RAPID CITY, S.D. — As summer temperatures climb across western South Dakota, Black Hills Energy is urging customers to adopt a few straightforward habits that can keep homes cooler and reduce energy bills.
Keep the sun out during peak heat
The utility’s primary recommendation is simple: keep blinds, curtains or shades closed during the hottest part of the day. Blocking direct sunlight prevents indoor spaces from heating up and helps air conditioning systems run less often and less intensively.
For renters or anyone not wanting to install permanent window treatments, the company suggests affordable, removable options such as tension-rod shades or blackout curtains. These can limit solar heat gain without altering a property.
Use cool morning air to your advantage
Black Hills Energy also recommends taking advantage of cooler overnight and early-morning temperatures. Opening windows before sunrise allows cooler outside air into the home. Closing windows after the sun rises helps trap that cooler air inside and reduces the immediate need for air conditioning.
That strategy is particularly useful in parts of western South Dakota where nights remain substantially cooler than daytime highs. Using natural ventilation during the coolest hours can reduce the number of hours a mechanical cooling system must run.
More ways to lower energy use and heat indoors
The company offers additional tips and resources on its Powering South Dakota website for customers who want more detail on efficiency measures, rebates and programs the utility provides. Black Hills Energy serves customers throughout South Dakota, Wyoming and several other states.
- Close window coverings during midday sun.
- Open windows early morning, then close after sunrise.
- Consider removable blackout curtains or tension-rod shades for rentals.
- Visit the utility’s website for more energy-saving resources.
Those steps are low-cost and require little time to implement, making them practical for households looking to lower immediate cooling costs without major investments.
Local context and practical impact
For many households in the Rapid City area and western South Dakota, cooling represents a significant portion of summer electricity use. Simple changes in daily routines can translate to measurable savings because they reduce peak demand on air conditioners — the most energy-intensive component of many homes during hot weather.
Renters, seasonal visitors and homeowners with older windows may find the removable solutions particularly helpful. While permanent upgrades such as improved insulation, window replacement or high-efficiency air conditioning units can produce larger long-term savings, the items Black Hills Energy highlights are immediate, accessible and reversible.
Where to get more information
Customers seeking further guidance or specific program details should consult the Powering South Dakota section of the Black Hills Energy website. There, residents can find tips tailored to regional conditions, possible incentives and contact information for customer support.
| Tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Close blinds/curtains during midday | Prevents solar heat gain, lowers indoor temperature |
| Open windows before sunrise | Brings in cooler outside air to reduce A/C runtime |
| Use removable blackout curtains/tension rods | Affordable, non-permanent solution for renters |
Black Hills Energy’s reminders come as communities across the region manage high summer temperatures and the accompanying demand on the power grid. The utility’s advice emphasizes small actions residents can take now to increase comfort and potentially lower bills through the season.
For Rapid City households looking for immediate ways to stay comfortable this summer, closing curtains during the heat of the day and catching the cooler morning air are simple, low-cost steps that can make a noticeable difference.
