(Des Moines)--The Iowa Utilities Commission has launched an investigation of Black Hills Energy’s compliance with state and federal pipeline safety regulations in northwest Iowa.
The Commission says the comprehensive investigation follows a June 2025 inspection of pipelines in 18 communities in the Black Hills’ Spencer Unit. Inspectors identified more than 100 safety issues in 16 categories. The I-U-C 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 I-U-C 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 throughout the rest of the state. The company has 30 days to respond to the causes of the widespread violations, their delays in fixing known issues, and whether further corrective action plans are needed.
The I-U-C will hold a formal “show cause” hearing at 9 a-m August 27th to require the company to address its safety practices and compliance with regulations statewide.
