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, 2014
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 1-7978

Black Hills Power, Inc.

Incorporated in South Dakota  IRS Identification Number 46-0111677

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	o	Accelerated filer	o
Non-accelerated filer	x	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

As of April 30, 2014, there were issued and outstanding 23,416,396 shares of the Registrant’s common stock, $1.00 par value, all of which were held beneficially and of record by Black Hills Corporation.

Reduced Disclosure

The Registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H (1) (a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page
	GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS	3
PART 1.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements
	Condensed Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income - unaudited	4
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
	Condensed Balance Sheets - unaudited	5
	March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013
	Condensed Statements of Cash Flows - unaudited	7
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
	Notes to Condensed Financial Statements - unaudited	8
Item 2.	Managements’ Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	14
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	18
PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION	18
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	18
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	18
Item 6.	Exhibits	19
	Signatures	20
	Exhibit Index	21

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
BHC	Black Hills Corporation, the Parent Company
Black Hills Energy	The name used to conduct the business of Black Hills Utility Holdings, Inc., and its subsidiaries
Black Hills Utility Holdings	Black Hills Utility Holdings, Inc. a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of BHC
Black Hills Service Company	Black Hills Service Company, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of BHC
Cheyenne Light	Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of BHC
Cheyenne Prairie	Cheyenne Prairie Generating Station, a 132 megawatt generating facility, currently being constructed in Cheyenne, Wyo. by Cheyenne Light and Black Hills Power
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.
FERC	Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Fitch	Fitch Ratings
GAAP	Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America
Happy Jack	Happy Jack Wind Farms, LLC, a subsidiary of Duke Energy Generation Services
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.
IRS	United States Internal Revenue Service
LIBOR	London Interbank Offered Rate
Moody's	Moody's Investor Services, Inc.
MW	Megawatts
SDPUC	South Dakota Public Utilities Commission
SEC	U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Silver Sage	Silver Sage Windpower, LLC, a subsidiary of Duke Energy Generation Services
S&P	Standard & Poor's Rating Services
WPSC	Wyoming Public Service Commission
WRDC	Wyodak Resources Development Corp., an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BHC

3

BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(unaudited)	2014			2013
	(in thousands)
Revenue	$	71,267		$	59,817
Operating expenses:
Fuel and purchased power	27,045			22,098
Operations and maintenance	18,110			16,808
Depreciation and amortization	6,887			6,986
Taxes - property	1,679			1,422
Total operating expenses	53,721			47,314
Operating income	17,546			12,503
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(4,947		)	(4,847		)
AFUDC - borrowed	72			58
Interest income	58			27
AFUDC - equity	145			134
Other income (expense), net	43			82
Total other income (expense)	(4,629		)	(4,546		)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	12,917			7,957
Income tax expense	(4,274		)	(2,375		)
Net income	8,643			5,582
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Reclassification adjustments of cash flow hedges settled and included in net income (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(6) and $(6), respectively)	10			10
Reclassification adjustment of benefit plan liability - net gain (loss) (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(4) and $(6), respectively)	7			11
Other comprehensive income	17			21
Comprehensive income	$	8,660		$	5,603

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

4

BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(in thousands, except common stock par value and share amounts)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	4,398		$	2,259
Receivables - customers, net	30,554			25,799
Receivables - affiliates	4,938			4,934
Other receivables, net	387			579
Money pool notes receivable, net	11,072			17,292
Materials, supplies and fuel	24,493			23,278
Deferred income tax assets, net, current	1,565			2,170
Regulatory assets, current	7,656			4,891
Other, current assets	4,355			4,933
Total current assets	89,418			86,135
Investments	4,494			4,431
Property, plant and equipment	1,115,668			1,095,884
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(339,749		)	(334,174		)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	775,919			761,710
Other assets:
Regulatory assets, non-current	42,828			40,373
Other, non-current assets	6,657			8,524
Total other assets	49,485			48,897
TOTAL ASSETS	$	919,316		$	901,173

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

5

BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(in thousands, except common stock par value and share amounts)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	29,838		$	26,144
Accounts payable - affiliates	19,137			21,082
Accrued liabilities	20,062			14,966
Regulatory liabilities, current	385			161
Total current liabilities	69,422			62,353
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	269,949			269,948
Deferred credits and other liabilities:
Deferred income tax liability, net, non-current	171,481			167,309
Regulatory liabilities, non-current	42,693			43,357
Benefit plan liabilities	12,085			12,105
Other, non-current liabilities	3,172			4,247
Total deferred credits and other liabilities	229,431			227,018
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 5, 6 and 9)
Stockholder’s equity:
Common stock $1 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 23,416,396 shares issued	23,416			23,416
Additional paid-in capital	39,575			39,575
Retained earnings	288,703			280,060
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,180		)	(1,197		)
Total stockholder’s equity	350,514			341,854
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	$	919,316		$	901,173

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

6

BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

(unaudited)	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
	(in thousands)
Operating activities:
Net income	$	8,643		$	5,582
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities-
Depreciation and amortization	6,887			6,986
Deferred income tax	4,254			2,252
Employee benefits	324			774
AFUDC - equity	(145		)	(134		)
Other adjustments, net	(1,014		)	389
Change in operating assets and liabilities -
Accounts receivable and other current assets	(7,768		)	(994		)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	8,111			393
Other operating activities, net	(1,419		)	1,749
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	17,873			16,997
Investing activities:
Property, plant and equipment additions	(21,885		)	(14,243		)
Change in money pool notes receivable, net	6,220			(3,418		)
Other investing activities	(63		)	(78		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(15,728		)	(17,739		)
Financing activities:
Other financing activities	(6		)	—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(6		)	—
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	2,139			(742		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	2,259			3,805
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	4,398		$	3,063

See Note 8 for supplemental cash flow information.

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

7

BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(Reference is made to Notes to Financial Statements

included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K)

(1) MANAGEMENT’S STATEMENT

The unaudited condensed financial statements included herein have been prepared by Black Hills Power, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” 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 financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto, included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

Accounting methods historically employed require certain estimates as of interim dates. The information furnished in the accompanying condensed financial statements reflects all adjustments, including accruals, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013 financial information and are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, and our financial condition as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations and financial condition to be expected as of or for any other period.

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards

We have implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that may impact our financial statements and do not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

(2) ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

Following is a summary of Receivables - customers, net included in the accompanying Condensed Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
Accounts receivable trade	$	22,131		$	16,300
Unbilled revenues	8,629			9,719
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(206		)	(220		)
Receivables - customers, net	$	30,554		$	25,799

8

(3) REGULATORY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Our regulated electric operations are subject to regulation by various state and federal agencies. The accounting policies followed are generally subject to the Uniform System of Accounts of the FERC.

Our regulatory assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands) as of:

	Recovery/Amortization Period (in years)	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
Regulatory assets:
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt(a)	14	$	2,196	$	2,257
AFUDC(b)	45	8,375		8,327
Employee benefit plans(c)	13	15,314		15,233
Deferred energy costs(a)	1	9,639		7,711
Flow through accounting(a)	35	10,024		9,723
Other(a)	2	4,936		2,013
Total regulatory assets		$	50,484	$	45,264

Regulatory liabilities:
Cost of removal for utility plant(a)	53	$	30,999	$	30,467
Employee benefit plans	13	10,327		10,177
Other	13	1,752		2,874
Total regulatory liabilities		$	43,078	$	43,518

____________________

(a) Recovery or return of costs, but 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 of costs, we are allowed a return on a portion of this amount or a reduction in rate base, respectively.

(4) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

On March 21, 2014, we retired our Osage, Ben French and Neil Simpson I electric generating plants primarily due to federal environmental regulations. The total plant to be decommissioned remaining in Property, plant and equipment at March 31, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):

Cost of Plant		Accumulated Depreciation			Net Book Value
$	54,929	$	(50,555	)	$	4,374

We reasonably expect the remaining book value to be recovered through future rates.

9

(5) RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Receivables and Payables

We have accounts receivable and accounts payable balances related to transactions with other BHC subsidiaries. The balances were as follows (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
Receivables - affiliates	$	4,938	$	4,934
Accounts payable - affiliates	$	19,137	$	21,082

Money Pool Notes Receivable and Notes Payable

We have entered into a Utility Money Pool Agreement (the “Agreement”) with BHC, Cheyenne Light and Black Hills Energy. Under the Agreement, we may borrow from BHC; however the Agreement restricts us from loaning funds to BHC or to any of BHC’s non-utility subsidiaries. The Agreement does not restrict us from paying dividends to BHC. Borrowings and advances under the Agreement bear interest at the weighted average daily cost of our parent company’s credit facility borrowings as defined under the Agreement, or if there are no external funds outstanding on that date, then the rate will be the daily one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%. At March 31, 2014, the cost of borrowing under the Utility Money Pool was 1.61%.

We had the following balances with the Utility Money Pool (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
Money pool notes receivable, net	$	11,072	$	17,292

Net interest income (expense) relating to balances with the Utility Money Pool was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Net interest income (expense)	$	(781	)	$	(440	)

Other related party activity was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Revenue:
Energy sold to Cheyenne Light	$	679	$	140
Rent from electric properties	$	1,023	$	988
Fuel and purchased power:
Purchases of coal from WRDC	$	5,014	$	4,524
Purchase of excess energy from Cheyenne Light	$	629	$	946
Purchase of renewable wind energy from Cheyenne Light - Happy Jack	$	664	$	650
Purchase of renewable wind energy from Cheyenne Light - Silver Sage	$	1,094	$	1,085
Corporate support:
Corporate support services and fees from Parent, Black Hills Service Company and Black Hills Utility Holdings	$	7,853	$	7,276

10

(6) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Service cost	$	176		$	213
Interest cost	748			742
Expected return on plan assets	(926		)	(941		)
Prior service cost	11			11
Net loss (gain)	235			652
Net periodic benefit cost	$	244		$	677

Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Service cost	$	56		$	54
Interest cost	60			60
Prior service cost (benefit)	(84		)	(69		)
Net loss (gain)	—			2
Net periodic benefit cost	$	32		$	47

Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Interest cost	$	37	$	33
Net loss (gain)	11		17
Net periodic benefit cost	$	48	$	50

Contributions

We anticipate we will make contributions to the benefit plans during 2014 and 2015. Contributions to the Defined Pension Plan 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):

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014		Remaining Anticipated Contributions for 2014		Anticipated Contributions for 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plan	$	—	$	—	$	20
Non-Pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan	$	138	$	415	$	595
Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans	$	54	$	163	$	215

11

(7) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting guidance on fair value measurements establishes a hierarchy for grouping assets and liabilities, based on significance of inputs. For additional information see Note 1 included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

The estimated fair values of our financial instruments were as follows (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Cash and cash equivalents (a)	$	4,398	$	4,398	$	2,259	$	2,259
Long-term debt, including current maturities (b)	$	269,949	$	332,917	$	269,948	$	317,531

_________________

(a) Carrying value approximates fair value due to either 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 using the market approach based on observable inputs of quoted market prices and yields available for debt instruments either directly or indirectly for similar maturities and debt ratings in active markets and therefore is classified in Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The carrying amount of our variable rate debt approximates fair value due to the variable interest rates with short reset periods.

(8) SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow for the three months ended are as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Non-cash investing and financing activities -
Property, plant and equipment acquired with accrued liabilities	$	11,760		$	4,953
Cash (paid) refunded during the period for -
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)	$	(3,264	)	$	(3,098	)
Income taxes, net	$	—		$	—

12

(9) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Other than the items discussed below, there have been no significant changes to commitments and contingencies from those previously disclosed in Note 11 of our Notes to the Financial Statements in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Cheyenne Prairie

Construction is continuing on Cheyenne Prairie, a natural gas-fired electric generating facility, jointly owned by us and Cheyenne Light. We own 55 MW and Cheyenne Light owns 40 MW of the facility’s combined-cycle unit. We expect to incur approximately $96 million of the expected total cost for our share of the jointly owned combined-cycle unit. Year-to-date expenditures for construction costs for our share of the combined cycle unit are approximately $13 million. Construction is expected to be completed by September 30, 2014. As of March 31, 2014, committed contracts for equipment purchases and for construction were 100% and 83% complete, respectively.

Oil Creek Fire

On June 29, 2012, a forest and grassland fire occurred in the western Black Hills of Wyoming.  A state fire investigator concluded that the fire was caused by the failure of a transmission structure owned, operated and maintained by Black Hills Power. On April 16, 2013, a lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming, which forty-seven plaintiffs have now joined, asserting claims for damages against Black Hills Power. The claims include allegations of negligence, negligence per se, common law nuisance, and trespass. Although not currently included in the lawsuit, Black Hills Power also received written damage claims from an additional landowner and from the State of Wyoming. Altogether the claims seek recovery for fire suppression, reclamation and rehabilitation costs, damage to fencing and other personal property, alleged injury to timber, grass or hay, livestock and related operations, and diminished value of real estate, for a current total amount of $16 million. In addition to claims for these compensatory damages, the lawsuit seeks recovery of punitive damages. Our investigation of the cause and origin of the fire is ongoing. We have denied and will vigorously defend all claims arising out of the fire, pending the completion of our investigation. We cannot predict the outcome of our investigation, the viability of alleged claims or the outcome of the litigation.

Civil litigation of this kind, however, is likely to lead to settlement negotiations, including negotiations prompted by pre-trial civil court procedures. We believe such negotiations would effect a settlement of all claims. Regardless of whether the litigation is determined at trial, or through settlement, we expect to incur significant investigation, legal and expert services expenses associated with the litigation. In order to limit our exposure to losses due to civil liability claims, and related litigation expense, we maintain insurance coverage above a $1.0 million deductible. We expect this coverage to limit our exposure, and we will pursue recoveries to the maximum extent available under the policies. Based upon information currently available, we believe that a loss associated with settlement of pending claims is probable. Accordingly, as of March 31, 2014, we recorded a loss contingency liability related to these claims, and we recorded a receivable for costs we believe are reimbursable and probable of recovery under our insurance coverage. Both of these entries reflect our reasonable estimate of probable future litigation expense and settlement costs; we did not base these contingencies on any determination that it is probable we would be found liable for these claims were they to be litigated.

Given the uncertainty of litigation, however, a loss related to the fire, the litigation and related claims, in excess of the loss we have determined to be probable is reasonably possible. However, we cannot reasonably estimate the amount of such possible loss because our investigation is ongoing, damage claims are currently incomplete or undocumented, and there are significant factual and legal issues to be resolved. Further claims may be presented by these and other parties. Based upon information currently available, however, management does not expect the outcome of the claims to have a material adverse effect upon our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

13

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

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Amounts are presented on a pre-tax basis unless otherwise indicated.

Minor differences in amounts may result due to rounding.

Significant Events

Cheyenne Prairie

Construction continued on Cheyenne Prairie, a jointly owned natural gas-fired electric generating facility, to serve our customers and the customers of Cheyenne Light. We own 55 MW and Cheyenne Light owns 40 MW of a combined-cycle unit that is part of the facility. We expect to incur approximately $96 million for our share of the combined-cycle unit. Project-to-date expenditures for our share of the combined-cycle unit are approximately $79 million. The project is on schedule to be placed into service in October of 2014.

On September 17, 2013, the SDPUC approved the use of a construction financing rider for the South Dakota portion of costs for Cheyenne Prairie, effective April 1, 2013. We recorded additional gross margins of approximately $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, relating to this rider. The WPSC approved a similar construction financing rider for our Wyoming customers during 2012.

Request for Rate Increase

On March 31, 2014, we filed a rate request with the SDPUC for an annual revenue increase of $14.6 million to recover operating expenses and infrastructure investments, primarily for Cheyenne Prairie. The filing seeks a return on equity of 10.25%, and a capital structure of approximately 53.3% equity and 46.7% debt. This filing also includes recovery of deferred costs for both Winter Storm Atlas and the retirement of certain plants. Osage, Ben French, and Neil Simpson 1 were retired on March 21, 2014 due to federal environmental regulations.

On January 17, 2014, we filed a request with the WPSC for an annual revenue increase of $2.8 million, to recover investments made in electric infrastructure, primarily for Cheyenne Prairie. The filing seeks a return on equity of 10.25% and a capital structure of approximately 53.3% equity and 46.7% debt.

Results of Operations

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 is calculated as operating revenue less cost of fuel, purchased power and cost of gas sold. Our gross margin is impacted by the fluctuations in power purchases, 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.

14

The following tables provide certain financial information and operating statistics:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013			Variance
	(in thousands)
Revenue	$	71,267		$	59,817		$	11,450
Fuel and purchased power	27,045			22,098			4,947
Gross margin	44,222			37,719			6,503
Operating expenses	26,676			25,216			1,460
Operating income	17,546			12,503			5,043
Interest income (expense), net	(4,817		)	(4,762		)	(55		)
Other income (expense), net	188			216			(28		)
Income tax expense	(4,274		)	(2,375		)	(1,899		)
Net income	$	8,643		$	5,582		$	3,061

	Electric Revenue by Customer Type
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	(in thousands)
	2014		Percentage Change	2013
Residential	$	20,061	22%	$	16,442
Commercial	21,528		23%	17,484
Industrial	7,335		22%	6,010
Municipal	792		11%	714
Total retail revenue	49,716		22%	40,650
Contract wholesale	5,598		(3)%	5,767
Off-system wholesale	9,075		45%	6,250
Other revenue	6,878		(4)%	7,150
Total revenue	$	71,267	19%	$	59,817

15

	Megawatt Hours Sold by Customer Type
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014	Percentage Change	2013
Residential	171,311	6%	160,970
Commercial	184,448	5%	175,617
Industrial	100,851	10%	91,632
Municipal	7,686	(1)%	7,783
Total retail quantity sold	464,296	6%	436,002
Contract wholesale	95,228	(8)%	103,784
Wholesale off-system	254,796	7%	238,447
Total quantity sold	814,320	5%	778,233
Losses and company use	36,037	(10)%	40,101
Total energy	850,357	4%	818,334

	Megawatt Hours Generated and Purchased
	Three Months Ended March 31,
Generated -	2014		Percentage Change	2013
Coal-fired	417,248	(a)	(2)%	427,015
Gas-fired	2,308		(26)%	3,120
Total generated	419,556		(2)%	430,135
Total purchased	430,801		11%	388,199
Total generated and purchased	850,357		4%	818,334

__________________

(a) Decrease reflects the retirement of Neil Simpson I on March 21, 2014.

	Power Plant Availability
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Coal-fired plants	94.5	%	95.9	%
Other plants	99.8	%	97.8	%
Total availability	96.5	%	96.7	%

	Degree Days
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
	Actual	Variance from 30-year Average		Actual	Variance from 30-year Average
Heating and cooling degree days:
Heating degree days	3,410	6	%	3,210	—	%
Cooling degree days	—	—	%	—	—	%

16

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2013. Net income was $8.6 million compared to $5.6 million for the same period in the prior year primarily due to the following:

Gross marginincreased primarily due to $4.4 million from increased retail rates, the Cheyenne Prairie construction financing rider, and a $1.8 million increase resulting from higher retail volumes sold, partially offset by a decrease in contract wholesale volumes sold.

Operations and maintenanceincreased primarily due to increased maintenance and higher vegetation management costs, partially offset by lower costs due to a plant suspension.

Interest expense, 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 expense: The effective tax rate is higher in 2014 when compared to 2013 due primarily to the research and development tax credit not being extended to 2014. The credit was retroactively reinstated to January 1, 2012 in January 2013.

Credit Ratings

Credit ratings impact our ability to obtain short- and long-term financing, the cost of such financing, and vendor payment terms, including collateral requirements. As of March 31, 2014, our credit ratings for our Senior Secured Debt, as assessed by the three major credit rating agencies, were as follows:

Rating Agency	Rating
S&P	A-
Moody’s(*)	A1
Fitch	A-

______________________

* On January 30, 2014, Moody’s upgraded the BHP credit rating to A1 from A2.

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.

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 is 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 is 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 Item 1A of our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K, including statements contained within Item 1A - Risk Factors and Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10Q.

17

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

This section should be read in conjunction with Item 9A, “Controls and Procedures” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

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, 2014. Based on their evaluation, they have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2014, that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.

Part II - Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

For information regarding legal proceedings, see Note 11 of Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Note 9 of our Notes to Condensed Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which information from Note 9 is incorporated by reference into this item.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There are no material changes to the Risk Factors previously disclosed in Item 1A. of Part I in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

18

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit 3.1* Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated June 7, 1994 (No. 1-7978)).

Exhibit 3.2* Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of South Dakota on December 22, 2000 (filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for 2000).

Exhibit 3.3* Bylaws of the Registrant (filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated July 13, 1999).

Exhibit 4.1* 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. 333-150669-01)). First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 13, 2002, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to J.P. Morgan 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. 333-150669-01)). 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 Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-150669-01)).

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 101 Financial Statements for XBRL Format

_________________________

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

19

BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.

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 POWER, INC.

/S/ DAVID R. EMERY

David R. Emery, Chairman

and Chief Executive Officer

/S/ ANTHONY S. CLEBERG

Anthony S. Cleberg, Executive Vice President

and Chief Financial Officer

Dated: May 7, 2014

20

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number Description

Exhibit 3.1* Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated June 7, 1994 (No. 1-7978)).

Exhibit 3.2* Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of South Dakota on December 22, 2000 (filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for 2000).

Exhibit 3.3* Bylaws of the Registrant (filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated July 13, 1999).

Exhibit 4.1* 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. 333-150669-01)). First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 13, 2002, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to J.P. Morgan 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. 333-150669-01)). 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 Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-150669-01)).

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 101 Financial Statements for XBRL Format

_________________________

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

21

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 Power, Inc.;

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; and

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; and

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 7, 2014
		/S/ DAVID R. EMERY
		David R. Emery
		Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Anthony S. Cleberg, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Black Hills Power, Inc.;

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 7, 2014
		/S/ ANTHONY S. CLEBERG
		Anthony S. Cleberg
		Executive 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 Power, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2014 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 7, 2014
		/S/ DAVID R. EMERY
		David R. Emery
		Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

EX-32.2

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 Power, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2014 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Anthony S. Cleberg, Executive 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 7, 2014
		/S/ ANTHONY S. CLEBERG
		Anthony S. Cleberg
		Executive Vice President and
		Chief Financial Officer

XML

Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Generation Facilities Retired	$ 54,929
Generation Facilities Retired [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	(50,555)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$ 4,374

XML

Regulatory Accounting

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Regulated Operations [Abstract]

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Text Block]

REGULATORY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Our regulated electric operations are subject to regulation by various state and federal agencies. The accounting policies followed are generally subject to the Uniform System of Accounts of the FERC.

Our regulatory assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands) as of:

	Recovery/Amortization Period (in years)	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
Regulatory assets:
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt(a)	14	$	2,196	$	2,257
AFUDC(b)	45	8,375		8,327
Employee benefit plans(c)	13	15,314		15,233
Deferred energy costs(a)	1	9,639		7,711
Flow through accounting(a)	35	10,024		9,723
Other(a)	2	4,936		2,013
Total regulatory assets		$	50,484	$	45,264

Regulatory liabilities:
Cost of removal for utility plant(a)	53	$	30,999	$	30,467
Employee benefit plans	13	10,327		10,177
Other	13	1,752		2,874
Total regulatory liabilities		$	43,078	$	43,518

____________________

(a) Recovery or return of costs, but 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 of costs, we are allowed a return on a portion of this amount or a reduction in rate base, respectively.

XML

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment acquired with accrued liabilities	$ 11,760	$ 4,953
Interest and Income Taxes Paid Net [Abstract]
Interest paid, (net of amounts capitalized)	(3,264)	(3,098)
Income taxes (paid) refunded, net	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Carrying Value	$ 4,398		$ 2,259		$ 3,063	$ 3,805
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Carrying Value	4,398	[1]	2,259	[1]
Long-term Debt, Including Current Maturities, Carrying Value	269,949	[2]	269,948	[2]
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value	4,398	[1]	2,259	[1]
Long-term debt, Including Current Maturities, Fair Value	$ 332,917	[2]	$ 317,531	[2]

[1] Carrying value approximates fair value due to either 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 using the market approach based on observable inputs of quoted market prices and yields available for debt instruments either directly or indirectly for similar maturities and debt ratings in active markets and therefore is classified in Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The carrying amount of our variable rate debt approximates fair value due to the variable interest rates with short reset periods.

XML

Commitment and Contingencies Contract Commitments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	$ 21,885,000	$ 14,243,000
Cheyenne Prairie [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Amount to Construct Generation Plant	96,000,000
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	$ 13,000,000
Cheyenne Prairie [Member] | Construction Contracts [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Long Term Purchase Commitment, Percentage Committed	83.00%
Cheyenne Prairie [Member] | Equipment [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Long Term Purchase Commitment, Percentage Committed	100.00%
Cheyenne Prairie [Member] | Capital Addition Purchase Commitments [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Plant Capacity, Megawatts	55
Cheyenne Prairie [Member] | Capital Addition Purchase Commitments [Member] | Cheyenne Light [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Plant Capacity, Megawatts	40

XML

Commitment and Contingencies Loss Contingencies (Details) (Oil Creek Fire [Member], Loss from Catastrophes [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Insurance Coverage Deductible Per Occurrence	$ 1.0
Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$ 16

XML

Accounts Receivable

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]

Accounts Receivables [Text Block]

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

Following is a summary of Receivables - customers, net included in the accompanying Condensed Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
Accounts receivable trade	$	22,131		$	16,300
Unbilled revenues	8,629			9,719
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(206		)	(220		)
Receivables - customers, net	$	30,554		$	25,799

XML

Condensed Income Statements (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenue	$ 71,267	$ 59,817
Operating expenses:
Fuel and purchased power	27,045	22,098
Operations and maintenance	18,110	16,808
Depreciation and amortization	6,887	6,986
Taxes - property	1,679	1,422
Total operating expenses	53,721	47,314
Operating income	17,546	12,503
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(4,947)	(4,847)
AFUDC - borrowed	72	58
Interest income	58	27
AFUDC - equity	145	134
Other income (expense), net	43	82
Total other income (expense)	(4,629)	(4,546)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	12,917	7,957
Income tax expense	(4,274)	(2,375)
Net Income	8,643	5,582
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Reclassification adjustments of cash flow hedges settled and included in net income (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(6) and $(6), respectively)	10	10
Reclassification adjustment of benefit plan liability - net gain (loss) (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(4) and $(6), respectively)	7	11
Other Comprehensive Income	17	21
Comprehensive income	$ 8,660	$ 5,603

XML

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 8,643	$ 5,582
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities-
Depreciation and amortization	6,887	6,986
Deferred income tax	4,254	2,252
Employee benefits	324	774
AFUDC - equity	(145)	(134)
Other adjustments, net	(1,014)	389
Change in operating assets and liabilities -
Accounts receivable and other current assets	(7,768)	(994)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	8,111	393
Other operating activities, net	(1,419)	1,749
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	17,873	16,997
Investing activities:
Property, plant and equipment additions	(21,885)	(14,243)
Change in money pool notes receivable, net	6,220	(3,418)
Other investing activities	(63)	(78)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(15,728)	(17,739)
Financing activities:
Other financing activities	(6)	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(6)	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	2,139	(742)
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	2,259	3,805
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 4,398	$ 3,063

XML

Supplemental Cash Flow Information Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow for the three months ended are as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Non-cash investing and financing activities -
Property, plant and equipment acquired with accrued liabilities	$	11,760		$	4,953
Cash (paid) refunded during the period for -
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)	$	(3,264	)	$	(3,098	)
Income taxes, net	$	—		$	—

XML

Regulatory Accounting (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets	$ 50,484		$ 45,264
Regulatory Liabilities	43,078		43,518
Cost Of Removal [Member]
Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Liabilities Amortization Period	P53Y
Regulatory Liabilities	30,999	[1]	30,467	[1]
Pension Cost [Member]
Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Liabilities Amortization Period	P13Y
Regulatory Liabilities	10,327		10,177
Other Regulatory Liabilities [Member]
Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Liabilities Amortization Period	P13Y
Regulatory Liabilities	1,752		2,874
Unamortized Loss on Reacquired Debt [Member]
Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets, Recovery Period	P14Y
Regulatory Assets	2,196	[1]	2,257	[1]
Allowance For Funds Used During Construction [Member]
Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets, Recovery Period	P45Y
Regulatory Assets	8,375	[2]	8,327	[2]
Employee Benefit Plans [Member]
Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets, Recovery Period	P13Y
Regulatory Assets	15,314	[3]	15,233	[3]
Deferred Energy Costs [Member]
Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets, Recovery Period	P1Y
Regulatory Assets	9,639	[1]	7,711	[1]
Flow Through Accounting [Member]
Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets, Recovery Period	P35Y
Regulatory Assets	10,024	[1]	9,723	[1]
Other Regulatory Assets [Member]
Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets, Recovery Period	P2Y
Regulatory Assets	$ 4,936	[1]	$ 2,013	[1]

[1] Recovery or return of costs, but not allowed a rate of return.

[2] In addition to recovery of costs, we are allowed a rate of return.

[3] In addition to recovery of costs, we are allowed a return on a portion of this amount or a reduction in rate base, respectively.

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Management's Statement

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Management's Statement

MANAGEMENT’S STATEMENT

The unaudited condensed financial statements included herein have been prepared by Black Hills Power, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” 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 financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto, included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

Accounting methods historically employed require certain estimates as of interim dates. The information furnished in the accompanying condensed financial statements reflects all adjustments, including accruals, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013 financial information and are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, and our financial condition as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations and financial condition to be expected as of or for any other period.

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards

We have implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that may impact our financial statements and do not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

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Condensed Income Statements OCI Parenthetical (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Reclassification adjustment of cash flow hedges settled, (tax) benefit	$ (6)	$ (6)
Reclassification adjustment of benefit and other postretirement plans included in net income, (tax) benefit	$ (4)	$ (6)

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Regulatory Accounting Regulatory Accounting (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Regulatory Assets [Table Text Block]

Our regulatory assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands) as of:

	Recovery/Amortization Period (in years)	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
Regulatory assets:
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt(a)	14	$	2,196	$	2,257
AFUDC(b)	45	8,375		8,327
Employee benefit plans(c)	13	15,314		15,233
Deferred energy costs(a)	1	9,639		7,711
Flow through accounting(a)	35	10,024		9,723
Other(a)	2	4,936		2,013
Total regulatory assets		$	50,484	$	45,264

Schedule of Regulatory Liabilities [Table Text Block]

Regulatory liabilities:
Cost of removal for utility plant(a)	53	$	30,999	$	30,467
Employee benefit plans	13	10,327		10,177
Other	13	1,752		2,874
Total regulatory liabilities		$	43,078	$	43,518

____________________

(a) Recovery or return of costs, but 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 of costs, we are allowed a return on a portion of this amount or a reduction in rate base, respectively.

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Document and Entity Information Document	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	BLACK HILLS POWER INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000012400
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2014
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		23,416,396

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Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]

The total plant to be decommissioned remaining in Property, plant and equipment at March 31, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):

Cost of Plant		Accumulated Depreciation			Net Book Value
$	54,929	$	(50,555	)	$	4,374

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Condensed Balance Sheet (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 4,398	$ 2,259
Receivables - customers, net	30,554	25,799
Receivables - affiliates	4,938	4,934
Other receivables, net	387	579
Money pool notes receivable, net	11,072	17,292
Materials, supplies and fuel	24,493	23,278
Deferred income tax assets, net, current	1,565	2,170
Regulatory assets, current	7,656	4,891
Other, current assets	4,355	4,933
Total current assets	89,418	86,135
Investments	4,494	4,431
Property, plant and equipment	1,115,668	1,095,884
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(339,749)	(334,174)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	775,919	761,710
Other assets:
Regulatory assets, non-current	42,828	40,373
Other, non-current assets	6,657	8,524
Total other assets	49,485	48,897
TOTAL ASSETS	919,316	901,173
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	29,838	26,144
Accounts payable - affiliates	19,137	21,082
Accrued liabilities	20,062	14,966
Regulatory liabilities, current	385	161
Total current liabilities	69,422	62,353
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	269,949	269,948
Deferred credits and other liabilities:
Deferred income tax liability, net, non-current	171,481	167,309
Regulatory liabilities, non-current	42,693	43,357
Benefit plan liabilities	12,085	12,105
Other, non-current liabilities	3,172	4,247
Total deferred credits and other liabilities	229,431	227,018
Stockholder’s equity:
Common stock $1 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 23,416,396 shares issued	23,416	23,416
Additional paid-in capital	39,575	39,575
Retained earnings	288,703	280,060
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,180)	(1,197)
Total stockholder’s equity	350,514	341,854
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	$ 919,316	$ 901,173

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Employee Benefit Plans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans Disclosure [Text Block]

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Service cost	$	176		$	213
Interest cost	748			742
Expected return on plan assets	(926		)	(941		)
Prior service cost	11			11
Net loss (gain)	235			652
Net periodic benefit cost	$	244		$	677

Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Service cost	$	56		$	54
Interest cost	60			60
Prior service cost (benefit)	(84		)	(69		)
Net loss (gain)	—			2
Net periodic benefit cost	$	32		$	47

Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Interest cost	$	37	$	33
Net loss (gain)	11		17
Net periodic benefit cost	$	48	$	50

Contributions

We anticipate we will make contributions to the benefit plans during 2014 and 2015. Contributions to the Defined Pension Plan 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):

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014		Remaining Anticipated Contributions for 2014		Anticipated Contributions for 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plan	$	—	$	—	$	20
Non-Pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan	$	138	$	415	$	595
Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans	$	54	$	163	$	215

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Related Party Transactions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]

RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Receivables and Payables

We have accounts receivable and accounts payable balances related to transactions with other BHC subsidiaries. The balances were as follows (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
Receivables - affiliates	$	4,938	$	4,934
Accounts payable - affiliates	$	19,137	$	21,082

Money Pool Notes Receivable and Notes Payable

We have entered into a Utility Money Pool Agreement (the “Agreement”) with BHC, Cheyenne Light and Black Hills Energy. Under the Agreement, we may borrow from BHC; however the Agreement restricts us from loaning funds to BHC or to any of BHC’s non-utility subsidiaries. The Agreement does not restrict us from paying dividends to BHC. Borrowings and advances under the Agreement bear interest at the weighted average daily cost of our parent company’s credit facility borrowings as defined under the Agreement, or if there are no external funds outstanding on that date, then the rate will be the daily one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%. At March 31, 2014, the cost of borrowing under the Utility Money Pool was 1.61%.

We had the following balances with the Utility Money Pool (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
Money pool notes receivable, net	$	11,072	$	17,292

Net interest income (expense) relating to balances with the Utility Money Pool was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Net interest income (expense)	$	(781	)	$	(440	)

Other related party activity was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Revenue:
Energy sold to Cheyenne Light	$	679	$	140
Rent from electric properties	$	1,023	$	988
Fuel and purchased power:
Purchases of coal from WRDC	$	5,014	$	4,524
Purchase of excess energy from Cheyenne Light	$	629	$	946
Purchase of renewable wind energy from Cheyenne Light - Happy Jack	$	664	$	650
Purchase of renewable wind energy from Cheyenne Light - Silver Sage	$	1,094	$	1,085
Corporate support:
Corporate support services and fees from Parent, Black Hills Service Company and Black Hills Utility Holdings	$	7,853	$	7,276

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Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ (206)	$ (220)
Receivables - customers, net	30,554	25,799
Billed Revenues [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, trade	22,131	16,300
Unbilled Revenues [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, trade	$ 8,629	$ 9,719

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Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Schedule of Related Party Accounts Receivable and Payable [Table Text Block]

The balances were as follows (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
Receivables - affiliates	$	4,938	$	4,934
Accounts payable - affiliates	$	19,137	$	21,082

Schedule of Related Party Notes [Table Text Block]

We had the following balances with the Utility Money Pool (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
Money pool notes receivable, net	$	11,072	$	17,292

Schedule of Related Party Interest Income Expense [Table Text Block]

Net interest income (expense) relating to balances with the Utility Money Pool was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Net interest income (expense)	$	(781	)	$	(440	)

Schedule of Revenues and Purchases from Related Parties [Table Text Block]

Other related party activity was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Revenue:
Energy sold to Cheyenne Light	$	679	$	140
Rent from electric properties	$	1,023	$	988
Fuel and purchased power:
Purchases of coal from WRDC	$	5,014	$	4,524
Purchase of excess energy from Cheyenne Light	$	629	$	946
Purchase of renewable wind energy from Cheyenne Light - Happy Jack	$	664	$	650
Purchase of renewable wind energy from Cheyenne Light - Silver Sage	$	1,094	$	1,085
Corporate support:
Corporate support services and fees from Parent, Black Hills Service Company and Black Hills Utility Holdings	$	7,853	$	7,276

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Commitment and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Other than the items discussed below, there have been no significant changes to commitments and contingencies from those previously disclosed in Note 11 of our Notes to the Financial Statements in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Cheyenne Prairie

Construction is continuing on Cheyenne Prairie, a natural gas-fired electric generating facility, jointly owned by us and Cheyenne Light. We own 55 MW and Cheyenne Light owns 40 MW of the facility’s combined-cycle unit. We expect to incur approximately $96 million of the expected total cost for our share of the jointly owned combined-cycle unit. Year-to-date expenditures for construction costs for our share of the combined cycle unit are approximately $13 million. Construction is expected to be completed by September 30, 2014. As of March 31, 2014, committed contracts for equipment purchases and for construction were 100% and 83% complete, respectively.

Oil Creek Fire

On June 29, 2012, a forest and grassland fire occurred in the western Black Hills of Wyoming.  A state fire investigator concluded that the fire was caused by the failure of a transmission structure owned, operated and maintained by Black Hills Power. On April 16, 2013, a lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming, which forty-seven plaintiffs have now joined, asserting claims for damages against Black Hills Power. The claims include allegations of negligence, negligence per se, common law nuisance, and trespass. Although not currently included in the lawsuit, Black Hills Power also received written damage claims from an additional landowner and from the State of Wyoming. Altogether the claims seek recovery for fire suppression, reclamation and rehabilitation costs, damage to fencing and other personal property, alleged injury to timber, grass or hay, livestock and related operations, and diminished value of real estate, for a current total amount of $16 million. In addition to claims for these compensatory damages, the lawsuit seeks recovery of punitive damages. Our investigation of the cause and origin of the fire is ongoing. We have denied and will vigorously defend all claims arising out of the fire, pending the completion of our investigation. We cannot predict the outcome of our investigation, the viability of alleged claims or the outcome of the litigation.

Civil litigation of this kind, however, is likely to lead to settlement negotiations, including negotiations prompted by pre-trial civil court procedures. We believe such negotiations would effect a settlement of all claims. Regardless of whether the litigation is determined at trial, or through settlement, we expect to incur significant investigation, legal and expert services expenses associated with the litigation. In order to limit our exposure to losses due to civil liability claims, and related litigation expense, we maintain insurance coverage above a $1.0 million deductible. We expect this coverage to limit our exposure, and we will pursue recoveries to the maximum extent available under the policies. Based upon information currently available, we believe that a loss associated with settlement of pending claims is probable. Accordingly, as of March 31, 2014, we recorded a loss contingency liability related to these claims, and we recorded a receivable for costs we believe are reimbursable and probable of recovery under our insurance coverage. Both of these entries reflect our reasonable estimate of probable future litigation expense and settlement costs; we did not base these contingencies on any determination that it is probable we would be found liable for these claims were they to be litigated.

Given the uncertainty of litigation, however, a loss related to the fire, the litigation and related claims, in excess of the loss we have determined to be probable is reasonably possible. However, we cannot reasonably estimate the amount of such possible loss because our investigation is ongoing, damage claims are currently incomplete or undocumented, and there are significant factual and legal issues to be resolved. Further claims may be presented by these and other parties. Based upon information currently available, however, management does not expect the outcome of the claims to have a material adverse effect upon our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting guidance on fair value measurements establishes a hierarchy for grouping assets and liabilities, based on significance of inputs. For additional information see Note 1 included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

The estimated fair values of our financial instruments were as follows (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Cash and cash equivalents (a)	$	4,398	$	4,398	$	2,259	$	2,259
Long-term debt, including current maturities (b)	$	269,949	$	332,917	$	269,948	$	317,531

_________________

(a) Carrying value approximates fair value due to either 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 using the market approach based on observable inputs of quoted market prices and yields available for debt instruments either directly or indirectly for similar maturities and debt ratings in active markets and therefore is classified in Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The carrying amount of our variable rate debt approximates fair value due to the variable interest rates with short reset periods.

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Supplemental Cash Flow Information Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Notes)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow for the three months ended are as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Non-cash investing and financing activities -
Property, plant and equipment acquired with accrued liabilities	$	11,760		$	4,953
Cash (paid) refunded during the period for -
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)	$	(3,264	)	$	(3,098	)
Income taxes, net	$	—		$	—

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Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]

Schedule of Accounts Receivable [Table Text Block]

Following is a summary of Receivables - customers, net included in the accompanying Condensed Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
Accounts receivable trade	$	22,131		$	16,300
Unbilled revenues	8,629			9,719
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(206		)	(220		)
Receivables - customers, net	$	30,554		$	25,799

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments(Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair values of our financial instruments were as follows (in thousands) as of:

	March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Cash and cash equivalents (a)	$	4,398	$	4,398	$	2,259	$	2,259
Long-term debt, including current maturities (b)	$	269,949	$	332,917	$	269,948	$	317,531

_________________

(a) Carrying value approximates fair value due to either 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 using the market approach based on observable inputs of quoted market prices and yields available for debt instruments either directly or indirectly for similar maturities and debt ratings in active markets and therefore is classified in Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The carrying amount of our variable rate debt approximates fair value due to the variable interest rates with short reset periods.

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Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Receivables - affiliates	$ 4,938		$ 4,934
Accounts payable - affiliates	19,137		21,082
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	1.00%
Related Party Transaction, Utility Money Pool Interest Rate	1.61%
Money pool notes receivable, net	11,072		17,292
Net interest income (expense)	(781)	(440)
Energy sold to Cheyenne Light [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties	679	140
Rent from electric properties [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties	1,023	988
Coal, Purchased [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Costs and Expenses, Related Party	5,014	4,524
Allocated Costs From Related Parties [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Costs and Expenses, Related Party	7,853	7,276
Purchase of Excess Energy, Cheyenne Light [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Costs and Expenses, Related Party	629	946
Happy Jack Wind Purchase Power Agreeement [Member] | Renewable Wind Energy, Cheyenne Light [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Costs and Expenses, Related Party	664	650
Silver Sage Wind Power Purchase Agreement [Member] | Renewable Wind Energy, Cheyenne Light [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Costs and Expenses, Related Party	$ 1,094	$ 1,085

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Condensed Balance Sheet Balance Sheet Parantheticals (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Common Stock, Par Value	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	23,416,396	23,416,396
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	23,416,396	23,416,396

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Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment (Notes)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

On March 21, 2014, we retired our Osage, Ben French and Neil Simpson I electric generating plants primarily due to federal environmental regulations. The total plant to be decommissioned remaining in Property, plant and equipment at March 31, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):

Cost of Plant		Accumulated Depreciation			Net Book Value
$	54,929	$	(50,555	)	$	4,374

We reasonably expect the remaining book value to be recovered through future rates.

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Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 176	$ 213
Interest cost	748	742
Expected return on plan assets	(926)	(941)
Prior service cost (benefit)	11	11
Net loss (gain)	235	652
Net periodic benefit cost	244	677
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions [Abstract]
Contributions made by Employer	0
Remaining Anticipated Contributions for Current Year	0
Anticipated Contributions for Next Year	20
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	56	54
Interest cost	60	60
Prior service cost (benefit)	(84)	(69)
Net loss (gain)	0	2
Net periodic benefit cost	32	47
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions [Abstract]
Contributions made by Employer	138
Remaining Anticipated Contributions for Current Year	415
Anticipated Contributions for Next Year	595
Other Pension Plans, Postretirement or Supplemental Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Interest cost	37	33
Net loss (gain)	11	17
Net periodic benefit cost	48	50
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions [Abstract]
Contributions made by Employer	54
Remaining Anticipated Contributions for Current Year	163
Anticipated Contributions for Next Year	$ 215

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Employee Benefit Plans Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Service cost	$	176		$	213
Interest cost	748			742
Expected return on plan assets	(926		)	(941		)
Prior service cost	11			11
Net loss (gain)	235			652
Net periodic benefit cost	$	244		$	677

Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Service cost	$	56		$	54
Interest cost	60			60
Prior service cost (benefit)	(84		)	(69		)
Net loss (gain)	—			2
Net periodic benefit cost	$	32		$	47

Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Interest cost	$	37	$	33
Net loss (gain)	11		17
Net periodic benefit cost	$	48	$	50

Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Contributions [Table Text Block]

Contributions and anticipated contributions are as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014		Remaining Anticipated Contributions for 2014		Anticipated Contributions for 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plan	$	—	$	—	$	20
Non-Pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plan	$	138	$	415	$	595
Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans	$	54	$	163	$	215