(KIWA Staff Photo)
Spencer, Iowa (RI) — The Iowa Utilities Commission has launched an investigation into Black Hills Energy’s compliance with state and federal pipeline safety regulations.
The Commission says the comprehensive investigation follows a June 2025 inspection of pipelines in 18 communities in Black Hills’ Spencer Unit in northwest Iowa. Inspectors identified more than 100 safety issues across 16 categories. The IUC says none of the issues are an immediate threat to the public, but the sheer number led to concerns about potentially broader, company-wide safety issues.
The Commission is deferring the final decision on civil penalties for the Spencer Unit until it completes a full evaluation of Black Hills’ safety and management practices statewide. The company has 30 days to respond to the causes of the widespread violations, explain their delays in fixing known issues, and outline whether further corrective action plans are needed.
The IUC will hold a formal “show-cause” hearing at 9 a.m. on August 27th, requiring the company to address its safety practices and compliance with regulations across Iowa.
Black Hills serves approximately 160,000 customers in Iowa, including gas customers in Paullina and Primghar in our area, as well as in several nearby communities in Dickinson, Clay, and Cherokee counties.
