore is classified in Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

(15) OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The components of the reclassification adjustments, net of tax, included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the periods were as follows (in thousands):

	Location on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)	Amount Reclassified from AOCI
		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2016			March 31, 2015
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	Interest expense	$	(1,709	)	$	1,437
Commodity contracts	Revenue	(3,592		)	(3,932		)
Commodity contracts	Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold	(57		)	—
		(5,358		)	(2,495		)
Income tax	Income tax benefit (expense)	1,946			1,254
Reclassification adjustments related to cash flow hedges, net of tax		$	(3,412	)	$	(1,241	)
Amortization of defined benefit plans:
Prior service cost	Operations and maintenance	$	(55	)	$	(55	)
Actuarial gain (loss)	Operations and maintenance	494			705
		439			650
Income tax	Income tax benefit (expense)	(153		)	(228		)
Reclassification adjustments related to defined benefit plans, net of tax		$	286		$	422

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Balances by classification included within Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):

	Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges			Employee Benefit Plans			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	5,093		$	(20,137	)	$	(15,044	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	595			395			990
Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	5,688		$	(19,742	)	$	(14,054	)
Balance as of December 31, 2015	$	6,725		$	(15,780	)	$	(9,055	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(12,056		)	286			(11,770		)
Balance as of March 31, 2016	$	(5,331	)	$	(15,494	)	$	(20,825	)

(16)    SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Three months ended	March 31, 2016			March 31, 2015
	(in thousands)
Non-cash investing and financing activities from continuing operations—
Property, plant and equipment acquired with accrued liabilities	$	30,260		$	33,534
Cash (paid) refunded during the period for continuing operations—
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)	$	(15,528	)	$	(10,909	)
Income taxes, net	$	—		$	(2	)

(17)    EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

On February 12, 2016, as disclosed in Note 2, we completed the acquisition of SourceGas, adding an additional defined benefit pension plan, two additional non-pension defined benefit postretirement plans and a 401K retirement savings plan to cover employees of the utilities acquired. Benefits under these plans are determined based on each employee’s compensation, years of service, and/or age at retirement.

In accordance with ASC 715, the SourceGas benefit liabilities were re-measured as of February 11, 2016. In addition, prior service costs not previously expensed were reclassified to a regulated asset account and will be amortized over the average remaining service life of the plans.

Amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet upon the February 12, 2016 acquisition are (in thousands):

	Defined Benefit Pension Plan		Non-Pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans
Unfunded postretirement benefit obligation	$	22,187	$	11,751

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Defined Benefit Pension Plans

We have three defined benefit pension plans for certain eligible employees consisting of the Black Hills Corporation pension plan, Black Hills Utility Holdings’ pension plan and the SourceGas retirement plan. The benefits for the pension plans are based on years of service and calculations of average earnings during a specific time period prior to retirement. All Pension Plans have been closed to new employees and frozen for certain employees who did not meet age and service based criteria.

Beginning in 2016, we changed the method used to estimate the service and interest cost components of the net periodic pension, supplemental non-qualified defined benefit and other postretirement benefit costs. The new method uses the spot yield curve approach to estimate the service and interest costs by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used to determine the benefit obligations to relevant projected cash outflows. Previously, those costs were determined using a single weighted-average discount rate. The change does not affect the measurement of the total benefit obligations as the change in service and interest costs offsets the actuarial gains and losses recorded in other comprehensive income. The new method provides a more precise measure of interest and service costs by improving the correlation between the projected benefit cash flows and the discrete spot yield curve rates. We accounted for this change as a change in estimate prospectively beginning in the first quarter of 2016. The discount rates used to measure the 2016 interest costs are 3.827%, 3.817% and 3.284% for pension, supplemental non-qualified defined benefit and other postretirement benefit costs, respectively. The previous method would have used a discount rate for both service and interest costs of 4.575% for pension, 4.500% for supplemental non-qualified defined benefit and 4.165% for other postretirement benefit costs. The decrease in the 2016 service and interest costs is approximately $2.8 million, $0.3 million and $0.4 million for the pension, supplemental non-qualified defined benefit and other postretirement benefit costs, respectively, as compared to the previous method.

In connection with the acquisition related re-measurement of the SourceGas benefit plans we adopted the spot yield curve method, referenced above. The discount rates used to measure the 2016 interest costs are 3.690% for pension and 3.319% for other post retirement costs.

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Defined Benefit Pension Plans were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
Service cost	$	2,078		$	1,494
Interest cost	3,936			3,880
Expected return on plan assets	(5,765		)	(4,867		)
Prior service cost	15			15
Net loss (gain)	1,793			2,759
Net periodic benefit cost	$	2,057		$	3,281

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Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans

With the addition of the two SourceGas Postretirement Healthcare Plans, BHC now sponsors five retiree healthcare plans (Healthcare Plans) for employees who meet certain age and service requirements at retirement. Healthcare Plan benefits are subject to premiums, deductibles, co-payment provisions and other limitations. A portion of the Healthcare Plans is pre-funded via VEBAs. Effective January 1, 2014, health care coverage for Medicare-eligible retirees is provided through an individual market health care exchange for BHC and Black Hills Utility Holdings retirees. SourceGas retirees do not participate in the individual market health care exchange; therefore, all permissible health claims are paid under the self-insured plan.

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
Service cost	$	467		$	464
Interest cost	485			450
Expected return on plan assets	(70		)	(33		)
Prior service cost (benefit)	(107		)	(107		)
Net loss (gain)	84			102
Net periodic benefit cost	$	859		$	876

Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
Service cost	$	29	$	491
Interest cost	314		364
Prior service cost	—		1
Net loss (gain)	207		270
Net periodic benefit cost	$	550	$	1,126

Contributions

We anticipate that we will make contributions to the benefit plans in 2016 and 2017. Contributions to the Defined Benefit Pension Plans are cash contributions made directly to the Pension Plan Trust accounts. Contributions to the Healthcare and Supplemental Plans are made in the form of benefit payments. Contributions and anticipated contributions are as follows (in thousands):

	Contributions Made		Additional Contributions		Contributions
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016		Anticipated for 2016		Anticipated for 2017
Defined Benefit Pension Plans	$	—	$	10,200	$	10,200
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans	$	1,192	$	3,576	$	4,744
Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans	$	392	$	1,176	$	1,627

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(18)    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

There have been no significant changes to commitments and contingencies from those previously disclosed in Note 18 of our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K except for those described below and in Notes 2 and 21.

Gas Supply Agreements

Acquired Utilities

In connection with the SourceGas Acquisition (see Note 2), we assumed various commitments relating to natural gas supply and transportation commitments and lease commitments, as summarized below (in thousands):

	2016		2017		2018		2019		2020		Thereafter		Total
Future minimum payments
Pipeline capacity obligations	$	37,062	$	45,248	$	44,434	$	40,636	$	40,636	$	192,651	$	400,667
Facilities and equipment	1,755		2,216		2,207		1,676		1,359		3,326		12,539
Total	$	38,817	$	47,464	$	46,641	$	42,312	$	41,995	$	195,977	$	413,206

Build Transfer Agreement

On November 2, 2015, Colorado Electric executed a build-transfer agreement with Invenergy Wind Development Colorado, LLC to purchase the 60 MW, $109 million Peak View Wind Project. Peak View will be built by Invenergy Wind Development Colorado, LLC approximately 30 miles south of Pueblo, Colorado, in Huerfano and Las Animas counties. The estimated cost of $109 million includes taxes, transmission infrastructure and interconnection costs. Construction started in February of 2016 and is expected to be completed in late 2016. Under the build transfer agreement, Colorado Electric makes progress payments, which started in late 2015, and continue through completion of the project. Ownership of Peak View will transfer to Colorado Electric prior to commercial operation and will be operated as a utility-owned asset. BHC has guaranteed the full and complete payment and performance on behalf of Colorado Electric. At March 31, 2016, BHC’s guarantee was approximately $85 million. The guarantee terminates at the earlier of 1) when BHC or Colorado Electric has paid and performed all guaranteed obligations, or 2) the second anniversary of the closing date. The balance of the guarantee decreases as progress payments are made.

Dividend Restrictions

Our Revolving Credit Facility and other debt obligations contain restrictions on the payment of cash dividends upon a default or event of default. As of March 31, 2016, we were in compliance with the debt covenants.

Due to our holding company structure, substantially all of our operating cash flows are provided by dividends paid or distributions made by our subsidiaries. The cash to pay dividends to our stockholders is derived from these cash flows. As a result, certain statutory limitations or regulatory or financing agreements could affect the levels of distributions allowed to be made by our subsidiaries. The following restrictions on distributions from our subsidiaries existed at March 31, 2016:

• Our utilities are generally limited to the amount of dividends allowed to be paid to us as a utility holding company under the Federal Power Act and settlement agreements with state regulatory jurisdictions and financing agreements. As of March 31, 2016, the restricted net assets at our Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities were approximately $257 million.

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(19)    IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS

Long-lived Assets

Our Oil and Gas segment accounts for oil and gas activities under the full cost method of accounting. Under the full cost method, all productive and non-productive costs related to acquisition, exploration, development, abandonment and reclamation activities are capitalized. These capitalized costs, less accumulated amortization and related deferred income taxes, are subject to a ceiling test which limits the pooled costs to the aggregate of the discounted value of future net revenue attributable to proved natural gas and crude oil reserves using a discount rate defined by the SEC plus the lower of cost or market value of unevaluated properties. Any costs in excess of the ceiling are written off as a non-cash charge.

In determining the ceiling value of our assets under the full cost accounting rules of the SEC, we utilized the average of the quoted prices from the first day of each month from the previous 12 months. As a result of continued low commodity prices in 2016 and throughout 2015, we have recorded the following non-cash impairments of our oil and gas assets included in our Oil and Gas segment for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015.

• During the first quarter of 2016, we recorded a $14 million pre-tax non-cash impairment of oil and gas assets included in our Oil and Gas segment. For natural gas, the average NYMEX price was $2.40 per Mcf, adjusted to $1.13 per Mcf at the wellhead; for crude oil, the average NYMEX price was $46.26 per barrel, adjusted to $39.80 per barrel at the wellhead.

• During the first quarter of 2015, we recorded a $22 million pre-tax non-cash impairment of oil and gas assets included in our Oil and Gas segment. For natural gas, the average NYMEX price was $3.88 per Mcf, adjusted to $2.69 per Mcf at the wellhead; for crude oil, the average NYMEX price was $82.72 per barrel, adjusted to $74.13 per barrel at the wellhead.

(20)    INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
Tax (benefit) expense	2016		2015
Federal statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%
State income tax (net of federal tax effect)	2.6		1.2
Percentage depletion in excess of cost (a)	(14.1	)	(1.0	)
Accounting for uncertain tax positions adjustment (b)	(11.4	)	1.9
Inter-period tax allocation	(4.0	)	(1.5	)
Transaction costs	2.5		—
Other tax differences	(1.0	)	(1.2	)
	9.6	%	34.4	%

__________

(a) The tax benefit relates to additional percentage depletion deductions that are being claimed with respect to the oil and gas properties and represents a change in estimate for income tax accounting purposes. Such deductions are primarily the result of a change in the application of the maximum daily limitation of 1,000 barrels of oil equivalent as allowed under the Internal Revenue Code.

(b) The tax benefit relates to the release of after-tax interest expense that was previously accrued with respect to the liability for uncertain tax positions involving the like-kind exchange transaction effectuated in connection with the IPP Transaction and Aquila Transaction that occurred in 2008. In addition, the tax benefit includes the release of after-tax interest expense and tax credits that were previously accrued involving research and development credits and deductions. Both adjustments are the result of a re-measurement of the liability for uncertain tax positions predicated on an agreement reached with IRS Appeals in early 2016.

In the first quarter of 2016, we reached an agreement in principle with IRS Appeals in regards to the like-kind exchange transaction associated with the gain deferred from the tax treatment related to the 2008 IPP Transaction and the Aquila Transaction.  An agreement in principle was also reached with respect to research and development credits and deductions.  Both issues were the subject of an IRS Appeals process involving the 2007 to 2009 tax years. We expect the reversal of approximately $26 million of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits to occur in 2016.  The vast majority of such reversal will be to restore accumulated deferred income taxes. We reversed accrued after-tax interest expense and tax credits of approximately $5.1 million associated with these liabilities in the first quarter of 2016. The cash taxes due as a result of the agreement in principle with IRS Appeals is estimated to be $11 million excluding interest.

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(21)    ACCRUED LIABILITIES

The following amounts by major classification are included in Accrued liabilities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015		March 31, 2015
Accrued employee compensation, benefits and withholdings	$	90,295	$	43,342	$	32,090
Accrued property taxes	40,638		32,393		32,835
Accrued payments related to litigation expenses and settlements	—		38,750		25,000
Gas-gathering contract (a)	39,944		—		—
Customer deposits and prepayments	26,042		53,496		16,210
Accrued interest and contract adjustment payments	43,119		25,762		21,559
CIAC current portion	20,466		14,745		—
Other (none of which is individually significant)	11,677		23,573		39,087
Total accrued liabilities	$	272,181	$	232,061	$	166,781

__________

(a) This contract was settled on April 29, 2016. See Note 22 for additional information.

(22)    SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Settlement of Gas Supply Contract

On April 29, 2016, we settled for $40 million a Black Hills Gas Holdings gas supply contract that required the company to purchase all of the natural gas produced over the productive life of specific leaseholds in the Bowdoin Field in Montana. The majority of these purchases were committed to distribution customers in Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming, which are subject to cost recovery mechanisms. The prices to be paid under this contract vary, currently ranging from $6 to $8 per MMBtu and exceed market prices. We applied for and were granted approval to terminate this agreement from the NPSC, CPUC and WPSC, on the basis that the agreement was not beneficial to customers in the long term. We received written orders allowing the net buyout costs associated with the contract termination to create a regulatory asset and recover the majority of costs over a five year period. At March 31, 2016, this payment was in Accrued liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Sale of Non-controlling Interest in Subsidiary

Black Hills Colorado IPP owns and operates a 200 MW, combined cycle natural gas generating facility located in Pueblo, Colorado. On April 14, 2016, Black Hills Electric Generation sold a 49.9%, non-controlling interest in Black Hills Colorado IPP for $215 million to AIA Energy North America LLC, an infrastructure investment platform managed by Argo Infrastructure Partners. FERC approval of the sale was received on March 29, 2016. Black Hills Colorado IPP continues to own 50.1% and is the operator of the facility, which is contracted to provide capacity and energy through 2031 to Black Hills Colorado Electric. Proceeds from the sale were used to pay down short-term debt and for other general corporate purposes.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

We are a customer-focused, growth-oriented, vertically-integrated utility company operating in the United States. We report our operations and results in the following financial segments:

Electric Utilities: Our Electric Utilities segment generates, transmits and distributes electricity to approximately 207,000 customers in South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado and Montana. Our electric generating facilities and power purchase agreements provide for the supply of electricity principally to our own distribution systems. Additionally, we sell excess power to other utilities and marketing companies, including our affiliates.

Gas Utilities: Our Gas Utilities conduct natural gas utility operations through our Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Wyoming and Nebraska subsidiaries. Our Gas Utilities distribute and transport natural gas through our network to approximately 1,021,000 natural gas customers. Additionally, we sell temporarily-available, contractual pipeline capacity and gas commodities to other utilities and marketing companies, including our affiliates.

We also provide non-regulated services through our Energy Services, Service Guard and Tech Services product lines. Energy Services is a regulatory-approved program offered by our unregulated gas marketing affiliate providing approximately 59,000 retail distribution customers in Nebraska and Wyoming with unbundled natural gas commodity offerings. Service Guard primarily provides appliance repair services to approximately 64,000 residential customers through company technicians and third party service providers, typically through on-going monthly service agreements. Tech Services primarily serves gas transportation customers throughout our service territory by constructing customer-owned gas infrastructure facilities, typically through one-time contracts.

Power Generation: Our Power Generation segment produces electric power from its generating plants and sells the electric capacity and energy principally to our utilities under long-term contracts.

Mining: Our Mining segment produces coal at our coal mine near Gillette, Wyoming and sells the coal primarily to on-site, mine-mouth power generation facilities.

Oil and Gas: Our Oil and Gas segment engages in the production of crude oil and natural gas, primarily in the Rocky Mountain region. In 2015, we began transitioning the Oil and Gas segment to focus primarily on activities supporting utility cost of service gas programs.

Our reportable segments are based on our method of internal reporting, which is generally segregated by differences in products, services and regulation. All of our operations and assets are located within the United States. Prior to March 31, 2016, our segments were reported within two business groups, our Utilities Group, containing the Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities segments, and our Non-regulated Energy Group, containing the Power Generation, Coal Mining and Oil and Gas segments. We have continued to report our operations consistently through our reportable segments; however we will no longer separate the segments by business group. We are a customer-focused, growth-oriented, vertically-integrated utility company. All of our non-utility business segments support our utilities, other than the Oil and Gas segment, and in 2015 we began transitioning the Oil and Gas business to focus primarily on activities supporting cost of service gas programs.

Certain industries in which we operate are highly seasonal, and revenue from, and certain expenses for, such operations may fluctuate significantly among quarterly periods. Demand for electricity and natural gas is sensitive to seasonal cooling, heating and industrial load requirements, as well as changes in market prices. In particular, the normal peak usage season for our electric utilities is June through August while the normal peak usage season for our gas utilities is November through March. Significant earnings variances can be expected between the Gas Utilities segment’s peak and off-peak seasons. Due to this seasonal nature, our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, and our financial condition as of March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015, are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations and financial condition to be expected as of or for any other period or for the entire year.

SourceGas Acquisition

On February 12, 2016, Black Hills Utility Holdings acquired SourceGas pursuant to a purchase and sale agreement executed on July 12, 2015 for approximately $1.89 billion, which included the assumption of $760 million in debt at closing.

SourceGas primarily operates four regulated natural gas utilities serving approximately 429,000 customers in Arkansas, Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming and a 512 mile regulated intrastate natural gas transmission pipeline in Colorado.

41

SourceGas has been renamed Black Hills Gas Holdings, LLC and is a 99.5% owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings. See Note 2, for more information regarding the acquisition.

Segment reporting transition of Cheyenne Light’s Natural Gas distribution

Effective January 1, 2016, the natural gas operations of Cheyenne Light are reported in our Gas Utilities Segment. Through December 31, 2015, Cheyenne Light’s natural gas operations were included in our Electric Utilities Segment as these natural gas operations were consolidated within Cheyenne Light since its acquisition. This change is a result of our business segment reorganization to, among other things, integrate all regulated natural gas operations, including the SourceGas Acquisition, into our Gas Utilities Segment which is led by the Group Vice President, Natural Gas Utilities. Likewise, all regulated electric utility operations including Cheyenne Light’s electric utility operations are reported in our Electric Utilities Segment, which is led by the Group Vice President, Electric Utilities. The prior period has been reclassified to reflect this change in presentation between the Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities segments. The reclassifications moving Cheyenne Light’s natural gas results from the Electric Utilities segment to the Gas Utilities segment consisted of increasing Gas Utilities and decreasing Electric Utilities Revenue, Gross Margin and Net Income by $16.5 million, $6.4 million and $1.4 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Utility Rebranding

All of our utilities are now operating with the trade name Black Hills Energy. We have expanded our regulated operations with the acquisition of SourceGas, as well as with our 2015 utility acquisitions. We have rebranded our Cheyenne Light utilities, Black Hills Power utility and our SourceGas utilities to operate under the name Black Hills Energy, conforming to the name under which our other utilities operate. Within our Electric utilities segment and our Gas Utilities segment, references made to our utilities are presented as follows according to their respective state:

Electric Utilities Segment

• Black Hills Energy South Dakota Electric - includes all Black Hills Power operations in South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana.

• Black Hills Energy Wyoming Electric - includes all Cheyenne Light’s electric utility operations.

• Black Hills Energy Colorado Electric - includes all Colorado Electric’s utility operations.

Gas Utilities Segment

• Black Hills Energy Arkansas Gas - includes the results from the acquired SourceGas utility Black Hills Energy Arkansas operations.

• Black Hills Energy Colorado Gas - includes Black Hills Energy Colorado Gas utility operations, as well as the acquired SourceGas utility Black Hills Gas Distribution’s Colorado operations and RMNG operations.

• Black Hills Energy Nebraska Gas - includes Black Hills Energy Nebraska gas utility operations, as well as the acquired SourceGas utility Black Hills Gas Distribution’s Nebraska operations.

• Black Hills Energy Iowa Gas - includes Black Hills Energy Iowa gas utility operations.

• Black Hills Energy Kansas Gas - includes Black Hills Energy Kansas gas utility operations.

• Black Hills Energy Wyoming Gas - includes Cheyenne Light’s natural gas utility operations, as well as the acquired SourceGas utility Black Hills Gas Distribution’s Wyoming operations.

See Forward-Looking Information in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of this Item 2, beginning on Page 73.

The segment information does not include inter-company eliminations. Minor differences in amounts may result due to rounding. All amounts are presented on a pre-tax basis unless otherwise indicated.

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Results of Operations

Executive Summary, Significant Events and Overview

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2015. Net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $40 million, or $0.77 per share, compared to Net income (loss) of $34 million, or $0.76 per share, reported for the same period in 2015. The Net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 increased over the same period in the prior year primarily due to higher earnings at our Gas Utilities, which include earnings of $7.6 million from our acquired SourceGas utilities since the acquisition date of February 12, 2016, and from approximately $11 million in tax benefits recognized fromadditional percentage depletion deductions that are being claimed with respect to our oil and gas properties and there-measurement of the liability for uncertain tax positions predicated on an agreement reached with IRS Appeals in early 2016. The three months ended March 31, 2016 also included a non-cash after-tax ceiling test impairment of $8.8 million and after-tax SourceGas acquisition and transition costs of $15 million. The Net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 included a non-cash after-tax ceiling test impairment of $14 million.

The following table summarizes select financial results by operating segment and details significant items (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015			Variance
Revenue
Revenue	$	485,714		$	473,924		$	11,790
Inter-company eliminations	(35,755		)	(31,937		)	(3,818		)
	$	449,959		$	441,987		$	7,972
Net income (loss)
Electric Utilities	$	19,215		$	17,553		$	1,662
Gas Utilities	31,975			23,588			8,387
Power Generation	8,582			8,145			437
Mining	2,938			3,010			(72		)
Oil and Gas (a) (b)	(7,024		)	(19,115		)	12,091
	55,686			33,181			22,505
Corporate activities and eliminations (c) (d)	(15,684		)	669			(16,353		)
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	(48		)	—			(48		)
Net income (loss) available for common stock	$	40,002		$	33,850		$	6,152

__________

(a) Net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015 include non-cash after-tax ceiling test impairments of $8.8 million and $14 million, respectively. See Note 19 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

(b) Net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 includes a tax benefit of approximately $5.8 million recognized from additional percentage depletion deductions that are being claimed with respect to our oil and gas properties involving prior tax years.

(c) Net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 included incremental, non-recurring acquisition and transition costs, after-tax of $15 million and after-tax internal labor costs attributable to the acquisition of $3.8 million. See Note 2 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

(d) Net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 includes tax benefits of approximately $4.4 million as a result of the re-measurement of the liability for uncertain tax positions predicated on an agreement reached with IRS Appeals in early 2016.

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Overview of Business Segments and Corporate Activity

Electric Utilities Segment and Gas Utilities Segment

• Gas Utilities experienced milder weather during the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. Heating degree days were 23% lower for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015. Heating degree days for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were 11% lower than normal, compared to 2% higher than normal for the same period in 2015.

• On May 3, 2016, Colorado Electric filed a request with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to increase its net annual revenues by $8.9 million to recover investments in the $65 million, 40 MW natural gas-fired combustion turbine, currently under construction. Construction on the turbine continued in the first quarter of 2016. Through March 31, 2016, approximately $41 million was expended, and the project is on schedule to be completed and placed into service in the fourth quarter of 2016. Construction riders related to the project increased gross margins by approximately $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

• On September 30, 2015, Black Hills Corp.’s utility subsidiaries submitted applications with respective state utility regulators seeking approval for a Cost of Service Gas Program in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. An application was submitted in Colorado on November 2, 2015. We currently have hearing dates with the commissions in five states.  The scheduled hearing for Nebraska is in May 2016, for Iowa in June 2016, for Wyoming in August 2016, and for Kansas and South Dakota in September 2016.  We held preliminary settlement discussions with consumer advocate groups in Iowa, Nebraska, and Wyoming as well as with an intervenor, however, pre-hearing settlements are not likely. In April, the CPUC dismissed the Company’s application indicating the need for more information regarding the property to be used and the impacts to customers. The company will evaluate alternatives upon receipt of the written order from the CPUC.

• During the first quarter of 2016, South Dakota Electric commenced construction of the $54 million, 230-kV, 144 mile-long transmission line that will connect the Teckla Substation in northeast Wyoming, to the Lange Substation near Rapid City, South Dakota. The project is expected to be placed in service by the end of 2016.

• On June 23, 2015, Colorado Electric filed for a CPCN with the CPUC to acquire the planned $109 million, 60 MW Peak View Wind Project, to be located near Colorado Electric's Busch Ranch wind farm. This renewable energy project was originally submitted in response to Colorado Electric's all-source generation request on May 5, 2014. The project is being built by Invenergy Wind Development Colorado LLC and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2016. On October 21, 2015, the Commission approved a build transfer proposal and settlement agreement. The settlement provides for recovery of the costs of the project through Colorado Electric’s Electric Cost Adjustments and Renewable Energy Standard Surcharge for 10 years, after which Colorado Electric can propose base rate recovery. Colorado Electric will be required to make an annual comparison of the cost of the renewable energy generated by the facility against the bid cost of a PPA from the same facility. Colorado Electric will purchase the project for approximately $109 million through progress payments throughout 2016, with ownership transfer occurring just before achieving commercial operation.

Power Generation Segment

• Black Hills Colorado IPP owns and operates a 200 MW, combined cycle natural gas generating facility located in Pueblo, Colorado. On April 14, 2016, Black Hills Electric Generation sold a 49.9%, non-controlling interest in Black Hills Colorado IPP for $215 million. FERC approval of the sale was received on March 29, 2016. Proceeds from the sale were used to pay down short-term debt. Black Hills Colorado IPP will continue to be the majority owner and operator of the facility, which is contracted to provide capacity and energy through 2031 to Black Hills Colorado Electric.

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Oil and Gas Segment

• Our Oil and Gas segment was impacted by lower commodity prices for crude oil and natural gas for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. The average hedged price received for natural gas decreased by 41% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. The average hedged price received for oil decreased by 28% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. Oil and Gas production volumes increased 6% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.

• Oil and Gas results benefited by $5.8 million from a change in estimate related to income taxes. The tax benefit relates to additional percentage depletion deductions that are being claimed with respect to the oil and gas properties.  The current quarter benefit includes a change in estimate recorded for income tax accounting purposes.  This benefit was the result of completion of a study to analyze prior depletion claimed dating back to 2007.

• We review the carrying value of our natural gas and oil properties under the full cost accounting rules of the SEC on a quarterly basis, known as a ceiling test. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, our Oil and Gas segment recorded a pre-tax, non-cash ceiling test impairment of $14 million as a result of continued low commodity prices. Using our current reserves information, further ceiling test impairments will occur in the second quarter of 2016 if commodity prices for crude oil and natural gas remain at current levels.

Corporate Activities

• During the first quarter of 2016, we reached an agreement in principle with IRS Appeals with respect to our liability for unrecognized tax benefits attributable to the like-kind exchange effectuated in connection with the 2008 IPP Transaction and the 2008 Aquila Transaction. This agreement resulted in a tax benefit of approximately $5.1 million in the first quarter of 2016. See Note 20 for additional details on this settlement.

• On March 18, 2016, we implemented an ATM equity offering program allowing us to sell shares of our common stock with an aggregate value of up to $200 million in 2016 and 2017. The shares may be offered from time to time pursuant to a sales agreement dated March 18, 2016. Proceeds from the program will be used to fund capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes.

• On February 12, 2016, Black Hills Utility Holdings acquired SourceGas, pursuant to the purchase and sale agreement executed on July 12, 2015 for approximately $1.89 billion, which included the assumption of $760 million in long-term debt at closing. SourceGas operates four regulated natural gas utilities serving approximately 429,000 customers in Arkansas, Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming, and a 512 mile regulated intrastate natural gas transmission pipeline in Colorado. We funded the majority of the SourceGas Transaction with the following financings:

• On January 13, 2016, we completed a public debt offering of $550 million in senior unsecured notes. The debt offering consisted of $300 million of 3.95%, 10-year senior notes due 2026, and $250 million of 2.50%, 3-year senior notes due 2019. Net proceeds after discounts and fees were approximately $546 million; and

• On November 23, 2015, we completed the offerings of common stock and equity units. We issued 6.325 million shares of common stock for net proceeds of $246 million and 5.98 million equity units for net proceeds of $290 million.

• On February 12, 2016, Moody's affirmed the BHC credit rating of Baa1 and maintained a negative outlook following our acquisition of SourceGas. Moody’s has maintained a negative outlook as BHC focuses on integrating the newly acquired SourceGas assets over the 12 months subsequent to closing, consummation of the sale of the 49.9% non-controlling interest of our Colorado IPP assets and utilizing an ATM equity offering program.  In addition, the negative outlook reflects overall weaker consolidated metrics when compared to historical ranges.

• On February 12, 2016, S&P affirmed the BHC credit rating of BBB and maintained a stable outlook after our acquisition of SourceGas, reflecting their expectation that management will continue to focus on the core utility operations while maintaining an excellent business risk profile following the acquisition.

• On February 12, 2016, Fitch affirmed the BHC credit rating of BBB+ and maintained a negative outlook after our acquisition of SourceGas, which reflects the initial increased leverage associated with the SourceGas Acquisition.

45

• On January 20, 2016, we executed a 10-year, $150 million notional, forward starting pay fixed interest rate swap at an all-in interest rate of 2.09%, with a mandatory early termination date of April 12, 2017 to hedge the risks of interest rate movement between the hedge date and the expected pricing date for anticipated future long-term debt refinancings. This swap is accounted for as a cash flow hedge and any gain or loss is recorded in AOCI.

Operating Results

A discussion of operating results from our segments and Corporate activities follows.

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

The following discussion includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as another financial measure, gross margin, that is considered a “non-GAAP financial measure.” Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes (or includes) amounts that are included in (or excluded from) the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Gross margin (revenue less cost of sales) is a non-GAAP financial measure due to the exclusion of depreciation from the measure. The presentation of gross margin is intended to supplement investors’ understanding of our operating performance.

Gross margin for our Electric Utilities is calculated as operating revenue less cost of fuel, purchased power. Gross margin for our Gas Utilities is calculated as operating revenues less cost of natural gas sold. Our gross margin is impacted by the fluctuations in power purchases and natural gas and other fuel supply costs. However, while these fluctuating costs impact gross margin as a percentage of revenue, they only impact total gross margin if the costs cannot be passed through to our customers.

Our gross margin measure may not be comparable to other companies’ gross margin measure. Furthermore, this measure is not intended to replace operating income as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of operating performance.

Electric Utilities

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015			Variance
	(in thousands)
Revenue	$	167,276		$	169,917		$	(2,641	)
Total fuel and purchased power	66,106			67,690			(1,584		)
Gross margin	101,170			102,227			(1,057		)
Operations and maintenance	39,325			41,237			(1,912		)
Depreciation and amortization	21,258			20,268			990
Total operating expenses	60,583			61,505			(922		)
Operating income	40,587			40,722			(135		)
Interest expense, net	(12,499		)	(13,254		)	755
Other income (expense), net	655			74			581
Income tax benefit (expense)	(9,528		)	(9,989		)	461
Net income (loss)	$	19,215		$	17,553		$	1,662

46

	Three Months Ended March 31,
Revenue - Electric (in thousands)	2016		2015
Residential:
South Dakota Electric	$	19,315	$	20,140
Wyoming Electric	10,457		10,265
Colorado Electric	23,113		24,570
Total Residential	52,885		54,975
Commercial:
South Dakota Electric	23,589		24,741
Wyoming Electric	15,673		15,820
Colorado Electric	22,483		22,164
Total Commercial	61,745		62,725
Industrial:
South Dakota Electric	8,501		8,299
Wyoming Electric	10,097		8,626
Colorado Electric	9,265		10,756
Total Industrial	27,863		27,681
Municipal:
South Dakota Electric	831		858
Wyoming Electric	511		516
Colorado Electric	2,695		3,062
Total Municipal	4,037		4,436
Total Retail Revenue - Electric	146,530		149,817
Contract Wholesale:
Total Contract Wholesale - South Dakota Electric	4,174		5,420
Off-system Wholesale:
South Dakota Electric	4,586		6,635
Wyoming Electric	1,846		1,961
Colorado Electric	134		84
Total Off-system Wholesale	6,566		8,680
Other Revenue:
South Dakota Electric	7,646		4,190
Wyoming Electric	590		475
Colorado Electric	1,770		1,335
Total Other Revenue	10,006		6,000
Total Revenue - Electric	$	167,276	$	169,917

47

	Three Months Ended March 31,
Quantities Generated and Purchased (in MWh)	2016	2015
Generated —
Coal-fired:
South Dakota Electric	388,001	376,834
Wyoming Electric	179,693	194,716
Total Coal-fired	567,694	571,550
Natural Gas and Oil:
South Dakota Electric (a)	15,562	2,878
Wyoming Electric (a)	7,879	2,839
Colorado Electric	2,767	3,492
Total Natural Gas and Oil	26,208	9,209
Wind:
Colorado Electric	13,061	9,091
Total Wind	13,061	9,091
Total Generated:
South Dakota Electric	403,563	379,712
Wyoming Electric	187,572	197,555
Colorado Electric	15,828	12,583
Total Generated	606,963	589,850
Purchased —
South Dakota Electric	339,690	438,443
Wyoming Electric	222,795	187,779
Colorado Electric	477,883	472,187
Total Purchased	1,040,368	1,098,409
Total Generated and Purchased:
South Dakota Electric	743,253	818,155
Wyoming Electric	410,367	385,334
Colorado Electric	493,711	484,770
Total Generated and Purchased	1,647,331	1,688,259

__________

(a) An increase in generation from Cheyenne Prairie was driven by outages at the Wyodak plant during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

48

	Three Months Ended March 31,
Quantity Sold (in MWh)	2016	2015
Residential:
South Dakota Electric	142,753	146,963
Wyoming Electric	68,313	67,499
Colorado Electric	149,028	157,214
Total Residential	360,094	371,676
Commercial:
South Dakota Electric	188,888	195,078
Wyoming Electric	130,330	131,103
Colorado Electric	176,196	165,081
Total Commercial	495,414	491,262
Industrial:
South Dakota Electric	108,021	111,859
Wyoming Electric	142,742	111,096
Colorado Electric (a)	99,489	118,107
Total Industrial	350,252	341,062
Municipal:
South Dakota Electric	7,441	7,700
Wyoming Electric	2,545	2,550
Colorado Electric	26,583	28,113
Total Municipal	36,569	38,363
Total Retail Quantity Sold	1,242,329	1,242,363
Contract Wholesale:
Total Contract Wholesale - South Dakota Electric (b)	63,453	84,271
Off-system Wholesale:
South Dakota Electric	193,373	245,638
Wyoming Electric	37,493	48,872
Colorado Electric (c)	7,462	2,469
Total Off-system Wholesale	238,328	296,979
Total Quantity Sold:
South Dakota Electric	703,929	791,509
Wyoming Electric	381,423	361,120
Colorado Electric	458,758	470,984
Total Quantity Sold	1,544,110	1,623,613
Other Uses, Losses or Generation, net (d):
South Dakota Electric	39,324	26,646
Wyoming Electric	28,944	24,214
Colorado Electric	34,953	13,786
Total Other Uses, Losses and Generation, net	103,221	64,646
Total Energy	1,647,331	1,688,259

__________

(a) Decrease was due to a planned outage at a large industrial customer during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

(b) Decrease was driven by load requirements related to a unit-contingent PPA.

(c) Increase in 2016 generation was primarily driven by commodity prices that impacted power marketing sales.

(d) Includes company uses, line losses, and excess exchange production.

49

	Three Months Ended March 31,
Degree Days		2016			2015
	Actual	Variance from 30-Year Average		Actual Variance to Prior Year	Actual	Variance from 30-Year Average
Heating Degree Days:
South Dakota Electric	2,806	(13	)%	(2)%	2,873	(11	)%
Wyoming Electric	2,776	(10	)%	5%	2,651	(12	)%
Colorado Electric	2,285	(12	)%	(5)%	2,398	(8	)%
Combined (a)	2,561	(12	)%	(2)%	2,610	(10	)%

__________

(a) Combined actuals are calculated based on the weighted average number of total customers by state.

Electric Utilities Power Plant Availability	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
Coal-fired plants	93.9	%	91.3	%
Other plants	95.0	%	95.7	%
Total availability	94.6	%	94.1	%

Results of Operations for the Electric Utilities for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015: Net income for the Electric Utilities was $19 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to Net income of $18 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as a result of:

Gross margindecreasedprimarily due tolower retail load and demand that decreased residential margins by $1.1 million. The prior year included a $2.1 million benefit as a result of a one-time settlement agreement from the CPUC on our renewable energy standard adjustment related to the Busch Ranch wind farm.Partially offsetting these decreases were favorable rider margins of $0.9 million driven primarily by our construction and TCA riders, and $0.6 million from an additional day as a result of leap-year.

Operations and maintenancedecreased primarily due to lower employee costs as a result of integration activities and transition expenses allocated to the Corporate segment.

Depreciation and amortizationincreasedprimarily due to a higher asset base.

Interest expense, netdecreased primarily due to higher AFUDC interest income in the current period compared to the same period in the prior year.

Other income (expense), net increased primarily due to higher other income than the same period in the prior year.

Income tax benefit (expense): The effective tax rate decreased due primarily to a favorable re-measurement of an uncertain tax position liability involving research and development credits and deductions as a result of an agreement reached during the first quarter of 2016 with the IRS.

50

Gas Utilities

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015			Variance
	(in thousands)
Revenue:
Natural gas — regulated	$	249,911		$	245,629		$	4,282
Other — non-regulated services	20,562			8,503			12,059
Total revenue	270,473			254,132			16,341
Cost of sales
Natural gas — regulated	128,899			162,383			(33,484		)
Other — non-regulated services	9,065			3,913			5,152
Total cost of sales	137,964			166,296			(28,332		)
Gross margin	132,509			87,836			44,673
Operations and maintenance	52,687			38,179			14,508
Depreciation and amortization	15,972			7,822			8,150
Total operating expenses	68,659			46,001			22,658
Operating income (loss)	63,850			41,835			22,015
Interest expense, net	(13,517		)	(4,388		)	(9,129		)
Other income (expense), net	651			(16		)	667
Income tax benefit (expense)	(19,009		)	(13,843		)	(5,166		)
Net income (loss)	$	31,975		$	23,588		$	8,387

The following table summarizes our system infrastructure updated to include our acquired SourceGas utilities:

System Infrastructure (in line miles) as of	Intrastate Gas Transmission Pipelines	Gas Distribution Mains	Gas Distribution Service Lines
March 31, 2016
Arkansas	886	4,572	906
Colorado	678	6,481	2,323
Nebraska	1,249	8,330	3,319
Iowa	180	2,740	2,639
Kansas	293	2,826	1,328
Wyoming	1,299	3,375	1,208
Total	4,585	28,324	11,723

51

	Three Months Ended March 31,
Revenue (in thousands)	2016		2015
Residential:
Arkansas	$	15,778	$	—
Colorado	31,780		25,736
Nebraska	46,534		56,444
Iowa	34,847		46,366
Kansas	22,348		29,328
Wyoming	13,547		8,712
Total Residential	$	164,834	$	166,586
Commercial:
Arkansas	$	7,672	$	—
Colorado	10,207		5,097
Nebraska	13,083		18,212
Iowa	15,137		21,629
Kansas	8,170		11,066
Wyoming	5,703		4,954
Total Commercial	$	59,972	$	60,958
Industrial:
Arkansas	$	837	$	—
Colorado	245		29
Nebraska	118		317
Iowa	575		1,255
Kansas	630		1,741
Wyoming	954		1,900
Total Industrial	$	3,359	$	5,242
Transportation:
Arkansas	$	1,635	$	—
Colorado	936		365
Nebraska	7,789		5,396
Iowa	1,475		1,662
Kansas	2,043		2,501
Wyoming	2,615		—
Total Transportation	$	16,493	$	9,924

52

	Three Months Ended March 31,
Revenue (in thousands) (continued)	2016		2015
Transmission:
Nebraska	$	27	$	—
Wyoming	337		—
Total Transmission	$	364	$	—
Pipeline Revenue	$	647	$	—
Other Sales Revenue:
Arkansas	$	825	$	—
Colorado	107		43
Nebraska	801		657
Iowa	100		139
Kansas	1,990		1,165
Wyoming	419		915
Total Other Sales Revenue	$	4,242	$	2,919
Total Regulated Revenue	$	249,911	$	245,629
Non-regulated Services	20,562		8,503
Total Revenue	$	270,473	$	254,132

	Three Months Ended March 31,
Gross Margin (in thousands)	2016		2015
Residential:
Arkansas	$	9,629	$	—
Colorado	11,477		6,337
Nebraska	22,472		18,990
Iowa	13,607		13,898
Kansas	10,085		11,478
Wyoming	8,731		3,778
Total Residential	$	76,001	$	54,481
Commercial:
Arkansas	$	3,976	$	—
Colorado	3,165		1,040
Nebraska	4,457		4,669
Iowa	4,289		4,636
Kansas	2,911		3,387
Wyoming	2,664		1,428
Total Commercial	$	21,462	$	15,160

53

	Three Months Ended March 31,
Gross Margin (in thousands) (continued)	2016		2015
Industrial:
Arkansas	$	318	$	—
Colorado	111		21
Nebraska	45		81
Iowa	43		81
Kansas	229		393
Wyoming	203		262
Total Industrial	$	949	$	838
Transportation:
Arkansas	$	1,635	$	—
Colorado	936		365
Nebraska	7,789		5,396
Iowa	1,475		1,662
Kansas	2,043		2,501
Wyoming	2,615		—
Total Transportation	$	16,493	$	9,924
Transmission:
Nebraska	$	27	$	—
Wyoming	277		—
Total Transmission	$	304	$	—
Pipeline	$	706	$	—
Other Sales Margins:
Arkansas	$	825	$	—
Colorado	107		43
Nebraska	801		657
Iowa	100		139
Kansas	1,979		1,089
Wyoming	419		915
Total Other Sales Margins	$	4,231	$	2,843
Total Regulated Gross Margin	$	120,146	$	83,246
Non-regulated Services	12,363		4,590
Total Gross Margin	$	132,509	$	87,836

54

	Three Months Ended March 31,
Distribution Quantities Sold and Transportation (in Dth)	2016	2015
Residential:
Arkansas	1,893,080	—
Colorado	4,417,834	2,946,805
Nebraska	6,441,093	5,958,956
Iowa	5,038,749	5,516,037
Kansas	2,918,074	3,353,814
Wyoming	2,436,850	940,407
Total Residential	23,145,680	18,716,019
Commercial:
Arkansas	1,140,339	—
Colorado	1,444,537	617,198
Nebraska	1,990,729	2,180,694
Iowa	2,573,951	2,880,091
Kansas	1,274,888	1,435,504
Wyoming	1,151,727	670,589
Total Commercial	9,576,171	7,784,076
Industrial:
Arkansas	161,691	—
Colorado	37,977	2,402
Nebraska	18,337	45,700
Iowa	127,199	191,005
Kansas (a)	164,345	324,779
Wyoming	272,525	301,277
Total Industrial	782,074	865,163
Wholesale and Other:
Arkansas	13,235	—
Kansas (b)	—	13,975
Total Wholesale and Other	13,235	13,975
Total Distribution Quantities Sold	33,517,160	27,379,233
Transportation:
Arkansas	1,411,592	—
Colorado	798,593	380,049
Nebraska	11,214,496	9,049,775
Iowa	5,830,344	6,088,049
Kansas	3,813,385	4,297,352
Wyoming	4,536,169	—
Total Transportation	27,604,579	19,815,225
Total Distribution Quantities Sold and Transportation	61,121,739	47,194,458

__________

(a) Change from prior year due to a change in Wholesale customer classification to Industrial classification.

Our Gas Utilities are highly seasonal, and sales volumes vary considerably with weather and seasonal heating and industrial loads. Over 70% of our Gas Utilities’ revenue and margins are expected in the first and fourth quarters of each year. Therefore, revenue for, and certain expenses of, these operations fluctuate significantly among quarters. Depending upon the state in which our Gas Utilities operate, the winter heating season begins around November 1 and ends around March 31.

55

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
Heating Degree Days: (c)	Actual	Variance from 30-Year Average	Actual Variance to Prior Year	Actual	Variance from 30-Year Average
Arkansas (a)	957	(16)%	N/A	N/A	N/A
Colorado	2,628	(9)%	4%	2,535	(9)%
Nebraska	2,681	(13)%	(11)%	3,014	(1)%
Iowa	3,082	(9)%	(20)%	3,834	14%
Kansas (a)	2,163	(13)%	(7)%	2,322	(6)%
Wyoming	2,849	(8)%	7%	2,651	(12)%
Combined (b)	2,449	(11)%	(23)%	3,177	2%

__________

(a) Kansas Gas has an approved weather normalization mechanism within its rate structure, which minimizes weather impact on gross margins. Arkansas has a weather normalization mechanism in effect during the months of November through April and is included for those customers with residential and business rate schedules. The weather normalization mechanism in Arkansas differs from that in Kansas in that it only uses one location to calculate the weather, compared to Kansas, which uses multiple locations. The weather normalization mechanism in Arkansas minimizes weather impact, but does not eliminate the impact.

(b) The combined heating degree days are calculated based on a weighted average of total customers by state excluding Kansas Gas due to its weather normalization mechanism.

(c) The combined 2015 variance from 30-Year Average reflects the inclusion of Cheyenne Light’s natural gas utility operations.

Results of Operations for the Gas Utilities for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015: Net income for the Gas Utilities was $32 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to Net income of $24 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as a result of:

Gross marginincreasedprimarily due to margins of approximately $46 million contributed by the SourceGas utilities acquired on February 12, 2016.An additional margin increase of $1.8 million was attributable to year-over-year customer growth primarily from our 2015 Wyoming gas system acquisitions.Partially offsetting these increases was a $2.8 million decrease due to weather. Heating degree days were23%lower for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to the same period in the prior year and11%lower than normal in the current year, compared to2%higher than normal in the prior year.

Operations and maintenance increased primarily due to additional operating costs of approximately $18 million for the acquired SourceGas utilities.Partially offsetting this increase were lower employee costs primarily due to integration and transition expenses allocated to our Corporate segment, and lower property taxes at our Kansas utility.

Depreciation and amortizationincreasedprimarily due to additional depreciation from the acquired SourceGas utilities of approximately $7.1 million, and due to a higher asset base at our other utilities over the same period in the prior year.

Interest expense, net increased primarily due to additional interest expense from the acquired SourceGas utilities of approximately $8.8 million.

Other income (expense), netincreasedprimarily due to higher other income than the same period in the prior year.

Income tax benefit (expense): The effective tax rate, including the impact of the acquired SourceGas utilities, is comparable to the same period in the prior year.

56

Regulatory Matters

For more information on enacted regulatory provisions with respect to the states in which our Utilities operate, see Part I, Items 1 and 2 of our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

Colorado Electric Rate Case filing

On May 3, 2016, Colorado Electric filed a rate request with the CPUC to increase annual net revenues by $8.9 million to recover investments in the $65 million, 40 MW natural gas-fired combustion turbine, currently under construction. The filing seeks a return on equity of 9.83% and a capital structure of 50.92% equity and 49.08% debt.

Black Hills Gas Holdings Regulatory Matters

The following table illustrates information about certain enacted regulatory provisions with respect to the states in which our acquired SourceGas utilities operate:

Subsidiary	Jurisdic-tion	Authorized Rate of Return on Equity	Authorized Return on Rate Base	Capital Structure Debt/Equity	Authorized Rate Base (in millions)	Effective Date	Tariff and Rate Matters
Arkansas Gas	AR	9.4%	6.47%(a)	52%/48%	$299.4(b)	2/2015	Gas Cost Adjustment, Main Replacement Program, At-Risk Meter Replacement Program, legislative/regulatory mandate and relocations rider Energy Efficiency, Weather Normalization Adjustment, Billing Determinant Adjustment
Colorado Gas	CO	10%	8.02%	49.52%/50.48%	$127.1	12/2010	Gas Cost Adjustment, DSM
Nebraska Gas	NE	9.60%	7.67%	48.84%/51.16%	$87.6/$69.8(c)	6/2012	Choice Gas Program, System Safety and Integrity Rider, Bad Debt expense recovered through Choice supplier fee
Wyoming Gas	WY	9.92%	7.98%	49.66%/50.34%	$100.5	1/2011	Choice Gas Program, Purchased Gas Cost Adjustment, Usage Per Customer Adjustment
RMNG	CO	10.6%	7.93%	49.23%/50.77%	$90.5	3/2013	System Safety Integrity Rider, liquids/off-system/market center services Revenue Sharing

__________

(a) Arkansas return on rate base adjusted to remove current liabilities from rate case capital structure for comparison with other subsidiaries.

(b) Arkansas rate base adjusted to include current liabilities for comparison with other subsidiaries.

(c) Total Nebraska rate base of $87.6 million includes amounts allocated to serve non-jurisdictional and agricultural customers. Jurisdictional Nebraska rate base of $69.8 million excludes those amounts allocated to serve non-jurisdictional and agricultural customers and is used for calculation of jurisdictional base rates.

Some of the mechanisms in place at the Black Hills Gas Holdings utilities include the following:

• In Arkansas, we have tariff adjustment mechanisms for weather normalization and revenue erosion from a decline in billing determinants. We also have tariffs that allow more timely recovery of main replacements, at-risk meter replacements and expenditures due to legislative/regulatory mandates and relocations outside of a rate case.

• In Nebraska and for RMNG, we have a system safety and integrity rider that recovers forecast safety and integrity capital expenditure-related costs and operating and maintenance expenses.

• In Nebraska, we are allowed to recover uncollectible accounts expenses through a choice supplier fee.

• In Wyoming, we have a cost adjustment to recover lost revenue due to declining usage per customer.

57

The following summarizes Black Hills Gas Holdings’ recent state and federal rate case and initial surcharge orders (in millions):

	Type of Service	Date Requested	Effective Date	Revenue Amount Requested		Revenue Amount Approved
Arkansas Gas (a)	Gas	4/2015	2/2016	$	12.6	$	8.0
RMNG(b)	Gas - transmission and storage	11/2015	1/2016	$	1.5	$	1.5
Nebraska Gas (c)	Gas	10/2015	2/2016	$	3.8	$	3.8
Wyoming Gas (d)	Gas	2/2010	1/2011	$	7.5	$	4.3
Colorado Gas (e)	Gas	6/2010	12/2010	$	6.0	$	2.8

__________

(a) In February 2016, Arkansas Gas implemented new base rates resulting in a revenue increase of $8.0 million. The APSC modified a stipulation reached between the APSC Staff and all intervenors except the Attorney General and Arkansas Gas in its order issued on January 28, 2016. The modified stipulation revised the capital structure to 52% debt and 48% equity and also limited recovery of portions of cost related to incentive compensation.

(b) On November 1, 2015, RMNG filed with the CPUC requesting recovery of $1.5 million related to system safety and integrity expenditures expected to be incurred in 2016. The SSIR rate was adjusted downward to reflect a true up of $0.7 million from the expenditure projection for 2014. The SSIR tariff was allowed to go into effect by operation of law on January 1, 2016.

(c) On November 1, 2015, Nebraska Gas filed with the NPSC requesting recovery of $3.8 million related to system safety and integrity expenditures expected to be incurred in 2016. The SSIR tariff was approved by the NPSC on January 12, 2016 to go into effect on February 1, 2016.

(d) On January 1, 2011, Wyoming Gas implemented new base rates in accordance with the order by the WPSC issued on December 23, 2010. The approved rates were based upon an authorized return on equity of 9.92% and a capital structure of 49.66% debt and 50.34% equity. The rate increase represented a $4.3 million increase over existing rates.

(e) On December 1, 2010, the CPUC issued an order approving a stipulation to increase Colorado Gas base rates by $2.8 million. The stipulated rate increase was based upon an authorized return on equity of 10.00% and a capital structure of 49.23% debt and 50.77% equity. Increased rates became effective on December 3, 2010.

Cost of Service Gas Program filings

On September 30, 2015, Black Hills Corp.’s utility subsidiaries submitted applications with respective state utility regulators seeking approval for a Cost of Service Gas Program in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. An application was submitted in Colorado on November 2, 2015. The Cost of Service Gas Program is designed to provide long-term natural gas price stability for the company’s utility customers, along with a reasonable expectation of customer savings over the life of the program. If approved, our utilities will acquire natural gas reserves and/or drill wells to produce natural gas for the program for up to 50% of weather normalized annual firm demand. The proposed Cost of Service Gas Program model has a capital structure of 50% equity and 50% debt, and seeks a utility-like return. Based on the historical price volatility for natural gas, the Cost of Service Gas Program should result in more stable prices and carries a reasonable expectation of lower prices over the long term.

We currently have hearing dates with the commissions in five states. The scheduled hearing for Nebraska is in May 2016, for Iowa in June 2016, for Wyoming in August 2016, and for South Dakota and Kansas in September 2016. The program is not necessarily dependent on approvals from all states, however, the total program volumes depend on the sum of volumes approved by the various state commissions. Our long-term target for the program is up to 50% of annual demand for our gas utilities and gas-fired electric generation.

The initial applications seek approval of the framework of the program, including approval of the proposed cost of service gas agreement, acquisition and drilling criteria; approval of recovery through existing fuel adjustment tariffs; hedge participation level, and if necessary, waiver of affiliate rules. After initial approvals, we will seek approval for acquisition of a specific property for inclusion in the COSG Program under the established criteria. We have had preliminary settlement discussions with consumer advocate groups and an intervenor in Iowa, Nebraska, and Wyoming, although pre-hearing settlements are not likely. In April, the CPUC dismissed the Company’s application indicating the need for more information regarding the property to be used and the impacts to customers. The company will evaluate alternatives upon receipt of the written order from the CPUC.

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Power Generation

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015			Variance
	(in thousands)
Revenue	$	23,308		$	22,674		$	634
Operations and maintenance	8,042			7,828			214
Depreciation and amortization	1,031			1,134			(103		)
Total operating expense	9,073			8,962			111
Operating income	14,235			13,712			523
Interest expense, net	(814		)	(886		)	72
Other (expense) income, net	23			(2		)	25
Income tax (expense) benefit	(4,862		)	(4,679		)	(183		)
Net income (loss)	$	8,582		$	8,145		$	437

____________

The generating facility located in Pueblo, Colorado is accounted for as a capital lease under GAAP; as such, revenue and depreciation expense are impacted by the accounting for this lease. Under the lease, the original cost of the facility is recorded at Colorado Electric and is being depreciated by Colorado Electric for segment reporting purposes.

The following table summarizes MWh for our Power Generation segment:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016	2015
Quantities Sold, Generated and Purchased (MWh) (a)
Sold
Black Hills Colorado IPP	333,878	284,491
Black Hills Wyoming (b)	167,031	159,558
Total Sold	500,909	444,049
Generated
Black Hills Colorado IPP	333,878	284,491
Black Hills Wyoming	138,919	137,973
Total Generated	472,797	422,464
Purchased
Black Hills Wyoming (b)	28,303	24,392
Total Purchased	28,303	24,392

____________

(a) Company use and losses are not included in the quantities sold, generated, and purchased.

(b) Under the 20-year economy energy PPA with the City of Gillette, effective September 2014, Black Hills Wyoming purchases energy on behalf of the City of Gillette and sells that energy to the City of Gillette.

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The following table provides certain operating statistics for our plants within the Power Generation segment:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
Contracted power plant fleet availability:
Coal-fired plant	97.8	%	98.2	%
Natural gas-fired plants	99.3	%	98.9	%
Total availability	98.9	%	98.7	%

Results of Operations for Power Generation for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015: Net income for the Power Generation segment was $8.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to Net income of $8.1 million for the same period in 2015 as a result of:

Revenueincreased primarily due to an increase in PPA pricing and an increase in MWh sold, partially offset by a decrease in off-system sales quantities and market prices associated with our economy energy PPA.

Operations and maintenancewas comparable to the same period in the prior year.

Depreciation and amortizationwas comparable to the same period in the prior year.

Interest expense, net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.

Other (expense) income, net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.

Income tax (expense) benefit: The effective tax rate was comparable to the prior year.

Mining

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015			Variance
	(in thousands)
Revenue	$	16,282		$	15,934		$	348
Operations and maintenance	10,434			9,904			530
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	2,479			2,503			(24		)
Total operating expenses	12,913			12,407			506
Operating income (loss)	3,369			3,527			(158		)
Interest (expense) income, net	(92		)	(89		)	(3		)
Other income, net	534			585			(51		)
Income tax benefit (expense)	(873		)	(1,013		)	140
Net income (loss)	$	2,938		$	3,010		$	(72	)

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The following table provides certain operating statistics for our Mining segment (in thousands, except for Revenue per ton):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
Tons of coal sold	1,002		1,019
Cubic yards of overburden moved (a)	1,765		1,413
Revenue per ton	$	16.25	$	15.64

____________

(a) Increase is driven by mining in areas with more overburden than in the prior year.

Results of Operations for Mining for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015: Net income for the Mining segment was $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to Net income of $3.0 million for the same period in 2015 as a result of:

Revenueincreased primarily due to a 4%increase in price per ton sold, partially offset by a 2%decrease in tons sold. The increase in price per ton sold was driven by contract price adjustments based on actual mining costs. Approximately 50% of the mine's production is sold under contracts that include price adjustments based on actual mining costs, including income taxes.

Operations and maintenanceincreasedprimarily due to mining in areas with higher overburden, partially offset by lower fuel costs.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization was comparable to the same period in the prior year.

Interest (expense) income, net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.

Other income, net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.

Income tax benefit (expense): The effective tax rate was lower than the same period in the prior year due to the current year re-measurement of the liability for uncertain tax positions involving research and development tax credits and deductions.

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Oil and Gas

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015			Variance
	(in thousands)
Revenue	$	8,375		$	11,267		$	(2,892	)
Operations and maintenance	9,035			10,917			(1,882		)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	4,113			7,512			(3,399		)
Impairment of long-lived assets	14,496			22,036			(7,540		)
Total operating expenses	27,644			40,465			(12,821		)
Operating income (loss)	(19,269		)	(29,198		)	9,929
Interest income (expense), net	(1,074		)	(384		)	(690		)
Other income (expense), net	39			(223		)	262
Income tax benefit (expense)	13,280			10,690			2,590
Net income (loss)	$	(7,024	)	$	(19,115	)	$	12,091

The following tables provide certain operating statistics for our Oil and Gas segment:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016	2015
Production:
Bbls of oil sold	98,067	80,730
Mcf of natural gas sold	2,286,606	2,254,042
Bbls of NGL sold	37,003	28,770
Mcf equivalent sales	3,097,026	2,911,043

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
Average price received: (a) (b)
Oil/Bbl	$	47.83	$	66.86
Gas/Mcf	$	1.30	$	2.20
NGL/Bbl	$	10.36	$	13.74
Depletion expense/Mcfe	$	0.93	$	2.20

__________

(a) Net of hedge settlement gains and losses.

(b) Ceiling test impairments of $14 million and $22 million were recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015, respectively.

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The following is a summary of certain average operating expenses per Mcfe:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016								Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Producing Basin	LOE		Gathering,  Compression,   Processing and Transportation (a)		Production Taxes		Total		LOE		Gathering,  Compression,   Processing and Transportation (a)		Production Taxes		Total
San Juan	$	1.75	$	1.09	$	0.32	$	3.16	$	1.58	$	1.30	$	0.37	$	3.25
Piceance	0.34		1.94		0.13		2.41		0.33		2.48		0.20		3.01
Powder River	2.62		—		0.56		3.18		2.89		—		0.56		3.45
Williston	0.95		—		0.32		1.27		0.24		—		0.09		0.33
All other properties	0.56		—		0.04		0.60		1.24		—		0.34		1.58
Total weighted average	$	1.09	$	1.15	$	0.25	$	2.49	$	1.19	$	1.35	$	0.31	$	2.85

__________

(a) These costs include both third-party costs and operations costs.

In the Piceance and San Juan Basins, our natural gas is transported through our own and third-party gathering systems and pipelines, for which we incur processing, gathering, compression and transportation fees. The sales price for natural gas, condensate and NGLs is reduced for these third-party costs, while the cost of operating our own gathering systems is included in operations and maintenance. The gathering, compression, processing and transportation costs shown in the tables above include amounts paid to third parties, as well as costs incurred in operations associated with our own gas gathering, compression, processing and transportation.

We have a ten-year gas gathering and processing contract for natural gas production in our Piceance Basin which became effective in March of 2014. This take-or-pay contract requires us to pay a fee on a minimum of 20,000 Mcf per day, regardless of the volume delivered. We did not meet the minimum requirements of this contract until mid-February 2015. Our gathering, compression and processing costs on a per Mcfe basis, as shown in the table above, will be higher in periods when we are not meeting the minimum contract requirements.

Results of Operations for Oil and Gas for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015: Net loss for the Oil and Gas segment was $7.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to Net loss of $19 million for the same period in 2015 as a result of:

Revenuedecreasedprimarily due to lower commodity prices for both crude oil and natural gas, resulting in a28%decrease in the average hedged price received for crude oil sold,and a41%decrease in the average hedged price received for natural gas sold.A production increase of6%, driven primarily by wells placed on production in 2015, partially offset the decrease in prices.

Operations and maintenancedecreased primarily due to lower employee costs as a result of the reduction in staffing in the prior year, and lower production taxes and ad valorem taxes on lower revenue.

Depreciation, depletion and amortizationdecreased primarily due to the reduction in our full cost pool resulting from the impact of the ceiling test impairments incurred in the current and prior years, partially offset by the depletion rate applied to greater production.

Impairment of long-lived assets represents non-cash write-downs in the value of our natural gas and crude oil properties driven by low natural gas and crude oil prices. The write-down of$14 millionin the first quarter of 2016 reflected a trailing 12 month average NYMEX natural gas price of$2.40per Mcf, adjusted to$1.13per Mcf at the wellhead, and$46.26per barrel for crude oil, adjusted to$39.80per barrel at the wellhead, compared to the$22 millionwrite-down in the same period of the prior year which reflected a trailing 12 month average NYMEX natural gas price of$3.88per Mcf, adjusted to$2.69per Mcf at the wellhead, and$82.72per barrel for crude oil, adjusted to$74.13per barrel at the wellhead.

Interest income (expense), netincreased primarily due to a higher interest expense driven by an increase in intercompany notes payable.

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Other income (expense), net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.

Income tax (expense) benefit: Each period presented reflects a tax benefit. The effective tax rate for 2016 was impacted by a benefit of approximately $5.8 million from additional percentage depletion deductions being claimed with respect to a change in estimate for tax purposes. Such deductions are primarily the result of a change in the application of the maximum daily limitation of 1,000 Bbls of oil equivalent allowed under the Internal Revenue Code.

Corporate Activity

Results of Operations for Corporate activities for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015: Net loss for Corporate was $16 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to Net income of $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The variance from the prior year was due to higher corporate expenses, primarily driven by costs related to the SourceGas acquisition including approximately $15 million of after-tax acquisition and transition costs, and approximately $3.8 million of after-tax internal labor that otherwise would have been charged to other business segments, during the three months ended March 31, 2016. A tax benefit of approximately $4.4 million was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2016 as a result of an agreement reached with IRS Appeals relating to the release of the reserve for after-tax interest expense previously accrued with respect to the liability for uncertain tax positions involving a like-kind-exchange transaction from 2008.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Except for those disclosed below and in Note 1 of Item 1 on this Form 10-Q, there have been no material changes in our critical accounting estimates from those reported in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. For more information on our critical accounting estimates, see Part II, Item 7 of our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Business Combinations

We record acquisitions in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, with identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed recorded at their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net tangible and net intangible assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The application of ASC 805, Business Combinations requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions in the determination of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in order to properly allocate purchase price consideration between goodwill and assets that are depreciated and amortized. Our estimates are based on historical experience, information obtained from the management of the acquired companies and, when appropriate, include assistance from independent third-party appraisal firms. Our significant assumptions and estimates can include, but are not limited to, the cash flows that an acquired entity is expected to generate in the future, the appropriate weighted-average cost of capital, and the savings expected to be derived from the business combination. These estimates are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. In addition, unanticipated events or circumstances may occur which may affect the accuracy or validity of such estimates.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

OVERVIEW

Our Company requires significant cash to support and grow our business. Our predominant source of cash is supplied by our operations and supplemented with corporate borrowings. This cash is used for, among other things, working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, pension funding, investments in or acquisitions of assets and businesses, payment of debt obligations, and redemption of outstanding debt and equity securities when required or financially appropriate.

The most significant uses of cash are our capital expenditures, the purchase of natural gas for our Gas Utilities and our Power Generation segment, as well as the payment of dividends to our shareholders. We experience significant cash requirements during peak months of the winter heating season due to higher natural gas consumption and during periods of high natural gas prices.

We believe that our cash on hand, operating cash flows, existing borrowing capacity and ability to complete new debt and equity financings, taken in their entirety, provide sufficient capital resources to fund our ongoing operating requirements, debt maturities, anticipated dividends, and anticipated capital expenditures discussed in this section.

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Significant Factors Affecting Liquidity

Although we believe we have sufficient resources to fund our cash requirements, there are many factors with the potential to influence our cash flow position, including seasonality, commodity prices, significant capital projects and acquisitions, requirements imposed by state and federal agencies, and economic market conditions. We have implemented risk mitigation programs, where possible, to stabilize cash flow; however, the potential for unforeseen events affecting cash needs will continue to exist.

Our Utilities maintain wholesale commodity contracts for the purchases and sales of electricity and natural gas which have performance assurance provisions that allow the counterparty to require collateral postings under certain conditions, including when requested on a reasonable basis due to a deterioration in our financial condition or nonperformance. A significant downgrade in our credit ratings, such as a downgrade to a level below investment grade, could result in counterparties requiring collateral postings under such adequate assurance provisions. The amount of credit support that we may be required to provide at any point in the future is dependent on the amount of the initial transaction, changes in the market price, open positions and the amounts owed by or to the counterparty.

We also maintains interest rate swap transactions under which we could be required to post collateral on the value of such swaps in the event of an adverse change in our financial condition, including a credit downgrade to below investment-grade.

At March 31, 2016, we had $2.5 million of collateral posted related to our wholesale commodity contracts transactions, and no collateral posted related to our interest rate swaps. At March 31, 2016, we had sufficient liquidity to cover any additional collateral that could be required to be posted under these contracts.

Cash Flow Activities

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the three months ended March 31 (in thousands):

Cash provided by (used in):	2016			2015			Increase (Decrease)
Operating activities	$	138,337		$	151,487		$	(13,150	)
Investing activities	$	(1,216,532	)	$	(117,871	)	$	(1,098,661	)
Financing activities	$	668,634		$	8,551		$	660,083

Year-to-Date 2016 Compared to Year-to-Date 2015

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $138 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $151 million for the same period in 2015 for a variance of $13 million. The variance was primarily attributable to:

• Cash earnings (net income plus non-cash adjustments) were $12 million higher for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the same period in the prior year; and

• Net cash inflows from operating assets and liabilities were $10 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to net cash inflows of $29 million in the same period in the prior year. This $19 million variance was primarily due to:

• Cash inflows increased by approximately $14 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the same period in the prior year primarily as a result of changes in accounts receivable;

• Cash inflows decreased by approximately $9.0 million primarily as a result of changes in our current regulatory assets and liabilities driven by differences in fuel cost adjustments and commodity price impacts on working capital compared to the same period in the prior year; and

• Cash outflows increased by approximately $24 million as a result of changes in accounts payable and accrued liabilities driven primarily by working capital requirements primarily related to acquisition and transition costs

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and the change in liability with respect to uncertain tax positions in the three months ended March 31, 2016; and

• Cash outflows increased by approximately $6 million primarily driven by changes in other regulatory liabilities.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $1.217 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $118 million for the same period in 2015. The variance was primarily driven by:

• Cash outflows of $1.132 billion for the acquisition of SourceGas, net of $2 million cash received and $760 million of long term debt assumed. See Note 2; and

• Capital expenditures of approximately $84 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $118 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The decrease is primarily due to higher capital expenditures of approximately $58 million at our Oil and Gas segment in the prior year driven by drilling and completion activity in the Piceance basin. This is partially offset by a $22 million increase in capital expenditures at our Gas Utility segment, driven primarily by the addition of the Black Hills Gas Holdings utilities.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $669 million, compared to $8.6 million of net cash provided by financing activities for the same period in 2015. The variance was primarily driven by:

• Net long-term borrowings increased by $546 million due to our January 13, 2016 public debt offering used to partially finance the SourceGas Acquisition;

• Net short-term borrowings under the revolving credit facility for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were $111 million higher than the prior year primarily due to these proceeds being used to partially fund the SourceGas Acquisition and to higher working capital requirements in the current year than in the same period in the prior year;

• Proceeds of $7.0 million from our ATM equity offering program; and

• Increased dividend payments of approximately $3.4 million.

Dividends

Dividends paid on our common stock totaled $22 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, or $0.42 per share. On April 25, 2016, our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.42 per share payable June 1, 2016, which is equivalent to an annual dividend rate of $1.68 per share. The determination of the amount of future cash dividends, if any, to be declared and paid will depend upon, among other things, our financial condition, funds from operations, the level of our capital expenditures, restrictions under our Revolving Credit Facility and our future business prospects.

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Debt

Financing Transactions and Short-Term Liquidity

Our principal sources to meet day-to-day operating cash requirements are cash from operations and our corporate Revolving Credit Facility.

Revolving Credit Facility

On June 26, 2015, we amended our $500 million corporate Revolving Credit Facility agreement to extend the term through June 26, 2020. This facility is similar to the former agreement, which includes an accordion feature that allows us, with the consent of the administrative agent and issuing agents, to increase the capacity of the facility to $750 million. Borrowings continue to be available under a base rate or various Eurodollar rate options. The interest costs associated with the letters of credit or borrowings and the commitment fee under the Revolving Credit Facility are determined based upon our most favorable Corporate credit rating from S&P and Moody’s for our unsecured debt. Based on our credit ratings, the margins for base rate borrowings, Eurodollar borrowings, and letters of credit were 0.125%, 1.125% and 1.125%, respectively. Pricing remains unchanged from the previous agreement. A commitment fee is charged on the unused amount of the Revolving Credit Facility and was 0.175% based on our credit rating.

Our Revolving Credit Facility had the following borrowings, outstanding letters of credit, and available capacity (in millions):

		Current		Borrowings at		Letters of Credit at		Available Capacity at
Credit Facility	Expiration	Capacity		March 31, 2016		March 31, 2016		March 31, 2016
Revolving Credit Facility	June 26, 2020	$	500	$	216	$	24	$	260

The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, such as limitations on the creation of new indebtedness and on certain liens, restrictions on certain transactions, and maintaining a certain Recourse Leverage Ratio. Under the Revolving Credit Facility, our recourse leverage ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of our recourse debt, letters of credit, and certain guarantees issued, by total capital, which includes recourse indebtedness plus our net worth. Subject to applicable cure periods, a violation of any of these covenants would constitute an event of default that entitles the lenders to terminate their remaining commitments and accelerate all principal and interest outstanding. We were in compliance with these covenants as of March 31, 2016.

The Revolving Credit Facility prohibits us from paying cash dividends if a default or an event of default exists prior to, or would result after, paying a dividend. Although these contractual restrictions exist, we do not anticipate triggering any default measures or restrictions.

Hedges and Derivatives

Interest Rate Swaps

We have entered into pay fixed interest rate swap agreements to reduce our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. We have $75 million notional amount pay fixed interest rate swaps with a maximum remaining term of approximately 0.8 years. These swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges for advances under the Revolving Credit Facility, and accordingly their mark-to-market adjustments are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The mark-to-market value of these swaps was a liability of $2.3 million at March 31, 2016.

We have a 10-year $150 million notional forward starting interest rate swap at an all-in rate of 2.09% and a 10-year, $250 million notional forward starting interest rate swap at an all-in rate of 2.29% to hedge the risks of interest rate movement between their initial hedge dates and the expected pricing date for anticipated future long-term debt refinancings in late 2016 and 2017. These swaps are accounted for as cash flow hedges with any gain or loss initially recorded in AOCI. Both swaps have a mandatory early termination date of April 12, 2017. The mark-to-market value of these swaps was a liability of $14 million at March 31, 2016.

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Financing Activities

On March 18, 2016, we implemented an at-the-market equity offering program allowing us to sell shares of our common stock with an aggregate value of up to $200 million. The shares may be offered from time to time pursuant to a sales agreement dated March 18, 2016. We have issued 121,000 common shares for $7.0 million, net of $0.1 million in fees and issuance costs with settlement dates through March 31, 2016 under the ATM equity offering program. 140,000 shares for net proceeds of $8.4 million have been offered, but were not yet settled as of March 31, 2016. Proceeds from the ATM equity offering program were used to fund capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes.

On April 14, 2016, Black Hills Electric Generation sold a 49.9%, non-controlling interest in Black Hills Colorado IPP for approximately $215 million. FERC approval of the sale was received on March 29, 2016. We used the proceeds from this sale to pay down borrowings on our revolving credit facility. Applying these proceeds against our March 31, 2016 debt balances would have resulted in a 140 basis point reduction in our net debt to equity ratio.

We completed the following equity and debt transactions in placing permanent financing for SourceGas:

• On January 13, 2016, we completed a public debt offering of $550 million in senior unsecured notes. The debt offering consisted of $300 million of 3.95%, 10-year senior notes due 2026, and $250 million of 2.5%, 3-year senior notes due 2019. Net proceeds after discounts and fees were approximately $546 million; and

• On November 23, 2015, we completed the offerings of common stock and equity units. We issued 6.325 million shares of common stock for net proceeds of $246 million and 5.98 million equity units for net proceeds of $290 million. Each equity unit has a stated amount of $50 and consists of a contract to (i) purchase Company common stock and (ii) a 1/20, or 5%, undivided beneficial ownership interest in $1,000 principal amount of remarketable junior subordinated notes due 2028. Pursuant to the purchase contracts, holders are required to purchase Company common stock no later than November 1, 2018.

Our $1.17 billion bridge commitment signed on July 12, 2015 was reduced to $88 million on January 13, 2016, with respect to reductions from our equity and debt offerings. The remaining commitment terminated on February 12, 2016 as part of the closing of the SourceGas Acquisition.

We assumed the following tranches of debt through the SourceGas Acquisition on February 12, 2016:

• $325 million, 5.9% senior unsecured notes with an original issue date of April 16, 2007 due April 16, 2017.

• $95 million, 3.98% senior secured notes with an original issue date of September 29, 2014 due September 29, 2019.

• $340 million unsecured corporate term-loan due June 30, 2017. Interest expense under this term loan is LIBOR plus a margin of 0.88%.

On January 20, 2016, we executed a 10-year $150 million notional forward starting pay fixed interest rate swap at an all-in rate of 2.09% to hedge the risks of interest rate movement between the hedge date and the expected pricing date for anticipated future long-term debt refinancings in late 2016 or 2017. The swap is accounted for as a cash flow hedge with any gain or loss recorded in AOCI. The swap has a mandatory early termination date of April 12, 2017.

On October 2, 2015, we executed a 10-year, $250 million notional forward starting pay fixed interest rate swap at an all-in rate of 2.29% to hedge the risks of interest rate movement between the hedge date and the expected pricing date for anticipated future long-term debt refinancings in late 2016 or 2017. The swap is accounted for as a cash flow hedge with any gain or loss recorded in AOCI. The swap has a mandatory early termination date of April 12, 2017.

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Future Financing Plans

We anticipate the following financing activities:

• Continue our At-the-Market equity offering program to issue up to $200 million of common stock through 2017;

• Evaluate extending and upsizing our existing $500 million Revolving Credit Facility and implementing a commercial paper program; and

• Evaluate alternatives for refinancing over $1 billion of near-term debt maturities.

Dividend Restrictions

As a utility holding company which owns several regulated utilities, we are subject to various regulations that could influence our liquidity. Our utilities in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming have regulatory agreements in which they cannot pay dividends if they have issued debt to third parties and the payment of a dividend would reduce their equity ratio to below 40% of their total capitalization; and neither Black Hills Utility Holdings nor its subsidiaries can extend credit to the Company except in the ordinary course of business and upon reasonable terms consistent with market terms. The use of our utility assets as collateral generally requires the prior approval of the state regulators in the state in which the utility assets are located. Additionally, our utility subsidiaries may generally be limited to the amount of dividends allowed by state regulatory authorities to be paid to us as a utility holding company and also may have further restrictions under the Federal Power Act. As a result of our holding company structure, our right as a common shareholder to receive assets of any of our direct or indirect subsidiaries upon a subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization is junior to the claims against the assets of such subsidiaries by their creditors. Therefore, our holding company debt obligations are effectively subordinated to all existing and future claims of the creditors of our subsidiaries, including trade creditors, debt holders, secured creditors, taxing authorities, and guarantee holders. As of March 31, 2016, the restricted net assets at our Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities were approximately $257 million.

Our credit facilities and other debt obligations contain restrictions on the payment of cash dividends upon a default or event of default. An event of default would be deemed to have occurred if we did not meet certain financial covenants. The only financial covenant under our Revolving Credit Facility is a Recourse Leverage Ratio, which on February 12, 2016, increased upon closing of the SourceGas Acquisition to 0.75 to 1.00 for the next four fiscal quarters; it was previously 0.65 to 1.00. Additionally, covenants within Cheyenne Light’s financing agreements require Cheyenne Light to maintain a debt to capitalization ratio of no more than 0.60 to 1.00. As of March 31, 2016, we were in compliance with these covenants.

There have been no other material changes in our financing transactions and short-term liquidity from those reported in Item 7 of our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

Credit Ratings

Financing for operational needs and capital expenditure requirements not satisfied by operating cash flows depends upon the cost and availability of external funds through both short and long-term financing. The inability to raise capital on favorable terms could negatively affect our ability to maintain or expand our businesses. Access to funds is dependent upon factors such as general economic and capital market conditions, regulatory authorizations and policies, the Company’s credit ratings, cash flows from routine operations and the credit ratings of counterparties. After assessing the current operating performance, liquidity and the credit ratings of the Company, management believes that the Company will have access to the capital markets at prevailing market rates for companies with comparable credit ratings. BHC notes that credit ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.

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The following table represents the credit ratings and outlook and risk profile of BHC at March 31, 2016:

Rating Agency	Senior Unsecured Rating	Outlook
S&P (a)	BBB	Stable
Moody’s (b)	Baa1	Negative
Fitch (c)	BBB+	Negative

__________

(a) On February 12, 2016, S&P affirmed BBB rating and maintained a Stable outlook following the closing of the SourceGas Acquisition, reflecting their expectation that management will continue to focus on the core utility operations while maintaining an excellent business risk profile following the acquisition.

(b) On February 12, 2016, Moody’s affirmed Baa1 rating and maintained a Negative outlook following the closing of the SourceGas Acquisition. Moody’s has maintained a negative outlook as BHC focuses on integrating the newly acquired SourceGas assets over 12 months following the acquisition, closing the 49.9% minority interest sale of Colorado IPP and implementing and utilizing an at-the-market (ATM) equity offering program.  In addition, the negative outlook reflects overall weaker consolidated metrics when compared to historical ranges.

(c) On February 12, 2016, Fitch affirmed BBB+ rating and maintained a Negative outlook following the closing of the SourceGas Acquisition, which reflects the initial increased leverage associated with the SourceGas acquisition.

The following table represents the credit ratings of Black Hills Power at March 31, 2016:

Rating Agency	Senior Secured Rating
S&P	A-
Moody’s	A1
Fitch	A

There were no rating changes for Black Hills Power from previously disclosed ratings.

The following table represents the credit ratings of Black Hills Gas at March 31, 2016:

Rating Agency	Senior Unsecured Rating	Outlook
S&P	BBB	Stable
Moody’s	Baa1	Stable
Fitch	BBB+	Positive

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Capital Requirements

Acquisition of SourceGas

The acquisition of SourceGas was primarily financed with net proceeds of approximately $536 million from the November 23, 2015 issuance of 6.3 million shares of our common stock and 5.98 million equity units, and $546 million in net proceeds from our debt offerings on January 12, 2016. We funded the cash consideration and out-of-pocket expenses payable with the SourceGas Acquisition using the proceeds listed above, cash on hand, and draws under our revolving credit facility.

Capital Expenditures

Actual and forecasted capital requirements are as follows (in thousands):

	Expenditures for the		Total		Total		Total
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 (a)		2016 Planned Expenditures (b)(c)		2017 Planned Expenditures		2018 Planned Expenditures
Electric Utilities (c)	$	41,283	$	324,000	$	140,000	$	148,000
Gas Utilities (d)	22,680		163,000		179,000		156,000
Power Generation	1,219		4,000		5,000		1,000
Mining	398		6,000		7,000		7,000
Oil and Gas	—		14,000		10,000		10,000
Corporate	10,674		10,000		10,000		9,000
	$	76,254	$	521,000	$	351,000	$	331,000

__________

(a)    Expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2016 include the impact of accruals for property, plant and equipment.

(b)    Includes actual capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

(c) 2016 forecasted capital expenditures for the electric utilities include approximately $97 million for the Peak View Wind Project and the remaining $29 million of Colorado Electric’s 40 MW natural gas fired generating unit.

(d) Includes planned expenditures for Black Hills Gas Holdings of $107 million, $105 million and $78 million for 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively.

We have removed planned Cost of Service Gas capital expenditures from this forecast due to uncertainties related to the timing of regulatory approvals and other information associated with those approvals, such as the quantity of gas to be provided from a cost of service gas program and whether such gas will be provided from producing reserve purchases or ongoing drilling programs, or both.

We continue to evaluate potential future acquisitions and other growth opportunities when they arise; as a result, capital expenditures may vary significantly from the estimates identified above.

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Contractual Obligations

In addition to our capital expenditure programs, we have contractual obligations and other commitments that will need to be funded in the future. The following information summarizes our cash obligations and commercial commitments at March 31, 2016. The table below has been updated to reflect the additional long-term debt and other commitments and contractual obligations assumed through the acquisition of SourceGas, as well as the agreement in principle reached with IRS Appeals relating to the re-measurement of uncertain tax positions relating to the 2008 IPP Transaction and the Aquila Transaction. Actual future obligations may differ materially from these estimated amounts (in thousands):

	Payments Due by Period
Contractual Obligations	Total		Less Than 1 Year		1-3 Years		4-5 Years		After 5 Years
Long-term debt(a)(b)	$	3,178,855	$	—	$	965,000	$	545,000	$	1,668,855
Unconditional purchase obligations(c)	964,783		154,016		357,133		235,253		218,381
Operating lease obligations(d)	29,574		4,662		11,114		4,999		8,799
Other long-term obligations(e)	45,642		—		—		—		45,642
Employee benefit plans(f)	161,054		15,859		48,050		32,132		65,013
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with accounting guidance for uncertain tax positions(g)	31,986		26,285		5,701		—		—
Notes payable	215,600		215,600		—		—		—
Total contractual cash obligations(h)	$	4,627,494	$	416,422	$	1,386,998	$	817,384	$	2,006,690

__________

(a) Long-term debt amounts do not include discounts or premiums on debt.

(b) The following amounts are estimated for interest payments over the next five years based on a mid-year retirement date for long-term debt expiring during the identified period and are not included within the long-term debt balances presented: $96 million in 2016, $110 million in 2017, $97 million in 2018, $94 millionin 2019 and $87 million in 2020. Estimated interest payments on variable rate debt are calculated by utilizing the applicable rates as of March 31, 2016.

(c) Unconditional purchase obligations include the energy and capacity costs associated with our PPAs, capacity and certain transmission, gas purchases, gas transportation and storage agreements, and gathering commitments for our Oil and Gas segment. The energy charge under the PPAs and the commodity price under the gas purchase contracts are variable costs, which for purposes of estimating our future obligations, were based on costs incurred during 2016 and price assumptions using existing prices at March 31, 2016. Our transmission obligations are based on filed tariffs as of December 31, 2015. A portion of our gas purchases are purchased under evergreen contracts and therefore, for purposes of this disclosure, are carried out for 60 days. The gathering commitments for our Oil and Gas segment are described in Part I, Delivery Commitments, of our 2015 Annual Report filed on Form 10-K.

(d) Includes operating leases associated with several office buildings, warehouses and call centers, equipment and vehicles.

(e) Includes estimated asset retirement obligations associated with our Electric Utilities, Gas Utilities, Mining and Oil and Gas segments as discussed in Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(f) Represents both estimated employer contributions to Defined Benefit Pension Plans and payments to employees for the Non-Pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans and the Supplemental Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans through the year 2024.

(g) Less than 1 Year includes a reversal of approximately $26 million associated with the gain deferred from the tax treatment related to the IPP Transaction and the Aquila Transaction. Such reversal is the result of an agreement that was reached with IRS Appeals during the first quarter of 2016. See Note 20 for additional details.

(h) Amounts in the table exclude: (1) any obligation that may arise from our derivatives, including interest rate swaps and commodity related contracts that have a negative fair value at March 31, 2016. These amounts have been excluded as it is impractical to reasonably estimate the final amount and/or timing of any associated payments; and (2) a portion of our gas purchases are hedged. These hedges are in place to reduce our customers' underlying exposure to commodity price fluctuations. The impact of these hedges is not included in the above table.

Guarantees

Other than those disclosed in Note 18 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements on Form 10Q, there have been no significant changes to guarantees from those previously disclosed in Note 20 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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New Accounting Pronouncements

Other than the pronouncements reported in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and those discussed in Note 1 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, there have been no new accounting pronouncements that are expected to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements as defined by the SEC. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than statements of historical fact, including without limitation those statements that are identified by the words “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts” and similar expressions, and include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. From time to time, the Company may publish or otherwise make available forward-looking statements of this nature, including statements contained within Item 2 - Management’s Discussion & Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed. The Company’s expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and are believed by the Company to have a reasonable basis, including without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in the Company’s records and other data available from third parties. Nonetheless, the Company’s expectations, beliefs or projections may not be achieved or accomplished.

Any forward-looking statement contained in this document speaks only as of the date on which the statement was made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which the statement was made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of the factors, nor can it assess the effect of each factor on the Company’s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. All forward-looking statements, whether written or oral and whether made by or on behalf of the Company, are expressly qualified by the risk factors and cautionary statements described in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K including statements contained within Item 1A - Risk Factors of our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other reports that we file with the SEC from time to time.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Utilities

Our utility customers are exposed to natural gas price volatility. Therefore, as allowed or required by state utility commissions, we have entered into commission-approved hedging programs utilizing natural gas futures, options and basis swaps to reduce our customers’ underlying exposure to these fluctuations. The fair value of our Utilities Group’s derivative contracts is summarized below (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2016			December 31, 2015			March 31, 2015
Net derivative (liabilities) assets	$	(20,066	)	$	(22,292	)	$	(20,818	)
Cash collateral offset in Derivatives	20,210			22,292			20,818
Cash Collateral included in Other current assets	3,024			5,367			3,818
Net asset (liability) position	$	3,168		$	5,367		$	3,818

Oil and Gas Activities

We have entered into agreements to hedge a portion of our estimated 2016 and 2017 natural gas and crude oil production from the Oil and Gas segment. The hedge agreements in place at March 31, 2016, were as follows:

Natural Gas

	March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31		Total Year
2016
Swaps - MMBtu	—		917,500		905,000		545,000		2,367,500
Weighted Average Price per MMBtu	$	—	$	3.50	$	3.51	$	3.90	$	3.60
2017
Swaps - MMBtu	270,000		270,000		270,000		270,000		1,080,000
Weighted Average Price per MMBtu	$	2.88	$	2.88	$	2.88	$	2.88	$	2.88

Crude Oil

	March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31		Total Year
2016
Swaps - Bbls	—		39,000		36,000		36,000		111,000
Weighted Average Price per Bbl	$	—	$	84.55	$	84.55	$	84.55	$	84.55
2017
Swaps - Bbls	12,000		12,000		12,000		12,000		48,000
Weighted Average Price per Bbl	$	52.50	$	53.39	$	54.20	$	55.12	$	53.80

The fair value of our Oil and Gas segment’s derivative contracts is summarized below (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2016			December 31, 2015			March 31, 2015
Net derivative (liabilities) assets	$	8,178		$	10,088		$	14,364
Cash collateral offset in Derivatives	(8,178		)	(10,088		)	(14,364		)
Cash Collateral included in Other current assets	1,685			1,673			3,286
Net asset (liability) position	$	1,685		$	1,673		$	3,286

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Financing Activities

We engage in activities to manage risks associated with changes in interest rates. We have entered into floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements to reduce our exposure to interest rate fluctuations associated with our floating rate debt obligations and anticipated long-term refinancings. Further details of the swap agreements are set forth in Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in Note 12 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

The contract or notional amounts, terms of our interest rate swaps and the interest rate swaps balances reflected on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (dollars in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2016									December 31, 2015						March 31, 2015
	Designated  Interest Rate Swaps (a)			Designated  Interest Rate Swaps (a)			Designated  Interest Rate Swaps (b)			Designated Interest Rate Swaps (a)			Designated Interest Rate Swaps (b)			Designated Interest Rate Swaps (b)
Notional	$	150,000		$	250,000		$	75,000		$	250,000		$	75,000		$	75,000
Weighted average fixed interest rate	2.09		%	2.29		%	4.97		%	2.29		%	4.97		%	4.97		%
Maximum terms in years	1.08			1.08			0.75			1.33			1.00			1.75
Derivative assets, non-current	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	3,441		$	—		$	—
Derivative liabilities, current	$	—		$	—		$	2,290		$	—		$	2,835		$	3,342
Derivative liabilities, non-current	$	3,785		$	10,693		$	—		$	—		$	156		$	2,143
Pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(3,785	)	$	(10,693	)	$	(2,290	)	$	3,441		$	(2,991	)	$	(5,485	)

__________

(a) These swaps are designated as cash flow hedges of anticipated debt refinancings.

(b) These swaps are designated to borrowings on our Revolving Credit Facility and are priced using three-month LIBOR, matching the floating portion of the related borrowings.

Based on March 31, 2016market interest rates and balances related to our interest rate swaps, a loss of approximately$2.3 millionwould be realized, reported in pre-tax earnings and reclassified from AOCI during the next 12 months.Estimated and actual realized gains or losses will change during future periods as market interest rates change.

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of March 31, 2016. Based on their evaluation, they have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at March 31, 2016.

Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Security Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended March 31, 2016, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

On February 12, 2016, our acquisition of SourceGas closed. We are currently in the process of integrating and aligning the operations, processes, and internal controls of the combined company. See Note 2 for more information regarding the acquisition. As permitted by the guidance set forth by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the acquired businesses will not be included in management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting for the year ending December 31, 2016.

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BLACK HILLS CORPORATION

Part II — Other Information

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings

For information regarding legal proceedings, see Note 19 in Item 8 of our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Note 18 in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which information from Note 18 is incorporated by reference into this item.

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

Other than as set forth below, there are no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in Item 1A of Part I in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

Risks Related to the SourceGas Acquisition

We recorded goodwill that could become impaired and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

The acquisition of SourceGas was accounted for as a purchase in accordance with GAAP. Under the purchase method of accounting, the assets and liabilities acquired and assumed were recorded at their fair values at the date of acquisition and added to those of Black Hills Corporation. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values was recorded as goodwill. As of March 31, 2016, goodwill totaled $1.3 billion, of which $946 million is attributable to the acquisition of SourceGas.

If we make changes in our business strategy or if market or other conditions adversely affect operations in any of our businesses, we may be forced to record a non-cash impairment charge, which would reduce our reported assets, net income and shareholders’ equity. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. If the testing performed indicates that impairment has occurred, we are required to record an impairment charge for the difference between the carrying value of the goodwill and the implied fair value of the goodwill in the period the determination is made. The testing of goodwill for impairment requires us to make significant estimates about our future performance and cash flows, as well as other assumptions. These estimates can be affected by numerous factors, including: future business operating performance, changes in economic conditions and interest rates, regulatory, industry or market conditions, changes in business operations, changes in competition or changes in technologies. Any changes in key assumptions, or actual performance compared with key assumptions, about our business and its future prospects could affect the fair value of one or more business segments, which may result in an impairment charge.

Failure to complete future refinancing for our assumed SourceGas debt on favorable terms could have a negative effect on our stock price, and could affect our future business and financial results.

We assumed approximately $760 million of SourceGas’s indebtedness, which had terms that are less favorable than we believe we can generally obtain in the debt markets. If we are able to refinance the debt, we will incur transaction costs related to the refinancing, and if we are not able to refinance the debt on more favorable terms, market perception of our business, operating results and stock price could be adversely affected.

Failure to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and stock price.

Prior to the Acquisition, SourceGas was a private company, exempt from reporting and control requirements under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires us to include in our annual report a report containing management's assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as of the end of our fiscal year and a statement as to whether or not such internal controls are effective. As permitted by the guidance set forth by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the acquired SourceGas businesses will not be included in management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting for the year ended December 31, 2016.

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A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. While we expect our control system to adequately integrate the SourceGas processes, we cannot be certain that our current design for internal control over financial reporting, or any additional changes to be made, will be sufficient to enable management to determine that our internal controls are effective for any period, or on an ongoing basis. If we are unable to assert that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective, market perception of our business, operating results and stock price could be adversely affected.

ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

There were no unregistered securities sold during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Sections 1503(a) of Dodd-Frank is included in Exhibit 95 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 5. Other Information

None.

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ITEM 6. Exhibits

Exhibit Number	Description
Exhibit 2.1*	Purchase and Sale Agreement by and among Alinda Gas Delaware LLC, Alinda Infrastructure Fund I, L.P. and Aircraft Services Corporation, as Sellers, and Black Hills Utility Holdings, Inc., as Buyer dated as of July 12, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K file on July 14, 2015). First Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement effective December 10, 2015, by and among, Alinda Gas Delaware LLC, Alinda Infrastructure Fund I L.P. and Aircraft Services Corporation, as Sellers, and Black Hills Utility Holdings, Inc., as Buyer (filed as Exhibit 2.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for 2015).
Exhibit 2.2*	Option Agreement by and among Aircraft Services Corporation, as ASC, SourceGas Holdings LLC, as the Company and Black Hills Utility Holdings, Inc., as Buyer (filed as Exhibit 2.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K file on July 14, 2015).
Exhibit 2.3*	Guaranty of Black Hills Corporation in favor of Alinda Gas Delaware LLC, Alinda Infrastructure Fund I, L.P. and Aircraft Services Corporation, dated as of July 12, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 2.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K file on July 14, 2015).
Exhibit 3.1*	Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (filed as Exhibit 3 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for 2004).
Exhibit 3.2*	Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant dated January 28, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 3 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2010).
Exhibit 4.1*	Indenture dated as of May 21, 2003 between the Registrant and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (as successor to LaSalle Bank National Association), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003). First Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 21, 2003 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003). Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 14, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 4 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on May 14, 2009). Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 16, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 4 to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 15, 2010). Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 19, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 4 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 18, 2013). Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 13, 2016 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on January 13, 2016).
Exhibit 4.2*	Restated and Amended Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust of Black Hills Corporation (now called Black Hills Power, Inc.) dated as of September 1, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 4.19 to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-150669)). First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 13, 2002, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.20 to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S‑3 (No. 333‑150669)). Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 27, 2009, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (filed as Exhibit 4.21 to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-150669)). Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2014, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2014).
Exhibit 4.3*	Restated Indenture of Mortgage, Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Financing Statement, amended and restated as of November 20, 2007, between Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2014). First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 3, 2009, between Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2014). Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2014, between Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2014).
Exhibit 4.4*	Junior Subordinated Indenture dated as of November 23, 2015 between Black Hills Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 23, 2015). First Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 23, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 23, 2015).

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Exhibit 4.5*	Purchase Contract and Pledge Agreement dated as of November 23, 2015 between Black Hills Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, as purchase contract agent, collateral agent, custodial agent and securities intermediary (filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 23, 2015).
Exhibit 4.6*	Indenture dated as of April 16, 2007 between SourceGas LLC and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (relating to $325 million, 5.90% Senior Notes due 2017) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on March 18, 2016).
Exhibit 4.7*	Form of Stock Certificate for Common Stock, Par Value $1.00 Per Share (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for 2000).
Exhibit 10.1*	Note Purchase Agreement dated September 29, 2014 among SourceGas Holdings LLC and the purchasers party thereto (relating to $95 million 3.98% Senior Secured Notes due 2019) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on March 18, 2016).
Exhibit 10.2*	Second Amendment dated February 12, 2016 to Credit Agreement dated April 13, 2015 among Black Hills Corporation, as Borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent for the Banks under the Credit Agreement, and as a Bank, and the other Banks party thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on March 18, 2016).
Exhibit 10.3*	Second Amended and Restated Term Loan Credit Agreement dated as of February 12, 2016 among Black Hills Corporation, the financial institutions party thereto as Banks, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Syndication Agent (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on March 18, 2016).
Exhibit 10.4*	Third Amendment dated February 12, 2016 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated May 29, 2014 among Black Hills Corporation, as Borrower, U.S. Bank, National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent for the Banks under the Credit Agreement, and as a Bank, and the other Banks party thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on March 18, 2016).
Exhibit 10.5*	Equity Distribution Sales Agreement dated March 18, 2016 among Black Hills Corporation and the several Agents named therein (filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on March 18, 2016).
Exhibit 10.6†	Form of Performance Share Award Agreement for Omnibus Plan effective for awards granted on or after January 1, 2016.
Exhibit 10.7†	Form of Short-term Incentive effective for awards granted on or after January 1, 2016.
Exhibit 10.8†	Form of Non-Disclosure and Non-Solicitation Agreement for Certain Employees effective January 1, 2016.
Exhibit 31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 95	Mine Safety and Health Administration Safety Data.
Exhibit 101	Financial Statements for XBRL Format.

__________

* Previously filed as part of the filing indicated and incorporated by reference herein.

† Indicates a board of director or management compensatory plan.

79

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

BLACK HILLS CORPORATION

		/s/ David R. Emery
		David R. Emery, Chairman and
		Chief Executive Officer
		/s/ Richard W. Kinzley
		Richard W. Kinzley, Senior Vice President and
		Chief Financial Officer
Dated:	May 9, 2016

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number	Description
Exhibit 2.1*	Purchase and Sale Agreement by and among Alinda Gas Delaware LLC, Alinda Infrastructure Fund I, L.P. and Aircraft Services Corporation, as Sellers, and Black Hills Utility Holdings, Inc., as Buyer dated as of July 12, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K file on July 14, 2015). First Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement effective December 10, 2015, by and among, Alinda Gas Delaware LLC, Alinda Infrastructure Fund I L.P. and Aircraft Services Corporation, as Sellers, and Black Hills Utility Holdings, Inc., as Buyer (filed as Exhibit 2.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for 2015).
Exhibit 2.2*	Option Agreement by and among Aircraft Services Corporation, as ASC, SourceGas Holdings LLC, as the Company and Black Hills Utility Holdings, Inc., as Buyer (filed as Exhibit 2.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K file on July 14, 2015).
Exhibit 2.3*	Guaranty of Black Hills Corporation in favor of Alinda Gas Delaware LLC, Alinda Infrastructure Fund I, L.P. and Aircraft Services Corporation, dated as of July 12, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 2.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K file on July 14, 2015).
Exhibit 3.1*	Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (filed as Exhibit 3 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for 2004).
Exhibit 3.2*	Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant dated January 28, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 3 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2010).
Exhibit 4.1*	Indenture dated as of May 21, 2003 between the Registrant and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (as successor to LaSalle Bank National Association), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003). First Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 21, 2003 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003). Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 14, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 4 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on May 14, 2009). Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 16, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 4 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 15, 2010). Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 19, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 4 to the Registrants’ Form 8-K filed on November 18, 2013). Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 13, 2016 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on January 13, 2016).
Exhibit 4.2*	Restated and Amended Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust of Black Hills Corporation (now called Black Hills Power, Inc.) dated as of September 1, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 4.19 to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-150669)). First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 13, 2002, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.20 to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S‑3 (No. 333‑150669)). Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 27, 2009, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (filed as Exhibit 4.21 to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-150669)). Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2014, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2014).
Exhibit 4.3*	Restated Indenture of Mortgage, Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Financing Statement, amended and restated as of November 20, 2007, between Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2014). First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 3, 2009, between Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2014). Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2014, between Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2014).
Exhibit 4.4*	Junior Subordinated Indenture dated as of November 23, 2015 between Black Hills Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 23, 2015). First Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 23, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 23, 2015).

81

Exhibit 4.5*	Purchase Contract and Pledge Agreement dated as of November 23, 2015 between Black Hills Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, as purchase contract agent, collateral agent, custodial agent and securities intermediary (filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 23, 2015).
Exhibit 4.6*	Indenture dated as of April 16, 2007 between SourceGas LLC and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (relating to $325 million, 5.90% Senior Notes due 2017) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on March 18, 2016).
Exhibit 4.7*	Form of Stock Certificate for Common Stock, Par Value $1.00 Per Share (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for 2000).
Exhibit 10.1*	Note Purchase Agreement dated September 29, 2014 among SourceGas Holdings LLC and the purchasers party thereto (relating to $95 million 3.98% Senior Secured Notes due 2019) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on March 18, 2016).
Exhibit 10.2*	Second Amendment dated February 12, 2016 to Credit Agreement dated April 13, 2015 among Black Hills Corporation, as Borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent for the Banks under the Credit Agreement, and as a Bank, and the other Banks party thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on March 18, 2016).
Exhibit 10.3*	Second Amended and Restated Term Loan Credit Agreement dated as of February 12, 2016 among Black Hills Corporation, the financial institutions party thereto as Banks, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Syndication Agent (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on March 18, 2016).
Exhibit 10.4*	Third Amendment dated February 12, 2016 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated May 29, 2014 among Black Hills Corporation, as Borrower, U.S. Bank, National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent for the Banks under the Credit Agreement, and as a Bank, and the other Banks party thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on March 18, 2016).
Exhibit 10.5*	Equity Distribution Sales Agreement dated March 18, 2016 among Black Hills Corporation and the several Agents named therein (filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on March 18, 2016).
Exhibit 10.6†	Form of Performance Share Award Agreement for Omnibus Plan effective for awards granted on or after January 1, 2016.
Exhibit 10.7†	Form of Short-term Incentive effective for awards granted on or after January 1, 2016.
Exhibit 10.8†	Form of Non-Disclosure and Non-Solicitation Agreement for Certain Employees effective January 1, 2016.
Exhibit 31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 95	Mine Safety and Health Administration Safety Data.
Exhibit 101	Financial Statements for XBRL Format.

__________

* Previously filed as part of the filing indicated and incorporated by reference herein.

† Indicates a board of director or management compensatory plan.

82

EX-10.6

EXHIBIT 10.6

Black Hills Corporation

2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan

Performance Share Award Agreement

(for Awards granted on or after January 1, 2016)

Performance Period January 1, ______ - December 31, ______

1

Contents

Article 1.	Performance Period	2
Article 2.	Value of Performance Shares	2
Article 3.	Performance Shares and Achievement of Performance Measure	2
Article 4.	Termination Provisions	3
Article 5.	Change in Control	3
Article 6.	Forfeiture and Repayment	5
Article 7.	Dividends	7
Article 8.	Form and Timing of Payment of Performance Shares	8
Article 9.	Nontransferability	8
Article 10.	Administration	8
Article 11.	Miscellaneous	8

2

Black Hills Corporation

2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan

Performance Share Award Agreement

Performance Period January 1, _____ - December 31, ____

You have been selected to be a participant in the Black Hills Corporation 2015 Omnibus

Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), as specified below:

Participant: ______________________

Target Performance Share Award: ______ shares

Performance Period: January 1, ____ to December 31, ____

Performance Measure: Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”).

Peer Index:

ALLETE Inc.	ALE	NiSource, Inc.	NI-WI
Alliant Energy Corp.	LNT	Northwest Natural Gas Co.	NWN
Ameren Corporation	AEE	Northwestern Corp.	NWE
Avista Corp.	AVA	OGE Energy Corp.	OGE
Cleco Corp.	CNL	ONE Gas, Inc.	OGS
CMS Energy	CMS	Pinnacle West Capital Corp.	PNW
El Paso Electric Co.	EE	PNM Resources, Inc.	PNM
Great Plains Energy Inc.	GXP	Portland General Electric Co.	POR
IDACORP Inc.	IDA	South Jersey Industries	SJI
The Laclede Group, Inc.	LG	Westar Energy Inc.	WR
MGE Energy Inc.	MGEE	WGL Holdings Inc.	WGL
New Jersey Resources Corp.	NJR

THIS AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) effective January 1, _____, represents the grant of Performance Shares by Black Hills Corporation, a South Dakota corporation (the “Company”), to the Participant named above, pursuant to the provisions of the Plan.

The Plan provides a complete description of the terms and conditions governing the Performance Shares. If there is any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the Plan, the Plan’s terms shall completely supersede and replace the conflicting terms of this Agreement.

All capitalized terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan, unless specifically set forth otherwise herein.

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The parties hereto agree as follows:

Article 1. Performance Period

The Performance Period commences on January 1, _____ and ends on December 31, ______.

Article 2. Value of Performance Shares

Each Performance Share shall represent and have a value equal to one share of common stock of the Company.

Article 3. Performance Shares and Achievement of Performance Measure

(a) The number of Performance Shares to be earned under this Agreement shall be based upon the achievement of pre-established TSR performance goals as set by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”) for the Performance Period, based on the following chart:

TSR Performance Relative to Companies in Peer Index	Payout (% of Target)
90th Percentile or Above	200%
50th Percentile	100%
25th Percentile	25%
Below the 25th Percentile	0%

Interpolation shall be used to determine the percentile rank in the event the Company’s Percentile Rank does not fall directly on one of the ranks listed in the above chart.

For this purpose, Total Shareholder Return shall be determined as follows:

Total Shareholder Return = Change in Stock Price + Dividends Paid Beginning Stock Price

Beginning Stock Price shall mean the average closing price on the applicable stock exchange of one share of stock for the twenty (20) trading days immediately prior to the first day of the Performance Period; Ending Stock Price shall mean the average closing price on the applicable stock exchange of one share of stock for the last twenty (20) trading days of the Performance Period; Change in Stock Price shall mean the difference between the Beginning Stock Price and the Ending Stock Price; and Dividends Paid shall mean the total of all dividends paid on one (1) share of stock during the Performance Period.

2

Following the Total Shareholder Return determination, the Company’s Percentile Rank shall be determined as follows:

Percentile Rank shall be determined by listing from highest Total Shareholder Return to lowest Total Shareholder Return each company in the Peer Index (excluding the Company). The top company would have a one hundred percentile (100%) rank and the bottom company would have a zero percentile (0.0%) rank. Each company in between would be one hundred divided by n minus one (100/(n-1)) above the company below it, where “n” is the total number of companies in the Peer Index. The Company percentile rank would then be interpolated based on the Company TSR. The Companies in the Peer Index shall remain constant throughout the entire Performance Period.

Article 4. Termination Provisions

Except as provided below in this Article 4 and in Article 5, a Participant shall be eligible for payment of awarded Performance Shares, as determined in Article 3, only if the Participant’s employment with the Company continues through the end of the Performance Period.

If participant Retires, suffers a Disability, or dies during the Performance Period, the Participant (or the Participant’s estate) shall be entitled to that proportion of the number of Performance Shares as such Participant is entitled to under Article 3 for such Performance Period that the number of full months of participation during the Performance Period bears to the total number of months in the Performance Period. The form and timing of the payment of such Performance Shares shall be as set forth in Article 8.

“Retirement” or “Retires” means a Separation from service by a Participant on or after (i) attaining the age of 55 with at least 5 years of service, or (ii) attaining the age of 65.

“Separation from service” (as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)) during the Performance Period other than (i) due to Retirement, Disability, or death, or (ii) following a Change in Control shall require forfeiture of this entire award, with no payment to the Participant.

Article 5. Change in Control

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event of a Change in Control, the Participant shall be entitled to that proportion of the number of Performance Shares as such Participant is entitled to under Article 3 for such Performance Period that the number of full months of participation during the Performance Period (as of the effective date of the Change in Control) bears to the total number of months in the Performance Period. When there is a Change in Control, the TSR shall be calculated as set forth in Article 3, except that the Ending Stock Price shall mean the average closing price on the applicable stock exchange of one share of stock for the twenty (20) trading days immediately prior to the Change in Control. Performance Shares shall be paid out to the Participant in cash within thirty (30) days of the effective date of the Change in Control.

"Change in Control" of the Company shall be deemed to have occurred (as of a particular day, as specified by the Board) upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

(a) The acquisition in a transaction or series of transactions by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of the then

3

outstanding shares of common stock of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this Agreement, the following acquisitions will not constitute a Change in Control: (A) any acquisition by the Company; (B) any acquisition of common stock of the Company by an underwriter holding securities of the Company in connection with a public offering thereof; and (C) any acquisition by any Person pursuant to a transaction which complies with subsections (c) (i), (ii) and (iii);

(b) Individuals who, as of December 31, 2014 are members of the Board (the "Incumbent Board"), cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board; provided, however, that if the election, or nomination for election by the Company's common shareholders, of any new director was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Incumbent Board, such new director shall, for purposes of this Plan, be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board; provided further, however, that no individual shall be considered a member of the Incumbent Board if such individual initially assumed office as a result of either an actual or threatened "Election Contest" (as described in Rule 14a‑11 promulgated under the Exchange Act) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board (a "Proxy Contest") including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any Election Contest or Proxy Contest;

(c) Consummation, following shareholder approval, of a reorganization, merger, or consolidation of the Company, or a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (each a “Business Combination”), unless, in each case, immediately following such Business Combination, all of the following have occurred: (i) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were beneficial owners of shares of the common stock of the Company immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more that fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the then outstanding shares of the entity resulting from the Business Combination or any direct or indirect parent corporation thereof (including, without limitation, an entity which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one (1) or more subsidiaries) (the “Successor Entity”); (ii) no Person (excluding any Successor Entity or any employee benefit plan or related trust, of the Company or such Successor Entity) owns, directly or indirectly, thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Successor Entity, except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to such Business Combination; and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the entity resulting from such Business Combination or any direct or indirect parent corporation thereof were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or action of the Board providing for such Business Combination; or

(d) Approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company, except pursuant to a Business Combination that complies with subsections (c) (i), (ii), and (iii) above.

(e) A Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur solely because any Person (the "Subject Person") acquired Beneficial Ownership of more than the permitted amount of the then outstanding common stock as a result of the acquisition of common stock by the

4

Company which, by reducing the number of shares of common stock then outstanding, increases the proportional number of shares Beneficially Owned by the Subject Persons, provided that if a Change in Control would occur (but for the operation of this sentence) as a result of the acquisition of common stock by the Company, and after such stock acquisition by the Company, the Subject Person becomes the Beneficial Owner of any additional common stock which increases the percentage of the then outstanding common stock Beneficially Owned by the Subject Person, then a Change in Control shall occur.

(f) A Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur unless and until all regulatory approvals required in order to effectuate a Change in Control of the Company have been obtained and the transaction constituting the Change in Control has been consummated.

Notwithstanding the above provisions of this definition, to the extent that any payment under the Agreement due to a Change in Control is subject to Code Section 409A for deferred compensation, then the term “Change in Control” shall be construed in a manner that is consistent with Code Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(v), but only to the extent inconsistent with the above provisions as determined by the Board.

Article 6. Forfeiture and Repayment.

(a) In the event the Participant incurs a separation from service for a reason other than those described in Article 4 herein during the Performance Period this entire award will be forfeited, unless the separation from service follows a Change in Control.

(b) Without limiting the generality of Article 6(a), the Company reserves the right to cancel all Performance Shares awarded hereunder, whether or not vested, and require the Participant to repay all income or gains previously realized in respect of such Performance Shares, in the event of the occurrence of any of the following events:

(i) termination of Participant’s employment for Cause;

(ii) within one year following any termination of Participant’s employment, the Board determines that the Participant engaged in conduct before the Participant’s termination date that would have constituted the basis for a termination of employment for Cause;

(iii) at any time during the Participant’s employment or the twelve month period immediately following any termination of employment, Participant:

(x) publicly disparages the Company, any of its affiliates or any of its or their officers, directors or senior executive employees or otherwise makes any public statement that is materially detrimental to the interests or reputation of the Company, any of its affiliates or such individuals; or

5

(y) violates in any material respect any policy or any code of ethics or standard of behavior or conduct generally applicable to Participant, including the Code of Conduct; or

(iv) Participant engages in any fraudulent, illegal or other misconduct involving the Company or any of its affiliates, including but not limited to any breach of fiduciary duty, breach of a duty of loyalty, or interference with contract or business expectancy.

(c) If the Board determines that the Participant’s conduct, activities or circumstances constitute events described in Article 6(b), in addition to any other remedies the Company has available to it, the Company may in its sole discretion:

(i) cancel any Performance Shares awarded hereby, whether or not issued; and/or

(ii) require the Participant to repay an amount equal to all income or gain realized in respect of all such Performance Shares. The amount of repayment shall include, without limitation, amounts received in connection with the delivery or sale of Shares of such Performance Shares or cash paid in respect of any Performance Shares.

There shall be no forfeiture or repayment under Article 6(b) following a Change-in-Control.

(d) The Board, in its discretion, shall determine whether a Participant’s conduct, activities or circumstances constitute events described in Article 6(b) and whether and to what extent the Performance Shares awarded hereby shall be forfeited by Participant and/or a Participant shall be required to repay an amount pursuant to Article 6(c). The Board shall have the authority to suspend the payment, delivery or settlement of all or any portion of such Participant’s outstanding Performance Shares pending an investigation of a bona fide dispute regarding Participant’s eligibility to receive a payment under the terms of this Agreement as determined by the Board in good faith.

(e) For purposes of applying this provision:

(i) “Cause” means any of the following:

(u) a Participant’s violation of his or her material duties to the Company or any of its affiliates, which continues after written notice from the Company or any affiliate to cure such violation;

(v) Participant’s willful failure to follow the lawful written directives of the Board in any material respect;

(w) Participant’s willful misconduct in connection with the performance of any of his or her duties, including but not limited to falsifying or attempting to falsify documents, books or records of the Company or any of its affiliates, making or delivering a false representation, statement or certification of compliance to the Company,

6

misappropriating or attempting to misappropriate funds or other property of the Company or any of its affiliates, or securing or attempting to secure any personal profit in connection with any transaction entered into on behalf of the Company or any of its affiliates;

(x) Participant’s breach of any material provisions of this Agreement or any other non-competition, non-interference, non-disclosure, confidentiality or other similar agreement executed by Participant with the Company or any of its affiliates;

(y) conviction (or plea of nolo contendere) of the Participant of any felony, or a misdemeanor involving false statement, in connection with conduct involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates; or

(z) intentional engagement in any activity which would constitute or cause a breach of duty of loyalty, or any fiduciary duty to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.

(ii) “Code of Conduct” means any code of ethics or code of conduct now or hereafter adopted by the Company or any of its affiliates, including to the extent applicable the Company’s Employee Conduct and Disclosure Policy, as amended or supplemented from time to time, and the Company’s or subsidiary Risk Management Policies and Procedures, as amended, supplemented or replaced from time to time.

(f) Participant agrees that the provisions of this Article 6 are entered into in consideration of, and as a material inducement to, the agreements by the Company herein as well as an inducement for the Company to enter into this Agreement, and that, but for Participant’s agreement to the provisions of this Article 6, the Company would not have entered into this Agreement.

Article 7. Dividends

During the Performance Period, all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the shares of common stock shall accrue for the benefit of the Participant to be paid out to the Participant pursuant to Article 8.

7

Article 8. Form and Timing of Payment of Performance Shares

Payment of the Performance Shares, including accrued dividends, shall be made fifty percent (50%) in cash and fifty percent (50%) in shares of Company stock.

Payment of Performance Shares shall be made within sixty (60) calendar days following the close of the Performance Period, subject to the following:

(a) The Participant shall have no right with respect to any Award or a portion there of, until such award shall be paid to such Participant.

(b) If the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, that a Participant at any time has willfully engaged in any activity that the Committee determines was or is harmful to the Company, any unpaid pending Award will be forfeited by such Participant.

(c) All appropriate taxes will be withheld from the cash portion of the award.

Article 9. Nontransferability

Performance Shares may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Further, except as otherwise provided in a Participant’s Award Agreement, a Participant’s rights under the Plan shall be exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by the Participant or the Participant’s legal representative. The terms hereof shall be binding on the executors, administrators, heirs and successors of the Participant.

Article 10. Administration

This Agreement and the rights of the Participant hereunder are subject to all the terms and conditions of the Plan, as the same may be amended from time to time by the Board of Directors, as well as to such rules and regulations as the Committee may adopt for administration of the Plan. It is expressly understood that the Committee is authorized to administer, construe, and make all determinations necessary or appropriate to the administration of the Plan and this Agreement, in its sole discretion, all of which shall be binding upon the Participant.

Any inconsistency between the Agreement and the Plan shall be resolved in favor of the Plan.

Article 11. Miscellaneous

(a) The selection of any employee for participation in the Plan shall not give such Participant any right to be retained in the employ of the Company. The right and power of the Company to dismiss or discharge any Participant at-will, is specifically reserved. Such Participant or any person claiming under or through the Participant shall not have any right or interest in the Plan or any Award thereunder, unless and until all terms, conditions, and provisions of the Plan that affect such Participant have been complied with as specified herein.

(b) With the approval of the Board, the Committee may terminate, amend, or modify the Plan; provided, however, that no such termination, amendment, or modification of the Plan may in any way adversely affect the Participant’s rights under this Agreement without the Participant’s written consent, except as required by law.

8

(c) Participant shall not have voting rights with respect to the Performance Shares. Participant shall obtain voting rights upon the settlement of Performance Shares and distribution into shares of common stock of the Company.

(d) The Participant may defer such Participant’s receipt of the payment of cash and the delivery of shares of common stock, that would otherwise be due to such Participant by virtue of the satisfaction of the performance goals with respect to the Performance Shares, pursuant to the rules of the Black Hills Corporation Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan and the procedures set forth by the Compensation Committee. If the Participant elects to defer the receipt of the award, the Participant will be required to pay any necessary taxes from their own funds. They will not be allowed to have their deferred award reduced for tax withholding.

(e) This Agreement shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities exchanges as may be required.

(f) To the extent not preempted by federal law, this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of South Dakota.

(g) Any awards received by Participant are subject to the provisions of the Stock Ownership Guidelines approved by the Board of Directors.

(h) Waiver and Modification. The provisions of this Agreement may not be waived or modified unless such waiver or modification is in writing and signed by the Company.

(i) Compliance with Exchange Act. If the Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, Performance Shares granted pursuant to the Award are intended to comply with all applicable conditions of Rule 16b-3 or its successors under the Exchange Act.

9

The following parties have caused this Agreement to be executed effective as of January 1, _____.

Black Hills Corporation

                        By: _______________________

___________________________

Participant

10

EX-10.7

EXHIBIT 10.7

Black Hills Corporation

Short-Term Incentive Plan for Officers

Award Agreement

(Effective for Plan Years Beginning on or after January 1, 2016)

STIPAward2016

Contents

Article 1	Effective Date and Purpose of Plan	1
Article 2	Definitions	1
Article 3	Eligibility and Participants	2
Article 4	Administration of the Plan	2
Article 5	Target Incentive Award and Performance Measures	2
Article 6	Termination Provisions	3
Article 7	Change in Control	3
Article 8	Forfeiture and Repayment	5
Article 9	Payment of Incentive Award	7
Article 10	Powers of Board of Directors	7
Article 11	Assignability	8
Article 12	No Contract of Employment	8
Article 13	Right to Incentive Award	8
Article 14	Governing Law	8
Article 15	No Tax Qualified or ERISA Plan	8

Black Hills Corporation

Short-Term Incentive Plan for Officers

Award Agreement

(Effective for Plan Years Beginning on or after January 1, 2016)

You have been selected to be a participant in the Black Hills Corporation Short-Term Incentive

Plan (the “STIP”). The STIP is granted under the Cash-Based Awards provisions of the Black Hills Corporation 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).

Target STIP Award: ______ percent of base salary

Performance Period: January 1, _____ to December 31, _____

Performance Measure: Earnings Per Share (“EPS”).

THIS AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) effective ________________, represents the award opportunity under the STIP provided by Black Hills Corporation, a South Dakota corporation (the “Company”), to the Participant named above, pursuant to the provisions of the Plan.

The Plan provides a complete description of the terms and conditions governing the award. If there is any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the Plan, the Plan’s terms shall completely supersede and replace the conflicting terms of this Agreement.

All capitalized terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan, unless specifically set forth otherwise herein.

The parties hereto agree as follows:

Article 1. Effective Date and Purpose of Plan

The Performance Period commences on January 1, ____ and ends on December 31, _____.

Article 2. Definitions

Unless the context otherwise specifically requires, the following words as used herein shall have the following meanings:

"BASE SALARY" shall mean the annual base salary in effect for a Participant at the end of a plan year, including any compensation reduction under a cash or deferred arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, under a flexible benefit program under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code, or under the Black Hills Corporation Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, but not including any amounts paid to the Participant as overtime, bonus, commission or incentive compensation, nor reimbursements and expense allowances, fringe benefits, moving expenses, nonqualified deferred compensation, or welfare benefits.

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"BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

"COMMITTEE" shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board.

"COMPANY" shall mean Black Hills Corporation, a South Dakota corporation with principal offices in the state of South Dakota.

"EMPLOYEE" shall mean any person who is in the regular full-time employment of the Company or a Subsidiary, as determined by the personnel rules and practices of the Company or a Subsidiary. The term does not include persons who are retained by the Company or a Subsidiary solely as consultants.

"INCENTIVE AWARD" shall mean the incentive compensation to be awarded to a Participant as determined under Article 5.

"PARTICIPANTS" shall mean those eligible employees elected to participate in the Plan under Article 3 below.

"PLAN" means the 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

"PLAN YEAR" shall mean the 12 months beginning on January 1 and ending on the following December 31.

"SUBSIDIARY" shall mean any business organization in which Company, directly or indirectly, owns a majority of its voting power or voting equity securities or equity interest.

Article 3. Eligibility and Participants

Employees eligible to participate in this Plan shall be the officers of the Company or a Subsidiary as designated by the Committee.

Article 4. Administration of the Plan

This Agreement and the rights of the Participant hereunder are subject to all the terms and conditions of the Plan, as the same may be amended from time to time by the Board, as well as to such rules and regulations as the Committee may adopt for administration of the Plan. It is expressly understood that the Committee is authorized to administer, construe, and make all determinations necessary or appropriate to the administration of the Plan and this Agreement, in its sole discretion, all of which shall be binding upon the Participant.

Any inconsistency between the Agreement and the Plan shall be resolved in favor of the Plan.

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Article 5. Target Incentive Award and Performance Measures

Participant was assigned a target incentive award determined as a percent of a Participant's Base Salary. Participant shall have the opportunity to earn various percentages of the target incentive award. The percentage of the target incentive award to be earned by the Participant shall be determined by the application of objective performance measurements determined by the Committee, such as earnings per share. The application of the Participant's target incentive award to actual performance results creates the actual award for each Participant ("Incentive Award"). Attached hereto as Attachment 1, is a list of the performance measures to be used for the ____ Plan Year. As described in Articles 8 and 13 herein, the Board of Directors has the sole discretion to revoke or modify any award. Circumstances which may lead the Board to revoke or modify an award include the finding of a material weakness in financial controls, a work-related employee fatality, activities giving rise to the imposition of a substantial penalty by a governmental authority or other significant issues, as recommended by the Committee, and approved by the Board, in its sole discretion.

Article 6. Termination Provisions

Except as provided below in this Article 6 and in Article 7, a Participant shall be eligible for payment of the Incentive Award, as determined in Article 5, only if the Participant’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary continues through the date of payment.

If Participant Retires, suffers a Disability, or dies during the Performance Period, the Participant (or the Participant’s estate) shall be entitled to that proportion of the Incentive Award as such Participant is entitled to under Article 5 for such Performance Period that the number of full months of participation during the Performance Period bears to the total number of months in the Performance Period. The form and timing of the payment of such Performance Shares shall be as set forth in Article 9.

“Retirement” or “Retires” means a Separation from service by a Participant on or after (i) attaining the age of 55 with at least 5 years of service, or (ii) attaining the age of 65.

“Separation from service” (as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)) during the Performance Period other than (i) due to Retirement, Disability, or Death, or (ii) following a Change in Control shall require forfeiture of this entire award, with no payment to the Participant.

Article 7. Change in Control

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event of a Change in Control, the Participant shall be entitled to that proportion target incentive award as such Participant is entitled to under Article 5 for such Performance Period that the number of full months of participation during the Performance Period (as of the effective date of the Change in Control) bears to the total number of months in the Performance Period.

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"Change in Control" of the Company shall be deemed to have occurred (as of a particular day, as specified by the Board) upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

(a) The acquisition in a transaction or series of transactions by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this Agreement, the following acquisitions will not constitute a Change in Control: (A) any acquisition by the Company; (B) any acquisition of common stock of the Company by an underwriter holding securities of the Company in connection with a public offering thereof; and (C) any acquisition by any Person pursuant to a transaction which complies with subsections (c) (i), (ii) and (iii);

(b) Individuals who, as of December 31, 2014 are members of the Board (the "Incumbent Board"), cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board; provided, however, that if the election, or nomination for election by the Company's common shareholders, of any new director was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Incumbent Board, such new director shall, for purposes of this Plan, be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board; provided further, however, that no individual shall be considered a member of the Incumbent Board if such individual initially assumed office as a result of either an actual or threatened "Election Contest" (as described in Rule 14a‑11 promulgated under the Exchange Act) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board (a "Proxy Contest") including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any Election Contest or Proxy Contest;

(c) Consummation, following shareholder approval, of a reorganization, merger, or consolidation of the Company, or a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (each a “Business Combination”), unless, in each case, immediately following such Business Combination, all of the following have occurred: (i) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were beneficial owners of shares of the common stock of the Company immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more that fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the then outstanding shares of the entity resulting from the Business Combination or any direct or indirect parent corporation thereof (including, without limitation, an entity which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one (1) or more subsidiaries)(the “Successor Entity”); (ii) no Person (excluding any Successor Entity or any employee benefit plan or related trust, of the Company or such Successor Entity) owns, directly or indirectly, thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Successor Entity, except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to such Business Combination; and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the entity resulting from such Business Combination or any direct or indirect parent corporation thereof were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or action of the Board providing for such Business Combination; or

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(d) Approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company, except pursuant to a Business Combination that complies with subsections (c) (i), (ii), and (iii) above.

(e) A Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur solely because any Person (the "Subject Person") acquired Beneficial Ownership of more than the permitted amount of the then outstanding Common Stock as a result of the acquisition of common stock by the Company which, by reducing the number of shares of common stock then outstanding, increases the proportional number of shares Beneficially Owned by the Subject Persons, provided that if a Change in Control would occur (but for the operation of this sentence) as a result of the acquisition of common stock by the Company, and after such stock acquisition by the Company, the Subject Person becomes the Beneficial Owner of any additional common stock which increases the percentage of the then outstanding common stock Beneficially Owned by the Subject Person, then a Change in Control shall occur.

(f) A Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur unless and until all regulatory approvals required in order to effectuate a Change in Control of the Company have been obtained and the transaction constituting the Change in Control has been consummated.

Notwithstanding the above provisions of this definition, to the extent that any payment under the Agreement due to a Change in Control is subject to Code Section 409A for deferred compensation, then the term “Change in Control” shall be construed in a manner that is consistent with Code Section 409A (a) (2)(A)(v), but only to the extent inconsistent with the above provisions as determined by the Board.

Article 8. Forfeiture and Repayment.

(a) In the event the Participant incurs a separation from service for a reason other than those described in Article 6 herein during the Performance Period this entire award will be forfeited, unless the separation from service follows a Change in Control.

(b) Without limiting the generality of Article 8(a), the Company reserves the right to cancel the Incentive Award awarded hereunder, whether or not earned, and require the Participant to repay all income or gains previously realized in respect of such Incentive Award, in the event of the occurrence of any of the following events:

(i) termination of Participant’s employment for Cause;

(ii) within one year following any termination of Participant’s employment, the Board determines that the Participant engaged in conduct before the Participant’s termination date that would have constituted the basis for a termination of employment for Cause;

(iii) at any time during the Participant’s employment or the twelve month period immediately following any termination of employment, Participant:

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(x) publicly disparages the Company, any of its affiliates or any of its or their officers, directors or senior executive employees or otherwise makes any public statement that is materially detrimental to the interests or reputation of the Company, any of its affiliates or such individuals; or

(y) violates in any material respect any policy or any code of ethics or standard of behavior or conduct generally applicable to Participant, including the Code of Conduct; or

(iv) Participant engages in any fraudulent, illegal or other misconduct involving the Company or any of its affiliates, including but not limited to any breach of fiduciary duty, breach of a duty of loyalty, or interference with contract or business expectancy.

(c) If the Board determines that the Participant’s conduct, activities or circumstances constitute events described in Article 8(b), in addition to any other remedies the Company has available to it, the Company may in its sole discretion:

(i) cancel any Incentive Award, whether or not issued; and/or

(ii) require the Participant to repay an amount equal to all income or gain realized in respect of all such Incentive Award. The amount of repayment shall include, without limitation, amounts received in connection with the delivery or sale of Shares of such Incentive Award or cash paid in respect of any Incentive Award.

There shall be no forfeiture or repayment under Article 8(b) following a Change-in-Control.

(d) The Board, in its discretion, shall determine whether a Participant’s conduct, activities or circumstances constitute events described in Article 8(b) and whether and to what extent the Incentive Award shall be forfeited by Participant and/or a Participant shall be required to repay an amount pursuant to Article 8(c). The Board shall have the authority to suspend the payment, delivery or settlement of all or any portion of such Participant’s outstanding Incentive Award pending an investigation of a bona fide dispute regarding Participant’s eligibility to receive a payment under the terms of this Agreement as determined by the Board in good faith.

(e) For purposes of applying this provision:

(i) “Cause” means any of the following:

(u) a Participant’s violation of his or her material duties to the Company or any of its affiliates, which continues after written notice from the Company or any affiliate to cure such violation;

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(v) Participant’s willful failure to follow the lawful written directives of the Board in any material respect;

(w) Participant’s willful misconduct in connection with the performance of any of his or her duties, including but not limited to falsifying or attempting to falsify documents, books or records of the Company or any of its affiliates, making or delivering a false representation, statement or certification of compliance to the Company, misappropriating or attempting to misappropriate funds or other property of the Company or any of its affiliates, or securing or attempting to secure any personal profit in connection with any transaction entered into on behalf of the Company or any of its affiliates;

(x) Participant’s breach of any material provisions of this Agreement or any other non-competition, non-interference, non-disclosure, confidentiality or other similar agreement executed by Participant with the Company or any of its affiliates;

(y) conviction (or plea of nolo contendere) of the Participant of any felony, or a misdemeanor involving false statement, in connection with conduct involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates; or

(z) intentional engagement in any activity which would constitute or cause a breach of duty of loyalty, or any fiduciary duty to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.

(ii) “Code of Conduct” means any code of ethics or code of conduct now or hereafter adopted by the Company or any of its affiliates, including to the extent applicable the Company’s Employee Conduct and Disclosure Policy, as amended or supplemented from time to time, and the Company’s or subsidiary Risk Management Policies and Procedures, as amended, supplemented or replaced from time to time.

(f) Participant agrees that the provisions of this Article 8 are entered into in consideration of, and as a material inducement to, the agreements by the Company herein as well as an inducement for the Company to enter into this Agreement, and that, but for Participant’s agreement to the provisions of this Article 8, the Company would not have entered into this Agreement.

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Article 9. Payment of Incentive Award

    The Incentive Award shall be paid to the Participant in the form of 50 percent cash and 50 percent common stock of the Company after required tax withholding. Participants who have stock ownership guidelines in place and have met the guidelines established may elect to receive the payment 100 percent cash after required tax withholding.

Stock utilized for any Incentive Award will be from shares authorized under the Plan. The value of stock to be included in any Incentive Award shall be determined by reference to the closing price of such stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the last trading day on which such shares were traded preceding the date the Incentive Awards are paid.

Article 10. Powers of Board of Directors

The Board of Directors may suspend or terminate the Plan, in whole or in part, at any time, or may, from time to time, amend the Plan in such respects as the Board may deem advisable, provided that no such amendment shall withdraw the administration and interpretation of the Plan from the Committee.

Article 11. Assignability

No right to receive payments under this Agreement shall be subject to voluntary or involuntary alienation, assignment or transfer.

Article 12. No Contract of Employment

Neither the action taken by the Company in establishing the Plan or any action taken by it or by the Committee under the provisions hereof or any provision of the Plan shall be construed as giving to any Participant the right to be retained in the employment of the Company.

Article 13. Right to Incentive Award

Notwithstanding anything contained herein, no Participant shall have any right to receive any Incentive Award until the Committee determines the amount of the Incentive Award, which determination is to be made in January of each Plan Year based on the application of the target incentives and performance measures to the preceding year and no Participant shall be considered to have earned any portion of any Incentive Award until determination by the Committee. The Committee reserves the right in its sole discretion to revoke, modify or not grant an Incentive Award whether or not any Participant has met target incentive and performance measures; provided, that in the event of a Change in Control, a Participant's Incentive Award shall be determined as of the date of the Change in Control and shall be paid 30 days after the day of the Change in Control. Circumstances which may lead the Board to revoke or modify an award include the finding of a material weakness in financial controls, a work-related employee fatality, activities giving rise to the imposition of a substantial penalty by a governmental authority or other significant issues, as recommended by the Committee, and approved by the Board, in its sole discretion.

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Article 14. Governing Law

This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of South Dakota.

Article 15. No Tax Qualified or ERISA Plan

This is not intended to be a tax qualified plan nor a plan for the purposes of ERISA.

The following parties have caused this Agreement to be executed effective as of January 1, ____.

Black Hills Corporation

                        By: _______________________

___________________________

Participant

___________________________

Date

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EX-10.8

EXHIBIT 10.8

NON-DISCLOSURE AND NON-SOLICITATION AGREEMENT

In consideration of the eligibility for and receipt of incentive plan benefits, including the Black Hills Corporation Short-Term Incentive Plan, Employee knowingly and voluntarily agrees to these Non-Disclosure and Non-Solicitation obligations, as follows:

1. Access to Confidential Information. Employee is employed in a position that, in the course and scope of Employee’s employment, provides Employee access to various trade secrets and confidential information belonging to the Company, including information created by Employee alone or jointly with others. Such information enables Employee to perform services of a unique or special nature. Employee acknowledges Employee’s employment places Employee in a position of trust and confidence with the Company, its shareholders, officers, directors, employees, customers and agents.

2. Scope of Confidential Information. Black Hills Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates (herein referred to collectively as the “Company”) are engaged in diversified energy businesses, including regulated gas and electric utilities, oil and gas exploration, coal mining, and wholesale power generation. Employee acknowledges that the Company’s businesses and services are highly specialized, and the identity and particular needs of the Company’s customers, contract counter-parties, suppliers and contractors are not generally known. The term “Confidential Information”, for purposes of this Agreement, includes all information and material, whether in written, electronic, or oral form, or any other form whatsoever, that is proprietary and has not been publicly disclosed by the Company, including the Company’s trade secrets. Specifically, Confidential Information also includes but is not limited to:

(a)Documents and personally private information regarding (i) the Company’s employees (identifying information, protected health information, salary/incentive pay structure and information, performance evaluations); (ii) contract counterparties; and, (iii) transactions with counterparties, including information that is provided to Company that is subject to obligations of confidentiality;

(b)Business plans and strategies, records of financial performance, methods of operation, budgets, sales or forecasts;

(c)Competitive analyses, engineering plans or drawings, training materials;

(d)Pricing information and costs or projected costs;

(e)Bids or proposals, and contract arrangements with counterparties, including specific terms of such arrangements;

(f)Financial statements, analyses, reports and positions, that are not publicly disclosed;

(g)“Work product” that has been compiled by employees or agents of the Company or purchased by the Company (such as subscriptions), even if the information contained in the work product is or could be publicly available; and,

(h)Any other information that the Company would not divulge to any of its competitors.

Confidential information also includes all information that is derivative in nature, such as all documents or items that reflect what Employee does with, or how Employee evaluates or adapts the information to a particular use. Employee further acknowledges that trade secrets and other Confidential Information of the Company are and will be developed through substantial expenditure of time, intellect, craft, skill, effort and money and are the Company’s valuable and unique property, the loss of which cannot adequately be compensated by damages in an action at law.

3. Disclosure and Use of Confidential Information. Employee will use the Confidential Information only for purposes of performing Employee’s duties to the Company, within the course and scope of Employee’s employment. Employee will not use or disclose any Confidential Information, in whole or in part, for any other purpose. Employee agrees to keep confidential all Confidential Information and to preserve the confidential and proprietary nature of the Confidential Information at all times, even following the termination of Employee’s employment for any reason, whether voluntary or involuntary. Employee will not, directly or indirectly, copy, take or remove from the Company’s premises or from secure electronic information systems and hardware any Confidential Information. Nothing in this Agreement prohibits Employee from reporting possible violations of state or federal law or regulations to any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or from making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of applicable law. In addition, nothing in this Agreement precludes Employee from participating in government investigations or inquiries relating to the Company.

4. Ownership and Return of Confidential Information. All right, title and interest in and to Confidential Information will remain the exclusive property of the Company even following termination of Employee’s employment. Nothing in this Agreement will be construed to convey to Employee any right, title or interest or right to use any Confidential Information, except as permitted by this Agreement. Immediately upon the termination of Employee’s employment with the Company, and at any time upon the request of the Company, Employee will return all Confidential Information and Company property in Employee’s possession, including without limitation all originals, copies, notes or any other form of such material, without retaining any copy or duplicates thereof. Employee will return, or if so directed, will delete or destroy any and all written, printed, electronic or other material or information derived from Confidential Information. Employee will deliver to the Company all devices on which Confidential Information is stored, including all electronic or digital copies, without retaining any copy or duplicate thereof. If Employee fails to return the Company’s property or

Confidential Information, Employee agrees that Employee will reimburse the Company for its expenses, including attorney fees, incurred in seeking the return of these items.

5. Obligations to Others. The Company also honors the confidentiality of other companies’ confidential and proprietary information. Employee affirms that Employee has not and will not disclose to the Company or use in Employee’s employment with the Company, in knowing violation of an obligation of confidentiality, any information belonging to a former employer, or that was received under any other obligation of confidentiality.

6. Injunctive Relief. Employee acknowledges that the interests of the Company would be irreparably harmed, and the remedy at law available to Company for the breach of any obligation under this Agreement would be inadequate. Employee agrees that, in addition to any other remedy available at law or in equity, the Company may be granted temporary or permanent injunctive relief in any proceeding brought to enforce any provision of this Agreement or to prevent the actual or threatened disclosure of Confidential Information, without necessity of proof of actual damage, and without posting a bond.

7. Non-Competition During Employment. Employee agrees that from the Effective Date until the termination of Employee’s employment, for any reason, whether voluntary or involuntary, Employee will not engage in any activity that is in any way competitive with the business or demonstrably anticipated business of the Company. Employee will not assist any other person or entity in competing or preparing to compete with any business or demonstrably anticipated business of the Company. Employee activity that is prohibited by this Agreement includes, but is not limited to:

(a)Solicitation of customers, business, or selling products or services in competition with, or for any business that competes with the Company;

(b)Diverting, enticing, or taking away any employees, customers or business of the Company or attempting to do so; or

(c)Acting as a consultant or agent for, promoting, or assisting any individual or entity engaged in any business that competes with the Company.

8. Non-Solicitation of Employees and Others. During Employee’s employment and for a period of one (1) year after the termination of Employee’s employment for any reason, whether voluntary or involuntary, Employee agrees that Employee will not directly or indirectly, on Employee’s own behalf or on the behalf of any other individual or entity:

(a) Solicit the employment of any employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, on behalf of the Employee or any other individual or entity, or otherwise interfere with the employment relationship between any such employee and the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates;

(b) Solicit, induce, or entice any of the Company’s agents, representatives, consultants, contractors or customers with whom Employee had access during Employee’s employment with the Company, to terminate or alter their relationship with the Company.

Employee agrees that while employed by the Company and for one (1) year thereafter, Employee will communicate the contents of this Agreement to any individual, entity or association with which Employee intends to be employed, become associated or to represent. For purposes of this paragraph 8, the geographic scope will be limited to those locations where the employees, agents, representatives, consultants, contractors or customers of Company reside or do business.

9. Reasonable Restrictions. Employee has carefully read and considered the provisions of this Agreement and, having done so, agrees that the restrictions set forth above, including the time periods of restriction set forth in paragraph 8, are reasonable and are reasonably required for the protection of the interests of the Company. Employee agrees that this Agreement is necessary and designed to protect the Company’s trade secrets and other important business interests.

Effective Date and Continuing Obligation: This Agreement, and the restrictions set forth herein, shall apply as a condition to Employee’s receipt if incentive plan benefits, including Short Term Incentive Plan benefits, for the Plan Year in which Employee executes this Agreement. This Agreement also applies to, and will remain in effect as a condition for receipt of incentive plan benefits in any subsequent Plan Year for which Employee is deemed eligible to participate, unless this Agreement is amended or withdrawn, in writing, by both the Employee and the Company.

____________________________

Employee

____________________________

Title

Date:

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, David R. Emery, certify that:

1.	I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Black Hills Corporation;
2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.	The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
	a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
	b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
	c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
	d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
	a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
	b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	May 9, 2016
		/S/ DAVID R. EMERY
		David R. Emery
		Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Richard W. Kinzley, certify that:

1.	I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Black Hills Corporation;
2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.	The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
	a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
	b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
	c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
	d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
	a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
	b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	May 9, 2016
		/S/ RICHARD W. KINZLEY
		Richard W. Kinzley
		Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Black Hills Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2016 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, David R. Emery, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350, as adopted pursuant to ss. 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)	The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13 (a) or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)	The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date:	May 9, 2016
		/S/ DAVID R. EMERY
		David R. Emery
		Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Black Hills Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2016 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Richard W. Kinzley, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350, as adopted pursuant to ss. 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)	The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13 (a) or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)	The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date:	May 9, 2016
		/S/ RICHARD W. KINZLEY
		Richard W. Kinzley
		Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-95

Exhibit 95

Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Sections 1503(a) of Dodd-Frank is included below.

Mine Safety and Health Administration Safety Data

Safety is a core value at Black Hills Corporation and at each of its subsidiary operations. We have in place a comprehensive safety program that includes extensive health and safety training for all employees, site inspections, emergency response preparedness, crisis communications training, incident investigation, regulatory compliance training and process auditing, as well as an open dialogue between all levels of employees. The goals of our processes are to eliminate exposure to hazards in the workplace, ensure that we comply with all mine safety regulations, and support regulatory and industry efforts to improve the health and safety of our employees along with the industry as a whole.

Under the recently enacted Dodd-Frank Act, each operator of a coal or other mine is required to include certain mine safety results in its periodic reports filed with the SEC. Our mining operation, consisting of Wyodak Coal Mine, is subject to regulation by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration ("MSHA") under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”). Below we present the following information regarding certain mining safety and health matters for the three month period ended March 31, 2016. In evaluating this information, consideration should be given to factors such as: (i) the number of citations and orders will vary depending on the size of the coal mine, (ii) the number of citations issued will vary from inspector to inspector and mine to mine, and (iii) citations and orders can be contested and appealed, and in that process, are often reduced in severity and amount, and are sometimes dismissed. The information presented includes:

• Total number of violations of mandatory health and safety standards that could significantly and substantially contribute to the cause and effect of a coal or other mine safety or health hazard under section 104 of the Mine Act for which we have received a citation from MSHA;

• Total number of orders issued under section 104(b) of the Mine Act;

• Total number of citations and orders for unwarrantable failure of the mine operator to comply with mandatory health and safety standards under section 104(d) of the Mine Act;

• Total number of imminent danger orders issued under section 107(a) of the Mine Act; and

• Total dollar value of proposed assessments from MSHA under the Mine Act.

The table below sets forth the total number of citations and/or orders issued by MSHA to WRDC under the indicated provisions of the Mine Act, together with the total dollar value of proposed MSHA assessments received during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and legal actions pending before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, together with the Administrative Law Judges thereof, for WRDC, our only mining complex. All citations were abated within 24 hours of issue.

Mine/ MSHA

Mine Act Section 104 S&S Citations issued during three months ended

Mine Act Section 104(b)

Mine Act Section 104(d) Citations and

Mine Act Section 110(b)(2)

Mine Act Section 107(a) Imminent Danger

Total Dollar Value of Proposed MSHA

Total Number of Mining Related

Received Notice of Potential to Have Pattern Under

Legal Actions Pending as of Last Day of

Legal Actions Initiated During

Legal Actions Resolved During

Identification Number

March 31, 2016

Orders (#)

Orders (#)

Violations (#)

Orders (#)

Assessments

Fatalities (#)

Section 104(e) (yes/no)

Period (#) (a)

Period (#)

Period (#)

Wyodak Coal Mine - 4800083

—

—

—

—

—

$

393

—

No

—

—

—

________________________

(a) The types of proceedings by class: (1) contests of citations and orders - none; (2) contests of proposed penalties - none; (3) complaints for compensation - none; (4) complaints of discharge, discrimination or interference under Section 105 of the Mine Act - none; (5) applications for temporary relief - none; and (6) appeals of judges' decisions or orders to the FMSHRC - none.

XML

Document and Entity Information Document - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	BLACK HILLS CORP /SD/
Entity Central Index Key	0001130464
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		51,587,415
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) (unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 449,959	$ 441,987
Operating expenses:
Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold	171,856	205,327
Operations and maintenance	107,062	93,134
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	44,407	39,002
Taxes - property, production and severance	12,117	11,936
Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties	14,496	22,036
Other operating expenses	26,431	52
Total operating expenses	376,369	371,487
Operating income (loss)	73,590	70,500
Interest charges -
Interest expense incurred (including amortization of debt issuance costs, premiums and discounts)	(32,074)	(19,910)
Allowance for funds used during construction - borrowed	501	158
Capitalized interest	235	276
Interest income	655	448
Allowance for funds used during construction - equity	707	56
Other income (expense), net	688	331
Total other income (expense), net	(29,288)	(18,641)
Income (loss) before earnings (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and income taxes	44,302	51,859
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	0	(297)
Income tax benefit (expense)	(4,252)	(17,712)
Net income (loss)	40,050	33,850
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	(48)	0
Net income (loss) available for common stock	$ 40,002	$ 33,850
Earnings (loss) per share of common stock:
Earnings (loss) per share, Basic (usd per share)	$ 0.78	$ 0.76
Earnings (loss) per share, Diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.77	$ 0.76
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	51,044	44,541
Diluted (in shares)	51,858	44,660
Dividends declared per share of common stock (usd per share)	$ 0.420	$ 0.405

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 40,050	$ 33,850
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Fair value adjustments on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges (net of tax (expense) benefit of $4,576 and $(1,042) for the three months ended 2016 and 2015, respectively)	(8,644)	1,836
Reclassification adjustments for cash flow hedges settled and included in net income (loss) (net of tax (expense) benefit of $1,946 and $1,254 for the three months ended 2016 and 2015, respectively)	(3,412)	(1,241)
Benefit plan liability adjustments - net gain (loss) (net of tax (expense) benefit of $0 and $15 for the three months ended 2016 and 2015, respectively)	0	(27)
Reclassification adjustments of benefit plan liability - prior service cost (net of tax (expense) benefit of $19 and $19 for the three months ended 2016 and 2015, respectively)	(36)	(36)
Reclassification adjustments of benefit plan liability - net gain (loss) (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(172) and $(247) for the three months ended 2016 and 2015, respectively)	322	458
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(11,770)	990
Comprehensive income (loss)	28,280	34,840
Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest	(48)	0
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	$ 28,232	$ 34,840

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Fair value adjustment on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, (tax) benefit	$ 4,576	$ 1,042
Reclassification adjustments of cash flow hedges settled and included in net income, (tax) benefit	1,946	1,254
Benefit plan liability adjustments net gain, (tax) benefit	0	15
Reclassification adjustment of benefit plan prior service cost included in net income, (tax) benefit	19	19
Reclassification adjustment of benefit plan liabilities actuarial gain (loss), (tax) benefit	$ (172)	$ (247)

XML

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 46,974	$ 456,535	$ 63,385
Restricted cash and equivalents	1,839	1,697	2,191
Accounts receivable, net	206,276	147,486	178,421
Materials, supplies and fuel	78,176	86,943	66,626
Derivative assets, current	1,486	0	0
Income tax receivable, net	0	368	159
Deferred income tax assets, net, current	0	0	23,913
Regulatory assets, current	54,108	57,359	56,542
Other current assets	34,287	71,763	47,448
Total current assets	423,146	822,151	438,685
Investments	12,126	11,985	17,210
Property, plant and equipment	6,063,943	4,976,778	4,652,058
Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion	(1,742,070)	(1,717,684)	(1,407,214)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	4,321,873	3,259,094	3,244,844
Other assets:
Goodwill	1,306,169	359,759	353,396
Intangible assets, net	10,957	3,380	3,121
Regulatory assets, non-current	239,023	175,125	178,935
Derivative assets, non-current	85	3,441	0
Other assets, non-current	11,274	7,382	16,994
Total other assets, non-current	1,567,508	549,087	552,446
TOTAL ASSETS	6,324,653	4,642,317	4,253,185
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	121,684	105,468	88,770
Accrued liabilities	272,181	232,061	166,781
Derivative liabilities, current	3,965	2,835	3,342
Accrued Income Taxes	10,899	0	0
Regulatory liabilities, current	35,933	4,865	17,621
Notes payable	215,600	76,800	102,600
Total current liabilities	660,262	422,029	379,114
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	3,159,055	1,853,682	1,531,372
Deferred credits and other liabilities:
Deferred income tax liabilities, net, non-current	500,202	450,579	503,117
Derivative liabilities, non-current	14,522	156	2,143
Regulatory liabilities, non-current	200,337	148,176	148,918
Benefit plan liabilities	181,270	146,459	162,334
Other deferred credits and other liabilities	124,181	155,369	154,604
Total deferred credits and other liabilities	$ 1,020,512	$ 900,739	$ 971,116
Commitments and contingencies (See Notes 9, 10, 17, 18)
Redeemable non-controlling interest	$ 4,141	$ 0	$ 0
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock $1 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; issued 51,477,472; 51,231,861; and 44,856,790 shares, respectively	51,477	51,232	44,857
Additional Paid in Capital	960,605	953,044	749,517
Retained earnings	490,999	472,534	592,951
Treasury stock, at cost – 30,903; 39,720; and 33,755 shares, respectively	(1,573)	(1,888)	(1,688)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(20,825)	(9,055)	(14,054)
Total stockholders’ equity	1,480,683	1,465,867	1,371,583
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$ 6,324,653	$ 4,642,317	$ 4,253,185

XML

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common Stock, Par Value (usd per share)	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1
Common Stock, Shares Issued	51,477,472	51,231,861	44,856,790
Treasury Stock, Shares	30,903	39,720	33,755
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000	100,000,000

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Operating activities:
Net income (loss) available for common stock	$ 40,002	$ 33,850
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	44,407	39,002
Deferred financing cost amortization	1,666	519
Impairment of long-lived assets	14,496	22,036
Stock compensation	4,461	2,083
Deferred income taxes	32,579	14,640
Employee benefit plans	3,466	5,283
Other adjustments, net	(5,000)	6,748
Changes in certain operating assets and liabilities:
Materials, supplies and fuel	25,822	25,689
Accounts receivable, unbilled revenues and other operating assets	27,559	13,954
Accounts payable and other operating liabilities	(68,101)	(44,652)
Regulatory assets - current	12,856	20,272
Regulatory liabilities - current	11,613	13,721
Other operating activities, net	(7,489)	(1,658)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	138,337	151,487
Investing activities:
Property, plant and equipment additions	(83,885)	(117,523)
Acquisition, net of long term debt assumed and cash acquired	(1,132,318)	0
Other investing activities	(329)	(348)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(1,216,532)	(117,871)
Financing activities:
Dividends paid on common stock	(21,537)	(18,148)
Common stock issued	7,821	999
Short-term borrowings - issuances	208,100	77,700
Short-term borrowings - repayments	(69,300)	(50,100)
Long-term debt - issuances	545,959	0
Other financing activities	(2,409)	(1,900)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	668,634	8,551
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(409,561)	42,167
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	456,535	21,218
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 46,974	$ 63,385

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Management's Statement:

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Management's Statement

MANAGEMENT’S STATEMENT

The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein have been prepared by Black Hills Corporation (together with our subsidiaries the “Company,” “us,” “we,” or “our”), pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations; however, we believe that the footnotes adequately disclose the information presented. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

Segment Reporting

We conduct our operations through the following reportable segments: Electric Utilities, Gas Utilities, Power Generation, Mining and Oil and Gas. Our reportable segments are based on our method of internal reporting, which is generally segregated by differences in products, services and regulation. All of our operations and assets are located within the United States. Prior to March 31, 2016, our segments were reported within two business groups, our Utilities Group, containing the Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities segments, and our Non-regulated Energy Group, containing the Power Generation, Coal Mining and Oil and Gas segments. We have continued to report our operations consistently through our reportable segments; however we will no longer separate the segments by business group. We are a customer-focused, growth-oriented, vertically-integrated utility company. All of our non-utility business segments support our utilities, other than the Oil and Gas segment, and in 2015 we began transitioning the Oil and Gas business to support utilities through a Cost of Service Gas Program. The following changes have been made to our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income to reflect combined operations and maintenance expenses, rather than by business group as previously reported, for the three months ended March 31, 2015:

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
(in thousands)	As Previously Reported		Presentation Reclassification			As Currently Reported
Utilities - operations and maintenance	$	71,084	$	(71,084	)	$	—
Non-regulated energy operations and maintenance	$	22,050	$	(22,050	)	$	—
Operations and maintenance	$	—	$	93,134		$	93,134

This presentation reclassification did not impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Segment reporting transition of Cheyenne Light’s natural gas distribution

Effective January 1, 2016, the natural gas operations of Cheyenne Light have been included in our Gas Utilities Segment. Through December 31, 2015, Cheyenne Light’s natural gas operations were included in our Electric Utilities Segment as these natural gas operations were consolidated within Cheyenne Light since its acquisition. This change is a result of our business segment reorganization to, among other things, integrate all regulated natural gas operations, including the SourceGas Acquisition, into our Gas Utilities Segment which is led by the Group Vice President, Natural Gas Utilities. Likewise, all regulated electric utility operations, including Cheyenne Light’s electric utility operations, are reported in our Electric Utilities Segment, which is led by the Group Vice President, Electric Utilities. The prior period has been reclassified to reflect this change in presentation between the Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities segments. See Note 3 for Revenues, Net Income and Segment Assets reclassified from the Electric Utilities segment to the Gas Utilities segment for the period ending March 31, 2015. This segment reclassification did not impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Use of estimates and basis of presentation

Accounting methods historically employed require certain estimates as of interim dates. The information furnished in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflects all adjustments, including accruals, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015, and March 31, 2015 financial information and are of a normal recurring nature. Certain industries in which we operate are highly seasonal, and revenue from, and certain expenses for, such operations may fluctuate significantly among quarterly periods. Demand for electricity and natural gas is sensitive to seasonal cooling, heating and industrial load requirements, as well as changes in market prices. In particular, the normal peak usage season for electric utilities is June through August while the normal peak usage season for gas utilities is November through March. Significant earnings variances can be expected between the Gas Utilities segment’s peak and off-peak seasons. Due to this seasonal nature, our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015, and our financial condition as of March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015, and March 31, 2015, are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations and financial condition to be expected as of or for any other period. All earnings per share amounts discussed refer to diluted earnings per share unless otherwise noted.

Significant Accounting Policies

Business Combinations

We record acquisitions in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, with identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed recorded at their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net tangible and net intangible assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The application of ASC 805, Business Combinations requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions in the determination of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in order to properly allocate purchase price consideration between goodwill and assets that are depreciated and amortized. Our estimates are based on historical experience, information obtained from the management of the acquired companies and, when appropriate, include assistance from independent third-party appraisal firms. Our significant assumptions and estimates can include, but are not limited to, the cash flows that an acquired entity is expected to generate in the future, the appropriate weighted-average cost of capital, and the savings expected to be derived from the business combination. These estimates are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. In addition, unanticipated events or circumstances may occur which may affect the accuracy or validity of such estimates. See Note 2 for additional detail on the accounting for our acquisition.

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards

Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, ASU 2016-09

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This ASU simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for forfeitures, income taxes, and statutory tax withholding requirements. The ASU will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adoption of ASU 2016-09 will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows, and disclosure.

Leases, ASU 2016-02

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes ASC 840, Leases. This ASU requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for all leases with terms of more than 12 months. Lessees are permitted to make an accounting policy election to not recognize the asset and liability for leases with a term of 12 months or less. The ASU does not significantly change the lessees’ recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows from the previous accounting standard. Lessors’ accounting under the ASC is largely unchanged from the previous accounting standard. In addition, the ASU expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements. Lessees and lessors will use a modified retrospective transition approach, which includes a number of practical expedients. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact that adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers, ASU 2014-09

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The standard provides companies with a single model for use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific revenue guidance. The core principle of the model is to recognize revenue when control of the goods or services transfers to the customer, as opposed to recognizing revenue when the risks and rewards transfer to the customer under the existing revenue guidance. On July 9, 2015, FASB voted to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. The guidance would be effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact that adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or its Equivalent), ASU 2015-07

On May 1, 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or its Equivalent).The ASU removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient and also removes certain disclosure requirements. The new requirements were effective for us beginning January 1, 2016 and will be applied retrospectively to all periods presented, in our 2016 Form 10-K. This ASU will not materially affect our financial statements and disclosures, but will change certain presentation and disclosure of the fair value of certain plan assets in our pension and other postretirement benefit plan disclosures in our 2016 Form 10-K, for all periods presented.

Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, ASU 2015-03

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. Debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability will be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability, similar to the presentation of debt discounts, rather than as an asset. Amortization of these costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We adopted ASU 2015-03 in the first quarter of 2016 on a retrospective basis. As of March 31, 2016, we have presented the debt issuance costs, previously reported in other assets, as direct deductions from the carrying amount of long-term debt. The implementation of this standard resulted in reductions of other assets, non-current and long-term debt of $13 million and $11 million in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively. Adoption of ASU 2015-03 did not have a material impact on our financial position.

Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, ASU 2015-16

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. This ASU eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account for changes to provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date in a business combination. ASU 2015-16 requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined, including the effect of the change in the provisional amount as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The provisions of this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years and should be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date. We have implemented ASU 2015-16 as of March 31, 2016. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

XML

Acquisition:

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisition

ACQUISITION

Acquisition of SourceGas

On February 12, 2016, Black Hills Corporation acquired SourceGas, pursuant to the purchase and sale agreement executed on July 12, 2015 for approximately $1.89 billion, including the assumption of $760 million in debt at closing. The purchase price is subject to post-closing adjustments for capital expenditures, indebtedness and working capital, which will be determined and agreed to, subject to a review period.  SourceGas is a 99.5% owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation and has been renamed Black Hills Gas Holdings, LLC. Black Hills Gas Holdings primarily operates four regulated natural gas utilities serving approximately 429,000 customers in Arkansas, Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming, and a 512-mile regulated intrastate natural gas transmission pipeline in Colorado.

Cash consideration of $1.135 billion paid on February 12, 2016 to close the SourceGas Acquisition included net proceeds of approximately $536 million from the November 23, 2015 issuance of 6.325 million shares of our common stock and 5.98 million equity units, and $546 million in net proceeds from our debt offerings on January 13, 2016. We funded the cash consideration and out-of-pocket expenses payable with the SourceGas Acquisition using the proceeds listed above, cash on hand, and draws under our revolving credit facility.

In connection with the acquisition, we recorded pre-tax acquisition costs of approximately $25 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016. These costs consisted of transaction costs, professional fees, employee-related expenses and other miscellaneous costs. The costs are recorded primarily in Other operating expenses on the Condensed Consolidating Income Statements. No acquisition costs were recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Our consolidated operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2016 include revenues of $76 million and net income of $7.6 million attributable to SourceGas for the period from February 12 through March 31, 2016. SourceGas is included in our Gas Utilities reporting segment. We believe the SourceGas Acquisition enhances Black Hills Corporation’s utility growth strategy, providing greater operating scale, driving more efficient delivery of services and benefiting customers.

We accounted for the SourceGas Acquisition in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, with identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed recorded at their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. Substantially all of SourceGas’ operations are subject to the rate-setting authority of state regulatory commissions, and are accounted for in accordance with GAAP for regulated operations. SourceGas’ assets and liabilities subject to rate setting provisions provide revenues derived from costs, including a return on investment of assets and liabilities included in rate base. As such, the fair value of these assets and liabilities equal their historical net book values.

We are still determining the purchase price allocation for SourceGas. A preliminary purchase price allocation of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is included in the table below. The cash consideration paid of $1.132 billion, net of long-term debt assumed of $760 million and cash acquired of $2.5 million, resulted in a preliminary estimate of goodwill totaling $946 million. These estimates are subject to change and will likely result in an increase or decrease in goodwill, which could be material. We have up to one year from the acquisition date to finalize the purchase price allocation. Approximately $219 million of the goodwill balance is amortizable for tax purposes, relating to the partnership interests that were directly acquired in the transaction. The remainder of the goodwill balance is not amortizable for tax purposes. Goodwill generated from the acquisition reflects the benefits of increased operating scale and organic growth opportunities.

	(in thousands)
Preliminary Purchase Price	$	1,894,882
Less: Long-term debt assumed	(760,000		)
Consideration Paid	$	1,134,882
Preliminary Allocation of Purchase Price:
Current Assets	$	119,549
Property, plant & equipment, net	1,015,200
Goodwill	946,410
Deferred charges and other assets, excluding goodwill	136,240
Current liabilities	(172,710		)
Long-term debt	(760,000		)
Deferred credits and other liabilities	(149,807		)
Total preliminary consideration paid	$	1,134,882

Conditions of Approval

The acquisition was subject to regulatory approvals from the public utility commissions in Arkansas (APSC), Colorado (CPUC), Nebraska (NPSC), and Wyoming (WPSC). Approvals were obtained from all commissions, subject to various conditions as set forth below:

The APSC order includes a 12 month base rate moratorium, an annual $0.25 million customer credit for a term of up to five-years or until we file the next rate case, whichever comes first, and provides the Company recovery of a portion of specific labor synergies at the time of the next base rate case, as well as various other terms and reporting requirements.

The CPUC order includes a two-year base rate moratorium for our regulated transmission and wholesale natural gas provider, a three-year base rate moratorium for our regulated gas distribution utility, an annual $0.2 million customer credit for a term of up to five-years or until we file the next rate case, whichever comes first, and provides the Company recovery of a portion of specific labor synergies at the time of the next base rate case, as well as various other terms and reporting requirements.

The NPSC order includes a three-year base rate moratorium, a three-year continuation of the Choice Gas program, and provides the Company recovery of a portion of specific labor synergies at the time of the next base rate case, as well as various other terms and reporting requirements.

The WPSC order includes a three-year continuation of the Choice Gas program, as well as various other terms and reporting requirements.

All four orders also disallowed recovery of goodwill and transaction costs. Recovery of transition costs are disallowed in Arkansas, Colorado and Nebraska, however Wyoming allows for request of recovery of transition costs. Transition costs are those non-recurring costs related to the transition and integration of SourceGas. In the conditions mentioned above, the orders that include base rate moratoriums over a specified period of time do not impact our ability to adjust rates through riders or gas supply cost recovery mechanisms as allowed under the current enacted state tariffs. In certain cases, we may file for leave to increase general base rates and/or cost of sales recovery limited to material adverse changes, but only if there are changes in law or regulations or the occurrence of other extraordinary events outside of our control which result in a material adverse change in revenues, revenue requirement and/or increase in operating costs.

Pro Forma Results

We calculated the pro forma impact of the SourceGas Acquisition and the associated debt and equity financings on our operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015. The following pro forma results give effect to the acquisition, assuming the transaction closed on January 1, 2015:

	Pro Forma Results
	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2016		March 31, 2015
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenue	$	528,921	$	628,464
Net income (loss) available for common stock	$	66,690	$	52,041
Earnings (loss) per share, Basic	$	1.31	$	1.02
Earnings (loss) per share, Diluted	$	1.29	$	1.01

We derived the pro forma results for the SourceGas Acquisition based on historical financial information obtained from the sellers and certain management assumptions. Our pro forma adjustments relate to incremental interest expense associated with the financings to effect the transaction, and for the three months ended March 31, 2015, also include adjustments to shares outstanding to reflect the equity issuances as if they had occurred on January 1, 2015, and to reflect pro forma dilutive effects of the equity units issued. The pro forma results do not reflect any cost savings, (or associated costs to achieve such savings) from operating efficiencies or restructuring that could result from the Acquisition, and exclude any unique one-time items that are not expected to have a continuing impact on the combined consolidated results. Pro forma results for the three months ended March 31, 2016 reflect lower gas pricing than in 2015 and tax benefits realized in the first quarter of 2016, as described in Footnote 20. In addition, we calculated the tax impact of these adjustments at an estimated combined federal and state income tax rate of 37%.

These pro forma results are for illustrative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of the results that would have been obtained had the SourceGas Acquisition been completed on January 1, 2015, or that may be obtained in the future.

Seller’s non-controlling interest

One of the sellers retained 0.5% of the outstanding equity interests of SourceGas under the terms of the purchase agreement. As part of the transaction we entered into an associated option agreement with that holder of the retained interest. The terms of this agreement provide us a call option to purchase the remaining interest beginning 366 days after the initial close of the SourceGas transaction. If we choose not to exercise this option during a ninety-day period, the seller is provided a put option to sell us the retained interest.

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Business Segment Information:

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]

Business Segment Information

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

Segment information and Corporate activities included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) were as follows (in thousands):

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016	External Operating Revenue		Inter-company Operating Revenue			Net Income (Loss)
Segment:
Electric	$	163,531	$	3,745		$	19,215
Gas	268,667		1,806			31,975
Power Generation	1,852		21,456			8,582
Mining	7,534		8,748			2,938
Oil and Gas (a)	8,375		—			(7,024		)
Corporate activities (b)(d)	—		—			(15,684		)
Inter-company eliminations	—		(35,755		)	—
Total	$	449,959	$	—		$	40,002

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015	External Operating Revenue		Inter-company Operating Revenue			Net Income (Loss)
Segment:
Electric (c)	$	166,493	$	3,424		$	17,553
Gas (c)	254,132		—			23,588
Power Generation	1,953		20,721			8,145
Mining	8,142		7,792			3,010
Oil and Gas (a)	11,267		—			(19,115		)
Corporate activities	—		—			669
Inter-company eliminations	—		(31,937		)	—
Total	$	441,987	$	—		$	33,850

(a) Net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015 include non-cash after-tax ceiling test impairments of $8.8 million and $14 million, respectively. See Note 19 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

(b) Net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 included incremental, non-recurring acquisition costs, net of tax of $15 million and after-tax internal labor costs attributable to the acquisition of $3.8 million. See Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

(c) Effective January 1, 2016, Cheyenne Light’s natural gas utility results are reported in our Gas Utility segment. Cheyenne Light’s gas utility results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 have been reclassified from the Electric Utility segment to the Gas Utility segment. Revenue and Net Income of $16 million and $1.4 million, respectively, previously reported in the Electric Utility segment in 2015 are now included in the Gas Utility segment.

(d) Includes net income attributable to non-controlling interest of $0.1 million.

Segment information and Corporate balances included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands):

Total Assets (net of inter-company eliminations) as of:	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015		March 31, 2015
Segment:
Electric (a) (b)	$	2,714,450	$	2,720,004	$	2,691,822
Gas (b)	3,146,315		999,778		960,435
Power Generation (a)	74,403		60,864		75,945
Mining	73,878		76,357		77,399
Oil and Gas (c)	197,291		208,956		348,300
Corporate activities (d)	118,316		576,358		99,284
Total assets	$	6,324,653	$	4,642,317	$	4,253,185

__________

(a) The PPA under which Black Hills Colorado IPP provides generation to support Colorado Electric customers from the Pueblo Airport Generation Station is accounted for as a capital lease. As such, assets owned by our Power Generation segment are recorded at Colorado Electric under accounting for a capital lease.

(b) Effective January 1, 2016, Cheyenne Light’s natural gas utility results are reported in our Gas Utility segment. Cheyenne Light’s gas utility assets as of the three months ended March 31, 2015 have been reclassified from the Electric Utility segment to the Gas Utility segment. Assets of $135 million and $121 million, respectively, previously reported in the Electric Utility segment in 2015 are now presented in the Gas Utility segment as of December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015.

(c) As a result of continued low commodity prices during 2016 and 2015, we recorded non-cash impairments of oil and gas assets included in our Oil and Gas segment of $14 million for the for the three months ended March 31, 2016, $250 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, and $22 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. See Note 19 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

(d) Corporate assets at December 31, 2015 included approximately $440 million of cash from the November 23, 2015 equity offerings, which was used to partially fund the SourceGas acquisition on February 12, 2016.

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Accounts Receivable:

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Receivables [Abstract]

Accounts Receivable

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Following is a summary of Accounts receivable, net included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:

	Accounts		Unbilled		Less Allowance for			Accounts
March 31, 2016	Receivable, Trade		Revenue		Doubtful Accounts			Receivable, net
Electric Utilities	$	41,981	$	32,660	$	(772	)	$	73,869
Gas Utilities	73,259		55,014		(4,363		)	123,910
Power Generation	1,210		—		—			1,210
Mining	2,484		—		—			2,484
Oil and Gas	2,395		—		(13		)	2,382
Corporate	2,421		—		—			2,421
Total	$	123,750	$	87,674	$	(5,148	)	$	206,276

	Accounts		Unbilled		Less Allowance for			Accounts
December 31, 2015	Receivable, Trade		Revenue		Doubtful Accounts			Receivable, net
Electric Utilities (a)	$	41,679	$	35,874	$	(727	)	$	76,826
Gas Utilities (a)	30,331		32,869		(1,001		)	62,199
Power Generation	1,187		—		—			1,187
Mining	2,760		—		—			2,760
Oil and Gas	3,502		—		(13		)	3,489
Corporate	1,025		—		—			1,025
Total	$	80,484	$	68,743	$	(1,741	)	$	147,486

	Accounts		Unbilled		Less Allowance for			Accounts
March 31, 2015	Receivable, Trade		Revenue		Doubtful Accounts			Receivable, net
Electric Utilities (a)	$	49,046	$	23,088	$	(873	)	$	71,261
Gas Utilities (a)	68,068		30,237		(1,549		)	96,756
Power Generation	1,152		—		—			1,152
Mining	3,638		—		—			3,638
Oil and Gas	4,646		—		(13		)	4,633
Corporate	981		—		—			981
Total	$	127,531	$	53,325	$	(2,435	)	$	178,421

___________

(a) Effective January 1, 2016, Cheyenne Light’s natural gas utility results are reported in our Gas Utility segment. Cheyenne Light’s gas utility accounts receivable has been reclassified from the Electric Utility segment to the Gas Utility segment. Accounts receivable of $6.8 million and $6.3 million as of December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively, previously reported in the Electric Utility segment is now presented in the Gas Utility segment.

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Regulatory Accounting:

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]

Regulatory Accounting

REGULATORY ACCOUNTING

We had the following regulatory assets and liabilities (in thousands):

	Maximum	As of		As of		As of
	Amortization (in years)	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015		March 31, 2015
Regulatory assets
Deferred energy and fuel cost adjustments - current (a) (d)	1	$	24,479	$	24,751	$	30,833
Deferred gas cost adjustments (a)(d)	1	14,895		15,521		6,138
Gas price derivatives (a)	7	20,324		23,583		21,606
AFUDC (b)	45	13,677		12,870		12,114
Employee benefit plans (c) (e)	12	111,661		83,986		97,700
Environmental (a)	subject to approval	1,162		1,180		1,240
Asset retirement obligations (a)	44	487		457		3,237
Bond issue cost (a)	22	3,097		3,133		3,240
Renewable energy standard adjustment (b)	5	4,507		5,068		5,590
Flow through accounting (c)	35	30,614		29,722		26,835
Decommissioning costs (f)	10	18,134		18,310		13,702
Gas supply contract termination	5	30,613		—		—
Other regulatory assets (a)	15	19,481		13,903		13,242
		$	293,131	$	232,484	$	235,477
Regulatory liabilities
Deferred energy and gas costs (a) (d)	1	$	40,797	$	7,814	$	18,094
Employee benefit plans (c) (e)	12	63,580		47,218		53,151
Cost of removal (a)	44	123,076		90,045		81,449
Other regulatory liabilities (c)	25	8,817		7,964		13,845
		$	236,270	$	153,041	$	166,539

__________

(a) Recovery of costs, but we are not allowed a rate of return.

(b) In addition to recovery of costs, we are allowed a rate of return.

(c) In addition to recovery or repayment of costs, we are allowed a return on a portion of this amount or a reduction in rate base, respectively.

(d) Our deferred energy, fuel cost, and gas cost adjustments represent the cost of electricity and gas delivered to our electric and gas utility customers that is either higher or lower than current rates and will be recovered or refunded in future rates. Our electric and gas utilities file periodic quarterly, semi-annual, and/or annual filings to recover these costs based on the respective cost mechanisms approved by their applicable state utility commissions.

(e) Increase compared to December 31, 2015 was driven by addition of the SourceGas employee benefit plans.

(f) South Dakota Electric has approximately $13 million of decommissioning costs associated with the retirements of the Neil Simpson I and Ben French power plants that are allowed a rate of return, in addition to recovery of costs.

Gas Supply Contract Termination - Black Hills Gas Holdings had agreements under the previous ownership that required the company to purchase all of the natural gas produced over the productive life of specific leaseholds in the Bowdoin Field in Montana. The majority of these purchases were committed to distribution customers in Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming, which are subject to cost recovery mechanisms. The prices to be paid under these agreements vary, currently ranging from $6 to $8 per MMBtu, and exceed market prices. We recorded a liability for this contract in our purchase price allocation. We applied for and subsequent to March 31, 2016, we were granted approval to terminate these agreements with the NPSC, CPUC and WPSC, on the basis that these agreements are not beneficial to customers over the long term. We received written orders allowing us to create a regulatory asset for the net buyout costs associated with the contract termination, and recover the majority of costs from customers over a five year period. We settled the liability on April 29, 2016. See Note 22.

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Materials, Supplies and Fuel:

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Inventory, Net [Abstract]

Materials, Supplies and Fuel

MATERIALS, SUPPLIES AND FUEL

The following amounts by major classification are included in Materials, supplies and fuel in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015		March 31, 2015
Materials and supplies	$	66,542	$	55,726	$	52,429
Fuel - Electric Utilities	5,365		5,567		6,780
Natural gas in storage held for distribution	6,269		25,650		7,417
Total materials, supplies and fuel	$	78,176	$	86,943	$	66,626

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Goodwill & Intangible Assets:

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

GOODWILL & INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Following is a summary of Goodwill included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):

	Electric Utilities (b)		Gas Utilities (b)		Power Generation		Total
Ending balance at December 31, 2015	$	250,487	$	100,507	$	8,765	$	359,759
Acquisition of SourceGas (a)	—		946,410		—		946,410
Ending balance at March 31, 2016	$	250,487	$	1,046,917	$	8,765	$	1,306,169

__________

(a) Represents preliminary goodwill recorded with the acquisition of SourceGas. See Note 2 for more information.

(b) Goodwill of $6.3 million is now presented in the Gas Utilities segment as a result of the inclusion of Cheyenne Light’s Gas operations in the Gas Utility segment, previously reported in the Electric Utilities segment. See Note 1 for additional details.

Following is a summary of Intangible assets included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):

Intangible assets, net beginning balance December 31, 2015	$	3,380
Additions, net (a)	7,734
Amortization expense	(157		)
Intangible assets, net, ending balance at March 31, 2016	$	10,957

__________

(a) Intangible assets, net acquired from SourceGas are primarily trademarks and tradenames, and are amortized over 5-year estimated useful lives. See Note 2 for more information.

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Earnings Per Share:

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

EARNINGS PER SHARE

A reconciliation of share amounts used to compute Earnings (loss) per share in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
Net income (loss) available for common stock	$	40,002	$	33,850
Weighted average shares - basic	51,044		44,541
Dilutive effect of:
Equity Units (a)	720		—
Equity compensation	94		119
Weighted average shares - diluted	51,858		44,660

__________

(a) Calculated using the treasury stock method.

The following outstanding securities were excluded in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016	2015
Equity compensation	74	107
Anti-dilutive shares	74	107

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Notes Payable:

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Notes Payable [Abstract]

Short-term Debt [Text Block]

NOTES PAYABLE

We had the following short-term debt outstanding in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015				March 31, 2015
	Balance Outstanding		Letters of Credit		Balance Outstanding		Letters of Credit		Balance Outstanding		Letters of Credit
Revolving Credit Facility	$	215,600	$	24,000	$	76,800	$	33,399	$	102,600	$	22,300

Revolving Credit Facility

On June 26, 2015, we amended our $500 million corporate Revolving Credit Facility agreement to extend the term through June 26, 2020. This facility is similar to the former agreement, which includes an accordion feature that allows us, with the consent of the administrative agent and issuing agents, to increase the capacity of the facility to $750 million. Borrowings continue to be available under a base rate or various Eurodollar rate options. The interest costs associated with the letters of credit or borrowings and the commitment fee under the Revolving Credit Facility are determined based upon our most favorable Corporate credit rating from S&P and/or Moody’s for our unsecured debt. Based on our credit ratings, the margins for base rate borrowings, Eurodollar borrowings, and letters of credit were 0.125%, 1.125%, and 1.125%, respectively, at March 31, 2016. A commitment fee is charged on the unused amount of the Revolving Credit Facility and was 0.175% based on our credit rating.

Debt Financial Covenants

On February 12, 2016, in connection with the SourceGas Acquisition discussed in Note 2, our Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan credit agreements were amended to permit the assumption of certain indebtedness of SourceGas and to increase the Recourse Leverage Ratio, and we amended and restated SourceGas’s $340 million term loan due June 30, 2017. On February 12, 2016, the maximum Recourse Leverage Ratio increased to 0.75 to 1.00 for the next four fiscal quarters; it was previously 0.65 to 1.00. Additionally, covenants within Black Hills Gas Holdings financing agreements require Black Hills Gas Holdings to maintain a consolidated debt to capitalization ratio of no more than 0.75 to 1.00.

Except as provided above, our Revolving Credit Facility, our Term Loan and the SourceGas term loan require compliance with the following financial covenant at the end of each quarter:

	As of March 31, 2016	Covenant Requirement
Recourse Leverage Ratio	71%	Less than	75%

As of March 31, 2016, we were in compliance with this covenant.

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Long-Term Debt:

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]

Long-term Debt [Text Block]

LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt was as follows (dollars in thousands):

	Interest Rate at
	March 31, 2016	March 31, 2016			December 31, 2015			March 31, 2015
Corporate
Remarketable junior subordinated notes due November 1, 2028	3.50%	$	299,000		$	299,000		$	—
Senior unsecured notes due January 15, 2026	3.95%	300,000			—			—
Unamortized discount on Senior unsecured notes due 2026		(892		)	—			—
Senior unsecured notes due November 30, 2023	4.25%	525,000			525,000			525,000
Unamortized discount on Senior unsecured notes due 2023		(1,822		)	(1,890		)	(2,095		)
Senior unsecured notes due July 15, 2020	5.88%	200,000			200,000			200,000
Senior unsecured notes due January 11, 2019	2.50%	250,000			—			—
Unamortized discount on Senior unsecured notes due 2019		(282		)	—			—
Corporate term loan due June 30, 2017 (a) (b)	1.38%	340,000			—			—
Corporate term loan due April 12, 2017 (b)	1.40%	300,000			300,000			—
Corporate term loan due June 19, 2015 (b)	1.31%	—			—			275,000
Total Corporate Debt		2,211,004			1,322,110			997,905
Gas Utilities
Senior secured notes due September 29, 2019 (a) (e)	3.98%	95,000			—			—
Senior unsecured notes due April 1, 2017 (a)	5.90%	325,000			—			—
Unamortized discount on Senior unsecured notes due 2017		(103		)	—			—
		419,897			—			—
Electric Utilities
First Mortgage Bonds due October 20, 2044	4.43%	85,000			85,000			85,000
First Mortgage Bonds due October 20, 2044	4.53%	75,000			75,000			75,000
First Mortgage Bonds due August 15, 2032	7.23%	75,000			75,000			75,000
First Mortgage Bonds due November 1, 2039	6.13%	180,000			180,000			180,000
Unamortized discount on First Mortgage Bonds due 2039		(97		)	(99		)	(102		)
First Mortgage Bonds due November 20, 2037	6.67%	110,000			110,000			110,000
Industrial development revenue bonds due September 1, 2021 (c)	0.45%	7,000			7,000			7,000
Industrial development revenue bonds due March 1, 2027 (c)	0.47%	10,000			10,000			10,000
Series 94A Debt, variable rate due June 1, 2024 (c)	0.85%	2,855			2,855			2,855
Total Electric Utilities Debt		544,758			544,756			544,753
Total long-term debt		3,175,659			1,866,866			1,542,658
Less current maturities		—			—			—
Less deferred financing costs (d)		(16,604		)	(13,184		)	(11,286		)
Long-term debt, net of current maturities		$	3,159,055		$	1,853,682		$	1,531,372

_______________

(a) Long-term debt assumed with the SourceGas Acquisition.

(b) Variable interest rate, based on LIBOR plus a spread.

(c) Variable interest rate.

(d) Includes deferred financing costs associated with our Revolving Credit Facility of $1.6 million, $1.7 million and $1.6 million as of March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively.

(e) Currently unsecured, required to be ratably secured if Black Hills Gas Holdings incurs other secured indebtedness.

Scheduled maturities of long-term debt, excluding amortization of premiums or discounts, for future years are (in thousands):

2016	$	—
2017	$	965,000
2018	$	—
2019	$	345,000
2020	$	200,000
Thereafter	$	1,668,855

Our debt securities contain certain restrictive financial covenants, all of which the Company and its subsidiaries were in compliance with at March 31, 2016.

Debt Transactions

On January 13, 2016, we completed a public debt offering of $550 million in senior unsecured notes. The debt offering consisted of $300 million of 3.95%, 10-year senior notes due 2026, and $250 million of 2.50%, 3-year senior notes due 2019. After discounts and underwriter fees, net proceeds from the offering totaled $546 million and were used as funding for the SourceGas Acquisition. The discounts will be amortized over the life of each respective note.

Assumption of Long-Term Debt

At the closing of the SourceGas Acquisition on February 12, 2016, we assumed $760 million in long-term debt, consisting of the following:

• $325 million, 5.9% senior unsecured notes with an original issue date of April 16, 2007 due April 1, 2017.

• $95 million, 3.98% senior secured notes with an original issue date of September 29, 2014 due September 29, 2019.

• $340 million unsecured corporate term loan due June 30, 2017. Interest expense under this term loan is LIBOR plus a margin of 0.875%.

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Equity:

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

(11)    EQUITY

A summary of the changes in equity is as follows:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016	Total Stockholders’ Equity
	(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	1,465,867
Net income (loss) available for common stock	40,002
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(11,770		)
Dividends on common stock	(21,543		)
Share-based compensation	561
Issuance of common stock	6,824
Dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan	755
Other stock transactions	(13		)
Balance at March 31, 2016	$	1,480,683

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015	Total Stockholders’ Equity
	(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	1,353,884
Net income (loss) available for common stock	33,850
Other comprehensive income	990
Dividends on common stock	(18,148		)
Share-based compensation	209
Issuance of common stock	—
Dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan	798
Other stock transactions	—
Balance at March 31, 2015	$	1,371,583

At-the-Market Equity Offering Program

On March 18, 2016, we implemented an at-the-market equity offering program allowing us to sell shares of our common stock with an aggregate value of up to $200 million. The shares may be offered from time to time pursuant to a sales agreement dated March 18, 2016. Shares of common stock are offered pursuant to our shelf registration statement filed with the SEC. We have issued 121,000 common shares for $7.0 million, net of $0.1 million in fees and issuance costs with settlement dates through March 31, 2016 under the ATM equity offering program. Additionally, 140,000 shares for net proceeds of $8.4 million have been offered, but were not yet settled as of March 31, 2016.

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Risk Management Activities:

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Risk Management Activities

RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

Our activities in the regulated and non-regulated energy sectors expose us to a number of risks in the normal operation of our businesses. Depending on the activity, we are exposed to varying degrees of market risk and credit risk. To manage and mitigate these identified risks, we have adopted the Black Hills Corporation Risk Policies and Procedures as discussed in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Market Risk

Market risk is the potential loss that might occur as a result of an adverse change in market price or rate. We are exposed to the following market risks including, but not limited to:

• Commodity price risk associated with our natural long position in crude oil and natural gas reserves and production; and our fuel procurement for certain of our gas-fired generation assets; and

• Interest rate risk associated with our variable-rate debt and anticipated future refinancings.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss resulting from non-performance of contractual obligations by a counterparty.

For production and generation activities, we attempt to mitigate our credit exposure by conducting business primarily with high credit quality entities, setting tenor and credit limits commensurate with counterparty financial strength, obtaining master netting agreements, and mitigating credit exposure with less creditworthy counterparties through parental guarantees, prepayments, letters of credit, and other security agreements.

We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and adjust credit limits based on payment history and the customer’s current creditworthiness, as determined by review of their current credit information. We maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon historical experience and any specific customer collection issue that is identified.

Our derivative and hedging activities recorded in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) are detailed below and in Note 13.

Oil and Gas

We produce natural gas, NGLs and crude oil through our exploration and production activities. Our natural long positions, or unhedged open positions, result in commodity price risk and variability to our cash flows.

To mitigate commodity price risk and preserve cash flows, we primarily use exchange traded futures and related options to hedge portions of our crude oil and natural gas production. We elect hedge accounting on these instruments. These transactions were designated at inception as cash flow hedges, documented under accounting standards for derivatives and hedging, and initially met prospective effectiveness testing. Effectiveness of our hedging position is evaluated at least quarterly.

The derivatives were marked to fair value and were recorded as Derivative assets or Derivative liabilities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of balance sheet offsetting as permitted by GAAP. The effective portion of the gain or loss on these derivatives for which we have elected cash flow hedge accounting is reported in AOCI in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the ineffective portion, if any, is reported in Revenue in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

The contract or notional amounts, terms of our commodity derivatives, and the derivative balances for our Oil and Gas segment reflected on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (dollars in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015				March 31, 2015
	Crude Oil Futures, Swaps and Options		Natural Gas Futures and Swaps		Crude Oil Futures, Swaps and Options		Natural Gas Futures and Swaps		Crude Oil Futures, Swaps and Options		Natural Gas Futures and Swaps
Notional (a)	159,000		3,447,500		198,000		4,392,500		305,000		5,367,500
Maximum terms in months (b)	1		1		1		1		1		1
Derivative assets, current	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets, non-current	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Derivative liabilities, current	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Derivative liabilities, non-current	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

__________

(a) Crude oil in Bbls, natural gas in MMBtus.

(b) Refers to the tenor of the derivative instrument. Assets and liabilities are classified as current/non-current based on the production month hedged and the corresponding settlement of the derivative instrument.

Based on March 31, 2016 prices, a $7.6 million gain would be realized, reported in pre-tax earnings and reclassified from AOCI during the next 12 months. Estimated and actual realized gains or losses will change during future periods as market prices fluctuate.

Utilities

The operations of our utilities, including natural gas sold by our Gas Utilities and natural gas used for Electric Utility generation plants or those plants under PPAs where our Electric Utilities must provide the generation fuel (tolling agreements), expose our utility customers to volatility in natural gas prices. Therefore, as allowed or required by state utility commissions, we have entered into commission approved hedging programs utilizing natural gas futures, options, fixed to float swaps and basis swaps to reduce our customers’ underlying exposure to these fluctuations. These transactions are considered derivatives, and in accordance with accounting standards for derivatives and hedging, mark-to-market adjustments are recorded as Derivative assets or Derivative liabilities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of balance sheet offsetting as permitted by GAAP.

For our regulated utilities’ hedging plans, unrealized and realized gains and losses, as well as option premiums and commissions on these transactions are recorded as Regulatory assets or Regulatory liabilities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with state commission guidelines. When the related costs are recovered through our rates, the hedging activity is recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss), or the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

For hedging activities associated with our retail marketing operations, the effective portion of the gain or loss on these derivatives for which we have elected cash flow hedge accounting is reported in AOCI in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the ineffective portion, if any, is reported in Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

The contract or notional amounts and terms of the natural gas derivative commodity instruments held at our Utilities were as follows, as of:

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015		March 31, 2015
	Notional (MMBtus)	Maximum Term (months) (a)	Notional (MMBtus)	Maximum Term (months) (a)	Notional (MMBtus)	Maximum Term (months) (a)
Natural gas futures purchased	18,270,000	57	20,580,000	60	17,280,000	69
Natural gas options purchased	990,000	21	2,620,000	3	1,320,000	12
Natural gas basis swaps purchased	16,810,000	57	18,150,000	60	15,735,000	57
Natural gas fixed for float swaps purchased (b)	2,374,000	23	—	0	—	0
Natural gas fixed for float swaps sold (b)	816,989	15	—	0	—	0
Natural gas physical purchases	2,948,250	12	—	0	—	0
Natural gas physical sales	813,200	11	—	0	—	0

__________

(a) Term reflects the maximum forward period hedged.

(b) 1,109,500 MMBtus and 112,500 MMBtus were designated as cash flow hedges for the natural gas swaps purchased and sold, respectively.

We had the following derivative balances related to the hedges in our Utilities reflected in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of (in thousands):

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015		March 31, 2015
Derivative assets, current	$	1,486	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets, non-current	$	85	$	—	$	—
Derivative liabilities, current	$	1,675	$	—	$	—
Derivative liabilities, non-current	$	44	$	—	$	—
Net unrealized (gain) loss included in Regulatory assets or Regulatory liabilities	$	20,324	$	23,578	$	21,606

Financing Activities

We entered into pay fixed interest rate swap agreements to reduce our exposure to interest rate fluctuations associated with our floating rate debt obligations and anticipated debt refinancings. The contract or notional amounts, terms of our interest rate swaps and the interest rate swaps balances reflected on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (dollars in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2016									December 31, 2015						March 31, 2015
	Interest Rate Swaps (a)			Interest Rate Swaps (a)			Interest Rate Swaps (b)			Interest Rate Swaps (a)			Interest Rate Swaps (b)			Interest Rate Swaps (b)
Notional	$	150,000		$	250,000		$	75,000		$	250,000		$	75,000		$	75,000
Weighted average fixed interest rate	2.09		%	2.29		%	4.97		%	2.29		%	4.97		%	4.97		%
Maximum terms in years	1.08			1.08			0.75			1.33			1.00			1.75
Derivative assets, non-current	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	3,441		$	—		$	—
Derivative liabilities, current	$	—		$	—		$	2,290		$	—		$	2,835		$	3,342
Derivative liabilities, non-current	$	3,785		$	10,693		$	—		$	—		$	156		$	2,143

__________

(a) These swaps are designated as cash flow hedges of anticipated debt refinancings.

(b) These swaps are designated to borrowings on our Revolving Credit Facility and are priced using three-month LIBOR, matching the floating portion of the related borrowings.

Based on March 31, 2016market interest rates and balances related to our interest rate swaps, a loss of approximately$2.3 millionwould be realized, reported in pre-tax earnings and reclassified from AOCI during the next 12 months.Estimated and actual realized gains or losses will change during future periods as market interest rates change.

Cash Flow Hedges

The impacts of cash flow hedges on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) were as follows (in thousands):

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCI Derivative (Effective Portion)			Location of Reclassifications from AOCI into Income	Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Settlements)		Location of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
Interest rate swaps	$	(15,047	)	Interest expense	$	1,709		$	—
Commodity derivatives	1,589			Revenue	3,592			—
Commodity derivatives	238			Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold	57		Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold	—
Total	$	(13,220	)		$	5,358		$	—

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCI Derivative (Effective Portion)			Location of Reclassifications from AOCI into Income	Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Settlements)			Location of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
Interest rate swaps	$	(886	)	Interest expense	$	1,437			$	—
Commodity derivatives	3,764			Revenue	(3,932		)		—
Total	$	2,878			$	(2,495	)		$	—

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Fair Value Measurements:

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Derivative Financial Instruments

The accounting guidance for fair value measurements requires certain disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. This guidance establishes a hierarchical framework for disclosing the observability of the inputs utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value. Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. We record transfers, if necessary, between levels at the end of the reporting period for all of our financial instruments. For additional information see Notes 1, 8, 9 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

Transfers into Level 3, if any, occur when significant inputs used to value the derivative instruments become less observable such as a significant decrease in the frequency and volume in which the instrument is traded, negatively impacting the availability of observable pricing inputs. Transfers out of Level 3, if any, occur when the significant inputs become more observable, such as when the time between the valuation date and the delivery date of a transaction becomes shorter, positively impacting the availability of observable pricing inputs.

Valuation Methodologies for Derivatives

Oil and Gas Segment:

• The commodity contracts for our Oil and Gas segment are valued using the market approach and include exchange-traded futures and basis swaps. Fair value was derived using exchange quoted settlement prices from third party brokers for similar instruments as to quantity and timing. The prices are then validated through third-party sources and therefore support Level 2 disclosure.

Utilities Segments:

• The commodity contracts for our Utilities Segments, valued using the market approach, include exchange-traded futures, options, basis swaps and over-the-counter swaps (Level 2) for natural gas contracts. For exchange-traded futures, options and basis swap assets and liabilities, fair value was derived using broker quotes validated by the exchange settlement pricing for the applicable contract. For over-the-counter swaps, the fair value is obtained by utilizing a nationally recognized service that obtains observable inputs to compute the fair value, which we validate by comparing our valuation with the counterparty on a daily basis. The fair value of these swaps include a CVA component based on the credit spreads of the counterparties when we are in an unrealized gain position or on our own credit spread when we are in an unrealized loss position.

Corporate Activities:

• The interest rate swaps are valued using the market approach. We establish fair value by obtaining price quotes directly from the counterparty which are based on the floating three-month LIBOR curve for the term of the contract. The fair value obtained from the counterparty is then validated by utilizing a nationally recognized service that obtains observable inputs to compute fair value for the same instrument. In addition, the fair value for the interest rate swap derivatives includes a CVA component. The CVA considers the fair value of the interest rate swap and the probability of default based on the life of the contract. For the probability of a default component, we utilize observable inputs supporting a Level 2 disclosure by using the credit default spread of the obligor, if available, or a generic credit default spread curve that takes into account our credit ratings, and the credit rating of our counterparty.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

There have been no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 derivative balances. Amounts included in cash collateral and counterparty netting in the following tables represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements that allow us to settle positive and negative positions, netting of asset and liability positions permitted in accordance with accounting standards for offsetting as well as cash collateral posted with the same counterparties.

The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy are gross assets and gross liabilities and related offsetting cash collateral and counterparty netting as permitted by GAAP that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis for derivative instruments.

	As of March 31, 2016
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Cash Collateral and Counterparty Netting			Total
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas
Options -- Oil	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Basis Swaps -- Oil	—		4,668		—		(4,668		)	—
Options -- Gas	—		—		—		—			—
Basis Swaps -- Gas	—		3,761		—		(3,761		)	—
Commodity derivatives — Utilities	—		3,070		—		(1,499		)	1,571
Interest Rate Swaps	—		—		—		—			—
Total	$	—	$	11,499	$	—	$	(9,928	)	$	1,571
Liabilities:
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas
Options -- Oil	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Basis Swaps -- Oil	—		—		—		—			—
Options -- Gas	—		—		—		—			—
Basis Swaps -- Gas	—		250		—		(250		)	—
Commodity derivatives — Utilities	—		23,428		—		(21,709		)	1,719
Interest rate swaps	—		16,768		—		—			16,768
Total	$	—	$	40,446	$	—	$	(21,959	)	$	18,487

	As of December 31, 2015
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Cash Collateral and Counterparty Netting			Total
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas
Options -- Oil	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Basis Swaps -- Oil	—		6,309		—		(6,309		)	—
Options -- Gas	—		—		—		—			—
Basis Swaps -- Gas	—		4,335		—		(4,335		)	—
Commodity derivatives —Utilities	—		2,293		—		(2,293		)	—
Interest Rate Swaps	—		3,441		—		—			3,441
Total	$	—	$	16,378	$	—	$	(12,937	)	$	3,441
Liabilities:
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas
Options -- Oil	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Basis Swaps -- Oil	—		—		—		—			—
Options -- Gas	—		—		—		—			—
Basis Swaps -- Gas	—		556		—		(556		)	—
Commodity derivatives — Utilities	—		24,585		—		(24,585		)	—
Interest rate swaps	—		2,991		—		—			2,991
Total	$	—	$	28,132	$	—	$	(25,141	)	$	2,991

	As of March 31, 2015
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Cash Collateral and Counterparty Netting			Total
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas
Options -- Oil	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Basis Swaps -- Oil	—		8,096		—		(8,096		)	—
Options -- Gas	—		—		—		—			—
Basis Swaps -- Gas	—		6,526		—		(6,526		)	—
Commodity derivatives — Utilities	—		1,184		—		(1,184		)	—
Interest Rate Swaps	—		—		—		—			—
Total	$	—	$	15,806	$	—	$	(15,806	)	$	—
Liabilities:
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas
Options -- Oil	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Basis Swaps -- Oil	—		2		—		(2		)	—
Options -- Gas	—		—		—		—			—
Basis Swaps -- Gas	—		256		—		(256		)	—
Commodity derivatives — Utilities	—		22,002		—		(22,002		)	—
Interest rate swaps	—		5,485		—		—			5,485
Total	$	—	$	27,745	$	—	$	(22,260	)	$	5,485

Fair Value Measures by Balance Sheet Classification

As required by accounting standards for derivatives and hedges, fair values within the following tables are presented on a gross basis aside from the netting of asset and liability positions permitted in accordance with accounting standards for offsetting and under terms of our master netting agreements and the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements that allow us to settle positive and negative positions. However, the amounts do not include net cash collateral on deposit in margin accounts at March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015, and March 31, 2015, to collateralize certain financial instruments, which are included in Derivative assets and/or Derivative liabilities. Therefore, the balances are not indicative of either our actual credit exposure or net economic exposure. Additionally, the amounts below will not agree with the amounts presented on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, nor will they correspond to the fair value measurements presented in Note 12.

The following tables present the fair value and balance sheet classification of our derivative instruments (in thousands):

As of March 31, 2016
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value of Asset Derivatives		Fair Value of Liability Derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedges:
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — current	$	7,986	$	—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — non-current	607		—
Interest rate swaps	Derivative assets — non-current	—		—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — current	—		982
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		71
Interest rate swaps	Derivative liabilities — current	—		2,290
Interest rate swaps	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		14,478
Total derivatives designated as hedges		$	8,593	$	17,821
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — current	$	1,326	$	—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — non-current	79		—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — current	—		9,117
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		12,009
Total derivatives not designated as hedges		$	1,405	$	21,126

As of December 31, 2015
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value of Asset Derivatives		Fair Value of Liability Derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedges:
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — current	$	9,981	$	—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — non-current	663		—
Interest rate swaps	Derivative assets — non-current	3,441		—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — current	—		465
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		91
Interest rate swaps	Derivative liabilities — current	—		2,835
Interest rate swaps	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		156
Total derivatives designated as hedges		$	14,085	$	3,547
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — current	$	—	$	—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — non-current	—		—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — current	—		9,586
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		12,706
Total derivatives not designated as hedges		$	—	$	22,292

As of March 31, 2015
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value of Asset Derivatives		Fair Value of Liability Derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedges:
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — current	$	9,989	$	—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — non-current	4,633		—
Interest rate swaps	Derivative assets — non-current	—		—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — current	—		126
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		132
Interest rate swaps	Derivative liabilities — current	—		3,342
Interest rate swaps	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		2,143
Total derivatives designated as hedges		$	14,622	$	5,743
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — current	$	—	$	—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — non-current	—		—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — current	—		7,530
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		13,288
Total derivatives not designated as hedges		$	—	$	20,818

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments:

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The estimated fair values of our financial instruments, excluding derivatives which are presented in Note 13, were as follows (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015				March 31, 2015
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Cash and cash equivalents (a)	$	46,974	$	46,974	$	456,535	$	456,535	$	63,385	$	63,385
Restricted cash and equivalents (a)	$	1,839	$	1,839	$	1,697	$	1,697	$	2,191	$	2,191
Notes payable (a)	$	215,600	$	215,600	$	76,800	$	76,800	$	102,600	$	102,600
Long-term debt, including current maturities (b)	$	3,159,055	$	3,392,652	$	1,853,682	$	1,992,274	$	1,531,372	$	1,767,113

__________

(a) Carrying value approximates fair value due to either the short-term length of maturity or variable interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates, and therefore is classified in Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

(b) Long-term debt is valued based on observable inputs available either directly or indirectly for similar liabilities in active markets and therefore is classified in Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

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Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The components of the reclassification adjustments, net of tax, included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the periods were as follows (in thousands):

	Location on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)	Amount Reclassified from AOCI
		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2016			March 31, 2015
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	Interest expense	$	(1,709	)	$	1,437
Commodity contracts	Revenue	(3,592		)	(3,932		)
Commodity contracts	Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold	(57		)	—
		(5,358		)	(2,495		)
Income tax	Income tax benefit (expense)	1,946			1,254
Reclassification adjustments related to cash flow hedges, net of tax		$	(3,412	)	$	(1,241	)
Amortization of defined benefit plans:
Prior service cost	Operations and maintenance	$	(55	)	$	(55	)
Actuarial gain (loss)	Operations and maintenance	494			705
		439			650
Income tax	Income tax benefit (expense)	(153		)	(228		)
Reclassification adjustments related to defined benefit plans, net of tax		$	286		$	422

Balances by classification included within Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):

	Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges			Employee Benefit Plans			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	5,093		$	(20,137	)	$	(15,044	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	595			395			990
Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	5,688		$	(19,742	)	$	(14,054	)
Balance as of December 31, 2015	$	6,725		$	(15,780	)	$	(9,055	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(12,056		)	286			(11,770		)
Balance as of March 31, 2016	$	(5,331	)	$	(15,494	)	$	(20,825	)

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Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Three months ended	March 31, 2016			March 31, 2015
	(in thousands)
Non-cash investing and financing activities from continuing operations—
Property, plant and equipment acquired with accrued liabilities	$	30,260		$	33,534
Cash (paid) refunded during the period for continuing operations—
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)	$	(15,528	)	$	(10,909	)
Income taxes, net	$	—		$	(2	)

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Employee Benefit Plans:

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

On February 12, 2016, as disclosed in Note 2, we completed the acquisition of SourceGas, adding an additional defined benefit pension plan, two additional non-pension defined benefit postretirement plans and a 401K retirement savings plan to cover employees of the utilities acquired. Benefits under these plans are determined based on each employee’s compensation, years of service, and/or age at retirement.

In accordance with ASC 715, the SourceGas benefit liabilities were re-measured as of February 11, 2016. In addition, prior service costs not previously expensed were reclassified to a regulated asset account and will be amortized over the average remaining service life of the plans.

Amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet upon the February 12, 2016 acquisition are (in thousands):

	Defined Benefit Pension Plan		Non-Pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans
Unfunded postretirement benefit obligation	$	22,187	$	11,751

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

We have three defined benefit pension plans for certain eligible employees consisting of the Black Hills Corporation pension plan, Black Hills Utility Holdings’ pension plan and the SourceGas retirement plan. The benefits for the pension plans are based on years of service and calculations of average earnings during a specific time period prior to retirement. All Pension Plans have been closed to new employees and frozen for certain employees who did not meet age and service based criteria.

Beginning in 2016, we changed the method used to estimate the service and interest cost components of the net periodic pension, supplemental non-qualified defined benefit and other postretirement benefit costs. The new method uses the spot yield curve approach to estimate the service and interest costs by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used to determine the benefit obligations to relevant projected cash outflows. Previously, those costs were determined using a single weighted-average discount rate. The change does not affect the measurement of the total benefit obligations as the change in service and interest costs offsets the actuarial gains and losses recorded in other comprehensive income. The new method provides a more precise measure of interest and service costs by improving the correlation between the projected benefit cash flows and the discrete spot yield curve rates. We accounted for this change as a change in estimate prospectively beginning in the first quarter of 2016. The discount rates used to measure the 2016 interest costs are 3.827%, 3.817% and 3.284% for pension, supplemental non-qualified defined benefit and other postretirement benefit costs, respectively. The previous method would have used a discount rate for both service and interest costs of 4.575% for pension, 4.500% for supplemental non-qualified defined benefit and 4.165% for other postretirement benefit costs. The decrease in the 2016 service and interest costs is approximately $2.8 million, $0.3 million and $0.4 million for the pension, supplemental non-qualified defined benefit and other postretirement benefit costs, respectively, as compared to the previous method.

In connection with the acquisition related re-measurement of the SourceGas benefit plans we adopted the spot yield curve method, referenced above. The discount rates used to measure the 2016 interest costs are 3.690% for pension and 3.319% for other post retirement costs.

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Defined Benefit Pension Plans were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
Service cost	$	2,078		$	1,494
Interest cost	3,936			3,880
Expected return on plan assets	(5,765		)	(4,867		)
Prior service cost	15			15
Net loss (gain)	1,793			2,759
Net periodic benefit cost	$	2,057		$	3,281

Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans

With the addition of the two SourceGas Postretirement Healthcare Plans, BHC now sponsors five retiree healthcare plans (Healthcare Plans) for employees who meet certain age and service requirements at retirement. Healthcare Plan benefits are subject to premiums, deductibles, co-payment provisions and other limitations. A portion of the Healthcare Plans is pre-funded via VEBAs. Effective January 1, 2014, health care coverage for Medicare-eligible retirees is provided through an individual market health care exchange for BHC and Black Hills Utility Holdings retirees. SourceGas retirees do not participate in the individual market health care exchange; therefore, all permissible health claims are paid under the self-insured plan.

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
Service cost	$	467		$	464
Interest cost	485			450
Expected return on plan assets	(70		)	(33		)
Prior service cost (benefit)	(107		)	(107		)
Net loss (gain)	84			102
Net periodic benefit cost	$	859		$	876

Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
Service cost	$	29	$	491
Interest cost	314		364
Prior service cost	—		1
Net loss (gain)	207		270
Net periodic benefit cost	$	550	$	1,126

Contributions

We anticipate that we will make contributions to the benefit plans in 2016 and 2017. Contributions to the Defined Benefit Pension Plans are cash contributions made directly to the Pension Plan Trust accounts. Contributions to the Healthcare and Supplemental Plans are made in the form of benefit payments. Contributions and anticipated contributions are as follows (in thousands):

	Contributions Made		Additional Contributions		Contributions
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016		Anticipated for 2016		Anticipated for 2017
Defined Benefit Pension Plans	$	—	$	10,200	$	10,200
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans	$	1,192	$	3,576	$	4,744
Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans	$	392	$	1,176	$	1,627

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Commitments and Contingencies:

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

There have been no significant changes to commitments and contingencies from those previously disclosed in Note 18 of our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K except for those described below and in Notes 2 and 21.

Gas Supply Agreements

Acquired Utilities

In connection with the SourceGas Acquisition (see Note 2), we assumed various commitments relating to natural gas supply and transportation commitments and lease commitments, as summarized below (in thousands):

	2016		2017		2018		2019		2020		Thereafter		Total
Future minimum payments
Pipeline capacity obligations	$	37,062	$	45,248	$	44,434	$	40,636	$	40,636	$	192,651	$	400,667
Facilities and equipment	1,755		2,216		2,207		1,676		1,359		3,326		12,539
Total	$	38,817	$	47,464	$	46,641	$	42,312	$	41,995	$	195,977	$	413,206

Build Transfer Agreement

On November 2, 2015, Colorado Electric executed a build-transfer agreement with Invenergy Wind Development Colorado, LLC to purchase the 60 MW, $109 million Peak View Wind Project. Peak View will be built by Invenergy Wind Development Colorado, LLC approximately 30 miles south of Pueblo, Colorado, in Huerfano and Las Animas counties. The estimated cost of $109 million includes taxes, transmission infrastructure and interconnection costs. Construction started in February of 2016 and is expected to be completed in late 2016. Under the build transfer agreement, Colorado Electric makes progress payments, which started in late 2015, and continue through completion of the project. Ownership of Peak View will transfer to Colorado Electric prior to commercial operation and will be operated as a utility-owned asset. BHC has guaranteed the full and complete payment and performance on behalf of Colorado Electric. At March 31, 2016, BHC’s guarantee was approximately $85 million. The guarantee terminates at the earlier of 1) when BHC or Colorado Electric has paid and performed all guaranteed obligations, or 2) the second anniversary of the closing date. The balance of the guarantee decreases as progress payments are made.

Dividend Restrictions

Our Revolving Credit Facility and other debt obligations contain restrictions on the payment of cash dividends upon a default or event of default. As of March 31, 2016, we were in compliance with the debt covenants.

Due to our holding company structure, substantially all of our operating cash flows are provided by dividends paid or distributions made by our subsidiaries. The cash to pay dividends to our stockholders is derived from these cash flows. As a result, certain statutory limitations or regulatory or financing agreements could affect the levels of distributions allowed to be made by our subsidiaries. The following restrictions on distributions from our subsidiaries existed at March 31, 2016:

• Our utilities are generally limited to the amount of dividends allowed to be paid to us as a utility holding company under the Federal Power Act and settlement agreements with state regulatory jurisdictions and financing agreements. As of March 31, 2016, the restricted net assets at our Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities were approximately $257 million.

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Impairment of Assets:

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]

Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block]

IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS

Long-lived Assets

Our Oil and Gas segment accounts for oil and gas activities under the full cost method of accounting. Under the full cost method, all productive and non-productive costs related to acquisition, exploration, development, abandonment and reclamation activities are capitalized. These capitalized costs, less accumulated amortization and related deferred income taxes, are subject to a ceiling test which limits the pooled costs to the aggregate of the discounted value of future net revenue attributable to proved natural gas and crude oil reserves using a discount rate defined by the SEC plus the lower of cost or market value of unevaluated properties. Any costs in excess of the ceiling are written off as a non-cash charge.

In determining the ceiling value of our assets under the full cost accounting rules of the SEC, we utilized the average of the quoted prices from the first day of each month from the previous 12 months. As a result of continued low commodity prices in 2016 and throughout 2015, we have recorded the following non-cash impairments of our oil and gas assets included in our Oil and Gas segment for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015.

• During the first quarter of 2016, we recorded a $14 million pre-tax non-cash impairment of oil and gas assets included in our Oil and Gas segment. For natural gas, the average NYMEX price was $2.40 per Mcf, adjusted to $1.13 per Mcf at the wellhead; for crude oil, the average NYMEX price was $46.26 per barrel, adjusted to $39.80 per barrel at the wellhead.

• During the first quarter of 2015, we recorded a $22 million pre-tax non-cash impairment of oil and gas assets included in our Oil and Gas segment. For natural gas, the average NYMEX price was $3.88 per Mcf, adjusted to $2.69 per Mcf at the wellhead; for crude oil, the average NYMEX price was $82.72 per barrel, adjusted to $74.13 per barrel at the wellhead.

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Income Taxes:

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
Tax (benefit) expense	2016		2015
Federal statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%
State income tax (net of federal tax effect)	2.6		1.2
Percentage depletion in excess of cost (a)	(14.1	)	(1.0	)
Accounting for uncertain tax positions adjustment (b)	(11.4	)	1.9
Inter-period tax allocation	(4.0	)	(1.5	)
Transaction costs	2.5		—
Other tax differences	(1.0	)	(1.2	)
	9.6	%	34.4	%

__________

(a) The tax benefit relates to additional percentage depletion deductions that are being claimed with respect to the oil and gas properties and represents a change in estimate for income tax accounting purposes. Such deductions are primarily the result of a change in the application of the maximum daily limitation of 1,000 barrels of oil equivalent as allowed under the Internal Revenue Code.

(b) The tax benefit relates to the release of after-tax interest expense that was previously accrued with respect to the liability for uncertain tax positions involving the like-kind exchange transaction effectuated in connection with the IPP Transaction and Aquila Transaction that occurred in 2008. In addition, the tax benefit includes the release of after-tax interest expense and tax credits that were previously accrued involving research and development credits and deductions. Both adjustments are the result of a re-measurement of the liability for uncertain tax positions predicated on an agreement reached with IRS Appeals in early 2016.

In the first quarter of 2016, we reached an agreement in principle with IRS Appeals in regards to the like-kind exchange transaction associated with the gain deferred from the tax treatment related to the 2008 IPP Transaction and the Aquila Transaction.  An agreement in principle was also reached with respect to research and development credits and deductions.  Both issues were the subject of an IRS Appeals process involving the 2007 to 2009 tax years. We expect the reversal of approximately $26 million of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits to occur in 2016.  The vast majority of such reversal will be to restore accumulated deferred income taxes. We reversed accrued after-tax interest expense and tax credits of approximately $5.1 million associated with these liabilities in the first quarter of 2016. The cash taxes due as a result of the agreement in principle with IRS Appeals is estimated to be $11 million excluding interest.

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Accrued Liabilities:

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]

ACCRUED LIABILITIES

The following amounts by major classification are included in Accrued liabilities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015		March 31, 2015
Accrued employee compensation, benefits and withholdings	$	90,295	$	43,342	$	32,090
Accrued property taxes	40,638		32,393		32,835
Accrued payments related to litigation expenses and settlements	—		38,750		25,000
Gas-gathering contract (a)	39,944		—		—
Customer deposits and prepayments	26,042		53,496		16,210
Accrued interest and contract adjustment payments	43,119		25,762		21,559
CIAC current portion	20,466		14,745		—
Other (none of which is individually significant)	11,677		23,573		39,087
Total accrued liabilities	$	272,181	$	232,061	$	166,781

__________

(a) This contract was settled on April 29, 2016. See Note 22 for additional information.

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Subsequent Event:

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events [Text Block]

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Settlement of Gas Supply Contract

On April 29, 2016, we settled for $40 million a Black Hills Gas Holdings gas supply contract that required the company to purchase all of the natural gas produced over the productive life of specific leaseholds in the Bowdoin Field in Montana. The majority of these purchases were committed to distribution customers in Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming, which are subject to cost recovery mechanisms. The prices to be paid under this contract vary, currently ranging from $6 to $8 per MMBtu and exceed market prices. We applied for and were granted approval to terminate this agreement from the NPSC, CPUC and WPSC, on the basis that the agreement was not beneficial to customers in the long term. We received written orders allowing the net buyout costs associated with the contract termination to create a regulatory asset and recover the majority of costs over a five year period. At March 31, 2016, this payment was in Accrued liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Sale of Non-controlling Interest in Subsidiary

Black Hills Colorado IPP owns and operates a 200 MW, combined cycle natural gas generating facility located in Pueblo, Colorado. On April 14, 2016, Black Hills Electric Generation sold a 49.9%, non-controlling interest in Black Hills Colorado IPP for $215 million to AIA Energy North America LLC, an infrastructure investment platform managed by Argo Infrastructure Partners. FERC approval of the sale was received on March 29, 2016. Black Hills Colorado IPP continues to own 50.1% and is the operator of the facility, which is contracted to provide capacity and energy through 2031 to Black Hills Colorado Electric. Proceeds from the sale were used to pay down short-term debt and for other general corporate purposes.

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Management's Statement: Business Description (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Segment Reporting, Policy

Segment Reporting

We conduct our operations through the following reportable segments: Electric Utilities, Gas Utilities, Power Generation, Mining and Oil and Gas. Our reportable segments are based on our method of internal reporting, which is generally segregated by differences in products, services and regulation. All of our operations and assets are located within the United States. Prior to March 31, 2016, our segments were reported within two business groups, our Utilities Group, containing the Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities segments, and our Non-regulated Energy Group, containing the Power Generation, Coal Mining and Oil and Gas segments. We have continued to report our operations consistently through our reportable segments; however we will no longer separate the segments by business group. We are a customer-focused, growth-oriented, vertically-integrated utility company. All of our non-utility business segments support our utilities, other than the Oil and Gas segment, and in 2015 we began transitioning the Oil and Gas business to support utilities through a Cost of Service Gas Program.

Business Combinations

Business Combinations

We record acquisitions in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, with identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed recorded at their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net tangible and net intangible assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The application of ASC 805, Business Combinations requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions in the determination of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in order to properly allocate purchase price consideration between goodwill and assets that are depreciated and amortized. Our estimates are based on historical experience, information obtained from the management of the acquired companies and, when appropriate, include assistance from independent third-party appraisal firms. Our significant assumptions and estimates can include, but are not limited to, the cash flows that an acquired entity is expected to generate in the future, the appropriate weighted-average cost of capital, and the savings expected to be derived from the business combination. These estimates are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. In addition, unanticipated events or circumstances may occur which may affect the accuracy or validity of such estimates. See Note 2 for additional detail on the accounting for our acquisition.

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Management's Statement: Business Description (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Segment Reporting

The following changes have been made to our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income to reflect combined operations and maintenance expenses, rather than by business group as previously reported, for the three months ended March 31, 2015:

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
(in thousands)	As Previously Reported		Presentation Reclassification			As Currently Reported
Utilities - operations and maintenance	$	71,084	$	(71,084	)	$	—
Non-regulated energy operations and maintenance	$	22,050	$	(22,050	)	$	—
Operations and maintenance	$	—	$	93,134		$	93,134

Segment information and Corporate activities included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) were as follows (in thousands):

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016	External Operating Revenue		Inter-company Operating Revenue			Net Income (Loss)
Segment:
Electric	$	163,531	$	3,745		$	19,215
Gas	268,667		1,806			31,975
Power Generation	1,852		21,456			8,582
Mining	7,534		8,748			2,938
Oil and Gas (a)	8,375		—			(7,024		)
Corporate activities (b)(d)	—		—			(15,684		)
Inter-company eliminations	—		(35,755		)	—
Total	$	449,959	$	—		$	40,002

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015	External Operating Revenue		Inter-company Operating Revenue			Net Income (Loss)
Segment:
Electric (c)	$	166,493	$	3,424		$	17,553
Gas (c)	254,132		—			23,588
Power Generation	1,953		20,721			8,145
Mining	8,142		7,792			3,010
Oil and Gas (a)	11,267		—			(19,115		)
Corporate activities	—		—			669
Inter-company eliminations	—		(31,937		)	—
Total	$	441,987	$	—		$	33,850

(a) Net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015 include non-cash after-tax ceiling test impairments of $8.8 million and $14 million, respectively. See Note 19 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

(b) Net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 included incremental, non-recurring acquisition costs, net of tax of $15 million and after-tax internal labor costs attributable to the acquisition of $3.8 million. See Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

(c) Effective January 1, 2016, Cheyenne Light’s natural gas utility results are reported in our Gas Utility segment. Cheyenne Light’s gas utility results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 have been reclassified from the Electric Utility segment to the Gas Utility segment. Revenue and Net Income of $16 million and $1.4 million, respectively, previously reported in the Electric Utility segment in 2015 are now included in the Gas Utility segment.

(d) Includes net income attributable to non-controlling interest of $0.1 million.

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Acquisition: Acquisition (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions

	(in thousands)
Preliminary Purchase Price	$	1,894,882
Less: Long-term debt assumed	(760,000		)
Consideration Paid	$	1,134,882
Preliminary Allocation of Purchase Price:
Current Assets	$	119,549
Property, plant & equipment, net	1,015,200
Goodwill	946,410
Deferred charges and other assets, excluding goodwill	136,240
Current liabilities	(172,710		)
Long-term debt	(760,000		)
Deferred credits and other liabilities	(149,807		)
Total preliminary consideration paid	$	1,134,882

Business Combination, Pro Forma Information

The following pro forma results give effect to the acquisition, assuming the transaction closed on January 1, 2015:

	Pro Forma Results
	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2016		March 31, 2015
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenue	$	528,921	$	628,464
Net income (loss) available for common stock	$	66,690	$	52,041
Earnings (loss) per share, Basic	$	1.31	$	1.02
Earnings (loss) per share, Diluted	$	1.29	$	1.01

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Business Segment Information: Business Segment Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]

The following changes have been made to our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income to reflect combined operations and maintenance expenses, rather than by business group as previously reported, for the three months ended March 31, 2015:

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
(in thousands)	As Previously Reported		Presentation Reclassification			As Currently Reported
Utilities - operations and maintenance	$	71,084	$	(71,084	)	$	—
Non-regulated energy operations and maintenance	$	22,050	$	(22,050	)	$	—
Operations and maintenance	$	—	$	93,134		$	93,134

Segment information and Corporate activities included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) were as follows (in thousands):

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016	External Operating Revenue		Inter-company Operating Revenue			Net Income (Loss)
Segment:
Electric	$	163,531	$	3,745		$	19,215
Gas	268,667		1,806			31,975
Power Generation	1,852		21,456			8,582
Mining	7,534		8,748			2,938
Oil and Gas (a)	8,375		—			(7,024		)
Corporate activities (b)(d)	—		—			(15,684		)
Inter-company eliminations	—		(35,755		)	—
Total	$	449,959	$	—		$	40,002

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015	External Operating Revenue		Inter-company Operating Revenue			Net Income (Loss)
Segment:
Electric (c)	$	166,493	$	3,424		$	17,553
Gas (c)	254,132		—			23,588
Power Generation	1,953		20,721			8,145
Mining	8,142		7,792			3,010
Oil and Gas (a)	11,267		—			(19,115		)
Corporate activities	—		—			669
Inter-company eliminations	—		(31,937		)	—
Total	$	441,987	$	—		$	33,850

(a) Net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015 include non-cash after-tax ceiling test impairments of $8.8 million and $14 million, respectively. See Note 19 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

(b) Net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 included incremental, non-recurring acquisition costs, net of tax of $15 million and after-tax internal labor costs attributable to the acquisition of $3.8 million. See Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

(c) Effective January 1, 2016, Cheyenne Light’s natural gas utility results are reported in our Gas Utility segment. Cheyenne Light’s gas utility results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 have been reclassified from the Electric Utility segment to the Gas Utility segment. Revenue and Net Income of $16 million and $1.4 million, respectively, previously reported in the Electric Utility segment in 2015 are now included in the Gas Utility segment.

(d) Includes net income attributable to non-controlling interest of $0.1 million.

Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated

Segment information and Corporate balances included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands):

Total Assets (net of inter-company eliminations) as of:	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015		March 31, 2015
Segment:
Electric (a) (b)	$	2,714,450	$	2,720,004	$	2,691,822
Gas (b)	3,146,315		999,778		960,435
Power Generation (a)	74,403		60,864		75,945
Mining	73,878		76,357		77,399
Oil and Gas (c)	197,291		208,956		348,300
Corporate activities (d)	118,316		576,358		99,284
Total assets	$	6,324,653	$	4,642,317	$	4,253,185

__________

(a) The PPA under which Black Hills Colorado IPP provides generation to support Colorado Electric customers from the Pueblo Airport Generation Station is accounted for as a capital lease. As such, assets owned by our Power Generation segment are recorded at Colorado Electric under accounting for a capital lease.

(b) Effective January 1, 2016, Cheyenne Light’s natural gas utility results are reported in our Gas Utility segment. Cheyenne Light’s gas utility assets as of the three months ended March 31, 2015 have been reclassified from the Electric Utility segment to the Gas Utility segment. Assets of $135 million and $121 million, respectively, previously reported in the Electric Utility segment in 2015 are now presented in the Gas Utility segment as of December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015.

(c) As a result of continued low commodity prices during 2016 and 2015, we recorded non-cash impairments of oil and gas assets included in our Oil and Gas segment of $14 million for the for the three months ended March 31, 2016, $250 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, and $22 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. See Note 19 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

(d) Corporate assets at December 31, 2015 included approximately $440 million of cash from the November 23, 2015 equity offerings, which was used to partially fund the SourceGas acquisition on February 12, 2016.

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Accounts Receivable: Accounts Receivable (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Receivables [Abstract]

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Following is a summary of Accounts receivable, net included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:

	Accounts		Unbilled		Less Allowance for			Accounts
March 31, 2016	Receivable, Trade		Revenue		Doubtful Accounts			Receivable, net
Electric Utilities	$	41,981	$	32,660	$	(772	)	$	73,869
Gas Utilities	73,259		55,014		(4,363		)	123,910
Power Generation	1,210		—		—			1,210
Mining	2,484		—		—			2,484
Oil and Gas	2,395		—		(13		)	2,382
Corporate	2,421		—		—			2,421
Total	$	123,750	$	87,674	$	(5,148	)	$	206,276

	Accounts		Unbilled		Less Allowance for			Accounts
December 31, 2015	Receivable, Trade		Revenue		Doubtful Accounts			Receivable, net
Electric Utilities (a)	$	41,679	$	35,874	$	(727	)	$	76,826
Gas Utilities (a)	30,331		32,869		(1,001		)	62,199
Power Generation	1,187		—		—			1,187
Mining	2,760		—		—			2,760
Oil and Gas	3,502		—		(13		)	3,489
Corporate	1,025		—		—			1,025
Total	$	80,484	$	68,743	$	(1,741	)	$	147,486

	Accounts		Unbilled		Less Allowance for			Accounts
March 31, 2015	Receivable, Trade		Revenue		Doubtful Accounts			Receivable, net
Electric Utilities (a)	$	49,046	$	23,088	$	(873	)	$	71,261
Gas Utilities (a)	68,068		30,237		(1,549		)	96,756
Power Generation	1,152		—		—			1,152
Mining	3,638		—		—			3,638
Oil and Gas	4,646		—		(13		)	4,633
Corporate	981		—		—			981
Total	$	127,531	$	53,325	$	(2,435	)	$	178,421

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Regulatory Accounting: Regulatory Assets and Liabilities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

We had the following regulatory assets and liabilities (in thousands):

	Maximum	As of		As of		As of
	Amortization (in years)	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015		March 31, 2015
Regulatory assets
Deferred energy and fuel cost adjustments - current (a) (d)	1	$	24,479	$	24,751	$	30,833
Deferred gas cost adjustments (a)(d)	1	14,895		15,521		6,138
Gas price derivatives (a)	7	20,324		23,583		21,606
AFUDC (b)	45	13,677		12,870		12,114
Employee benefit plans (c) (e)	12	111,661		83,986		97,700
Environmental (a)	subject to approval	1,162		1,180		1,240
Asset retirement obligations (a)	44	487		457		3,237
Bond issue cost (a)	22	3,097		3,133		3,240
Renewable energy standard adjustment (b)	5	4,507		5,068		5,590
Flow through accounting (c)	35	30,614		29,722		26,835
Decommissioning costs (f)	10	18,134		18,310		13,702
Gas supply contract termination	5	30,613		—		—
Other regulatory assets (a)	15	19,481		13,903		13,242
		$	293,131	$	232,484	$	235,477
Regulatory liabilities
Deferred energy and gas costs (a) (d)	1	$	40,797	$	7,814	$	18,094
Employee benefit plans (c) (e)	12	63,580		47,218		53,151
Cost of removal (a)	44	123,076		90,045		81,449
Other regulatory liabilities (c)	25	8,817		7,964		13,845
		$	236,270	$	153,041	$	166,539

__________

(a) Recovery of costs, but we are not allowed a rate of return.

(b) In addition to recovery of costs, we are allowed a rate of return.

(c) In addition to recovery or repayment of costs, we are allowed a return on a portion of this amount or a reduction in rate base, respectively.

(d) Our deferred energy, fuel cost, and gas cost adjustments represent the cost of electricity and gas delivered to our electric and gas utility customers that is either higher or lower than current rates and will be recovered or refunded in future rates. Our electric and gas utilities file periodic quarterly, semi-annual, and/or annual filings to recover these costs based on the respective cost mechanisms approved by their applicable state utility commissions.

(e) Increase compared to December 31, 2015 was driven by addition of the SourceGas employee benefit plans.

(f) South Dakota Electric has approximately $13 million of decommissioning costs associated with the retirements of the Neil Simpson I and Ben French power plants that are allowed a rate of return, in addition to recovery of costs.

Gas Supply Contract Termination - Black Hills Gas Holdings had agreements under the previous ownership that required the company to purchase all of the natural gas produced over the productive life of specific leaseholds in the Bowdoin Field in Montana. The majority of these purchases were committed to distribution customers in Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming, which are subject to cost recovery mechanisms. The prices to be paid under these agreements vary, currently ranging from $6 to $8 per MMBtu, and exceed market prices. We recorded a liability for this contract in our purchase price allocation. We applied for and subsequent to March 31, 2016, we were granted approval to terminate these agreements with the NPSC, CPUC and WPSC, on the basis that these agreements are not beneficial to customers over the long term. We received written orders allowing us to create a regulatory asset for the net buyout costs associated with the contract termination, and recover the majority of costs from customers over a five year period. We settled the liability on April 29, 2016. See Note 22.

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Materials, Supplies and Fuel: Materials, Supplies and Fuel (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Inventory, Net [Abstract]

Materials, Supplies and Fuel

The following amounts by major classification are included in Materials, supplies and fuel in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015		March 31, 2015
Materials and supplies	$	66,542	$	55,726	$	52,429
Fuel - Electric Utilities	5,365		5,567		6,780
Natural gas in storage held for distribution	6,269		25,650		7,417
Total materials, supplies and fuel	$	78,176	$	86,943	$	66,626

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Goodwill & Intangible Assets: Goodwill & Intangible Assets (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill

Following is a summary of Goodwill included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):

	Electric Utilities (b)		Gas Utilities (b)		Power Generation		Total
Ending balance at December 31, 2015	$	250,487	$	100,507	$	8,765	$	359,759
Acquisition of SourceGas (a)	—		946,410		—		946,410
Ending balance at March 31, 2016	$	250,487	$	1,046,917	$	8,765	$	1,306,169

__________

(a) Represents preliminary goodwill recorded with the acquisition of SourceGas. See Note 2 for more information.

(b) Goodwill of $6.3 million is now presented in the Gas Utilities segment as a result of the inclusion of Cheyenne Light’s Gas operations in the Gas Utility segment, previously reported in the Electric Utilities segment. See Note 1 for additional details.

Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Intangible assets, net beginning balance December 31, 2015	$	3,380
Additions, net (a)	7,734
Amortization expense	(157		)
Intangible assets, net, ending balance at March 31, 2016	$	10,957

__________

(a) Intangible assets, net acquired from SourceGas are primarily trademarks and tradenames, and are amortized over 5-year estimated useful lives. See Note 2 for more information.

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Earnings Per Share: Earnings Per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation

A reconciliation of share amounts used to compute Earnings (loss) per share in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
Net income (loss) available for common stock	$	40,002	$	33,850
Weighted average shares - basic	51,044		44,541
Dilutive effect of:
Equity Units (a)	720		—
Equity compensation	94		119
Weighted average shares - diluted	51,858		44,660

__________

(a) Calculated using the treasury stock method.

Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share

The following outstanding securities were excluded in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016	2015
Equity compensation	74	107
Anti-dilutive shares	74	107

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Notes Payable: Notes Payable and Long-term Debt (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Short-term Debt

We had the following short-term debt outstanding in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015				March 31, 2015
	Balance Outstanding		Letters of Credit		Balance Outstanding		Letters of Credit		Balance Outstanding		Letters of Credit
Revolving Credit Facility	$	215,600	$	24,000	$	76,800	$	33,399	$	102,600	$	22,300

Schedule of Credit Facility Covenants

our Revolving Credit Facility, our Term Loan and the SourceGas term loan require compliance with the following financial covenant at the end of each quarter:

	As of March 31, 2016	Covenant Requirement
Recourse Leverage Ratio	71%	Less than	75%

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Long-Term Debt: Long-Term Debt (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]

Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]

Long-term debt was as follows (dollars in thousands):

	Interest Rate at
	March 31, 2016	March 31, 2016			December 31, 2015			March 31, 2015
Corporate
Remarketable junior subordinated notes due November 1, 2028	3.50%	$	299,000		$	299,000		$	—
Senior unsecured notes due January 15, 2026	3.95%	300,000			—			—
Unamortized discount on Senior unsecured notes due 2026		(892		)	—			—
Senior unsecured notes due November 30, 2023	4.25%	525,000			525,000			525,000
Unamortized discount on Senior unsecured notes due 2023		(1,822		)	(1,890		)	(2,095		)
Senior unsecured notes due July 15, 2020	5.88%	200,000			200,000			200,000
Senior unsecured notes due January 11, 2019	2.50%	250,000			—			—
Unamortized discount on Senior unsecured notes due 2019		(282		)	—			—
Corporate term loan due June 30, 2017 (a) (b)	1.38%	340,000			—			—
Corporate term loan due April 12, 2017 (b)	1.40%	300,000			300,000			—
Corporate term loan due June 19, 2015 (b)	1.31%	—			—			275,000
Total Corporate Debt		2,211,004			1,322,110			997,905
Gas Utilities
Senior secured notes due September 29, 2019 (a) (e)	3.98%	95,000			—			—
Senior unsecured notes due April 1, 2017 (a)	5.90%	325,000			—			—
Unamortized discount on Senior unsecured notes due 2017		(103		)	—			—
		419,897			—			—
Electric Utilities
First Mortgage Bonds due October 20, 2044	4.43%	85,000			85,000			85,000
First Mortgage Bonds due October 20, 2044	4.53%	75,000			75,000			75,000
First Mortgage Bonds due August 15, 2032	7.23%	75,000			75,000			75,000
First Mortgage Bonds due November 1, 2039	6.13%	180,000			180,000			180,000
Unamortized discount on First Mortgage Bonds due 2039		(97		)	(99		)	(102		)
First Mortgage Bonds due November 20, 2037	6.67%	110,000			110,000			110,000
Industrial development revenue bonds due September 1, 2021 (c)	0.45%	7,000			7,000			7,000
Industrial development revenue bonds due March 1, 2027 (c)	0.47%	10,000			10,000			10,000
Series 94A Debt, variable rate due June 1, 2024 (c)	0.85%	2,855			2,855			2,855
Total Electric Utilities Debt		544,758			544,756			544,753
Total long-term debt		3,175,659			1,866,866			1,542,658
Less current maturities		—			—			—
Less deferred financing costs (d)		(16,604		)	(13,184		)	(11,286		)
Long-term debt, net of current maturities		$	3,159,055		$	1,853,682		$	1,531,372

_______________

(a) Long-term debt assumed with the SourceGas Acquisition.

(b) Variable interest rate, based on LIBOR plus a spread.

(c) Variable interest rate.

(d) Includes deferred financing costs associated with our Revolving Credit Facility of $1.6 million, $1.7 million and $1.6 million as of March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively.

(e) Currently unsecured, required to be ratably secured if Black Hills Gas Holdings incurs other secured indebtedness.

Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]

Scheduled maturities of long-term debt, excluding amortization of premiums or discounts, for future years are (in thousands):

2016	$	—
2017	$	965,000
2018	$	—
2019	$	345,000
2020	$	200,000
Thereafter	$	1,668,855

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Equity: Equity (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block]

A summary of the changes in equity is as follows:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016	Total Stockholders’ Equity
	(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	1,465,867
Net income (loss) available for common stock	40,002
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(11,770		)
Dividends on common stock	(21,543		)
Share-based compensation	561
Issuance of common stock	6,824
Dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan	755
Other stock transactions	(13		)
Balance at March 31, 2016	$	1,480,683

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015	Total Stockholders’ Equity
	(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	1,353,884
Net income (loss) available for common stock	33,850
Other comprehensive income	990
Dividends on common stock	(18,148		)
Share-based compensation	209
Issuance of common stock	—
Dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan	798
Other stock transactions	—
Balance at March 31, 2015	$	1,371,583

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Risk Management Activities: Risk Management Activities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Derivative [Line Items]

Schedule of Derivative Instruments

The contract or notional amounts, terms of our interest rate swaps and the interest rate swaps balances reflected on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (dollars in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2016									December 31, 2015						March 31, 2015
	Interest Rate Swaps (a)			Interest Rate Swaps (a)			Interest Rate Swaps (b)			Interest Rate Swaps (a)			Interest Rate Swaps (b)			Interest Rate Swaps (b)
Notional	$	150,000		$	250,000		$	75,000		$	250,000		$	75,000		$	75,000
Weighted average fixed interest rate	2.09		%	2.29		%	4.97		%	2.29		%	4.97		%	4.97		%
Maximum terms in years	1.08			1.08			0.75			1.33			1.00			1.75
Derivative assets, non-current	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	3,441		$	—		$	—
Derivative liabilities, current	$	—		$	—		$	2,290		$	—		$	2,835		$	3,342
Derivative liabilities, non-current	$	3,785		$	10,693		$	—		$	—		$	156		$	2,143

__________

(a) These swaps are designated as cash flow hedges of anticipated debt refinancings.

(b) These swaps are designated to borrowings on our Revolving Credit Facility and are priced using three-month LIBOR, matching the floating portion of the related borrowings.

Contract or Notional Amounts and Terms of Commodity Derivatives

The contract or notional amounts and terms of the natural gas derivative commodity instruments held at our Utilities were as follows, as of:

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015		March 31, 2015
	Notional (MMBtus)	Maximum Term (months) (a)	Notional (MMBtus)	Maximum Term (months) (a)	Notional (MMBtus)	Maximum Term (months) (a)
Natural gas futures purchased	18,270,000	57	20,580,000	60	17,280,000	69
Natural gas options purchased	990,000	21	2,620,000	3	1,320,000	12
Natural gas basis swaps purchased	16,810,000	57	18,150,000	60	15,735,000	57
Natural gas fixed for float swaps purchased (b)	2,374,000	23	—	0	—	0
Natural gas fixed for float swaps sold (b)	816,989	15	—	0	—	0
Natural gas physical purchases	2,948,250	12	—	0	—	0
Natural gas physical sales	813,200	11	—	0	—	0

__________

(a) Term reflects the maximum forward period hedged.

(b) 1,109,500 MMBtus and 112,500 MMBtus were designated as cash flow hedges for the natural gas swaps purchased and sold, respectively.

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)

The impacts of cash flow hedges on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) were as follows (in thousands):

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCI Derivative (Effective Portion)			Location of Reclassifications from AOCI into Income	Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Settlements)		Location of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
Interest rate swaps	$	(15,047	)	Interest expense	$	1,709		$	—
Commodity derivatives	1,589			Revenue	3,592			—
Commodity derivatives	238			Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold	57		Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold	—
Total	$	(13,220	)		$	5,358		$	—

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCI Derivative (Effective Portion)			Location of Reclassifications from AOCI into Income	Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Settlements)			Location of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
Interest rate swaps	$	(886	)	Interest expense	$	1,437			$	—
Commodity derivatives	3,764			Revenue	(3,932		)		—
Total	$	2,878			$	(2,495	)		$	—

Oil and Gas [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Schedule of Derivative Instruments

The contract or notional amounts, terms of our commodity derivatives, and the derivative balances for our Oil and Gas segment reflected on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (dollars in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015				March 31, 2015
	Crude Oil Futures, Swaps and Options		Natural Gas Futures and Swaps		Crude Oil Futures, Swaps and Options		Natural Gas Futures and Swaps		Crude Oil Futures, Swaps and Options		Natural Gas Futures and Swaps
Notional (a)	159,000		3,447,500		198,000		4,392,500		305,000		5,367,500
Maximum terms in months (b)	1		1		1		1		1		1
Derivative assets, current	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets, non-current	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Derivative liabilities, current	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Derivative liabilities, non-current	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

__________

(a) Crude oil in Bbls, natural gas in MMBtus.

(b) Refers to the tenor of the derivative instrument. Assets and liabilities are classified as current/non-current based on the production month hedged and the corresponding settlement of the derivative instrument.

Utilities Group [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Schedule of Derivative Instruments

We had the following derivative balances related to the hedges in our Utilities reflected in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of (in thousands):

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015		March 31, 2015
Derivative assets, current	$	1,486	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets, non-current	$	85	$	—	$	—
Derivative liabilities, current	$	1,675	$	—	$	—
Derivative liabilities, non-current	$	44	$	—	$	—
Net unrealized (gain) loss included in Regulatory assets or Regulatory liabilities	$	20,324	$	23,578	$	21,606

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Fair Value Measurements: Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value Hierarchy, Measured on Recurring Basis

The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy are gross assets and gross liabilities and related offsetting cash collateral and counterparty netting as permitted by GAAP that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis for derivative instruments.

	As of March 31, 2016
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Cash Collateral and Counterparty Netting			Total
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas
Options -- Oil	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Basis Swaps -- Oil	—		4,668		—		(4,668		)	—
Options -- Gas	—		—		—		—			—
Basis Swaps -- Gas	—		3,761		—		(3,761		)	—
Commodity derivatives — Utilities	—		3,070		—		(1,499		)	1,571
Interest Rate Swaps	—		—		—		—			—
Total	$	—	$	11,499	$	—	$	(9,928	)	$	1,571
Liabilities:
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas
Options -- Oil	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Basis Swaps -- Oil	—		—		—		—			—
Options -- Gas	—		—		—		—			—
Basis Swaps -- Gas	—		250		—		(250		)	—
Commodity derivatives — Utilities	—		23,428		—		(21,709		)	1,719
Interest rate swaps	—		16,768		—		—			16,768
Total	$	—	$	40,446	$	—	$	(21,959	)	$	18,487

	As of December 31, 2015
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Cash Collateral and Counterparty Netting			Total
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas
Options -- Oil	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Basis Swaps -- Oil	—		6,309		—		(6,309		)	—
Options -- Gas	—		—		—		—			—
Basis Swaps -- Gas	—		4,335		—		(4,335		)	—
Commodity derivatives —Utilities	—		2,293		—		(2,293		)	—
Interest Rate Swaps	—		3,441		—		—			3,441
Total	$	—	$	16,378	$	—	$	(12,937	)	$	3,441
Liabilities:
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas
Options -- Oil	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Basis Swaps -- Oil	—		—		—		—			—
Options -- Gas	—		—		—		—			—
Basis Swaps -- Gas	—		556		—		(556		)	—
Commodity derivatives — Utilities	—		24,585		—		(24,585		)	—
Interest rate swaps	—		2,991		—		—			2,991
Total	$	—	$	28,132	$	—	$	(25,141	)	$	2,991

	As of March 31, 2015
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Cash Collateral and Counterparty Netting			Total
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas
Options -- Oil	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Basis Swaps -- Oil	—		8,096		—		(8,096		)	—
Options -- Gas	—		—		—		—			—
Basis Swaps -- Gas	—		6,526		—		(6,526		)	—
Commodity derivatives — Utilities	—		1,184		—		(1,184		)	—
Interest Rate Swaps	—		—		—		—			—
Total	$	—	$	15,806	$	—	$	(15,806	)	$	—
Liabilities:
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas
Options -- Oil	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Basis Swaps -- Oil	—		2		—		(2		)	—
Options -- Gas	—		—		—		—			—
Basis Swaps -- Gas	—		256		—		(256		)	—
Commodity derivatives — Utilities	—		22,002		—		(22,002		)	—
Interest rate swaps	—		5,485		—		—			5,485
Total	$	—	$	27,745	$	—	$	(22,260	)	$	5,485

Schedule of Derivative Instruments Balance Sheet Location

The following tables present the fair value and balance sheet classification of our derivative instruments (in thousands):

As of March 31, 2016
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value of Asset Derivatives		Fair Value of Liability Derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedges:
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — current	$	7,986	$	—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — non-current	607		—
Interest rate swaps	Derivative assets — non-current	—		—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — current	—		982
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		71
Interest rate swaps	Derivative liabilities — current	—		2,290
Interest rate swaps	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		14,478
Total derivatives designated as hedges		$	8,593	$	17,821
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — current	$	1,326	$	—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — non-current	79		—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — current	—		9,117
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		12,009
Total derivatives not designated as hedges		$	1,405	$	21,126

As of December 31, 2015
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value of Asset Derivatives		Fair Value of Liability Derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedges:
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — current	$	9,981	$	—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — non-current	663		—
Interest rate swaps	Derivative assets — non-current	3,441		—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — current	—		465
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		91
Interest rate swaps	Derivative liabilities — current	—		2,835
Interest rate swaps	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		156
Total derivatives designated as hedges		$	14,085	$	3,547
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — current	$	—	$	—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — non-current	—		—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — current	—		9,586
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		12,706
Total derivatives not designated as hedges		$	—	$	22,292

As of March 31, 2015
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value of Asset Derivatives		Fair Value of Liability Derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedges:
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — current	$	9,989	$	—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — non-current	4,633		—
Interest rate swaps	Derivative assets — non-current	—		—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — current	—		126
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		132
Interest rate swaps	Derivative liabilities — current	—		3,342
Interest rate swaps	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		2,143
Total derivatives designated as hedges		$	14,622	$	5,743
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — current	$	—	$	—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative assets — non-current	—		—
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — current	—		7,530
Commodity derivatives	Derivative liabilities — non-current	—		13,288
Total derivatives not designated as hedges		$	—	$	20,818

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair values of our financial instruments, excluding derivatives which are presented in Note 13, were as follows (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015				March 31, 2015
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Cash and cash equivalents (a)	$	46,974	$	46,974	$	456,535	$	456,535	$	63,385	$	63,385
Restricted cash and equivalents (a)	$	1,839	$	1,839	$	1,697	$	1,697	$	2,191	$	2,191
Notes payable (a)	$	215,600	$	215,600	$	76,800	$	76,800	$	102,600	$	102,600
Long-term debt, including current maturities (b)	$	3,159,055	$	3,392,652	$	1,853,682	$	1,992,274	$	1,531,372	$	1,767,113

__________

(a) Carrying value approximates fair value due to either the short-term length of maturity or variable interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates, and therefore is classified in Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

(b) Long-term debt is valued based on observable inputs available either directly or indirectly for similar liabilities in active markets and therefore is classified in Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

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Other Comprehensive Income (Loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of the reclassification adjustments, net of tax, included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the periods were as follows (in thousands):

	Location on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)	Amount Reclassified from AOCI
		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2016			March 31, 2015
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	Interest expense	$	(1,709	)	$	1,437
Commodity contracts	Revenue	(3,592		)	(3,932		)
Commodity contracts	Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold	(57		)	—
		(5,358		)	(2,495		)
Income tax	Income tax benefit (expense)	1,946			1,254
Reclassification adjustments related to cash flow hedges, net of tax		$	(3,412	)	$	(1,241	)
Amortization of defined benefit plans:
Prior service cost	Operations and maintenance	$	(55	)	$	(55	)
Actuarial gain (loss)	Operations and maintenance	494			705
		439			650
Income tax	Income tax benefit (expense)	(153		)	(228		)
Reclassification adjustments related to defined benefit plans, net of tax		$	286		$	422

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Balances by classification included within Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):

	Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges			Employee Benefit Plans			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	5,093		$	(20,137	)	$	(15,044	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	595			395			990
Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	5,688		$	(19,742	)	$	(14,054	)
Balance as of December 31, 2015	$	6,725		$	(15,780	)	$	(9,055	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(12,056		)	286			(11,770		)
Balance as of March 31, 2016	$	(5,331	)	$	(15,494	)	$	(20,825	)

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Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

Three months ended	March 31, 2016			March 31, 2015
	(in thousands)
Non-cash investing and financing activities from continuing operations—
Property, plant and equipment acquired with accrued liabilities	$	30,260		$	33,534
Cash (paid) refunded during the period for continuing operations—
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)	$	(15,528	)	$	(10,909	)
Income taxes, net	$	—		$	(2	)

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Employee Benefit Plans: Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures

Amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet upon the February 12, 2016 acquisition are (in thousands):

	Defined Benefit Pension Plan		Non-Pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans
Unfunded postretirement benefit obligation	$	22,187	$	11,751

Schedule of Net Benefit Costs

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Defined Benefit Pension Plans were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
Service cost	$	2,078		$	1,494
Interest cost	3,936			3,880
Expected return on plan assets	(5,765		)	(4,867		)
Prior service cost	15			15
Net loss (gain)	1,793			2,759
Net periodic benefit cost	$	2,057		$	3,281

Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans

With the addition of the two SourceGas Postretirement Healthcare Plans, BHC now sponsors five retiree healthcare plans (Healthcare Plans) for employees who meet certain age and service requirements at retirement. Healthcare Plan benefits are subject to premiums, deductibles, co-payment provisions and other limitations. A portion of the Healthcare Plans is pre-funded via VEBAs. Effective January 1, 2014, health care coverage for Medicare-eligible retirees is provided through an individual market health care exchange for BHC and Black Hills Utility Holdings retirees. SourceGas retirees do not participate in the individual market health care exchange; therefore, all permissible health claims are paid under the self-insured plan.

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
Service cost	$	467		$	464
Interest cost	485			450
Expected return on plan assets	(70		)	(33		)
Prior service cost (benefit)	(107		)	(107		)
Net loss (gain)	84			102
Net periodic benefit cost	$	859		$	876

Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
Service cost	$	29	$	491
Interest cost	314		364
Prior service cost	—		1
Net loss (gain)	207		270
Net periodic benefit cost	$	550	$	1,126

Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Contributions

Contributions and anticipated contributions are as follows (in thousands):

	Contributions Made		Additional Contributions		Contributions
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016		Anticipated for 2016		Anticipated for 2017
Defined Benefit Pension Plans	$	—	$	10,200	$	10,200
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans	$	1,192	$	3,576	$	4,744
Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans	$	392	$	1,176	$	1,627

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Commitments and Contingencies: Supply Commitment (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Supply Commitment [Table Text Block]

we assumed various commitments relating to natural gas supply and transportation commitments and lease commitments, as summarized below (in thousands):

	2016		2017		2018		2019		2020		Thereafter		Total
Future minimum payments
Pipeline capacity obligations	$	37,062	$	45,248	$	44,434	$	40,636	$	40,636	$	192,651	$	400,667
Facilities and equipment	1,755		2,216		2,207		1,676		1,359		3,326		12,539
Total	$	38,817	$	47,464	$	46,641	$	42,312	$	41,995	$	195,977	$	413,206

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Income Taxes: Income Taxes (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]

INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
Tax (benefit) expense	2016		2015
Federal statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%
State income tax (net of federal tax effect)	2.6		1.2
Percentage depletion in excess of cost (a)	(14.1	)	(1.0	)
Accounting for uncertain tax positions adjustment (b)	(11.4	)	1.9
Inter-period tax allocation	(4.0	)	(1.5	)
Transaction costs	2.5		—
Other tax differences	(1.0	)	(1.2	)
	9.6	%	34.4	%

__________

(a) The tax benefit relates to additional percentage depletion deductions that are being claimed with respect to the oil and gas properties and represents a change in estimate for income tax accounting purposes. Such deductions are primarily the result of a change in the application of the maximum daily limitation of 1,000 barrels of oil equivalent as allowed under the Internal Revenue Code.

(b) The tax benefit relates to the release of after-tax interest expense that was previously accrued with respect to the liability for uncertain tax positions involving the like-kind exchange transaction effectuated in connection with the IPP Transaction and Aquila Transaction that occurred in 2008. In addition, the tax benefit includes the release of after-tax interest expense and tax credits that were previously accrued involving research and development credits and deductions. Both adjustments are the result of a re-measurement of the liability for uncertain tax positions predicated on an agreement reached with IRS Appeals in early 2016.

In the first quarter of 2016, we reached an agreement in principle with IRS Appeals in regards to the like-kind exchange transaction associated with the gain deferred from the tax treatment related to the 2008 IPP Transaction and the Aquila Transaction.  An agreement in principle was also reached with respect to research and development credits and deductions.  Both issues were the subject of an IRS Appeals process involving the 2007 to 2009 tax years. We expect the reversal of approximately $26 million of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits to occur in 2016.  The vast majority of such reversal will be to restore accumulated deferred income taxes. We reversed accrued after-tax interest expense and tax credits of approximately $5.1 million associated with these liabilities in the first quarter of 2016. The cash taxes due as a result of the agreement in principle with IRS Appeals is estimated to be $11 million excluding interest.

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Accrued Liabilities: Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]

The following amounts by major classification are included in Accrued liabilities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015		March 31, 2015
Accrued employee compensation, benefits and withholdings	$	90,295	$	43,342	$	32,090
Accrued property taxes	40,638		32,393		32,835
Accrued payments related to litigation expenses and settlements	—		38,750		25,000
Gas-gathering contract (a)	39,944		—		—
Customer deposits and prepayments	26,042		53,496		16,210
Accrued interest and contract adjustment payments	43,119		25,762		21,559
CIAC current portion	20,466		14,745		—
Other (none of which is individually significant)	11,677		23,573		39,087
Total accrued liabilities	$	272,181	$	232,061	$	166,781

__________

(a) This contract was settled on April 29, 2016. See Note 22 for additional information.

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Management's Statement: Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Operating Costs, Nonregulated Energy Operations		$ 0
Utilities - Operating and maintenance		0
Operations and maintenance	$ 107,062	93,134
Utilities Group [Member]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment		(71,084)
Utilities Group [Member] | Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment		71,084
Non Regulated Energy Group [Member]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment		(22,050)
Non Regulated Energy Group [Member] | Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment		$ 22,050

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Management's Statement: Simplifying The Presentation Of Debt Issuance Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Deferred Finance Costs [Member]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment	$ 13	$ 11

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Acquisition: Acquisition (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands				3 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2016 USD ($) customer utility mi	Jan. 13, 2016 USD ($)	Nov. 23, 2015 USD ($) shares	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($) $ / shares		Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($) $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Acquisition Narrative [Abstract]
Proceeds From Issuance Of Common Stock and Sale Of Interest In Corporate Units			$ 536,000
Long-term debt - issuances		$ 546,000		$ 545,959		$ 0
Revenue				449,959		441,987
Net income (loss) available for common stock				40,002		33,850
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Net of Long Term Debt and Cash Acquired				1,132,318		0
Acquisition Recap [Abstract]
Goodwill				$ 1,306,169		353,396	$ 359,759
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Pro Forma - Combined Federal and State income Tax Rate				37.00%
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners				0.50%
Corporate[Member]
Acquisition Narrative [Abstract]
Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs				$ 25,000
Revenue				0		0
Net income (loss) available for common stock				(15,684)	[1],[2]	669
Remarketable Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2028 [Member]
Acquisition Narrative [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Equity Instruments | shares			5,980,000
Common Stock [Member]
Acquisition Narrative [Abstract]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues | shares			6,325,000.000
Source Gas [Member]
Acquisition Narrative [Abstract]
Number Of Natural Gas Utilities Acquired | utility	4
Number Of Customers Acquired | customer	429,000
Length Of Natural Gas Pipeline Acquired | mi	512
Revenue				76,000
Net income (loss) available for common stock				7,600
Cash Acquired from Acquisition	$ 2,500
Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount				219,000
Acquisition Recap [Abstract]
Preliminary Purchase Price	1,894,882
Consideration paid	1,134,882
Current Assets	119,549
Property, plant & equipment, net	1,015,200
Goodwill	946,410
Deferred charges and other assets, excluding goodwill	136,240
Current liabilities	(172,710)
Long-term debt	(760,000)
Deferred credits and other liabilities	$ (149,807)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Pro Forma - Revenue				528,921		628,464
Pro Forma - Net income (loss) available for common stock				$ 66,690		$ 52,041
Pro Forma - Earnings per share, Basic (usd per share) | $ / shares				$ 1.31		$ 1.02
Pro Forma - Earnings per share, Diluted (usd per share) | $ / shares				$ 1.29		$ 1.01
Source Gas [Member] | Black Hills Energy, Arkansas [Member]
Public Utilities, Rate Matters, Approved [Abstract]
Duration Of Base Rate Moratorium Imposed by ASPC	12 months
Annual Amount of Customer Credit				$ 250
Source Gas [Member] | Black Hills Gas Distribution, Colorado [Member]
Public Utilities, Rate Matters, Approved [Abstract]
Annual Amount of Customer Credit				$ 200
Duration of Base Rate Moratorium imposed by CPUC	3 years
Source Gas [Member] | Black Hills Gas Distribution - Nebraska [Member]
Public Utilities, Rate Matters, Approved [Abstract]
Duration of Base Rate Moratorium imposed by NPSC	3 years
Continuation Period of Choice Gas Program	3 years
Source Gas [Member] | Rocky Mountain Natural Gas [Member]
Public Utilities, Rate Matters, Approved [Abstract]
Duration of Base Rate Moratorium imposed by CPUC	2 years
Source Gas [Member] | Black Hills Gas Distribution - Wyoming [Member]
Public Utilities, Rate Matters, Approved [Abstract]
Continuation Period of Choice Gas Program	3 years
Source Gas [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Black Hills Energy, Arkansas [Member]
Public Utilities, Rate Matters, Approved [Abstract]
Duration Of Annual Customer Credit	5 years
Source Gas [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Black Hills Gas Distribution, Colorado [Member]
Public Utilities, Rate Matters, Approved [Abstract]
Duration Of Annual Customer Credit	5 years

[1] Includes net income attributable to non-controlling interest of $0.1 million.

[2] Net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 included incremental, non-recurring acquisition costs, net of tax of $15 million and after-tax internal labor costs attributable to the acquisition of $3.8 million. See Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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Business Segment Information: Information Relating to Segment Statement of Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016		Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information
Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties		$ 14,496		$ 22,036
Revenue		449,959		441,987
Net income (loss) available for common stock		40,002		33,850
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest		48		0
Inter-company eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Revenue		(35,755)		(31,937)
Net income (loss) available for common stock		0		0
Corporate activities[Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Revenue		0		0
Net income (loss) available for common stock		(15,684)	[1],[2]	669
Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs		25,000
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Revenue		0		0
Electric Utilities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Revenue		163,531		166,493	[3]
Net income (loss) available for common stock		19,215		17,553	[3]
Electric Utilities [Member] | Inter-company eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Revenue		3,745		3,424	[3]
Gas Utilities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Revenue		268,667		254,132	[3]
Net income (loss) available for common stock		31,975		23,588	[3]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest		(100)
Gas Utilities [Member] | Inter-company eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Revenue		1,806		0	[3]
Power Generation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Revenue		1,852		1,953
Net income (loss) available for common stock		8,582		8,145
Power Generation [Member] | Inter-company eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Revenue		21,456		20,721
Mining [Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Revenue		7,534		8,142
Net income (loss) available for common stock		2,938		3,010
Mining [Member] | Inter-company eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Revenue		8,748		7,792
Oil and Gas [Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties		14,000		22,000		$ 250,000
Revenue		8,375		11,267
Net income (loss) available for common stock	[4]	(7,024)		(19,115)
Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties Net of Tax		8,800		14,000
Oil and Gas [Member] | Inter-company eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Revenue		0		0
Incremental, Non-Recurring Acquisition Costs (Net of Tax) [Member] | Corporate activities[Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs		15,000
Labor (Net Of Tax) [Member] | Corporate activities[Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs		$ 3,800
Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment				16,000
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment				$ 1,400

[1] Includes net income attributable to non-controlling interest of $0.1 million.

[2] Net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 included incremental, non-recurring acquisition costs, net of tax of $15 million and after-tax internal labor costs attributable to the acquisition of $3.8 million. See Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

[3] Effective January 1, 2016, Cheyenne Light’s natural gas utility results are reported in our Gas Utility segment. Cheyenne Light’s gas utility results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 have been reclassified from the Electric Utility segment to the Gas Utility segment. Revenue and Net Income of $16 million and $1.4 million, respectively, previously reported in the Electric Utility segment in 2015 are now included in the Gas Utility segment.

[4] Net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015 include non-cash after-tax ceiling test impairments of $8.8 million and $14 million, respectively. See Note 19 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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Business Segment Information: Segment and Corporate Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016		Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets		$ 6,324,653		$ 4,253,185		$ 4,642,317
Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties		14,496		22,036
Corporate activities[Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets		118,316		99,284		576,358	[1]
Electric Utilities [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	[2]	2,714,450		2,691,822	[3]	2,720,004	[3]
Gas Utilities [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets		3,146,315		960,435	[3]	999,778	[3]
Power Generation [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	[2]	74,403		75,945		60,864
Mining [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets		73,878		77,399		76,357
Oil and Gas [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets		197,291	[4]	348,300		208,956
Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties		$ 14,000		22,000		250,000
Assets, Total [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment Balance Sheet				$ 121,000		135,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Corporate activities[Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets						$ 440,000

[1] Corporate assets at December 31, 2015 included approximately $440 million of cash from the November 23, 2015 equity offerings, which was used to partially fund the SourceGas acquisition on February 12, 2016.

[2] The PPA under which Black Hills Colorado IPP provides generation to support Colorado Electric customers from the Pueblo Airport Generation Station is accounted for as a capital lease. As such, assets owned by our Power Generation segment are recorded at Colorado Electric under accounting for a capital lease.

[3] Effective January 1, 2016, Cheyenne Light’s natural gas utility results are reported in our Gas Utility segment. Cheyenne Light’s gas utility assets as of the three months ended March 31, 2015 have been reclassified from the Electric Utility segment to the Gas Utility segment. Assets of $135 million and $121 million, respectively, previously reported in the Electric Utility segment in 2015 are now presented in the Gas Utility segment as of December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015.

[4] As a result of continued low commodity prices during 2016 and 2015, we recorded non-cash impairments of oil and gas assets included in our Oil and Gas segment of $14 million for the for the three months ended March 31, 2016, $250 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, and $22 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. See Note 19 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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Accounts Receivable: Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2015
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$ (5,148)	$ (1,741)		$ (2,435)
Accounts receivable, net	206,276	147,486		178,421
Corporate[Member]
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	0	0		0
Accounts receivable, net	2,421	1,025		981
Electric Utilities [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	(772)	(727)	[1]	(873)	[1]
Accounts receivable, net	73,869	76,826	[1]	71,261	[1]
Gas Utilities [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	(4,363)	(1,001)	[1]	(1,549)	[1]
Accounts receivable, net	123,910	62,199	[1]	96,756	[1]
Power Generation [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	0	0		0
Accounts receivable, net	1,210	1,187		1,152
Mining [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	0	0		0
Accounts receivable, net	2,484	2,760		3,638
Oil and Gas [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	(13)	(13)		(13)
Accounts receivable, net	2,382	3,489		4,633
Billed Revenues [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Trade	123,750	80,484		127,531
Billed Revenues [Member] | Corporate[Member]
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Trade	2,421	1,025		981
Billed Revenues [Member] | Electric Utilities [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Trade	41,981	41,679	[1]	49,046	[1]
Billed Revenues [Member] | Gas Utilities [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Trade	73,259	30,331	[1]	68,068	[1]
Billed Revenues [Member] | Power Generation [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Trade	1,210	1,187		1,152
Billed Revenues [Member] | Mining [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Trade	2,484	2,760		3,638
Billed Revenues [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Trade	2,395	3,502		4,646
Unbilled Revenues [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Trade	87,674	68,743		53,325
Unbilled Revenues [Member] | Corporate[Member]
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Trade	0	0		0
Unbilled Revenues [Member] | Electric Utilities [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Trade	32,660	35,874	[1]	23,088	[1]
Unbilled Revenues [Member] | Gas Utilities [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Trade	55,014	32,869	[1]	30,237	[1]
Unbilled Revenues [Member] | Power Generation [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Trade	0	0		0
Unbilled Revenues [Member] | Mining [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Trade	0	0		0
Unbilled Revenues [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Trade	$ 0	0		0
Accounts Receivable, Trade
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment Balance Sheet		$ 6,800		$ 6,300

[1] Effective January 1, 2016, Cheyenne Light’s natural gas utility results are reported in our Gas Utility segment. Cheyenne Light’s gas utility accounts receivable has been reclassified from the Electric Utility segment to the Gas Utility segment. Accounts receivable of $6.8 million and $6.3 million as of December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively, previously reported in the Electric Utility segment is now presented in the Gas Utility segment.

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Regulatory Accounting: Regulatory Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets		$ 293,131	$ 232,484	$ 235,477
Regulatory Liabilities		$ 236,270	153,041	166,539
Deferred energy and gas costs
Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Maximum Amortization Period		1 year
Regulatory Liabilities	[1],[2]	$ 40,797	7,814	18,094
Employee benefit plans
Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Maximum Amortization Period		12 years
Regulatory Liabilities	[3],[4]	$ 63,580	47,218	53,151
Cost of removal
Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Maximum Amortization Period		44 years
Regulatory Liabilities	[2]	$ 123,076	90,045	81,449
Other regulatory liabilities
Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Maximum Amortization Period		25 years
Regulatory Liabilities	[3]	$ 8,817	7,964	13,845
Deferred energy and gas costs
Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Maximum Amortization Period		1 year
Regulatory Assets	[1],[2]	$ 24,479	24,751	30,833
Deferred gas cost adjustments
Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Maximum Amortization Period		1 year
Regulatory Assets	[1],[2]	$ 14,895	15,521	6,138
Gas price derivatives
Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Maximum Amortization Period		7 years
Regulatory Assets	[2]	$ 20,324	23,583	21,606
AFUDC
Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Maximum Amortization Period		45 years
Regulatory Assets	[5]	$ 13,677	12,870	12,114
Employee benefit plans
Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Maximum Amortization Period		12 years
Regulatory Assets	[3],[4]	$ 111,661	83,986	97,700
Environmental
Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets	[2]	$ 1,162	1,180	1,240
Asset retirement obligations
Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Maximum Amortization Period		44 years
Regulatory Assets	[2]	$ 487	457	3,237
Bond issue cost
Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Maximum Amortization Period		22 years
Regulatory Assets	[2]	$ 3,097	3,133	3,240
Renewable energy standard adjustment
Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Maximum Amortization Period		5 years
Regulatory Assets	[5]	$ 4,507	5,068	5,590
Flow through accounting
Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Maximum Amortization Period		35 years
Regulatory Assets	[3]	$ 30,614	29,722	26,835
Decommissioning costs
Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Maximum Amortization Period		10 years
Regulatory Assets	[6]	$ 18,134	18,310	13,702
Gas Supply Contract Termination
Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Maximum Amortization Period		5 years
Regulatory Assets		$ 30,613	0	0
Other regulatory assets
Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Maximum Amortization Period		15 years
Regulatory Assets	[2]	$ 19,481	$ 13,903	$ 13,242
Black Hills Power [Member] | Decommissioning costs
Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets	[6]	$ 13,000

[1] Our deferred energy, fuel cost, and gas cost adjustments represent the cost of electricity and gas delivered to our electric and gas utility customers that is either higher or lower than current rates and will be recovered or refunded in future rates. Our electric and gas utilities file periodic quarterly, semi-annual, and/or annual filings to recover these costs based on the respective cost mechanisms approved by their applicable state utility commissions.

[2] Recovery of costs, but we are not allowed a rate of return.

[3] In addition to recovery or repayment of costs, we are allowed a return on a portion of this amount or a reduction in rate base, respectively.

[4] Increase compared to December 31, 2015 was driven by addition of the SourceGas employee benefit plans.

[5] In addition to recovery of costs, we are allowed a rate of return.

[6] South Dakota Electric has approximately $13 million of decommissioning costs associated with the retirements of the Neil Simpson I and Ben French power plants that are allowed a rate of return, in addition to recovery of costs.

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Regulatory Accounting: Gas Supply Contract Termination (Details) - Subsequent Event [Member]	Apr. 30, 2016 $ / Btu
Minimum [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts, Fixed Price	6
Maximum [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts, Fixed Price	8

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Materials, Supplies and Fuel: Materials, Supplies and Fuel (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Materials and supplies	$ 66,542	$ 55,726	$ 52,429
Fuel - Electric Utilities	5,365	5,567	6,780
Natural gas in storage held for distribution	6,269	25,650	7,417
Total materials, supplies and fuel	$ 78,176	$ 86,943	$ 66,626

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Goodwill & Intangible Assets: Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance		$ 359,759
Additions		946,410
Goodwill, ending balance		1,306,169
Electric Utilities [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	[1]	250,487
Additions		0
Goodwill, ending balance		250,487
Gas Utilities [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	[1]	100,507
Goodwill, ending balance		1,046,917
Power Generation [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance		8,765
Additions		0
Goodwill, ending balance		8,765
SourceGas Transaction [Member] | Gas Utilities [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Additions	[2]	$ 946,410
Goodwill [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment Balance Sheet			$ 6,300

[1] Goodwill of $6.3 million is now presented in the Gas Utilities segment as a result of the inclusion of Cheyenne Light’s Gas operations in the Gas Utility segment, previously reported in the Electric Utilities segment. See Note 1 for additional details.

[2] Represents preliminary goodwill recorded with the acquisition of SourceGas. See Note 2 for more information.

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Goodwill & Intangible Assets: Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Intangible assets, net, beginning balance	$ 3,380
Amortization expense	(157)
Intangible assets, net, ending balance	$ 10,957
Source Gas [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	5 years
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Additions, net	$ 7,734	[1]

[1] Intangible assets, net acquired from SourceGas are primarily trademarks and tradenames, and are amortized over 5-year estimated useful lives. See Note 2 for more information.

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Earnings Per Share: Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) available for common stock		$ 40,002	$ 33,850
Weighted average shares - basic		51,044	44,541
Dilutive effect of:
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Dilutive Convertible Securities	[1]	720	0
Equity compensation		94	119
Weighted average shares - diluted		51,858	44,660

[1] Calculated using the treasury stock method.

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Earnings Per Share: Anti-dilutive shares (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares	74	107
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares	74	107

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Notes Payable: Notes Payable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Balance Outstanding	$ 215,600	$ 76,800	$ 102,600
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Balance Outstanding	215,600	76,800	102,600
Letters of Credit	24,000	$ 33,399	$ 22,300
Current Borrowing Capacity	$ 500,000
Expiration Date	Jun. 26, 2020
Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 750,000
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.175%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest Rate at Period End	0.125%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Eurodollar [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest Rate at Period End	1.125%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest Rate at Period End	1.125%

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Notes Payable: Debt covenants (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Feb. 12, 2016 USD ($)	Feb. 11, 2016	Jan. 13, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 3,175,659				$ 1,866,866	$ 1,542,658
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt instrument, covenant, Leverage Recourse Ratio	0.75
Recourse Leverage Ratio	71.00%
Source Gas [Member]
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 760,000
Minimum [Member]
Debt instrument, covenant, Leverage Recourse Ratio		0.75	0.65
Debt Instrument, Consolidated Debt to Capitalization Ratio		0.75
Maximum [Member]
Debt instrument, covenant, Leverage Recourse Ratio		1.00	1.00
Debt Instrument, Consolidated Debt to Capitalization Ratio		1.00
Black Hills Corporation [Member]
Long-term Debt, Gross				$ 550,000
Corporate Term Loan Due June 2017 [Member] | Black Hills Corporation [Member]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 340,000

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Long-Term Debt: Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2016		Jan. 13, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 3,175,659			$ 1,866,866		$ 1,542,658
Current maturities of long-term debt		0			0		0
Deferred Finance Costs, Net		(16,604)			(13,184)		(11,286)
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities		3,159,055			1,853,682		1,531,372
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred Finance Costs, Net		(1,600)			(1,700)		(1,600)
Black Hills Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross				$ 550,000
Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2026 [Member] | Black Hills Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				3.95%
Long-term Debt, Gross				$ 300,000
Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2019 [Member] | Black Hills Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				2.50%
Long-term Debt, Gross				$ 250,000
Corporate Term Loan Due June 2017 [Member] | Black Hills Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross		340,000
Gas Utilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 419,897			0		0
Gas Utilities [Member] | Senior Secured Notes due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[1],[2]	3.98%
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 95,000	[1],[2]		0		0
Gas Utilities [Member] | Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	5.90%
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 325,000	[2]		0		0
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount		(103)			0		0
Electric Utilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 544,758			544,756		544,753
Electric Utilities [Member] | First Mortgage Bonds Due 2044 [Member] | Black Hills Power [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		4.43%
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 85,000			85,000		85,000
Electric Utilities [Member] | First Mortgage Bonds Due 2044 [Member] | Cheyenne Light [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		4.53%
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 75,000			75,000		75,000
Electric Utilities [Member] | First Mortgage Bonds Due 2032 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		7.23%
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 75,000			75,000		75,000
Electric Utilities [Member] | First Mortgage Bonds Due 2039 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.13%
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 180,000			180,000		180,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount		$ (97)			(99)		(102)
Electric Utilities [Member] | First Mortgage Bonds Due 2037 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.67%
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 110,000			110,000		110,000
Electric Utilities [Member] | Industrial Development Revenue Bonds Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	[3]	$ 7,000			7,000		7,000
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate	[3]	0.45%
Electric Utilities [Member] | Industrial Development Revenue Bonds Due 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	[3]	$ 10,000			10,000		10,000
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate	[3]	0.47%
Electric Utilities [Member] | Bonds Due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	[3]	$ 2,855			2,855		2,855
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate	[3]	0.85%
Corporate[Member] | Black Hills Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 2,211,004			1,322,110		997,905
Corporate[Member] | Remarketable Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2028 [Member] | Black Hills Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		3.50%
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 299,000			299,000		0
Corporate[Member] | Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2026 [Member] | Black Hills Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		3.95%
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 300,000			0		0
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount		$ (892)			0		0
Corporate[Member] | Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2023 [Member] | Black Hills Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		4.25%
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 525,000			525,000		525,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount		$ (1,822)			(1,890)		(2,095)
Corporate[Member] | Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2020 [Member] | Black Hills Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.88%
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 200,000			200,000		200,000
Corporate[Member] | Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2019 [Member] | Black Hills Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		2.50%
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 250,000			0		0
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount		(282)			0		0
Corporate[Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Corporate Term Loan Due June 2017 [Member] | Black Hills Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 340,000	[2],[3]		0		0
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate	[2],[3]	1.38%
Corporate[Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Corporate Term Loan Due April 2017 [Member] | Black Hills Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 300,000	[3]		300,000	[3]	0
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate	[3]	1.40%
Corporate[Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Corporate Term Loan Due June 2015 [Member] | Black Hills Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 0			$ 0		$ 275,000	[3]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate	[3]	1.31%

[1] Currently unsecured, required to be ratably secured if Black Hills Gas Holdings incurs other secured indebtedness.

[2] Long-term debt assumed with the SourceGas Acquisition.

[3] Variable interest rate, based on LIBOR plus a spread.

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Long-Term Debt: Aggregate Maturities of Long Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]
2016	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
2017	965,000
2018	0
2019	345,000
2020	200,000
Thereafter	$ 1,668,855

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Long-Term Debt: Debt Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
	Jan. 13, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 3,175,659	$ 1,542,658	$ 1,866,866
Long-term debt - issuances	$ 546,000	$ 545,959	$ 0
Black Hills Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	550,000
Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2026 [Member] | Black Hills Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 300,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.95%
Debt Instrument, Term	10 years
Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2019 [Member] | Black Hills Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 250,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.50%
Debt Instrument, Term	3 years

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Long-Term Debt: Assumption of Black Hills Holdings LTD (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2016		Feb. 12, 2016	Jan. 13, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 3,175,659				$ 1,866,866	$ 1,542,658
Source Gas [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross				$ 760,000
Gas Utilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross		419,897				0	0
Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2017 [Member] | Gas Utilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 325,000	[1]			0	0
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[1]	5.90%
Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2017 [Member] | Gas Utilities [Member] | Source Gas [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	[1]			$ 325,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[1]			5.90%
Senior Secured Notes due 2019 [Member] | Gas Utilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 95,000	[1],[2]			$ 0	$ 0
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[1],[2]	3.98%
Senior Secured Notes due 2019 [Member] | Gas Utilities [Member] | Source Gas [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	[1],[2]			$ 95,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[1],[2]			3.98%
Black Hills Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross					$ 550,000
Black Hills Corporation [Member] | Corporate Term Loan Due June 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 340,000
Black Hills Corporation [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Corporate Term Loan Due June 2017 [Member] | Source Gas [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	[1],[3]			$ 340,000
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate	[1],[3]			0.875%

[1] Long-term debt assumed with the SourceGas Acquisition.

[2] Currently unsecured, required to be ratably secured if Black Hills Gas Holdings incurs other secured indebtedness.

[3] Variable interest rate, based on LIBOR plus a spread.

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Equity: Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' Equity, beginning balance	$ 1,465,867	$ 1,353,884
Net income (loss) available for common stock	40,002	33,850
Other comprehensive income	(11,770)	990
Dividends on common stock	(21,543)	(18,148)
Share-based compensation	561	209
Issuance of common stock	6,824	0
Dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan	755	798
Other stock transactions	(13)	0
Stockholders' Equity, ending balance	$ 1,480,683	$ 1,371,583

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Equity: At-the-Market Equity Offering Program (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
	Apr. 05, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 18, 2016
At The Market Equity Offering Program Authorized Aggregate Value				$ 200,000
Issuance of common stock		$ 6,824	$ 0
Payments of Stock Issuance Costs		$ 100
Common Stock [Member]
At The Market Equity Offering Program Shares Issued		121,000
At the Market Equity Program - Proceeds From Sale of Stock		$ 7,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
At The Market Equity Offering Program Shares Issued	140,000
At the Market Equity Program - Proceeds From Sale of Stock	$ 8,400

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Risk Management Activities: Risk Management Activities (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($) MMBTU bbl		Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($) MMBTU bbl	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) MMBTU bbl
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative assets, current		$ 1,486		$ 0	$ 0
Derivative assets, non-current		85		0	3,441
Derivative liabilities, current		3,965		3,342	2,835
Derivative liabilities, non-current		14,522		$ 2,143	$ 156
Oil and Gas [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months		7,600
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net		$ (2,300)
Crude Oil [Member] | Swaps and Options [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount - commodities | bbl	[1]	159,000		305,000	198,000
Maximum Term Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge	[2]	1 month		1 month	1 month
Derivative assets, current		$ 0		$ 0	$ 0
Derivative assets, non-current		0		0	0
Derivative liabilities, current		0		0	0
Derivative liabilities, non-current		$ 0		$ 0	$ 0
Natural Gas [Member] | Swap [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount - commodities | MMBTU	[1]	3,447,500		5,367,500	4,392,500
Maximum Term Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge	[2]	1 month		1 month	1 month
Derivative assets, current		$ 0		$ 0	$ 0
Derivative assets, non-current		0		0	0
Derivative liabilities, current		0		0	0
Derivative liabilities, non-current		0		0	0
Natural Gas, Distribution [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative assets, current		1,486		0	0
Derivative assets, non-current		85		0	0
Derivative liabilities, current		1,675		0	0
Derivative liabilities, non-current		44		0	0
Net Unrealized (Gain) Loss Included in Regulatory assets or Regulatory liabilities		$ 20,324		$ 21,606	$ 23,578
Natural Gas, Distribution [Member] | Future [Member] | Purchase Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount - commodities | MMBTU		18,270,000		17,280,000	20,580,000
Maximum Term	[3]	57 months		69 months	60 months
Natural Gas, Distribution [Member] | Commodity Option [Member] | Purchase Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount - commodities | MMBTU		990,000		1,320,000	2,620,000
Maximum Term	[3]	21 months		12 months	3 months
Natural Gas, Distribution [Member] | Basis Swap [Member] | Purchase Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount - commodities | MMBTU		16,810,000		15,735,000	18,150,000
Maximum Term	[3]	57 months		57 months	60 months
Natural Gas, Distribution [Member] | Fixed for Float Swaps Purchased [Member] | Purchase Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount - commodities | MMBTU		2,374,000	[4]	0	0
Maximum Term	[3]	23 months		0 months	0 months
Natural Gas, Distribution [Member] | Fixed For Float Swaps Sold [Member] | Purchase Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount - commodities | MMBTU		816,989	[4]	0	0
Maximum Term	[3]	15 months		0 months	0 months
Natural Gas, Distribution [Member] | Natural Gas Physical Purchases [Member] | Purchase Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount - commodities | MMBTU		2,948,250		0	0
Maximum Term	[3]	12 months		0 months	0 months
Natural Gas, Distribution [Member] | Natural Gas Physical Sales [Member] | Purchase Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount - commodities | MMBTU		813,200		0	0
Maximum Term	[3]	11 months		0 months	0 months
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative assets, non-current		$ 0		$ 0	$ 0
Derivative liabilities, current		2,290		3,342	2,835
Derivative liabilities, non-current		0		2,143	156
Notional Amount	[5]	$ 75,000		$ 75,000	$ 75,000
Weighted average fixed interest rate		4.97%		4.97%	4.97%
Maximum Term		9 months		1 year 9 months	1 year
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Natural Gas, Distribution [Member] | Fixed for Float Swaps Purchased [Member] | Purchase Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount - commodities | MMBTU	[4]	1,109,500
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Natural Gas, Distribution [Member] | Fixed For Float Swaps Sold [Member] | Purchase Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount - commodities | MMBTU	[4]	112,500
Interest Rate Swap One [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative assets, non-current		$ 0			$ 3,441
Derivative liabilities, current		0			0
Derivative liabilities, non-current		10,693			0
Notional Amount	[6]	$ 250,000			$ 250,000
Weighted average fixed interest rate		2.29%			2.29%
Maximum Term		1 year 1 month			1 year 4 months
Interest Rate Swap Two [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative assets, non-current		$ 0
Derivative liabilities, current		0
Derivative liabilities, non-current		3,785
Notional Amount	[6]	$ 150,000
Weighted average fixed interest rate		2.09%
Maximum Term		1 year 1 month

[1] Crude oil in Bbls, natural gas in MMBtus.

[2] Refers to the tenor of the derivative instrument. Assets and liabilities are classified as current/non-current based on the production month hedged and the corresponding settlement of the derivative instrument.

[3] Term reflects the maximum forward period hedged.

[4] 1,109,500 MMBtus and 112,500 MMBtus were designated as cash flow hedges for the natural gas swaps purchased and sold, respectively.

[5] These swaps are designated to borrowings on our Revolving Credit Facility and are priced using three-month LIBOR, matching the floating portion of the related borrowings.

[6] These swaps are designated as cash flow hedges of anticipated debt refinancings.

XML

Risk Management Activities: Hedging Activities (Details) - Cash Flow Hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCI Derivative (Effective Portion)	$ (13,220)	$ 2,878
Amount of Reclassified Gain/(Loss) from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	5,358	(2,495)
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCI Derivative (Effective Portion)	(15,047)	(886)
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Reclassified Gain/(Loss) from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	1,709	1,437
Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCI Derivative (Effective Portion)		3,764
Commodity Contract [Member] | Revenue [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCI Derivative (Effective Portion)	1,589
Amount of Reclassified Gain/(Loss) from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	3,592	(3,932)
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	0	$ 0
Commodity Contract [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCI Derivative (Effective Portion)	238
Amount of Reclassified Gain/(Loss) from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	57
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	$ 0

XML

Fair Value Measurements: Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Transfers Between Level 1 and Level 2, Description and Policy [Abstract]
Assets-Transfers out of level 1 to 2	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Assets -Transfers out of level 2 to 1	0	0	0
Liabilities -Transfers out of level 1 to 2	0	0	0
Liabilities -Transfers out of level 2 to 1	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	(9,928)	(12,937)	(15,806)
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	(21,959)	(25,141)	(22,260)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Total	0	0	0
Derivative Liabilities, Total	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Total	11,499	16,378	15,806
Derivative Liabilities, Total	40,446	28,132	27,745
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Total	0	0	0
Derivative Liabilities, Total	0	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	0	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	0	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	0	0	0
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	0	3,441	0
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	16,768	2,991	5,485
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	0	0	0
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Crude Oil [Member] | Commodity Option [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	0	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	0	0	0
Crude Oil [Member] | Commodity Option [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	0	0	0
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Crude Oil [Member] | Commodity Option [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	0	0	0
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Crude Oil [Member] | Commodity Option [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	0	0	0
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Crude Oil [Member] | Basis Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	(4,668)	(6,309)	(8,096)
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	0	0	(2)
Crude Oil [Member] | Basis Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	0	0	0
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Crude Oil [Member] | Basis Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	4,668	6,309	8,096
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	2
Crude Oil [Member] | Basis Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	0	0	0
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Natural Gas [Member] | Commodity Option [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	0	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	0	0	0
Natural Gas [Member] | Commodity Option [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	0	0	0
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Natural Gas [Member] | Commodity Option [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	0	0	0
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Natural Gas [Member] | Commodity Option [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	0	0	0
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Natural Gas [Member] | Basis Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	(3,761)	(4,335)	(6,526)
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	(250)	(556)	(256)
Natural Gas [Member] | Basis Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	0	0	0
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Natural Gas [Member] | Basis Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	3,761	4,335	6,526
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	250	556	256
Natural Gas [Member] | Basis Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	0	0	0
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Natural Gas, Distribution [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Utilities Group [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	(1,499)	(2,293)	(1,184)
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	(21,709)	(24,585)	(22,002)
Natural Gas, Distribution [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Utilities Group [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	0	0	0
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Natural Gas, Distribution [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Utilities Group [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	3,070	2,293	1,184
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	23,428	24,585	22,002
Natural Gas, Distribution [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Utilities Group [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	0	0	0
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Total	1,571	3,441	0
Derivative Liabilities, Total	18,487	2,991	5,485
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	0	3,441	0
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	16,768	2,991	5,485
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Crude Oil [Member] | Commodity Option [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	0	0	0
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Crude Oil [Member] | Basis Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	0	0	0
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Natural Gas [Member] | Commodity Option [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	0	0	0
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Natural Gas [Member] | Basis Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	0	0	0
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Natural Gas, Distribution [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Utilities Group [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives	1,571	0	0
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 1,719	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Fair Value Measurements: Balance Sheet Location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Carrying Amount and Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Net	$ 8,593	$ 14,085	$ 14,622
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Net	17,821	3,547	5,743
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Carrying Amount and Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Net	1,405	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Net	21,126	22,292	20,818
Commodity Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Derivative Assets, Current [Member]
Derivatives, Carrying Amount and Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	7,986	9,981	9,989
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0	0
Commodity Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Derivative Assets, Non-current [Member]
Derivatives, Carrying Amount and Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	607	663	4,633
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0	0
Commodity Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Derivative Liabilities, Current [Member]
Derivatives, Carrying Amount and Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	982	465	126
Commodity Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Derivative Liabilities, Non-current [Member]
Derivatives, Carrying Amount and Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	71	91	132
Commodity Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Derivative Assets, Current [Member]
Derivatives, Carrying Amount and Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	1,326	0	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0	0
Commodity Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Derivative Assets, Non-current [Member]
Derivatives, Carrying Amount and Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	79	0	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0	0
Commodity Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Derivative Liabilities, Current [Member]
Derivatives, Carrying Amount and Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	9,117	9,586	7,530
Commodity Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Derivative Liabilities, Non-current [Member]
Derivatives, Carrying Amount and Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	12,009	12,706	13,288
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Derivative Assets, Non-current [Member]
Derivatives, Carrying Amount and Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	3,441	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Derivative Liabilities, Current [Member]
Derivatives, Carrying Amount and Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	2,290	2,835	3,342
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Derivative Liabilities, Non-current [Member]
Derivatives, Carrying Amount and Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$ 14,478	$ 156	$ 2,143

XML

Fair Value of Financial Instruments: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 46,974	$ 456,535	$ 63,385	$ 21,218
Restricted cash and equivalents		1,839	1,697	2,191
Notes payable		215,600	76,800	102,600
Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		46,974	456,535	63,385
Restricted cash and equivalents		1,839	1,697	2,191
Notes payable		215,600	76,800	102,600
Long-term debt, including current maturities		3,159,055	1,853,682	1,531,372
Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents, Fair Value	[1]	46,974	456,535	63,385
Restricted Cash Fair Value Disclosure	[1]	1,839	1,697	2,191
Notes payable, Fair Value	[1]	215,600	76,800	102,600
Long-term debt, including current maturities, Fair Value	[2]	$ 3,392,652	$ 1,992,274	$ 1,767,113

[1] Carrying value approximates fair value due to either the short-term length of maturity or variable interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates, and therefore is classified in Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

[2] Long-term debt is valued based on observable inputs available either directly or indirectly for similar liabilities in active markets and therefore is classified in Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

XML

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense	$ 32,074	$ 19,910
Revenue	449,959	441,987
Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold	(171,856)	(205,327)
Operations and maintenance	107,062	93,134
Income (loss) before earnings (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and income taxes	44,302	51,859
Income tax benefit (expense)	(4,252)	(17,712)
Net income (loss)	40,050	33,850
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (loss) before earnings (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and income taxes	(5,358)	(2,495)
Income tax benefit (expense)	1,946	1,254
Net income (loss)	(3,412)	(1,241)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense	(1,709)	1,437
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Revenue	(3,592)	(3,932)
Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold	(57)	0
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) [Member] | Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Operations and maintenance	(55)	(55)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) [Member] | Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Operations and maintenance	494	705
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] | Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (loss) before earnings (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and income taxes	439	650
Income tax benefit (expense)	(153)	(228)
Net income (loss)	$ 286	$ 422

XML

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss): Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Period Start	$ (9,055)	$ (15,044)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(11,770)	990
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Period End	(20,825)	(14,054)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Period Start	6,725	5,093
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(12,056)	595
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Period End	(5,331)	5,688
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Period Start	(15,780)	(20,137)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	286	395
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Period End	$ (15,494)	$ (19,742)

XML

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities from Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment acquired with accrued liabilities	$ 30,260	$ 33,534
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)	(15,528)	(10,909)
Income taxes, net	$ 0	$ (2)

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Employee Benefit Plans: Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	$ 2,800
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	2,078	$ 1,494
Interest Cost	3,936	3,880
Expected return on plan assets	(5,765)	(4,867)
Prior service cost (benefit)	15	15
Net loss (gain)	1,793	2,759
Net periodic benefit cost	2,057	3,281
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions [Abstract]
Contributions by Employer	0
Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year	10,200
Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	10,200
Other Pension Plan, Postretirement or Supplemental Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	300
Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	29	491
Interest Cost	314	364
Prior service cost (benefit)	0	1
Net loss (gain)	207	270
Net periodic benefit cost	550	1,126
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions [Abstract]
Contributions by Employer	392
Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year	1,176
Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	1,627
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	400
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	467	464
Interest Cost	485	450
Expected return on plan assets	(70)	(33)
Prior service cost (benefit)	(107)	(107)
Net loss (gain)	84	102
Net periodic benefit cost	859	$ 876
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions [Abstract]
Contributions by Employer	1,192
Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year	3,576
Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	$ 4,744
Source Gas [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan			$ 22,187
Source Gas [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan			$ 11,751
Interest Cost [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	3.827%
Interest Cost [Member] | Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	3.817%
Interest Cost [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	3.284%
Interest Cost [Member] | Source Gas [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	3.69%
Interest Cost [Member] | Source Gas [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	3.319%
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	4.575%
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] | Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	4.50%
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	4.165%

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Commitments and Contingencies: Supply Commitments (Details) - Source Gas [Member] $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)
2016	$ 38,817
2017	47,464
2018	46,641
2019	42,312
2020	41,995
Thereafter	195,977
Total	413,206
Facilities and equipment [Member]
2016	1,755
2017	2,216
2018	2,207
2019	1,676
2020	1,359
Thereafter	3,326
Total	12,539
Pipeline capacity obligations [Member]
2016	37,062
2017	45,248
2018	44,434
2019	40,636
2020	40,636
Thereafter	192,651
Total	$ 400,667

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Commitments and Contingencies: Build Transfer Agreement (Details) - Peak View Wind Project [Member] $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount	$ 109
Electric Utilities [Member] | Performance Guarantee [Member]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 85

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Commitments and Contingencies: Commitments and Contingencies - Dividend Restrictions (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Utilities Group [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Restricted Net Assets for Subsidiaries	$ 257

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Impairment of Assets: Impairment of Long-lived assets (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016 $ / bbl $ / MMcf	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 $ / bbl $ / MMcf
Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties | $	$ 14,496	$ 22,036
Oil and Gas [Member]
Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties | $	$ 14,000	$ 22,000		$ 250,000
Average Natural Gas Price Per MCF, NYMEX | $ / MMcf			2.40		3.88
Average Natural Gas Price Per MCF, Wellhead | $ / MMcf			1.13		2.69
Average Crude Oil Price, Per Barrel, NYMEX | $ / bbl			46.26		82.72
Average Crude Oil Price Per Barrel, Wellhead | $ / bbl			39.80		74.13

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Income Taxes: Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016		Mar. 31, 2015
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Federal statutory rate	35.00%		35.00%
State income tax (net of federal tax effect)	2.60%		1.20%
Percentage depletion in excess of cost	(14.10%)	[1]	(1.00%)
Accounting for uncertain tax positions adjustment	(11.40%)	[2]	1.90%
Inter-period tax allocation	(4.00%)		(1.50%)
Transaction costs	2.50%		0.00%
Other tax differences	(1.00%)		(1.20%)
Effective Tax Rate	9.60%		34.40%
IRS Settlement [Abstract]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities	$ 26
Income Tax Examination, Liability (Refund) Adjustment from Settlement with Taxing Authority	$ 11

[1] The tax benefit relates to additional percentage depletion deductions that are being claimed with respect to the oil and gas properties and represents a change in estimate for income tax accounting purposes. Such deductions are primarily the result of a change in the application of the maximum daily limitation of 1,000 barrels of oil equivalent as allowed under the Internal Revenue Code.

[2] The tax benefit relates to the release of after-tax interest expense that was previously accrued with respect to the liability for uncertain tax positions involving the like-kind exchange transaction effectuated in connection with the IPP Transaction and Aquila Transaction that occurred in 2008. In addition, the tax benefit includes the release of after-tax interest expense and tax credits that were previously accrued involving research and development credits and deductions. Both adjustments are the result of a re-measurement of the liability for uncertain tax positions predicated on an agreement reached with IRS Appeals in early 2016.

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Accrued Liabilities: Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued employee compensation, benefits and withholdings	$ 90,295	$ 43,342	$ 32,090
Accrued property taxes	40,638	32,393	32,835
Accrued payments related to litigation expenses and settlements	0	38,750	25,000
Gas-gathering contract	39,944	0	0
Customer deposits and prepayments	26,042	53,496	16,210
Accrued interest and contract adjustment payments	43,119	25,762	21,559
CIAC current portion	20,466	14,745	0
Other (none of which is individually significant)	11,677	23,573	39,087
Total accrued liabilities	$ 272,181	$ 232,061	$ 166,781

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Subsequent Event: Settlement of Gas Supply Contract (Details) - Subsequent Event [Member] $ in Millions	Apr. 29, 2016 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016 $ / Btu
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Early Termination / Settlement Of Gas Supply Contract | $	$ 40
Minimum [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts, Fixed Price		6
Maximum [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts, Fixed Price		8

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Subsequent Event: Sale of Non-controlling Interest in Subsidiary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 14, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners		0.50%
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	49.90%
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses	$ 215
Controlling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Controlling Owners	50.10%