Black Hills Energy ordered to pay $325k for alleged violations of Kansas Consumer Protections Act

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced that Black Hills Energy and three of its subsidiaries will pay $325,000 to the Office of Attorney General to resolve alleged violations of the Kansas Consumer Protections Act.

Black Hills Energy was investigated in September due to allegations it was sharing consumers’ sensitive data with third parties without their knowledge or consent. The company and the state reached a consent judgement in court where Black Hills Energy agreed to pay the Office of Attorney General $325,000 for consumer protection enforcement and reimbursement of investigative fees and expenses.

“Kansans deserve clear, honest marketing and strong protections,” said Assistant Attorney General Nicholas Smith. “Regulated utilities have a special relationship with consumers that comes with a higher burden to protect consumers’ data. This consent judgment secures tight limits on data sharing practices and transparent disclosures by putting consumers’ expectations into enforceable terms. Our team will always step up to protect Kansans anytime a supplier shares consumers’ data beyond their expectations.”

Black Hills Energy does not admit to the allegations put forward as part of the consent agreement.

Black Hills Energy can no longer share consumers’ data with third parties, unless allowed by law or with consumer consent. The company’s privacy policy must also be updated to accurately reflect these new data practices. You can read through the full consent order by clicking here.

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