Topeka, Oct. 2, 2025 — Black Hills Corporation, along with three of its subsidiaries, has consented to pay $325,000 to the Kansas Attorney General’s Office to resolve claims that the utility company breached the Kansas Consumer Protection Act, as announced by Attorney General Kris Kobach on Thursday.
The consent judgment, which was filed in Shawnee County, arises from a state investigation that revealed Black Hills Energy disclosed sensitive consumer information to third parties without obtaining the necessary consent and misrepresented its privacy policy to customers in Kansas.
“Kansans deserve clear, honest marketing and strong protections,” said Assistant Attorney General Nicholas Smith. “Regulated utilities have a special relationship with consumers that comes with a higher burden to protect consumers’ data.”
According to the agreement sanctioned by the court, Black Hills Energy does not acknowledge any wrongdoing; however, it has committed to stop sharing consumer data unless it is explicitly allowed by law or with the consent of the consumer.
Additionally, the company is required to update its privacy policy to accurately represent its data handling practices and enhance transparency regarding its non-regulated interactions with third parties.
The funds from the settlement will be allocated for consumer protection enforcement and to reimburse investigative costs.
Furthermore, the agreement mandates that Black Hills Energy provide clear and consumer-friendly disclosures, especially concerning optional services, consumer rights, and the regulatory status of offerings from third parties.
Read the consent judgment here
