Grimes, IA, October 1, 2025 — Black Hills Energy is marking National Energy Awareness Month this October by offering customers a chance to receive free trees through its Energy Saving Trees partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. This initiative highlights the power of strategic tree planting to reduce energy costs while enhancing environmental and community benefits.

By planting trees in optimal locations, homeowners can save up to 20 percent on annual energy bills. Trees provide shade to block summer heat and act as windbreaks to shield homes from cold winter winds. Beyond energy savings, trees improve air and water quality, boost physical and mental well-being, and enhance the beauty of neighborhoods.

Through an innovative online tool developed by the Arbor Day Foundation, customers can reserve a free tree at blackhillsenergy.com/trees. This interactive platform guides users in selecting the best planting spots to maximize energy, air, and water conservation benefits. Trees will be delivered to residents at the ideal planting time for their region.

Black Hills Energy emphasizes safe digging practices to ensure customer safety during planting. Customers are encouraged to visit blackhillsenergy.com/safety for guidelines, including contacting 811 two business days before digging and marking the planned digging area with white spray paint to allow utility line locators to identify underground lines.

Registration for the free tree program opens on October 1, 2025, with limited supplies available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more details, visit blackhillsenergy.com/trees.

Black Hills Energy also reminds customers to always call or click 811 before starting any digging project, no matter the size.

About Black Hills Energy

Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) is a customer-focused, growth-oriented utility company dedicated to improving life with energy. Headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota, it serves 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Learn more at www.blackhillscorp.com and www.blackhillsenergy.com.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit dedicated to inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. With over 50 years of impact, the Foundation has planted more than 500 million trees alongside its partners, uniting a community of over 1 million leaders, innovators, and supporters. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it pursues a future where trees empower thriving communities and ecosystems. Visit arborday.org for more information.

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