For Immediate Release
Black Hills Energy ordered to pay $325K for alleged violations of Kansas Consumer Protection Act
TOPEKA – (Oct. 2, 2025) – Black Hills Corporation and three of its subsidiaries will pay $325,000 to the Office of Attorney General to resolve alleged violations of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act, according to Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach.
Black Hills Energy agreed to a consent judgment relating to its consumer data sharing practices with third-parties filed in Shawnee County. As a result of the State’s investigation, the consent judgment alleged Black Hills Energy shared consumers’ sensitive data with third-parties without consumers’ knowledge or consent. The consent judgment also alleges Black Hills Energy misrepresented its privacy policy to Kansas consumers.
“Kansans deserve clear, honest marketing and strong protections. Regulated utilities have a special relationship with consumers that comes with a higher burden to protect consumers’ data,” said Assistant Attorney General Nicholas Smith. “This consent judgment secures tight limits on data sharing practices and transparent disclosures by putting consumers’ expectations into enforceable terms. Our team will always step up to protect Kansans anytime a supplier shares consumers’ data beyond their expectations.”
The consent judgment is a court approved agreement between the parties, and Black Hills Energy does not admit to the State’s allegations. Under the consent judgment, Black Hills Energy has agreed to pay $325,000 to the Office of Attorney General for consumer protection enforcement and reimbursement of investigative fees and expenses.
Black Hills Energy can no longer share consumers’ data with third-parties, unless allowed by law or with consumer’s consent. The company’s privacy policy must also be updated to accurate reflect its data practices. Additionally, Black Hills Energy agreed to make clear consumer-friendly disclosures in its non-regulated activities with third-parties, such as the optional nature of services, termination rights, and regulatory status.
Read the consent judgment here.
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