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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CapitalExpenditures_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Capital expenditures</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CapitalExpenditures_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Capital Expenditures</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CapitalExpenditures_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Capital expenditures.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Revenue:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Revenues [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Interest (net of amounts capitalized)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Income before income taxes</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesAmountOfRequestedSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRiderBeMovedToBaseRates_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Public Utilities, Amount of Requested System Safety and Integrity Rider be Moved to Base Rates</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesAmountOfRequestedSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRiderBeMovedToBaseRates_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities Amount Of Requested System Safety And Integrity Rider Be Moved To Base Rates</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesAmountOfRequestedSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRiderBeMovedToBaseRates_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Public utilities amount of requested system safety and integrity rider be moved to base rates.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Number of operating segments</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Number of Operating Segments</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public Utilities, Regulatory Proceeding [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities, Regulatory Proceeding [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortion_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Derivative Instruments, Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortion_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Derivative Instruments, Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortion_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Instruments, Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Regulatory Liability [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Regulatory Liability [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Regulatory assets, current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Regulatory assets, current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Regulatory Asset, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Service Cost</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Other adjustments, net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Other Noncash Income (Expense), Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Noncash Income (Expense)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public Utilities, Requested Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities, Requested Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentGainReclassifiedFromAociIntoIncomeEffectivePortionStatementOfIncomeOrComprehensiveIncomeExtensibleEnumeration_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Instrument, Gain Reclassified from AOCI into Income, Effective Portion, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_AuditorName_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Auditor Name</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_AuditorName_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Auditor Name</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FixedIncomeFundsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Fixed Income</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FixedIncomeFundsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Fixed Income Funds [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Fair Value Measurement [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Fair Value Measurement [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Debt, Type [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Less current maturities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Long-Term Debt, Current Maturities, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Current maturities of long-term debt</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Debt, Current Maturities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Environmental Remediation Site [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Regulatory Agency [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Regulatory Agency [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Liability, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, before Offset</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Interest rate swaps</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Interest Rate Swap</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Interest Rate Swap [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Product and Service [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Product and Service [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Deferred income tax liabilities, net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsNextFiscalYear_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsNextFiscalYear_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsNextFiscalYear_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PurchasedGasCostObligationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Purchased Gas Cost Obligation</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PurchasedGasCostObligationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Purchased Gas Cost Obligation [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PurchasedGasCostObligationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Purchased Gas Cost Obligation [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Short</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Short [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_BaseRateMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Base Rate [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_BaseRateMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Base Rate</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InsuranceSettlementsReceivableNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Insurance Settlements Receivable, Noncurrent</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InsuranceSettlementsReceivableNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Insurance Settlements Receivable, Noncurrent</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsRetirementPlanMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Black Hills Corporation Pension Plan</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsRetirementPlanMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Black Hills Retirement Plan [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsRetirementPlanMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Black Hills Retirement Plan [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other Postretirement Benefits Plan</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeTermOfContract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Gas Price Derivatives - Term of Contract</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeTermOfContract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative, Term of Contract</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesApprovedRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public Utilities, Approved Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesApprovedRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities, Approved Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRecoveries_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Recoveries and Other Additions</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRecoveries_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramSharesIssued_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Number of shares issued</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramSharesIssued_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">At The Market Equity Offering Program Shares Issued</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramSharesIssued_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">At The Market Equity Offering Program Shares Issued</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramSharesIssued_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">At The Market Equity Offering Program Shares Issued</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Revenue</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WholesaleMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Wholesale</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WholesaleMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Wholesale [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WholesaleMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Wholesale [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Sale of Stock [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Inter-segment Eliminations</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Intersegment Eliminations [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Central Index Key</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Central Index Key</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CommonCollectiveTrustCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Common Collective Trust, Cash And Cash Equivalents</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CommonCollectiveTrustCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Common Collective Trust, Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CommonCollectiveTrustCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Common Collective Trust, Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SettlementAgreementFiledWithRegulatoryAgencyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Settlement agreement filed with regulatory agency.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SettlementAgreementFiledWithRegulatoryAgencyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Settlement Agreement Filed with Regulatory Agency [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SettlementAgreementFiledWithRegulatoryAgencyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Settlement Agreement Filed with Regulatory Agency</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Change in certain operating assets and liabilities:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Proceeds from Issuance of Debt</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Common stock, shares, issued</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Common Stock, Shares, Issued</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityProgramProceedsfromSaleofStock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Proceeds from issuance of common stock</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityProgramProceedsfromSaleofStock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Proceeds, (net of issuance costs)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityProgramProceedsfromSaleofStock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">At The Market Equity Program Proceeds from Sale of Stock</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityProgramProceedsfromSaleofStock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">At The Market Equity Program Proceeds from Sale of Stock</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Income Statement [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Income Statement [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Address, State or Province</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Address, State or Province</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Income before income taxes</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionOtherMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Error Correction, Other</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionOtherMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Error Correction, Other [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasicAndDilutedAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Weighted average common shares outstanding:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasicAndDilutedAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasicAndDilutedAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Weighted average number of shares of common stock, basic and diluted[Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Regulatory Agency [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Regulatory Agency [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Recognized net actuarial loss</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Portion at Fair Value Measurement</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/label/axisDefault">Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] [Default]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Loss Contingencies [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Regulatory Liability [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Regulatory Liability [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativeExcludedComponentIncreaseDecreaseAdjustmentsTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">(Tax) benefit on net unrealized gains (losses) on commodity derivatives</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativeExcludedComponentIncreaseDecreaseAdjustmentsTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivative, Excluded Component, Increase (Decrease), Adjustments, Tax</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Amount outstanding</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Short-Term Debt, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Notes payable</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Short-Term Debt</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_MajorCustomersAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Customer [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_MajorCustomersAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Customer [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossNetOfTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Reclassification adjustments of benefit plan liability - net loss (net of tax of $0.0, $0.0, $0.0, and $(0.1), respectively)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossNetOfTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Defined Contribution Plan</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Retirement Plan Name [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ArkansasPublicServiceCommissionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Arkansas Public Service Commission</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ArkansasPublicServiceCommissionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Arkansas Public Service Commission [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ArkansasPublicServiceCommissionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Arkansas Public Service Commission</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonShares_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Treasury Stock, Common, Shares</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonShares_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Treasury stock, shares</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_CoverAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cover [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Net change in cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Earnings Per Share, Basic, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Earnings per share, Basic (usd per share)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Earnings Per Share, Basic</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DefinedContributionPlanCompanyRetirementMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Defined Contribution Plan, Company Retirement</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DefinedContributionPlanCompanyRetirementMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Contribution Plan, Company Retirement [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DefinedContributionPlanCompanyRetirementMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">The Company Retirement portion of the defined contribution plan in which there is no employee contribtuion required to receive a contribution. The contribution is based on a calculation of age and service. [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesAmountOfSystemSafetyAndIntegretyRiderMovedToBaseRates_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public Utilities Amount of System Safety and Integrety Rider Moved to Base Rates</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesAmountOfSystemSafetyAndIntegretyRiderMovedToBaseRates_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities Amount of System Safety and Integrety Rider Moved to Base Rates</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesAmountOfSystemSafetyAndIntegretyRiderMovedToBaseRates_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Public Utilities Amount of System Safety and Integrety Rider Moved to Base Rates</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Operating expenses:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Operating Expenses [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableWriteOffs_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Write-offs and Other Deductions</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableWriteOffs_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Regulatory liabilities, current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Regulatory liabilities, current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Regulatory Liability, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramShareIssuedButNotSettled_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Number of shares issued</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramShareIssuedButNotSettled_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">At The Market Equity Offering Program Share Issued But Not Settled</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramShareIssuedButNotSettled_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">At the market equity offering program share issued but not settled.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Consolidation Items [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Consolidation Items [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Risk Management And Derivatives</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_TransfersOfProductionTaxCreditsToThirdParty_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Transfers of production tax credits to third party.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_TransfersOfProductionTaxCreditsToThirdParty_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Transfers of Production Tax Credits to Third Party</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAverageOutstandingAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Line of Credit Facility, Average Outstanding Amount</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAverageOutstandingAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Average amount outstanding (based on daily outstanding balances)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2035Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Senior unsecured notes due 2035.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2035Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2035 [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Long-term debt, including current maturities</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Long-Term Debt, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Debt</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Retained earnings</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Discount Rate</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Current assets:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Assets, Current [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EmployeeBenefitPlansAndRelatedDeferredTaxesLiabilitiesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Employee benefit plan costs and related deferred taxes</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EmployeeBenefitPlansAndRelatedDeferredTaxesLiabilitiesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Employee Benefit Plans And Related Deferred Taxes Liabilities [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EmployeeBenefitPlansAndRelatedDeferredTaxesLiabilitiesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Employee benefit plans and related deferred taxes liabilities.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Net cash provided by operating activities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Product and Service [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Product and Service [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Period Start</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Period End</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Debt Instrument [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Cash Flow Hedging</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Debt Instrument, Term</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Debt Instrument, Term</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyColoradoElectricMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Black Hills Energy - Colorado Electric</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyColoradoElectricMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Black Hills Energy - Colorado Electric [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyColoradoElectricMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Black Hills Energy - Colorado Electric</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total property, plant and equipment, net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Property, plant and equipment of variable interest entities, net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Property, Plant and Equipment, Net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Operating activities:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_JuneSixteenTwentyTwentyThreeAtmProgramMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">June 16, 2023 ATM Program</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_JuneSixteenTwentyTwentyThreeAtmProgramMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">June Sixteen Twenty Twenty Three ATM Program [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_JuneSixteenTwentyTwentyThreeAtmProgramMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">June 16, 2023 ATM program.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatedOperationsAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Regulated Operations [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatedOperationsAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Regulated Operations [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Fair Value, Recurring [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Not Designated as Hedging Instrument</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Schedule of Fair Value Hierarchy, Measured on Recurring Basis</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Common stock, par value (usd per share)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Regulatory Matters</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WyomingElectricMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Wyoming Electric</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WyomingElectricMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Wyoming Electric [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WyomingElectricMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Wyoming Electric [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesAmountOfRequestedSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRiderBeMovedToBaseRatesAndTermination_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Public utilities amount of requested system safety and integrity rider be moved to base rates and termination.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesAmountOfRequestedSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRiderBeMovedToBaseRatesAndTermination_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities Amount Of Requested System Safety And Integrity Rider Be Moved To Base Rates and Termination</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesAmountOfRequestedSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRiderBeMovedToBaseRatesAndTermination_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public Utilities, Amount of Requested System Safety and Integrity Rider be Moved to Base Rates and Termination</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Net amortization of prior service costs</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Restricted Stock</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Restricted Stock [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Equity Components [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Equity Components [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredFuelCostsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Deferred energy and gas costs</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Address, Address Line One</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Address, Address Line One</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ContractSubjecttoMasterNettingArrangementMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Contract Subject to Master Netting</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ContractSubjecttoMasterNettingArrangementMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Contract Subject to Master Netting Arrangement [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ContractSubjecttoMasterNettingArrangementMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Contract Subject to Master Netting Arrangement [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Employee-related Liabilities, Current, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Accrued employee compensation, benefits and withholdings</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WpscApprovedASettlementAgreementForAGeneralRateIncreaseMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">WPSC Approved a Settlement Agreement for a General Rate Increase</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WpscApprovedASettlementAgreementForAGeneralRateIncreaseMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">WPSC approved a settlement agreement for a general rate increase.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Hedging Designation [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Hedging Designation [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapital1_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Consolidated indebtedness to capitalization ratio</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapital1_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesLengthOfElectricDistributionLinesToReceiveInfrastructureInvestments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public Utilities - Length of Electric Distribution Lines to Receive Infrastructure Investments</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesLengthOfElectricDistributionLinesToReceiveInfrastructureInvestments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities - Length of Electric Distribution Lines to Receive Infrastructure Investments</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesLengthOfElectricDistributionLinesToReceiveInfrastructureInvestments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Public Utilities - Length of Electric Distribution Lines to Receive Infrastructure Investments</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Subsequent Event Type [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Subsequent Event Type [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total other income (expense)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Nonoperating Income (Expense)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Maximum amount outstanding (based on daily outstanding balances)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Hedging Relationship [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Hedging Relationship [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativesAndFairValueTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Fair Value Measurements</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativesAndFairValueTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivatives and Fair Value [Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyIowaGasMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Black Hills Energy - Iowa Gas</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyIowaGasMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Black Hills Energy - Iowa Gas [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyIowaGasMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Black Hills Energy - Iowa Gas</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EnergyRelatedInventoryOtherFossilFuel_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Energy Related Inventory, Other Fossil Fuel</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EnergyRelatedInventoryOtherFossilFuel_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Fuel - Electric Utilities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">At The Market Equity Offering Program</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">At The Market Equity Offering Program [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">At the market equity offering program.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_AmendmentFlag_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Amendment Flag</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_AmendmentFlag_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Amendment Flag</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Net income attributable to non-controlling interest</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_Rule10B51ArrModifiedFlag_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Modified</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_Rule10B51ArrModifiedFlag_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Rule 10b5-1 Arr Modified [Flag]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_Rule10B51ArrModifiedFlag_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Rule 10b5-1 arr modified flag.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NumberOfOneYearExtensionOptions_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Number Of One-Year Extension Options</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NumberOfOneYearExtensionOptions_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Number Of One-Year Extension Options</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NumberOfOneYearExtensionOptions_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Number Of One-Year Extension Options</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Net periodic expense</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrOvernightIndexSwapRateMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap Rate [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrOvernightIndexSwapRateMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Net income available for common stock</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PositionAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Position [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Variable Rate [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Other</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Stockholders' Equity, Other</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Customer [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Customer [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Interest Expense</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Interest Expense [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_OtherRegulatoryAssetsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other regulatory assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_OtherRegulatoryAssetsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Regulatory Assets [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_OtherRegulatoryAssetsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Other regulatory assets [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Equity Component [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Equity Component [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Statistical Measurement [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Statistical Measurement [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransmissionServiceAgreementMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Transmission Service Agreement</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransmissionServiceAgreementMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Transmission Service Agreement [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Short-Term Debt [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_GasUtilitiesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Gas Utilities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_GasUtilitiesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Gas Utilities [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_GasUtilitiesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Gas Utilities [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalBalanceSheetDisclosuresTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosures [Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalBalanceSheetDisclosuresTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Selected Balance Sheet Information</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other income (expense), net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Accounts payable and other current liabilities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Increase (Decrease) in Other Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Treasury Stock, Common [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Treasury Stock</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Net income</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Net income</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Net income</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_GlobalSettlementAgreementWithKCCStaffAndVariousIntervenorsForAGeneralRateIncreaseAndRenewalOfItsSafetyAndIntegrityRiderMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Global Settlement agreement with KCC Staff and various intervenors for a general rate increase and renewal of its safety and integrity rider.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_GlobalSettlementAgreementWithKCCStaffAndVariousIntervenorsForAGeneralRateIncreaseAndRenewalOfItsSafetyAndIntegrityRiderMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Global Settlement agreement with KCC Staff and various intervenors for a general rate increase and renewal of its safety and integrity rider. [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_GlobalSettlementAgreementWithKCCStaffAndVariousIntervenorsForAGeneralRateIncreaseAndRenewalOfItsSafetyAndIntegrityRiderMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Global Settlement agreement with KCC Staff and various intervenors for a general rate increase and renewal of its safety and integrity rider.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Asset, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, before Offset</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Employee Benefit Plans</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Retirement Benefits [Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesTermExtensionOfSystemSafteyAndIntegrityRider_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public Utilities, Term Extension of System Saftey and Integrity Rider</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesTermExtensionOfSystemSafteyAndIntegrityRider_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities, Term Extension of System Saftey and Integrity Rider</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesTermExtensionOfSystemSafteyAndIntegrityRider_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Public Utilities, Term Extension of System Saftey and Integrity Rider</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesLengthOfNaturalGasPipelineToReceiveInfrastructureInvestments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public Utilities - Length of Natural Gas Pipeline to Receive Infrastructure Investments</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesLengthOfNaturalGasPipelineToReceiveInfrastructureInvestments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities - Length of Natural Gas Pipeline to Receive Infrastructure Investments</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesLengthOfNaturalGasPipelineToReceiveInfrastructureInvestments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Public Utilities - Length of Natural Gas Pipeline to Receive Infrastructure Investments</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrentAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other assets:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrentAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeOnDerivativesLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeOnDerivativesLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiabilityAndObligationToReturnCashOffset_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiabilityAndObligationToReturnCashOffset_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiabilityAndObligationToReturnCashOffset_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Consolidation Items [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Consolidation Items [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FuelPurchasedPowerAndCostOfGasSold_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FuelPurchasedPowerAndCostOfGasSold_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FuelPurchasedPowerAndCostOfGasSold_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Fuel, Purchased Power and Cost of Gas Sold</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FuelPurchasedPowerAndCostOfGasSold_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Fuel costs incurred that are directly related to goods produced and sold and services rendered during the reporting period, combined with the amount of purchased power charged against earnings for the period, and cost of gas sold to customers for the period.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransferredOverTimeMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Services transferred over time</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransferredOverTimeMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Transferred over Time [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Other comprehensive income, net of tax</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Other comprehensive income, net of tax</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Comprehensive income available for common stock</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel">Beginning balance (in shares)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel">Ending balance (in shares)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_MarketOffSystemSalesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Market - off-system sales</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_MarketOffSystemSalesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Market Off-System Sales [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_MarketOffSystemSalesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Market Off-System Sales [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyKansasGasMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Black Hills Energy, Kansas Gas</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyKansasGasMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Black Hills Energy, Kansas Gas [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyKansasGasMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Black Hills Energy, Kansas Gas</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FutureMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Natural gas futures purchased</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FutureMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Future [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EurodollarMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Eurodollar [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EurodollarMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Eurodollar</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, by Antidilutive Securities [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Antidilutive Securities [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongtermDebtNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total deferred credits and other liabilities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongtermDebtNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Liabilities, Other than Long-Term Debt, Noncurrent</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Interactive Data Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Interactive Data Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cost of Sales [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Retirement Plan Type [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Retirement Plan Type [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Derivative [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Document Quarterly Report</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel">Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents beginning of period</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel">Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents end of period</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Balance Sheet Location [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Statement of Financial Position Location, Balance [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Statistical Measurement [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Statistical Measurement [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareInvestmentRedemptionNoticePeriod1_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Investment Redemption, Notice Period</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareInvestmentRedemptionNoticePeriod1_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Investment Redemption, Notice Period</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Environmental Remediation Site [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Expected long-term rate of return on assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SettlementAgreementReachedWithCPUCStaffAndVariousIntervenorsSubjectToTheReviewAndApprovalByAnAdministrativeLawJudgeAndTheCPUCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Settlement agreement reached with CPUC Staff and various intervenors, subject to the review and approval by an Administrative Law Judge and the CPUC.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SettlementAgreementReachedWithCPUCStaffAndVariousIntervenorsSubjectToTheReviewAndApprovalByAnAdministrativeLawJudgeAndTheCPUCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Settlement agreement reached with CPUC Staff and various intervenors, subject to the review and approval by an Administrative Law Judge and the CPUC. [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SettlementAgreementReachedWithCPUCStaffAndVariousIntervenorsSubjectToTheReviewAndApprovalByAnAdministrativeLawJudgeAndTheCPUCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Settlement agreement reached with CPUC Staff and various intervenors, subject to the review and approval by an Administrative Law Judge and the CPUC.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Derivative Assets, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Assets, Fair Value Disclosure</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsRemainderOfFiscalYear_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Remainder of Fiscal Year</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsRemainderOfFiscalYear_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxCreditsOther_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Other, Amount</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxCreditsOther_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, from lower wind Tax Credits associated with higher wind production</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsContingenciesAndGuaranteesTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsContingenciesAndGuaranteesTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesRequestedTermExtensionOfSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRider_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public Utilities, Requested Term Extension of System Safety and Integrity Rider</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesRequestedTermExtensionOfSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRider_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities, Requested Term Extension of System Safety and Integrity Rider</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesRequestedTermExtensionOfSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRider_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Public Utilities, Requested Term Extension of System Safety and Integrity Rider</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Disaggregation of Revenue</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_InterSegmentRevenuesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Inter-segment Revenues</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_InterSegmentRevenuesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Inter Segment Revenues [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_InterSegmentRevenuesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Inter segment revenues.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Commercial Paper</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Commercial Paper [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Other deferred credits and other liabilities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Derivative Liabilities, Noncurrent</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Liabilities, Noncurrent [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Line item in the statement of financial position in a classified presentation in which the fair value amounts of the derivative instruments are included.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ScheduleofUnitContingentCapacityTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Unit Contingent Capacity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ScheduleofUnitContingentCapacityTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Unit Contingent Capacity [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ScheduleofUnitContingentCapacityTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">[Table Text Block] for Schedule of Unit Contingent Capacity [Table]</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Payment for Pension Benefits</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Employer contributions</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Measurement Basis [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Measurement Basis [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Income Statement Location [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Statement of Income Location, Balance [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Short-Term Debt [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Total Assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">TOTAL ASSETS</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedReturnOnEquityPercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public Utilities, Requested Return on Equity, Percentage</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedReturnOnEquityPercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities, Requested Return on Equity, Percentage</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedReturnOnEquityPercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Public utilities, amount of requested system safety and integrity rider be moved to base rates and termination</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationBasisOfPresentationBusinessDescriptionAndAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationBasisOfPresentationBusinessDescriptionAndAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Management's Statement</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_OperatingExpenseMaintenanceOperationsandOtherCostsandExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Operations and maintenance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_OperatingExpenseMaintenanceOperationsandOtherCostsandExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Operating Expense, Maintenance, Operations, and Other Costs and Expense</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_OperatingExpenseMaintenanceOperationsandOtherCostsandExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Amount of operating expenses for the period including selling, general, and administrative expenses, costs include routine repairs and maintenance and operations.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedRateofReturnOnAssetsForNextFiscalYear_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Defined Benefit Plan Assumptions Used In Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost Expected Rate of Return On Assets For Next Fiscal Year</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedRateofReturnOnAssetsForNextFiscalYear_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan Assumptions Used In Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost Expected Rate of Return On Assets For Next Fiscal Year</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedRateofReturnOnAssetsForNextFiscalYear_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">An assumption for the next fiscal year as to the rate of return on plan assets reflecting the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested or to be invested to provide for the benefits included in the benefit obligation</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommodityOptionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Natural gas options purchased, net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommodityOptionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Commodity Option [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate1_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Post-65 Ultimate trend rate - Black Hills Corp</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate1_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Recently Issued Accounting Standards</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Address, City or Town</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Address, City or Town</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Segments [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Segments [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_IowaUtilitiesBoardIUBMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Iowa Utilities Board (IUB)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_IowaUtilitiesBoardIUBMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_IowaUtilitiesBoardIUBMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Iowa Utilities Board (IUB)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_AuditorLocation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Auditor Location</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_AuditorLocation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Auditor Location</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Payments of Stock Issuance Costs</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Payments of Stock Issuance Costs</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NaturalGasPhysicalPurchasesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Natural gas physical contracts, net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NaturalGasPhysicalPurchasesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Natural Gas Physical Purchases [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NaturalGasPhysicalPurchasesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Natural Gas Physical Purchases [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DefinedContributionPlan401KMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Defined Contribution Plan, 401K</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DefinedContributionPlan401KMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Contribution Plan, 401K [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DefinedContributionPlan401KMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">The 401K defined contribution plan, which requires a contribution from the employee in order to receive a matching contribution (within limits) from the employer [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel">Beginning fair value of plan assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel">Ending fair value of plan assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Benefit plan liabilities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SettlementReachedWithTheRegulatoryAgencyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Settlement Reached with the Regulatory Agency</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SettlementReachedWithTheRegulatoryAgencyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Settlement Reached with the Regulatory Agency [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SettlementReachedWithTheRegulatoryAgencyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Settlement Reached with the Regulatory Agency</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Regulatory Asset [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Regulatory Asset [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Hedging Relationship [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Hedging Relationship [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Guarantor Obligations</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesApprovedDebtCapitalStructurePercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public Utilities, Approved Debt Capital Structure, Percentage</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesApprovedDebtCapitalStructurePercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities, Approved Debt Capital Structure, Percentage</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ArkansasPublicServiceCommissionAPSCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ArkansasPublicServiceCommissionAPSCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC) [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ArkansasPublicServiceCommissionAPSCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SummaryOfAtTheMarkeActivityTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Summary of ATM Activity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SummaryOfAtTheMarkeActivityTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Summary of At-the-Marke Activity [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SummaryOfAtTheMarkeActivityTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Summary of at-the-marke activity.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestCostsIncurred_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Interest expense incurred net of amounts capitalized</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestCostsIncurred_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Interest Costs Incurred, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestCostsIncurred_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Interest expense</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestCostsIncurred_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Interest Costs Incurred</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Shares Issued, Shares, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Share-based compensation (in shares)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Shares Issued, Shares, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RemovalCostsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Cost of removal</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RemovalCostsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Removal Costs [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanNoncurrentInvestmentsAndPropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total other assets, non-current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanNoncurrentInvestmentsAndPropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Assets, Noncurrent, Other than Noncurrent Investments and Property, Plant and Equipment</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NorthernLowaWindpowerAssetsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Northern Lowa Windpower Assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NorthernLowaWindpowerAssetsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Northern Iowa Windpower Assets [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NorthernLowaWindpowerAssetsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Northern lowa windpower assets.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramAveragePricePerShare_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">At the market equity offering program average price per share.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramAveragePricePerShare_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">At The Market Equity Offering Program Average Price Per Share</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramAveragePricePerShare_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Average price per share</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Issuance of common stock</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification,Tax (Benefit)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, Tax</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyWyomingGasMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Black Hills Energy - Wyoming Gas</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyWyomingGasMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Black Hills Energy Wyoming Gas [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyWyomingGasMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Black Hills Energy Wyoming Gas.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Current liabilities:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Liabilities, Current [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Distributions to non-controlling interests</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Payments to Noncontrolling Interests</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Income Taxes Paid, Net, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Income Taxes Paid, Net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Income taxes, net of transferred tax credits (Note 11)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Cash</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentType_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Document Type</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentType_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Document Type</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ColoradoPublicUtilitiesCommissionCPUCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ColoradoPublicUtilitiesCommissionCPUCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ColoradoPublicUtilitiesCommissionCPUCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Other investing activities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other investing activities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Energy Related Derivative</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Energy Related Derivative [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StormCostsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Storm Costs</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StormCostsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Storm Costs [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgeFundsMultistrategyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Hedge Funds</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgeFundsMultistrategyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Hedge Funds, Multi-strategy [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_Security12bTitle_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Title of 12(b) Security</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_Security12bTitle_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Title of 12(b) Security</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Cash and cash equivalents</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Balance Sheet Location [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Statement of Financial Position Location, Balance [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesApprovedShiftRateRiderRateToBaseRate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public Utilities, Approved Shift Rate Rider Rate to Base Rate</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesApprovedShiftRateRiderRateToBaseRate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities Approved Shift Rate Rider Rate to Base Rate</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesApprovedShiftRateRiderRateToBaseRate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Public utilities approved shift rate rider rate to base rate.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Document Fiscal Period Focus</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Document Fiscal Period Focus</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Long-term debt, net of current maturities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Long-Term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Long-term debt, net of current maturities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_OtherRegulatoryLiabilitiesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other regulatory liabilities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_OtherRegulatoryLiabilitiesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Regulatory Liabilities [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_OtherRegulatoryLiabilitiesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Other regulatory liabilities [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostCreditExcludingServiceCostStatementOfIncomeOrComprehensiveIncomeExtensibleList_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Excluding Service Cost, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_KansasCorporationCommissionKCCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_KansasCorporationCommissionKCCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_KansasCorporationCommissionKCCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Dividends paid on common stock</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Payments of Dividends, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Payments of Dividends</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Deferred taxes on AFUDC</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Allowance For Funds Used During Construction [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">The offsetting entry to other income when an enterprise capitalizes, as part of the cost of plant and equipment, the cost of financing construction as financed partially by equity.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Property, plant and equipment</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Total gross property, plant and equipment</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel">Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Beginning Balance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel">Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Ending Balance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Interest cost</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Subsequent Event Type [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Subsequent Event Type [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EnvironmentalMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Environmental</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EnvironmentalMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Environmental [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EnvironmentalMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Environmental costs associated with utility property [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Discount rate</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Fair Value</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Fair Value</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_RateReviewFiledwiththeRegulatoryAgencyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Rate Review Filed with the Regulatory Agency</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_RateReviewFiledwiththeRegulatoryAgencyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Rate Review Filed with the Regulatory Agency [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_RateReviewFiledwiththeRegulatoryAgencyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Rate Review Filed with the Regulatory Agency [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Operating Segments [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Operating Segments</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsServiceCompanyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Black Hills Service Company</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsServiceCompanyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Black Hills Service Company [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsServiceCompanyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Black Hills Service Company [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">2025</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Sale of Stock [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Investing activities:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Category of Item Purchased [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Category of Item Purchased [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Regulatory liabilities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Regulatory liabilities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Regulatory Liability</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Error Correction, Type [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Error Correction, Type [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Revenue from contracts with customers</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyArkansasGasMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Black Hills Energy - Arkansas Gas</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyArkansasGasMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Black Hills Energy, Arkansas Gas [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyArkansasGasMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Black Hills Energy, Arkansas Gas</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Retirement Plan Name [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Retirement Plan Name [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Income Taxes</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Short-term Debt</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Short-Term Debt [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Designated as Hedging Instrument</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Short-term Debt, Type [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Short-Term Debt, Type [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Credit Facility [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Depreciation and amortization</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Short-term Debt, Type [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Short-Term Debt, Type [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other (none of which is individually significant)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Accrued Liabilities, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeGainOnDerivative_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative, Gain on Derivative</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other financing activities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">LIABILITIES AND EQUITY</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Document Period End Date</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Document Period End Date</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Effective Tax Rate</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_InterestRateSwapAndCommodityDerivativeMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Interest Rate Swap and Commodity Derivative</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_InterestRateSwapAndCommodityDerivativeMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Interest Rate Swap and Commodity Derivative [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_InterestRateSwapAndCommodityDerivativeMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Interest Rate Swap and Commodity Derivative</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Deferred credits and other liabilities:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Anti-dilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Carrying Amount</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Reported Value Measurement [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ExtensionPeriod_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Extension period.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ExtensionPeriod_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Extension Period</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ExtensionPeriod_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Extension period as per settlement agreement</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Accrued liabilities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total accrued liabilities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accrued Liabilities, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Rate of increase in compensation levels</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Derivative liabilities, current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Liability, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_TransmissionOtherMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Transmission/Other</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_TransmissionOtherMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Transmission/Other [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_TransmissionOtherMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Transmission/Other [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Income tax (expense)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Income tax expense</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Income tax (expense)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total Current and Deferred</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Dividends on common stock</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Dividends, Common Stock, Cash</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_TradingSymbol_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Trading Symbol</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_TradingSymbol_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Trading Symbol</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Variable Rate [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total stockholders&#8217; equity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel">Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Beginning Balance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel">Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Ending Balance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Equity, Attributable to Parent</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">2024</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Income tax receivable, net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Income Taxes Receivable, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WeightedAverageCostOfCapital_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public Utilities Weighted average cost of capital percentage</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WeightedAverageCostOfCapital_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities Weighted Average Cost of Capital Percentage</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WeightedAverageCostOfCapital_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Weighted Average Cost of Capital</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Expected return on plan assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other deferred credits and other liabilities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Liabilities, Noncurrent</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Derivative Instrument [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Derivative Instrument [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Instrument [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">State income tax expense (benefit)</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CommonCollectiveTrustEquityFundMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Common Collective Trust, Equity Fund</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CommonCollectiveTrustEquityFundMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Common Collective Trust, Equity Fund [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CommonCollectiveTrustEquityFundMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Common Collective Trust, Equity Fund [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanHealthCareCostTrendRateAssumedNextFiscalYear_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Post-65 for next year - All Plans</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanHealthCareCostTrendRateAssumedNextFiscalYear_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed, Next Fiscal Year</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ElectricUtilitiesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Electric Utilities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ElectricUtilitiesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Electric Utilities [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ElectricUtilitiesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Electric Utilities Segment [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Goodwill, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Goodwill</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel">Goodwill, Beginning Balance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel">Goodwill, Ending Balance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Goodwill</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Weighted average interest rates</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BondIssuanceCostsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Loss on reacquired debt</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BondIssuanceCostsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Bond Issuance Costs [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BondIssuanceCostsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Utility Bond Issuance Costs recoverable over the life of the original issue, or if refinanced, over the life of the new issue[Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerDiscretionaryContributionAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerDiscretionaryContributionAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Account Receivable Schedule</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Deferred income taxes</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total Deferred</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Income tax disclosure.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Geographical [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public Utilities, Regulatory Proceeding [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities, Regulatory Proceeding [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Use of Estimates and Basis of Presentation</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Long-term debt - issuance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Taxes, Miscellaneous, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Taxes - property and production</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Taxes, Miscellaneous</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EnergyRelatedInventoryNaturalGasInStorage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Natural gas in storage</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EnergyRelatedInventoryNaturalGasInStorage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Energy Related Inventory, Natural Gas in Storage</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_IncomeTaxReconciliationDeductionsFromSaleOfAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Income tax reconciliation due to sale of assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_IncomeTaxReconciliationDeductionsFromSaleOfAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Income Tax Reconciliation Deductions From Sale Of Assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_IncomeTaxReconciliationDeductionsFromSaleOfAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Income tax reconciliation deductions from sale of assets.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NebraskaPublcServiceCommissionNPSCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Nebraska Publc Service Commission (NPSC)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NebraskaPublcServiceCommissionNPSCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Nebraska Publc Service Commission (NPSC) [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NebraskaPublcServiceCommissionNPSCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Nebraska Publc Service Commission (NPSC)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_StatementScenarioAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Scenario [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_IowaUtilitiesCommissionIUCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC).</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_IowaUtilitiesCommissionIUCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Iowa Utilities Commission (I U C) [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_IowaUtilitiesCommissionIUCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_SecurityExchangeName_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Security Exchange Name</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_SecurityExchangeName_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Security Exchange Name</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationAfterTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, after Tax</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationAfterTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Other comprehensive income (loss), cash flow hedge, gain (loss), reclassification, after tax</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total operating expenses</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Operating Expenses</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnbilledReceivablesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Unbilled Receivables, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnbilledReceivablesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Unbilled Revenue</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Cash Flow Hedging</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cash Flow Hedging [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_EnergyAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Energy [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_EnergyAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Energy [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Less accumulated depreciation</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel">Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Beginning Balance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel">Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Ending Balance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Legal Entity [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Legal Entity [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Regulatory Assets [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Regulatory Asset [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Subsequent Event</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Subsequent Event [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Maximum</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Maximum [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">TOTAL LIABILITIES AND TOTAL EQUITY</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Liabilities and Equity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">2023</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year One</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ExpectedExtensionPeriod_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Expected extension period.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ExpectedExtensionPeriod_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Expected Extension Period</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ExpectedExtensionPeriod_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Expected extension period as per settlement agreement</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Long</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Supplemental cash flow information:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Retirement Benefits [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Net income available for common stock, per share - Diluted</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Earnings per share, Diluted (usd per share)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Earnings Per Share, Diluted</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Other assets, non-current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Derivative Assets, Noncurrent</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Assets, Noncurrent [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Line item in the statement of financial position in a classified presentation in which the fair value amounts of the derivative instruments are included.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017AmountTaxBenefitFromBillCredit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Prior Year Credit - Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017 Amount, Tax Benefit from Bill Credit</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017AmountTaxBenefitFromBillCredit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017 Amount, Tax Benefit from Bill Credit</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017AmountTaxBenefitFromBillCredit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017 Amount, Tax Benefit from Bill Credit</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Distributions to non-controlling interest</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivableAndOtherOperatingAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Accounts receivable and other current assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivableAndOtherOperatingAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable and Other Operating Assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total current assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Current assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Assets, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Net cash (used in) investing activities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossStatementOfIncomeOrComprehensiveIncomeExtensibleEnumeration_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative, Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017AmountOfDecreasedTaxBenefit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Effective income tax rate reconciliation taxcuts and jobsact of 2017 amount of decreased tax benefit.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017AmountOfDecreasedTaxBenefit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017 Amount of Decreased Tax Benefit</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017AmountOfDecreasedTaxBenefit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Effective income tax rate reconciliation tax cuts and jobs act of 2017 amount of lower tax benefit</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioForecastMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Forecast [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioForecastMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Forecast</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Issuance of common stock (in shares)</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityFilerCategory_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Filer Category</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityFilerCategory_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Filer Category</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetRecoverableGasCostsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Deferred gas cost adjustments</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetRecoverableGasCostsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Asset Recoverable Gas Costs [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NaturalGasDistributionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Natural Gas, Distribution</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NaturalGasDistributionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Natural Gas, Distribution [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NaturalGasDistributionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Natural Gas for distribution [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_GasSupplyContractTerminationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Gas supply contract termination</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_GasSupplyContractTerminationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Gas Supply Contract Termination [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_GasSupplyContractTerminationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Gas Supply Contract Termination [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Regulatory assets, non-current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total equity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel">Beginning balance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel">Ending balance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansContributionsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Contributions</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansContributionsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Contributions [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansContributionsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Contributions for the current year and specific future years.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AuditInformationAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Audit Information [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AuditInformationAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Audit Information [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other income (expense):</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_RateReviewApprovedByRegulatoryAgencyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Rate Review Approved by Regulatory Agency</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_RateReviewApprovedByRegulatoryAgencyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Rate Review Approved by Regulatory Agency [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_RateReviewApprovedByRegulatoryAgencyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Rate Review Approved by Regulatory Agency</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Current Fiscal Year End Date</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Current Fiscal Year End Date</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Restricted Cash and Investments, Current, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Restricted cash and equivalents</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Restricted Cash and Investments, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Noncontrolling Interest</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Noncontrolling Interest [Member]</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Regulatory assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Regulatory assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Regulatory Asset</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyRockyMountainNaturalGasMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Black Hills Energy - Rocky Mountain Natural Gas</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NonRule10B51ArrModifiedFlag_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Non rule 10b51 arr modified flag.</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Stock compensation</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SelectedBalanceSheetInformationAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Selected Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SelectedBalanceSheetInformationAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Selected Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Commodity Contract [Member]</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesAmountOfSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRiderMovedToBaseRatesAndTerminationOfTheSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRider_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public Utilities Amount of System Safety and Integrity Rider Moved to Base Rates and Termination of the System Safety and Integrity Rider</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_EnergyDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Energy [Domain]</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityRegistrantName_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Registrant Name</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanYearHealthCareCostTrendRateReachesUltimateTrendRate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Trend Year</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_OtherMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Other [Member]</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NettingContractCategoryAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Netting Contract, Category [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NettingContractCategoryAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Netting Contract by Category [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Earnings Per Share [Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Earnings Per Share</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Emerging Growth Company</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Emerging Growth Company</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransactionDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Transaction [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransactionDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Transaction [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SettlementAgreementForAGeneralRateIncreaseMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Received Final Approval for a Settlement Agreement for a General Rate Increase</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SettlementAgreementForAGeneralRateIncreaseMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Received Final Approval for a Settlement Agreement For A General Rate Increase [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SettlementAgreementForAGeneralRateIncreaseMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Settlement agreement for a general rate increase.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Weighted average interest rates</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Weighted average shares - Basic (in shares)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Basic (in shares)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Loss Contingencies [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ElectricityMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Electricity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ElectricityMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Electricity [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FlowThroughAccountingMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Deferred taxes on flow through accounting</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FlowThroughAccountingMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Flow Through Accounting [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FlowThroughAccountingMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">The income tax effects of certain tax items are reflected in cost of service for the customer in which the tax benefits are realized and result in lower utiity rates. The regulatory treatment under flow-through accounting was applied for this tax benefit generated by utility costs that were previously capitalized for tax purposes in a rate case settlement and resulted in a lower rate increase. A regulatory asset was established to reflect the future increase in taxes payable recovered from sutomers as the temporarty difference reverses.[Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Common stock, shares authorized</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Common Stock, Shares Authorized</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Accrued interest</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Interest Payable, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CollateralAlreadyPostedAggregateFairValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Credit Risk Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CollateralAlreadyPostedAggregateFairValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Common stock issued</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherRegulatoryAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Regulatory assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherRegulatoryAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Regulatory assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherRegulatoryAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Increase (Decrease) in Other Regulatory Assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeRemainingMaturity1_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Derivative, Remaining Maturity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeRemainingMaturity1_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative, Remaining Maturity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DebtInstrumentConsolidatedIndebtednessToCapitalizationRatioRequirement_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Debt instrument consolidated indebtedness to capitalization ratio requirement.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DebtInstrumentConsolidatedIndebtednessToCapitalizationRatioRequirement_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Debt Instrument Consolidated Indebtedness To Capitalization Ratio Requirement</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DebtInstrumentConsolidatedIndebtednessToCapitalizationRatioRequirement_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Consolidated Indebtedness to Capitalization Ratio</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Debt Covenants [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Debt Disclosure [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DefinedBenefitPlanAlternativeInvestmentsFairValueOfPlanAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Defined Benefit Plan, Alternative Investments, Fair Value Of Plan Assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DefinedBenefitPlanAlternativeInvestmentsFairValueOfPlanAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Alternative Investments, Fair Value Of Plan Assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DefinedBenefitPlanAlternativeInvestmentsFairValueOfPlanAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Defined Benefit Plan, Alternative Investments, Fair Value Of Plan Assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleEnumeration_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Shares Issued, Value, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Share-based compensation</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Shares Issued, Value, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNoteTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other Comprehensive Income</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNoteTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OverTheCounterMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Over the Counter</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OverTheCounterMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Over-the-Counter [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationsDisclosureTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations Disclosure</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationsDisclosureTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations Disclosure [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueofPlanAssetsExcludingNetAssetValueinvestments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Excluding Net Asset Value investments</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueofPlanAssetsExcludingNetAssetValueinvestments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Excluding Net Asset Value investments</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueofPlanAssetsExcludingNetAssetValueinvestments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Excluding Net Asset Value investments</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Supplemental Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Cost</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Attributable to Parent [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_IucApprovalForGeneralRateIncreaseMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Reached a Global Settlement Agreement with the Iowa Office of Consumer Advocate for a General Rate Increase, which is Subject to IUC Approval</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_IucApprovalForGeneralRateIncreaseMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Reached a Global Settlement Agreement with the Iowa Office of Consumer Advocate for a General Rate Increase, which is Subject to IUC Approval [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_IucApprovalForGeneralRateIncreaseMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">IUC approval for general rate increase.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Equity:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Equity, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PriceRiskDerivativeMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Gas price derivatives</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PriceRiskDerivativeMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Price Risk Derivative [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_RemediationCost_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Remediation cost</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_RemediationCost_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Remediation Cost</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_RemediationCost_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Site remediation cost</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterialsAndSupplies_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Gross, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterialsAndSupplies_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Materials and supplies</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterialsAndSupplies_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Gross</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_RetailElectricNaturalGasandCoalMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Retail - Electric , Natural Gas and Coal</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_RetailElectricNaturalGasandCoalMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Retail - Electric , Natural Gas and Coal [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_RetailElectricNaturalGasandCoalMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Retail - Electric , Natural Gas and Coal</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Statement [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Statement [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RealEstateFundsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Common Collective Trust - Real Estate</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RealEstateFundsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Real Estate Funds [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesTermExtensionOfSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRider_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public Utilities, Term Extension of System Safety and Integrity Rider</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesTermExtensionOfSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRider_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities, Term Extension of System Safety and Integrity Rider</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesTermExtensionOfSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRider_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Public Utilities, Term Extension of System Safety and Integrity Rider</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityFileNumber_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity File Number</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityFileNumber_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Securities Act File Number</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Business Segment Information</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Amounts reclassified from AOCI</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Earnings per share of common stock:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Earnings Per Share [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransferredAtPointInTimeMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Services transferred at a point in time</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransferredAtPointInTimeMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Transferred at Point in Time [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativeExcludedComponentIncreaseDecreaseAfterAdjustmentsTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Net unrealized gains (losses) on commodity derivatives (net of tax of $0.0, $0.1, $0.0, and $0.3, respectively)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativeExcludedComponentIncreaseDecreaseAfterAdjustmentsTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivative, Excluded Component, Increase (Decrease), after Adjustments, Tax, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativeExcludedComponentIncreaseDecreaseAfterAdjustmentsTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivative, Excluded Component, Increase (Decrease), after Adjustments, Tax</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AvailableBorrowingCapacity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Available borrowing capacity.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AvailableBorrowingCapacity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Available Borrowing Capacity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AvailableBorrowingCapacity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Available capacity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInVariableInterestEntity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Non-controlling interest</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInVariableInterestEntity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Noncontrolling Interest in Variable Interest Entity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Operating income</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Operating income</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Operating Income (Loss)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Derivative Asset, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Derivative Assets, Fair Value Disclosure</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Asset</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Corporate and Other</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Corporate, Non-Segment</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item, Corporate Nonsegment [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Letter of Credit [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Letter of Credit</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityShellCompany_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Shell Company</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityShellCompany_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Shell Company</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">2026</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Line of Credit Facility [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_APSCAuthorizedMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Settlement agreement reached with APSC Staff and various intervenors</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_APSCAuthorizedMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">A P S C Authorized Member</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_APSCAuthorizedMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">A P S C Aauthorized.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Tax Identification Number</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Tax Identification Number</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">ASSETS</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Assets [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRestorationCostsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Decommissioning costs</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRestorationCostsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Environmental Restoration Costs [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Current Reporting Status</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Current Reporting Status</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Income Tax Disclosure [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Income tax disclosure.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DerivativeAssetsCurrentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Derivative assets, current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DerivativeAssetsCurrentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Assets, Current [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DerivativeAssetsCurrentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Line item in the statement of financial position in a classified presentation in which the fair value amounts of the derivative instruments are included.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Derivative Asset, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, before Offset of Collateral, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Asset, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, before Offset of Collateral</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Subsequent Events [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Geographical [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Document Fiscal Year Focus</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Document Fiscal Year Focus</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesApprovedReturnOnEquityPercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public Utilities, Approved Return on Equity, Percentage</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesApprovedReturnOnEquityPercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities, Approved Return on Equity, Percentage</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Long-term Purchase Commitment</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Purchase Commitment [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyColoradoGasMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Black Hills Energy - Colorado Gas</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyColoradoGasMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Black Hills Energy, Colorado Gas [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyColoradoGasMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Black Hills Energy, Colorado Gas [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Long-term debt - repayments</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Repayments of Long-Term Debt, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Repayments of Long-Term Debt</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Repayment of long term debt</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Accrued property, plant and equipment purchases at September 30,</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedDebtCapitalStructurePercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public utilities, requested debt capital structure, percentage</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedDebtCapitalStructurePercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities, Requested Debt Capital Structure, Percentage</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PercentageOfMonthlyRedemption_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Percentage Of Monthly Redemption</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PercentageOfMonthlyRedemption_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Percentage Of Monthly Redemption</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PercentageOfMonthlyRedemption_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Percentage of shares that may be redeemed at the end of each month.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesLengthOfElectricTransmissionLinesToReceiveInfrastructureInvestments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public Utilities - Length of Electric Transmission Lines to Receive Infrastructure Investments</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesLengthOfElectricTransmissionLinesToReceiveInfrastructureInvestments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities - Length of Electric Transmission Lines to Receive Infrastructure Investments</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesLengthOfElectricTransmissionLinesToReceiveInfrastructureInvestments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Public Utilities - Length of Electric Transmission Lines to Receive Infrastructure Investments</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DeferredEnergyAndGasCostsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Deferred energy and gas costs</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DeferredEnergyAndGasCostsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Deferred Energy and Gas Costs Member</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DeferredEnergyAndGasCostsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Deferred energy and gas costs.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_CityAreaCode_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">City Area Code</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_CityAreaCode_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">City Area Code</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Letters of Credit</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total current liabilities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Current liabilities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Liabilities, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitsPayments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Payment for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitsPayments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Payment for Other Postretirement Benefits</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Derivative Contract [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Derivative Contract [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Contract [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InventoryNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total materials, supplies and fuel</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InventoryNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Materials, supplies and fuel</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InventoryNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Inventory, Net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NettingContractCategoryDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Netting Contract by Category [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NettingContractCategoryDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Netting Contract, Category [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NettingContractCategoryDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">[Domain] for Netting Contract by Category [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedMaturityTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Fiscal Year Maturity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedMaturityTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Maturity [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_LocalPhoneNumber_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Local Phone Number</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_LocalPhoneNumber_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Local Phone Number</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Additional Paid in Capital, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Additional paid-in capital</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Additional Paid in Capital</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NetPaymentsBorrowingsOfRevolvingCreditFacilityAndCommercialPaperProgram_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Net borrowings (payments) of Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NetPaymentsBorrowingsOfRevolvingCreditFacilityAndCommercialPaperProgram_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Net (payments) borrowings of Revolving Credit Facility and Commercial Paper Program</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NetPaymentsBorrowingsOfRevolvingCreditFacilityAndCommercialPaperProgram_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Net (payments) borrowings of Revolving Credit Facility and Commercial Paper Program</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Hedging Designation [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Hedging Designation [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Dividends on common stock (usd per share)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Defined Benefit Plans</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Retirement Plan Type [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedEquityCapitalStructurePercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public utilities, requested equity capital structure, percentage</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedEquityCapitalStructurePercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities, Requested Equity Capital Structure, Percentage</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Treasury stock, at cost - 101,471 and 68,073 shares, respectively</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Treasury Stock, Value, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Treasury Stock, Value</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CustomerDepositsandPrepayments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Customer deposits and prepayments</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CustomerDepositsandPrepayments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Customer Deposits and Prepayments</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CustomerDepositsandPrepayments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Accrued Liabilities - Customer Deposits and Prepayments</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ExternalRevenuesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">External Revenues</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ExternalRevenuesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">External Revenues [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ExternalRevenuesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">External Revenues.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Debt Issuance Costs, Net, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Debt Issuance Costs, Net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Less unamortized deferred financing costs</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_BasisSwapMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Natural gas basis swaps purchased</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_BasisSwapMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Basis Swap [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Stated interest rate (percent)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Retained Earnings</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Retained Earnings [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Deferred financing cost amortization</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Property, plant and equipment additions</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Regulatory liabilities, non-current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentTransitionReport_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Document Transition Report</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentTransitionReport_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Document Transition Report</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Antidilutive Security, Excluded EPS Calculation [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleEnumeration_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Liability, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesApprovedEquityCapitalStructurePercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public Utilities, Approved Equity Capital Structure, Percentage</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesApprovedEquityCapitalStructurePercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities, Approved Equity Capital Structure, Percentage</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Rate of increase in compensation levels</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_AuditorFirmId_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Auditor Firm ID</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_AuditorFirmId_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Auditor Firm ID</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Minimum</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Minimum [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Common Stock</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Common Stock [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsInStatementOfFinancialPositionFairValueTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsInStatementOfFinancialPositionFairValueTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationAdditionalInformationAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationAdditionalInformationAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Additional Paid-in Capital</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumAmountOutstandingDuringPeriod_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Amount Outstanding During Period</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumAmountOutstandingDuringPeriod_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Maximum amount outstanding (based on daily outstanding balances)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortion_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Derivative Instruments, Gain Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortion_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Instruments, Gain Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2024Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2024</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2024Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2024 [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2024Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2024</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Defined Benefit Pension Plans</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Pension Plan</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Pension Plan [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Income Statement Location [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Statement of Income Location, Balance [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGrossCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGrossCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Less: Allowance for Credit Losses</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGrossCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Billed Accounts Receivable</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other assets, non-current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Assets, Noncurrent</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditLossesForFinancingReceivablesCurrentTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Financing Receivable, Current, Allowance for Credit Loss</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditLossesForFinancingReceivablesCurrentTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Financing Receivable, Current, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditLossesForFinancingReceivablesCurrentTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Financing Receivable, Current, Allowance for Credit Loss</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccrualForTaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Accrued property taxes</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccrualForTaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accrual for Taxes Other than Income Taxes, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Reporting Segment [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Segments [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Segments [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Materials, Supplies and Fuel</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_NaturalGasReservesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Natural Gas</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_NaturalGasReservesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Natural Gas [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other current assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Assets, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeGainStatementOfIncomeOrComprehensiveIncomeExtensibleEnumeration_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative, Gain, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Public Utilities General Disclosures [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities General Disclosures [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsCorporationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Black Hills Corporation</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsCorporationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Black Hills Corporation [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsCorporationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Black Hills Corporation [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PositionDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Position [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Scenario [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Issuance costs</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAssetAndRightToReclaimCashOffset_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAssetAndRightToReclaimCashOffset_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAssetAndRightToReclaimCashOffset_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AugustFourTwentyTwentyAtmProgramMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">August 4, 2020 ATM Program</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AugustFourTwentyTwentyAtmProgramMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">August Four Twenty Twenty ATM Program [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AugustFourTwentyTwentyAtmProgramMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">August 4, 2020 ATM program.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Common stock $1 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; issued 71,676,746 and 68,265,042 shares, respectively</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Common Stock, Value, Issued</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Interest income</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Investment Income, Interest</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DeferredIncomeTaxAmortizationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Excess deferred income taxes</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DeferredIncomeTaxAmortizationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Deferred Income Tax Amortization [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DeferredIncomeTaxAmortizationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Rate Action of a regulator resulting in return of prior period income tax over collections</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Measurement Frequency [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Measurement Frequency [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Accrued Liabilities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Commitments, contingencies and guarantees (Note 3)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Commitments and Contingencies</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossPeriodIncreaseDecrease_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Capital expenditures</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossPeriodIncreaseDecrease_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Period Increase (Decrease)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossPeriodIncreaseDecrease_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Period Increase (Decrease), Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLossOnDerivative_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Derivative, Loss on Derivative</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLossOnDerivative_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative, Loss on Derivative</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WyomingPublicServiceCommissionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Wyoming Public Service Commission</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WyomingPublicServiceCommissionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Wyoming Public Service Commission [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WyomingPublicServiceCommissionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Wyoming Public Service Commission</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Weighted average shares - diluted (in shares)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Diluted (in shares)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FixedforFloatSwapsPurchasedMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Natural gas over-the-counter swaps, net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FixedforFloatSwapsPurchasedMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Fixed for Float Swaps Purchased [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FixedforFloatSwapsPurchasedMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Fixed for Float Swaps Purchased [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Segment information included in Consolidated Statements of Income</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Accounts receivable, net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Account Receivable, net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Materials, supplies and fuel</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Increase (Decrease) in Inventories, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Increase (Decrease) in Inventories</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedWithinTwelveMonths_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedWithinTwelveMonths_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within 12 Months</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PowerPurchasedMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Power purchased</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PowerPurchasedMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Power Purchased [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PowerPurchasedMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Power Purchased [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EmployeeBenefitPlansAndRelatedDeferredTaxesAssetsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Employee benefit plans and related deferred taxes</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EmployeeBenefitPlansAndRelatedDeferredTaxesAssetsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Employee Benefit Plans And Related Deferred Taxes Assets [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EmployeeBenefitPlansAndRelatedDeferredTaxesAssetsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Employee Benefit Plans And Related Deferred Taxes Assets [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Comprehensive income</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntitySmallBusiness_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Small Business</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntitySmallBusiness_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Small Business</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Segment Reporting Information</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Financing</link:label>
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  <xsd:element id="bkh_WyomingElectricMember" name="WyomingElectricMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DebtInstrumentConsolidatedIndebtednessToCapitalizationRatioRequirement" name="DebtInstrumentConsolidatedIndebtednessToCapitalizationRatioRequirement" type="xbrli:pureItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_BlackHillsCorporationMember" name="BlackHillsCorporationMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2035Member" name="SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2035Member" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyColoradoElectricMember" name="BlackHillsEnergyColoradoElectricMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_OtherMember" name="OtherMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramMember" name="AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_NumberOfOneYearExtensionOptions" name="NumberOfOneYearExtensionOptions" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyColoradoGasMember" name="BlackHillsEnergyColoradoGasMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DeferredIncomeTaxAmortizationMember" name="DeferredIncomeTaxAmortizationMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_BlackHillsServiceCompanyMember" name="BlackHillsServiceCompanyMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable" name="IncomeTaxDisclosureTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_PublicUtilitiesAmountOfSystemSafetyAndIntegretyRiderMovedToBaseRates" name="PublicUtilitiesAmountOfSystemSafetyAndIntegretyRiderMovedToBaseRates" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_FlowThroughAccountingMember" name="FlowThroughAccountingMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_OtherRegulatoryAssetsMember" name="OtherRegulatoryAssetsMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_PublicUtilitiesRequestedTermExtensionOfSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRider" name="PublicUtilitiesRequestedTermExtensionOfSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRider" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_RetailElectricNaturalGasandCoalMember" name="RetailElectricNaturalGasandCoalMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_IowaUtilitiesCommissionIUCMember" name="IowaUtilitiesCommissionIUCMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_PublicUtilitiesAmountOfRequestedSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRiderBeMovedToBaseRatesAndTermination" name="PublicUtilitiesAmountOfRequestedSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRiderBeMovedToBaseRatesAndTermination" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_FuelPurchasedPowerAndCostOfGasSold" name="FuelPurchasedPowerAndCostOfGasSold" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="debit"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueofPlanAssetsExcludingNetAssetValueinvestments" name="DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueofPlanAssetsExcludingNetAssetValueinvestments" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="debit"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_PublicUtilitiesNumberOfFormerRidersReplacedWithANewComprehensiveSafetyAndIntegrityRider" name="PublicUtilitiesNumberOfFormerRidersReplacedWithANewComprehensiveSafetyAndIntegrityRider" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyKansasGasMember" name="BlackHillsEnergyKansasGasMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_PublicUtilitiesTermExtensionOfSystemSafteyAndIntegrityRider" name="PublicUtilitiesTermExtensionOfSystemSafteyAndIntegrityRider" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_NorthernLowaWindpowerAssetsMember" name="NorthernLowaWindpowerAssetsMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramShareIssuedButNotSettled" name="AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramShareIssuedButNotSettled" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_RemediationCost" name="RemediationCost" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="debit"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_CommonCollectiveTrustFixedIncomeFundMember" name="CommonCollectiveTrustFixedIncomeFundMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_ArkansasPublicServiceCommissionMember" name="ArkansasPublicServiceCommissionMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_NettingContractCategoryDomain" name="NettingContractCategoryDomain" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_TransmissionOtherMember" name="TransmissionOtherMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_ArkansasPublicServiceCommissionAPSCMember" name="ArkansasPublicServiceCommissionAPSCMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_PublicUtilitiesLengthOfNaturalGasPipelineToReceiveInfrastructureInvestments" name="PublicUtilitiesLengthOfNaturalGasPipelineToReceiveInfrastructureInvestments" type="dtr-types:lengthItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_NetPaymentsBorrowingsOfRevolvingCreditFacilityAndCommercialPaperProgram" name="NetPaymentsBorrowingsOfRevolvingCreditFacilityAndCommercialPaperProgram" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="debit"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_APSCAuthorizedMember" name="APSCAuthorizedMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_PublicUtilitiesAmountOfSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRiderMovedToBaseRatesAndTerminationOfTheSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRider" name="PublicUtilitiesAmountOfSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRiderMovedToBaseRatesAndTerminationOfTheSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRider" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_ExternalRevenuesMember" name="ExternalRevenuesMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_PublicUtilitiesLengthOfElectricDistributionLinesToReceiveInfrastructureInvestments" name="PublicUtilitiesLengthOfElectricDistributionLinesToReceiveInfrastructureInvestments" type="dtr-types:lengthItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_SummaryOfAtTheMarkeActivityTableTextBlock" name="SummaryOfAtTheMarkeActivityTableTextBlock" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_NaturalGasPhysicalPurchasesMember" name="NaturalGasPhysicalPurchasesMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyNebraskaGasMember" name="BlackHillsEnergyNebraskaGasMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_ScheduleOfEmployerContributionToEmployeeBenefitPlansTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfEmployerContributionToEmployeeBenefitPlansTableTextBlock" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_IowaUtilitiesBoardIUBMember" name="IowaUtilitiesBoardIUBMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_Rule10B51ArrModifiedFlag" name="Rule10B51ArrModifiedFlag" type="xbrli:booleanItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_PercentageOfMonthlyRedemption" name="PercentageOfMonthlyRedemption" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrentMember" name="DerivativeAssetsNoncurrentMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_FixedforFloatSwapsPurchasedMember" name="FixedforFloatSwapsPurchasedMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_SettlementReachedWithTheRegulatoryAgencyMember" name="SettlementReachedWithTheRegulatoryAgencyMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_OtherRegulatoryLiabilitiesMember" name="OtherRegulatoryLiabilitiesMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DefinedContributionPlanCompanyRetirementMember" name="DefinedContributionPlanCompanyRetirementMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_ContractSubjecttoMasterNettingArrangementMember" name="ContractSubjecttoMasterNettingArrangementMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansContributionsTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansContributionsTableTextBlock" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_GasSupplyContractTerminationMember" name="GasSupplyContractTerminationMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramSharesIssued" name="AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramSharesIssued" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_ManufacturedGasPlantMember" name="ManufacturedGasPlantMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_OperatingExpenseMaintenanceOperationsandOtherCostsandExpense" name="OperatingExpenseMaintenanceOperationsandOtherCostsandExpense" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="debit"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2024Member" name="SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2024Member" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_AvailableBorrowingCapacity" name="AvailableBorrowingCapacity" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems" name="IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_CommonCollectiveTrustEquityFundMember" name="CommonCollectiveTrustEquityFundMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017AmountTaxBenefitFromBillCredit" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017AmountTaxBenefitFromBillCredit" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_EnvironmentalMember" name="EnvironmentalMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_CustomerDepositsandPrepayments" name="CustomerDepositsandPrepayments" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_GlobalSettlementAgreementWithKCCStaffAndVariousIntervenorsForAGeneralRateIncreaseAndRenewalOfItsSafetyAndIntegrityRiderMember" name="GlobalSettlementAgreementWithKCCStaffAndVariousIntervenorsForAGeneralRateIncreaseAndRenewalOfItsSafetyAndIntegrityRiderMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_NonRule10B51ArrModifiedFlag" name="NonRule10B51ArrModifiedFlag" type="xbrli:booleanItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_JuneSixteenTwentyTwentyThreeAtmProgramMember" name="JuneSixteenTwentyTwentyThreeAtmProgramMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_MarketOffSystemSalesMember" name="MarketOffSystemSalesMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="bkh_WpscApprovedASettlementAgreementForAGeneralRateIncreaseMember" name="WpscApprovedASettlementAgreementForAGeneralRateIncreaseMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
</xsd:schema>
