Siemens and eMeter Integrate Meter Data Management Software to Assist Black Hills Corp. With AARA-Funded Smart Grid Project

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its continued development of intelligent Smart Grid initiatives, Black Hills Corp., whose utility subsidiaries provide electric and natural gas service to approximately 762,000 customers in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming, has chosen Siemens Energy, Inc. to integrate the eMeter EnergyIP^® meter data management system (MDMS) into its information technology systems. Black Hills Corp. considers MDMS to be an integral part of their American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)-funded Smart Grid strategy. The MDMS will serve as Black Hills Corp.'s system of record for all meter readings and meter-centric information, providing valuable customer service support, as well as critical information for asset and outage management. Siemens will provide configuration, testing and integration services through each step of the MDMS implementation.

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In October 2009, Black Hills Corp. was awarded ARRA funding. Each of Black Hills Corp.'s three electric utility subsidiaries, doing business as Black Hills Energy – Colorado Electric, Black Hills Power and Cheyenne Light, Fuel & Power – have benefited from this funding award.

"Siemens and eMeter have been steadfast partners for our AMI – as well as our AMR – initiatives given their industry knowledge, proven track record and successful implementation of Smart Grid solutions," said Terry Perkins, Black Hills Corp.'s director of Customer Account Services. "We look forward to an ongoing partnership that will continue to offer our customers accurate, convenient and reliable customer service."

As part of its long-term vision, Black Hills Corp. considers MDMS to be an integral part of their ARRA-funded Smart Grid strategy. Siemens has already conducted informative, hands-on workshops with the Black Hills Corp. team to establish goals associated with implementing the MDMS. Black Hills Corp. envisions a multi-phase approach to the MDMS implementation, with Siemens guiding Black Hills Corp. through each phase of the implementation using its PM@Siemens delivery processes. The initial phase of the project focuses on Siemens' integration of the MDMS with Black Hills Corp.'s customer information and outage management systems. Subsequent phases will include the analysis and consideration of the critical peak pricing and the time of use pricing features available within eMeter EnergyIP.

"Providing Black Hills Corp. with the proven capabilities of the eMeter platform (MDMS) will allow them to transform key operations in customer service and field operations, which is valuable for both customers and other stakeholders," said Thierry Godart, president, Smart Grid Applications, Siemens Energy, Inc. "Siemens is committed to providing long-term support to Black Hills Corp. for its Smart Grid endeavors."

Siemens understands the complete energy conversion chain and is able to transform today's grid into a living infrastructure that is smart enough to respond quickly, flexibly and comprehensively to society's energy needs. Siemens incorporates solutions for commercial and industrial applications as well as smart homes, including building automation, IT systems integration, advanced lighting technology and energy efficient appliances for a comprehensive Smart Grid solution.

About Black Hills Corp.

Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) — a diversified energy company with a tradition of exemplary service and a vision to be the energy partner of choice — is based in Rapid City, S.D., with corporate offices in Denver and Papillion, Neb. The company serves 762,000 natural gas and electric utility customers in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. The company's non-regulated businesses generate wholesale electricity, produce natural gas, oil and coal, and market energy. Black Hills' 2,100 employees partner to produce results that improve life with energy. More information is available at www.blackhillscorp.com.

Black Hills/Colorado Electric Utility Company, LP d/b/a Black Hills Energy

Black Hills Energy serves 94,000 electric customers in 21 southeastern Colorado communities and was ranked No. 6 in Total Solar Watts per Customers in Solar Electric Power Association's 2009 Utility Solar Rankings report. Black Hills Energy is a subsidiary of Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH).

Cheyenne Light, Fuel & Power Company

Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company, a subsidiary of Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH), serves 39,000 electric customers and 34,000 natural gas customers in the greater Cheyenne, Wyo., area.

Black Hills Power, Inc.

Black Hills Power is the legacy utility business of Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) and has been delivering energy for more than 127 years. The electric utility serves 68,000 customers in 25 communities in western South Dakota, northeastern Wyoming, and southeastern Montana.

The Siemens Energy Sector is the world's leading supplier of a complete spectrum of products, services and solutions for the generation, transmission and distribution of power and for the extraction, conversion and transport of oil and gas. In fiscal 2010 (ended September 30), the Energy Sector had revenues of approximately EUR25.5 billion and received new orders totaling more than EUR30.1 billion and posted a profit of more than EUR3.3 billion. On September 30, 2010, the Energy Sector had a work force of more than 88,000. Further information is available at: www.siemens.com/energy.

About eMeter

eMeter provides essential software that enables electric, gas and water utilities to realize the full benefits of Smart Grid. Leading utilities worldwide depend on eMeter Smart Grid Management software to reduce operational costs, improve customer service, and drive energy efficiency. With the most large-scale deployments in the industry and strategic partnerships with Accenture, IBM, Logica, and Siemens, eMeter has built a reputation for unparalleled expertise that ensures customer success. For more information visit: www.emeter.com.

SOURCE Siemens Energy