Black Hills Power - Products & Services

Go back to The Geothermal Solution page or, for a more detailed look at how a geothermal system is actually installed and operated, please review the A Down-to-Earth System page. You may also order an informative geothermal brochure or order and informational video.

The earth beneath us is an unlimited, natural source of stored solar energy. It constantly absorbs and conserves energy from the sun. Most importantly, the earth's temperature remains the same, year-round, at about 46 degrees in Western South Dakota and Eastern Wyoming. This temperature stability is a limitless source of heating energy in the winter, and cooling energy in the summer. All it takes is the technology to make use of it. Many people in our region are now doing just that: taking advantage of this bountiful source of natural energy. They are doing it...with electric geothermal heating and cooling systems.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are, in fact, very simple -- no more complicated than a refrigerator or air conditioner. They work by sending a fluid through a loop of underground pipe. In the heating mode, this fluid absorbs the natural heat energy in the earth and brings it up into the home. A compressor concentrates this energy and raises its temperature. This warmth is then circulated through conventional home ductwork with full thermostatic control. For cooling, the geothermal system does exactly the same thing, but in the opposite direction. As you can see, you are not creating any heat. You are simply moving heat and concentrating it. This is the secret to geothermal's amazing efficiency and low operating costs. In fact, geothermal is your lowest cost solution for heating and cooling.

How low is "low?" Typically, geothermal system owners cut their monthly heating bills in half. Savings of 40 to 60 percent are the norm. Yes, the geothermal system is more expensive initially, but with 40 to 60 percent energy savings, that initial investment is usually made up in three to five years. After that payback period, the 40-60% savings go right into your pocket, for years to come. Cooling costs are lowered too, by up to 30%.

In terms of cash flow, the geothermal system can have a positive impact on your budget from the first year. A geothermal system can also add significant resale value to a home. Yet another plus is that a geothermal system provides highly-efficient water heating, shaving a significant portion off your energy bills.

Black Hills Power (BHP) is working hard to help you get started with a geothermal system. The extreme energy efficiency of a geothermal system helps electric utilities, like BHP, even out costly peak demands. They pass these savings on to you in several different ways. You could qualify for special low rates, cash grants, rebates and line extension allowance. There are even worry-free maintenance programs you could use. Check with your electric utility to see what incentives apply to you.

Also, BHP has been working in concert with installers, drillers and equipment dealers to make sure geothermal installers in BHP service territory have the very latest tools and training. You can have complete confidence that your geothermal system is installed with quality and care. That's one of the reasons the typical life-span of a geothermal loop is projected at 75 years or more.

Another big advantage of geothermal is its environmental friendliness. Geothermal energy is completely natural and as renewable as sunshine. A geothermal system does not burn any fuel of any kind in the home. It requires only a small amount of electricity to power its pump, compressor and fan. This sort of earth-friendly energy system is the wave of the future. It's one of the technologies that is moving us away from old, inefficient uses of limited resources to new, renewable energy systems.

And, since nothing is burned within the home, the safety of the system is unsurpassed. You'll never again worry about pilot lights or deadly carbon monoxide.

It uses a natural, renewable energy source--the earth beneath you
It heats in the winter at savings of 40% to 60%
It cools in the summer, saving up to 30%
It provides hot water at high efficiency
It is a proven, reliable technology with trained local support
It is fully capable of handling the worst weather BHP's service area can offer
BHP offers a $74.95 Preventative Maintenance Service Check to our South Dakota residents
Talk to BHP or your local electric utility about geothermal systems: the down-to-earth energy solution for the Black Hills.

***Based on a 2,400 sq. ft. home with an average family of four. All rates are current as of March, 2006. Natural Gas rates***
*** Propane gas rate is Calculated at $1.55 per gallon average***

The Geothermal Solution: Down-to-Earth Efficiency for Your Home Comfort