New tariff to aid blockchain industry

Black Hills Energy is currently seeking a new electric tariff through the Wyoming Public Service Commission (WPSC) in support of the growing blockchain industry.

Officials said the Blockchain Interruptible Service tariff is designed to serve high use customers with electric requirements of 10,000 kilowatts or greater while also providing benefits for existing retail customers served by Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power. Cheyenne Light retail customers would receive a $2 credit to the Power Cost Adjustment for each megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity served to customers under the new tariff.

“The energy requirements of the blockchain industry are significant, and our existing tariff structure is not sufficient to support this exciting new area of business growth,” Shirley Welte, Black Hills Energy’s vice president of electric and gas operations for Wyoming, said “By providing a blockchain interruptible service option, we are able to meet the high energy demands of the blockchain industry without adding costs to our existing retail customers.”

Welte said Wyoming’s growth in the blockchain industry is an economic development driver and energy is a big part of the equation.

“Each day we strive to be our customers’ energy partner of choice, and we’re demonstrating this by developing innovative solutions that support business growth while ensuring our ability to deliver safe, affordable and reliable electric service to all our customers,” Welte said.