Nebraska technicians return home after restoring service in Aspen, Colorado

ASPEN, Colo. (KOLN) -Black Hills Energy technicians have returned to Nebraska from Colorado, after working to fully restore natural gas service to customers in the City of Aspen. On Sunday, Dec. 27, 3,500 customers lost service following vandalism to Black Hills Energy’s system. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are investigating.

Tuesday, local leaders declared a state of emergency in Aspen because of frigid conditions, which also created additional challenges as crews worked outdoors.

By Wednesday afternoon, contact was made with each customer, and 97% of homes and businesses once again had natural gas service.

Of the more than 170 technicians who responded, 31 traveled from Nebraska.

“I’m extremely proud of our team. Techs volunteered to go to Aspen, as others raised their hands to work holidays – determined to keep service running smoothly at home,” said Kevin Jarosz, vice president of Nebraska operations. “We wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of – our neighbors down the street, and those in Colorado.”

Individuals can find additional information about the Aspen outage, and Black Hills Energy’s response, at blackhillsenergy.com/aspen/faqs.