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<!-- DFIN New ActiveDisclosure (SM) XBRL Linkbase Document - http://www.dfinsolutions.com/ -->
<!-- Creation Date :2023-02-14T14:16:35.7050+00:00 -->
<!-- Copyright (c) 2023 Donnelly Financial Solutions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -->
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    <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_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="bkh_CommonCollectiveTrustFixedIncomeFundMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Common Collective Trust - Fixed Income</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CommonCollectiveTrustFixedIncomeFundMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Common Collective Trued, Fixed Income Fund [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CommonCollectiveTrustFixedIncomeFundMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Common Collective Trust, Fixed Income Fund [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CommonCollectiveTrustFixedIncomeFundMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Common Collective Trust, Fixed Income Fund</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="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_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsTargetAllocationPercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsTargetAllocationPercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage</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_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="bkh_TransmissionTieMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Jointly onwed Transmission Tie [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_TransmissionTieMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Transmission Tie [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_TransmissionTieMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Transmission Tie</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ElectricTransmissionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Electric Transmission [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ElectricTransmissionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Electric transmission</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_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/verboseLabel">Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeVestingPeriod_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Period over which an employee vests in a defined contribution plan.</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeVestingPeriod_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Vesting Period</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeVestingPeriod_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Vesting Period</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_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_EquitySecuritiesByInvestmentObjectiveAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Investment Objective [Axis]</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_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_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Financing activities:</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_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="bkh_TransportationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Transportation [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_TransportationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Transportation [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_TransportationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Transportation</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net, Total</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Other operating activities, net</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Error Correction, Type [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Error Correction, Type [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsWyomingandWyomingElectricMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Black Hills Wyoming and Wyoming Electric [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsWyomingandWyomingElectricMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Black Hills Wyoming and Wyoming Electric [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsWyomingandWyomingElectricMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Black Hills Wyoming and Wyoming Electric</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_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_LiabilityForUncertainTaxPositionsNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Liability for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, Noncurrent</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilityForUncertainTaxPositionsNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel">Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions, Noncurrent, Period End</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilityForUncertainTaxPositionsNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel">Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions, Noncurrent, Period Start</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentGenerationOrProcessing_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Generation or Processing</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentGenerationOrProcessing_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Production, processing and storage</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="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="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Restricted Stock and RSUs, total fair value of shares vested</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="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="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_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_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_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Four</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_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Accrued property, plant and equipment purchases at December 31</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_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_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Performance Shares, Number of Shares Authorized</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="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_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFifthAnniversary_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">2027</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFifthAnniversary_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Five</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Axis]</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/label">Short-Term Debt</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_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table]</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_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="srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Litigation Case [Domain]</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/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/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/label">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/terseLabel">Goodwill</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2021Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2021</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2021Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2021 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2021Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2021</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Intangible Assets</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_JointlyOwnedUtilityPlantInterestsTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_JointlyOwnedUtilityPlantInterestsTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PerformanceShareUnitsPerformanceConditionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Performance Share Units - Performance Condition</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PerformanceShareUnitsPerformanceConditionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Performance Share Units - Performance Condition [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsStateAndLocal_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">State NOL</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]</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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock_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="bkh_AmountOfPayrollTaxSocialSecurityEmploymentTaxDeferralUnderTheCaresActDisbursedInTheCurrentYear_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Amount of Payroll Tax (Social Security Employment Tax) Deferral Under the Cares Act - Disbursed in the current year</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AmountOfPayrollTaxSocialSecurityEmploymentTaxDeferralUnderTheCaresActDisbursedInTheCurrentYear_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Amount of Payroll Tax (Social Security Employment Tax) Deferral Under the Cares Act Disbursed in the current year</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AmountOfPayrollTaxSocialSecurityEmploymentTaxDeferralUnderTheCaresActDisbursedInTheCurrentYear_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Amount of Payroll Tax (Social Security Employment Tax) Deferral Under the Cares Act Disbursed in the current year</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_LiabilityHedgingAssetsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Liability-hedging Assets</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_LiabilityHedgingAssetsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Liability hedging assets.</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_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_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedFiveYears_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">2027</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedFiveYears_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Five</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_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="bkh_DebtInstrumentDebtToCapitalizationRatioRequirement_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="bkh_DebtInstrumentDebtToCapitalizationRatioRequirement_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Debt Instrument, Debt to Capitalization Ratio Requirement</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DebtInstrumentDebtToCapitalizationRatioRequirement_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Debt Instrument, Debt to Capitalization Ratio Requirement</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Litigation Status [Axis]</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_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Guarantor Obligations by Nature [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel">Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel">Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding</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_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="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="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/terseLabel">Purchased Gas Cost Obligation</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Unissued Shares Available</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="dei_AuditorFirmId_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Auditor Firm ID</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value</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="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_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</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="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/terseLabel">Black Hills Corporation Pension Plan</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Income Tax Authority [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Income Tax Authority [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DeferredTaxLiabilityState_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">State deferred tax liability</link:label>
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    <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>
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    <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_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="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Product and Service [Axis]</link:label>
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    <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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_JointlyOwnedUtilityPlantAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Jointly Owned Utility Plant [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressGross_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Construction in Progress, Gross</link:label>
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    <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>
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    <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>
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    <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/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_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_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_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_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_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Liabilities and Equity</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Plan Name [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net, Total</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Non-current assets</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ElectricGenerationEquipmentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Electric Generation Equipment [Member]</link:label>
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    <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="dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code</link:label>
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    <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="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_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2049Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2049 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2049Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2049 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2049Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2049</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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CommonStockPurchasePercentageOfRecentAverageMarketPrice_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Common stock purchase percentage of recent average market price</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Liability</link:label>
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    <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>
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    <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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReconciliationOfAssetsFromSegmentToConsolidatedTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Segment information included in Consolidated Balance Sheets</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">(Tax) benefit on reclassification adjustment of benefit plan liability - prior service cost</link:label>
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    <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/terseLabel">Arkansas Public Service Commission</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfHealthCareCostTrendRatesTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfHealthCareCostTrendRatesTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_InterestPaymentsOnLongTermDebtMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Interest Payments on Long-term Debt</link:label>
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    <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="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="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="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="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsGoodwill_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsGoodwill_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Goodwill</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FirstMortgageBondsDue2044Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">First Mortgage Bonds Due 2044 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FirstMortgageBondsDue2044Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">First Mortgage Bonds Due 2044 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FirstMortgageBondsDue2044Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">First Mortgage Bonds Due 2044</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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel">Net deferred tax liability</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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationFlowThroughAccounting_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">The portion of the difference between the effective income tax rate and domestic federal statutory income tax rate that can be explained by Flow Through Accounting.</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationFlowThroughAccounting_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Flow-through adjustments</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Treasury Stock, Shares, Total</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Treasury Stock, Shares</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_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="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]</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/label">Derivative Asset</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="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_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="us-gaap_ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NaturalGasStorageMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Natural Gas, Storage [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NaturalGasStorageMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Gas, Storage</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_JointlyOwnedUtilityPlantInterestsLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_JointlyOwnedUtilityPlantInterestsLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items]</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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_IntercompanyCustomersMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Intercompany Customers [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_IntercompanyCustomersMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Intercompany Customers [Member]</link:label>
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    <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="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/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="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Variable Rate [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2023Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2023 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2023Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2023 [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AssetRetirementObligationsTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Asset Retirement Obligations [Table]</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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Weighted average interest rates</link:label>
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    <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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_GasTransmissionEquipmentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Gas Transmission Equipment [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_GasTransmissionEquipmentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Gas transmission</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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
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    <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>
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    <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/totalLabel">Total current assets</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAllocationOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAllocationOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets</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_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_ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Short-Term Debt [Table]</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/terseLabel">Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityDisclosureTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityDisclosureTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Variable Interest Entity</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/label">Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic</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/verboseLabel">Weighted average shares - Basic (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FirstMortgageBondsDue2037Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">First Mortgage Bonds Due 2037 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FirstMortgageBondsDue2037Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">First Mortgage Bonds Due 2037 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FirstMortgageBondsDue2037Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">First Mortgage Bonds Due 2037</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="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="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="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_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/terseLabel">Accounts Receivable, Trade</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentLossReclassifiedFromAociIntoIncomeEffectivePortionStatementOfIncomeOrComprehensiveIncomeExtensibleEnumeration_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Instrument, Loss 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="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_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_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_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="bkh_DividendReinvestmentandStockPurchasePlanMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DividendReinvestmentandStockPurchasePlanMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DividendReinvestmentandStockPurchasePlanMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Dividend Reinvestment Plan</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesAwardedValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_GasGatheringAndProcessingEquipmentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Gas Gathering and Processing Equipment [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_GasGatheringAndProcessingEquipmentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Production, Gas</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]</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/terseLabel">Public Utilities, Requested Return on Equity, Percentage</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SettlementTotalOfPlanToProvideTCJAAndStateTaxReformBenefitsToCustomers_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Settlement Total of Plan to Provide TCJA and State Tax Reform benefits to Customers</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SettlementTotalOfPlanToProvideTCJAAndStateTaxReformBenefitsToCustomers_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Settlement Total of Plan to Provide TCJA and State Tax Reform benefits to Customers</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SettlementTotalOfPlanToProvideTCJAAndStateTaxReformBenefitsToCustomers_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Settlement Total of Plan to Provide TCJA and State Tax Reform benefits to Customers</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrivatePlacementMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Private Placement [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrivatePlacementMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Private Placement</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FederalEnergyRegulatoryCommissionFERCCommonUseSystemCUSMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Common Use System (CUS) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FederalEnergyRegulatoryCommissionFERCCommonUseSystemCUSMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Common Use System (CUS) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FederalEnergyRegulatoryCommissionFERCCommonUseSystemCUSMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Common Use System (CUS)</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="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="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="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationMinorityInterestIncomeExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss), Percent</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationMinorityInterestIncomeExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Non-controlling interest</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_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_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Guarantor, Maximum Exposure</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_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="bkh_NumberOfMegawattsCapacityPurchasedOld_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Number of Megawatts being purchased under capacity and energy contract</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NumberOfMegawattsCapacityPurchasedOld_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Number of Megawatts Capacity Purchased - old</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NumberOfMegawattsCapacityPurchasedOld_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Electric Generation Capacity, Megawatts</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnbilledRevenuesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Unbilled Revenues [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnbilledRevenuesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Unbilled Revenues</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]</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="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/terseLabel">Black Hills Energy - Colorado Electric</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>
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    <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_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Net periodic benefit expense</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PerformanceShareUnitsMarketConditionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Performance Share Units - Market Condition</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PerformanceShareUnitsMarketConditionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Performance Share Units - Market Condition [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PerformanceShareUnitsMarketConditionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Performance Share Units - Market Condition</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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year One</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Future Amortization Expense, Year One</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>
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    <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_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/terseLabel">Wyoming Electric</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Subsequent Event [Line Items]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetImpairmentCharges_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Asset Impairment Charges</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NumberOfYearsTCJAAndStateTaxReformBenefitsToBeProvideToCustomers_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Number of Years TCJA and State Tax Reform Benefits to be Provide to Customers</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NumberOfYearsTCJAAndStateTaxReformBenefitsToBeProvideToCustomers_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Number of Years TCJA and State Tax Reform Benefits to be Provide to Customers</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Related Party [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Related Party [Axis]</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_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/verboseLabel">Total Assets</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_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/verboseLabel">Derivative Contract [Domain]</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/documentation">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/label">Contract Subject to Master Netting Arrangement [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">State and Local Jurisdiction</link:label>
    <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_DerivativeLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Derivative [Line Items]</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_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_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeePercent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeePercent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent</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="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_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/label">Long-Term Debt, Excluding 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/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/verboseLabel">Long-term debt, net of current maturities</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/label">Earnings 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/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/verboseLabel">Total earnings (loss) per share of common stock, Diluted (usd per share)</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_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="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="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/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="us-gaap_TradeAndOtherAccountsReceivablePolicy_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accounts Receivable [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TradeAndOtherAccountsReceivablePolicy_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses</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">Antidilutive Securities</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_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_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="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="bkh_AmountOfPayrollTaxSocialSecurityEmploymentTaxDeferralAllowedUnderTheCARESAct_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Amount of Payroll Tax (Social Security Employment Tax) Deferral Allowed Under the CARES Act</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AmountOfPayrollTaxSocialSecurityEmploymentTaxDeferralAllowedUnderTheCARESAct_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Amount of Payroll Tax (Social Security Employment Tax) Deferral Allowed Under the CARES Act</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AmountOfPayrollTaxSocialSecurityEmploymentTaxDeferralAllowedUnderTheCARESAct_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Amount of Payroll Tax (Social Security Employment Tax) Deferral Allowed Under the CARES Act</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="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/terseLabel">Black Hills Energy - Iowa Gas</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_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="dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Address, Postal Zip Code</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Address, Postal Zip Code</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Payment for Debt Extinguishment or Debt Prepayment Cost</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Prepayment penalty</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PlantAcquisitionAdjustmentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Plant Acquisition Costs</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PlantAcquisitionAdjustmentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Plant Acquisition Adjustment [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PlantAcquisitionAdjustmentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Plant acquisition adjustment</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="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="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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryLiabilities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Increase (Decrease) in Regulatory Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryLiabilities_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_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/label">Pension Plan [Member]</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_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Revolving Credit Facility [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Revolving Credit Facility</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantandEquipmentExcludingConstructioninProgress_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Excluding Construction in Progress</link:label>
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    <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="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="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="bkh_NumberOfOneYearExtensionOptions_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Number Of One-Year Extension Options</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCapitalizedPropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member]</link:label>
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    <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="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 financing activities</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationContributionsByPlanParticipant_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Contributions by Plan Participant</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationContributionsByPlanParticipant_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Plan participants&#8217; contributions</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Accelerated depreciation, amortization and other plant-related differences</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="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/terseLabel">Other regulatory assets</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_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="bkh_FederalEnergyRegulatoryCommissionFERCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FederalEnergyRegulatoryCommissionFERCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FederalEnergyRegulatoryCommissionFERCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)</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="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/terseLabel">Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities</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_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_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="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_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_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="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="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/terseLabel">Gas Utilities</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansNetOfTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax, Total</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansNetOfTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansNetOfTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Total amounts included in AOCI, after-tax not yet recognized as components of net periodic expense</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="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="bkh_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationOtherThanOptionsTotalPayoutValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">The amount of the total payout for an employee service share-based compensation award for other than options that has been accrued at the Balance Sheet date. The total value includes the stock price, dividends and the percentage payout value.</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationOtherThanOptionsTotalPayoutValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Other Than Options, Total Payout Value</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationOtherThanOptionsTotalPayoutValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Target shares, value</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_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_DeferredTaxAssetsInvestments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Deferred Tax Assets, Investments</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsInvestments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Partnership</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="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/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="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_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedFourYears_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_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedFourYears_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Four</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostNotYetRecognizedTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostNotYetRecognizedTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Asset, Current</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Derivative assets, current</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="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/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_LossContingencyConcessionAwardArea_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Loss Contingency, Concession Award, Area</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_LossContingencyConcessionAwardArea_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Loss Contingency, Concession Award, Area</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_LossContingencyConcessionAwardArea_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Loss Contingency, Concession Award, Area</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_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Proceeds from Issuance of Debt</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="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_JointlyOwnedUtilityPlantOwnershipAmountOfConstructionWorkInProgress_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Jointly Owned Utility Plant, Ownership Amount of Construction Work in Progress</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_JointlyOwnedUtilityPlantOwnershipAmountOfConstructionWorkInProgress_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Construction Work in Progress</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="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="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_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="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/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_AnnualTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCredits_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Annual TCJA-Related Customer Billing Credits</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AnnualTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCredits_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Annual TCJA-Related Customer Billing Credits</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AnnualTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCredits_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Annual TCJA-Related Customer Billing Credits</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_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Sale of Stock [Axis]</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="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="bkh_AmountRecoveredThroughRegulatoryMechanism_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Amount Recovered Through Regulatory Mechanism</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AmountRecoveredThroughRegulatoryMechanism_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Amount Recovered Through Regulatory Mechanism</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AmountRecoveredThroughRegulatoryMechanism_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Amount Recovered Through Regulatory Mechanism</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="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="us-gaap_RealEstateFundsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Common Collective Trust - Real Estate</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/label">Real Estate Funds [Member]</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/terseLabel">Real Estate Funds</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_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Regulatory Liability [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Cost and Expense</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="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/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/verboseLabel">Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold</link:label>
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    <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="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="bkh_CushionGasNotDepreciatedMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Cushion Gas - Not Depreciated [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CushionGasNotDepreciatedMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cushion Gas - Not Depreciated [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CushionGasNotDepreciatedMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Cushion gas - not depreciable</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_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_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping</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="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_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_ProceedsFromOtherShortTermDebt_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Proceeds from Other Short-Term Debt</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromOtherShortTermDebt_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Term Loan - borrowings</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_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/terseLabel">Market - off-system sales</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="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/terseLabel">Black Hills Energy, Kansas Gas</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtTerm_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Debt, Term</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtTerm_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Long-term Debt, Term</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_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_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_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, after Year Five for Next Five Years</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">2027-2031</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFourthAnniversary_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_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFourthAnniversary_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Four</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="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="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/verboseLabel">Deferred income taxes</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_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_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Property, Plant and Equipment</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Lessor, Lease, Description [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Lessor, Lease, Description [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Disclosure of Share-Based Compensation Arrangements by Share-Based Payment Award [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award</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_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_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="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="bkh_ExternalCustomersMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">External Customers</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ExternalCustomersMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">External Customers [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ExternalCustomersMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">External Customers</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ElectricDistributionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Electric Distribution [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ElectricDistributionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Electric distribution</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_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_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="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_JointlyOwnedUtilityPlantGrossOwnershipAmountOfPlantInService_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Jointly Owned Utility Plant, Gross Ownership Amount of Plant in Service</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_JointlyOwnedUtilityPlantGrossOwnershipAmountOfPlantInService_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Plant in Service</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/verboseLabel">Maximum amount outstanding (based on daily outstanding balances)</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">Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity</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="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_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="bkh_ReturnSeekingAssetsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Return Seeking Assets - Consisting of Equity Securities, Real Estate, Fixed Income Funds and Cash</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ReturnSeekingAssetsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Return Seeking Assets [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ReturnSeekingAssetsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Return Seeking Assets</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DeferredFinancingCostsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Schedule of Deferred Financing Costs expensed on the Statement of Income and/or net amount presented on the Statement of Financial Position [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DeferredFinancingCostsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Deferred Financing Costs [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DeferredFinancingCostsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Deferred Financing Costs</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_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_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_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_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_CreditFacilityDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Credit Facility [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Subsequent Events [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Subsequent Events</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_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_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="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/totalLabel">Weighted average shares - diluted (in shares)</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_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_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities, Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Capitalized Cost of Equity</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">AFUDC Equity</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SettlementOfPlanToProvideTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCreditsToItsCustomers_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Settlement of plan to provide TCJA-related customer billing credits to its customers</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SettlementOfPlanToProvideTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCreditsToItsCustomers_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Settlement of plan to provide TCJA-related customer billing credits to its customers</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Credit Facility [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Credit Facility [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Excluding Option, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Excluding Option, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount</link:label>
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    <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="bkh_StormCarryingCosts_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Storm Carrying Costs</link:label>
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    <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>
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    <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="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/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="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_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_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="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_SegmentReportingAssetReconcilingItemLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingAssetReconcilingItemLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item</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>
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    <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="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost), Total</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Employee benefit plans</link:label>
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    <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/terseLabel">Schedule of Unit Contingent Capacity</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CommercialPaperMaximumBorrowingCapacity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Commercial Paper, Maximum Borrowing Capacity</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CommercialPaperMaximumBorrowingCapacity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Commercial Paper, Maximum Borrowing Capacity</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CommercialPaperMaximumBorrowingCapacity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Commercial Paper, Maximum Borrowing Capacity</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_JointlyOwnedUtilityPlantProportionateOwnershipShare_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Ownership Interest</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_JointlyOwnedUtilityPlantProportionateOwnershipShare_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Jointly Owned Utility Plant, Proportionate Ownership Share</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_JointlyOwnedUtilityPlantProportionateOwnershipShare_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Jointly Owned Utility Plant, Proportionate Ownership Share</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2029Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2029 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2029Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2029 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2029Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2029</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_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_ScheduleOfAccumulatedAndProjectedBenefitObligationsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Accumulated and Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedAndProjectedBenefitObligationsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Accumulated and Projected Benefit Obligations</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentObjectiveMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Investment Objective [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2033Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2033 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2033Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2033 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2033Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2033</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">Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest</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/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/totalLabel">Total equity</link:label>
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    <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_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_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Repayments of Long-Term Debt, Total</link:label>
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    <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_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_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_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_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Weighted average interest rates</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate</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_OperatingExpenseMaintenanceOperationsandOtherCostsandExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Operating Expense, Maintenance, Operations, and Other Costs and Expense</link:label>
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    <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>
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    <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_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransactionTypeAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Transaction Type [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_Thepercentagepaidincashfortheaccruedequityportionoftheperformanceshareplanuponchangeincontrol_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">The percentage paid in cash for the accrued equity portion of the performance share plan upon change in control</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_Thepercentagepaidincashfortheaccruedequityportionoftheperformanceshareplanuponchangeincontrol_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">The percentage paid in cash for the accrued equity portion of the performance share plan upon change in control</link:label>
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    <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_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_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_InvestmentPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Investments</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="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/terseLabel">Iowa Utilities Board (IUB)</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_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="bkh_NetBorrowingsPaymentsOfRevolvingCreditFacilityAndCPProgram_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Net borrowings (payments) of Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NetBorrowingsPaymentsOfRevolvingCreditFacilityAndCPProgram_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Net borrowings (payments) of Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NetBorrowingsPaymentsOfRevolvingCreditFacilityAndCPProgram_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_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/documentation">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/label">Natural Gas Physical Purchases [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/2003/role/label">Income Tax Expense (Benefit)</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 (Benefit)</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>
    <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 (Benefit)</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_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="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="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/terseLabel">Defined Contribution Plan, 401K</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_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="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="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/terseLabel">Settlement Reached with the Regulatory Agency</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">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/terseLabel">Balance Sheet Location [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/label">Other Accrued Liabilities, Current</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_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_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Environmental Remediation Site [Axis]</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_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_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_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_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_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_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="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_ScheduleOfChangeInAssetRetirementObligationTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfChangeInAssetRetirementObligationTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation</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_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/terseLabel">Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC)</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="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_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues</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>
    <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="bkh_RevenueRefundedToCustomersAsAResultOfTheTCJATaxBenefits_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Revenue Refunded To Customers As A Result Of The TCJA Tax Benefits</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_RevenueRefundedToCustomersAsAResultOfTheTCJATaxBenefits_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Revenue Refunded To Customers As A Result Of The TCJA Tax Benefits</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_RevenueRefundedToCustomersAsAResultOfTheTCJATaxBenefits_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Revenue Refunded To Customers As A Result Of The TCJA Tax Benefits</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/label">Deferred Fuel Costs [Member]</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/terseLabel">Deferred energy and fuel cost adjustments</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>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other tax differences</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="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_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Costs and Expenses, Total</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Costs and Expenses</link:label>
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    <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_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_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="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Net amortization of prior service cost</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedNextTwelveMonths_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">2023</link:label>
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    <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="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="bkh_WygenIIIGeneratingFacilityMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Wygen III - Black Hills Power's coal-fired power generation plant that commenced operations on April 1, 2010.[Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WygenIIIGeneratingFacilityMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Wygen III Generating Facility</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WygenIIIGeneratingFacilityMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Contingent Capacity Amounts on Wygen III</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTransmission_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Transmission</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTransmission_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Transmission</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="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/documentation">At the market equity offering program average price per share.</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansBenefitPlanImprovementTaxEffect_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), Tax</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansBenefitPlanImprovementTaxEffect_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">(Tax) benefit on benefit plan liability adjustments - prior service costs</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 (loss)</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_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_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_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Number of shares available for future issuance</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Related Party [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Related Party [Domain]</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_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/totalLabel">Regulatory liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EffectiveIncomeTaxReconciliationTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCreditsToItsCustomersPercent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, TCJA-Related Customer Billing Credits to its Customers, Percent</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EffectiveIncomeTaxReconciliationTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCreditsToItsCustomersPercent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, TCJA-Related Customer Billing Credits to its Customers, Percent</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EffectiveIncomeTaxReconciliationTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCreditsToItsCustomersPercent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">TCJA bill credits</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_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="bkh_CreditFacilityAndShortTermDebtCovenantsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Credit Facility and Short Term Debt Covenants</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CreditFacilityAndShortTermDebtCovenantsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Credit Facility and Short Term Debt Covenants [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CreditFacilityAndShortTermDebtCovenantsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Credit Facility and Short Term Debt Covenants</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="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/terseLabel">Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period</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="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="us-gaap_ReconciliationOfAssetsFromSegmentToConsolidatedTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReconciliationOfAssetsFromSegmentToConsolidatedTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table]</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_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="bkh_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateComprisedPercentOfHistoricVolatility_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate (comprised percent of historic volatility)</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateComprisedPercentOfHistoricVolatility_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate (comprised percent of historic volatility)</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateComprisedPercentOfHistoricVolatility_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Volatility Rate - Historic</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ScheduleOfJointlyOwnedFacilitiesTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Tabular disclosure of proportionate interests in jointly owned plants. Includes the amount of plants in service, the accumulated provision for depreciation (if available), the amount of facilities under construction, and the proportionate share. Includes statements that the amounts represent the company's share in each joint plant and that it must provide its own financing. Information concerning two or more plants on the same site may be combined. States that the company's share of direct expenses of the joint facilities is included in the corresponding operating expenses on its income statement (for example, maintenance and other operating expense). This schedule includes both Utility and non-Utility facilities. [Table Text Block]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ScheduleOfJointlyOwnedFacilitiesTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Jointly Owned Utility Plants</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_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease) for Plan Amendment</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Amendments</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_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="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="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/terseLabel">Other regulatory liabilities</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_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="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="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="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="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/terseLabel">Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC)</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="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/totalLabel">Total materials, supplies and fuel</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">State</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_IcfrAuditorAttestationFlag_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_IcfrAuditorAttestationFlag_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag</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>
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    <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_BuschRanchIWindFarmMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Busch Ranch I Wind Farm [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BuschRanchIWindFarmMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Busch Ranch I Wind Farm [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BuschRanchIWindFarmMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Busch Ranch I Wind Farm</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NumberOfMegawattsCapacityPurchased_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Number of Megawatts Capacity Purchased</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NumberOfMegawattsCapacityPurchased_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Number of Megawatts Capacity Purchased</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NumberOfMegawattsCapacityPurchased_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Number of Megawatts Capacity Purchased</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Line of Credit [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Line of Credit</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="bkh_PrincipalPaymentsOnLongTermDebtIncludingCurrentMaturitiesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Principal Payments on Long-term Debt Including Current Maturities</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PrincipalPaymentsOnLongTermDebtIncludingCurrentMaturitiesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Principal Payments On Long-term Debt Including Current Maturities [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PrincipalPaymentsOnLongTermDebtIncludingCurrentMaturitiesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Principal payments on long-term debt including current maturities.</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>
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    <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="bkh_PowerPurchaseAgreementsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">PPAs</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PowerPurchaseAgreementsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Power Purchase Agreements [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PowerPurchaseAgreementsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Power Purchase Agreements [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="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/terseLabel">Environmental</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/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/label">Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent</link:label>
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    <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="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="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/terseLabel">Rate Review Filed with the Regulatory Agency</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_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_BaseRateMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Base Rate [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AssetRetirementObligationCostsLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Costs provided for the retirement of certain long-live assets that are reasonably expected to be recovered in utility rates charged to customers [Line Items]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AssetRetirementObligationCostsLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Asset Retirement Obligation Costs [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/label">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/terseLabel">Entity Tax Identification Number</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">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/terseLabel">Income Statement Location [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Shares Forfeited</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 $1.00 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; issued: 66,140,396 and 64,793,095, respectively</link:label>
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    <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="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="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/label">Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)</link:label>
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    <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="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="us-gaap_BilledRevenuesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Billed Revenues [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_BilledRevenuesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Billed Revenues</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_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_AssetRetirementObligationDisclosureTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationDisclosureTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Asset Retirement Obligations</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/label">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/terseLabel">Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net</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="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/terseLabel">Black Hills Service Company</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Consolidated Entities [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Consolidated Entities [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities General Disclosures [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Property, Plant and Equipment (AFUDC)</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_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_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="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_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_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="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_ConsolidationVariableInterestEntityPolicy_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationVariableInterestEntityPolicy_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Variable Interest Entities</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CapitalAdditionRequirementsbytheFERCJointAccessTransmissionTariff_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Capital Addition Requirements by the FERC Joint-Access Transmission Tariff</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CapitalAdditionRequirementsbytheFERCJointAccessTransmissionTariff_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Capital Addition Requirements by the FERC Joint-Access Transmission Tariff</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CapitalAdditionRequirementsbytheFERCJointAccessTransmissionTariff_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Capital Addition Requirements by the FERC Joint-Access Transmission Tariff</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="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/terseLabel">Black Hills Energy - Arkansas Gas</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="bkh_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPayoutCashPercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Percentage of performance based compensation to be paid out in cash.</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPayoutCashPercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Payout, Cash Percentage</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPayoutCashPercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Performance Share Award Payout, Cash Percentage</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="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="us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardValuationAllowance_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Income Tax Credit carryforward, valuation allowance</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Related Party Transaction [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Related Party Transaction [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/label">Operating Expenses [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <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_EnergyRelatedInventoryNaturalGasInStorage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Energy Related Inventory, Natural Gas in Storage</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Goodwill [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Goodwill [Line Items]</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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate</link:label>
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    <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/terseLabel">Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PerformancePlanPayoutsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">[Table Text Block] for Performance Plan Payouts [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Stock by Class [Table]</link:label>
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    <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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NumberofMegawattsSoldUnderLongTermContract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Number of Megawatts Sold Under Long-Term Contract</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WygenIGeneratingFacilityMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Jointly Owned Wygen I Generating Facility [Member]</link:label>
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    <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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsElectricGenerationandColoradoElectricMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Black Hills Electric Generation and Colorado Electric [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BlackHillsElectricGenerationandColoradoElectricMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Black Hills Electric Generation and Colorado Electric [Member]</link:label>
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    <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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Voluntary Filers</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Volatility range for the peer group, Maximum</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_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_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="dei_DocumentTransitionReport_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Document Transition Report</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsValuationAllowance_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Operating Loss Carryforwards Valuation Allowance</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction</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/label">Assets, Fair Value Disclosure</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_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">2025</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Granted (usd per share)</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>
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    <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_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="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="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/terseLabel">Transmission/Other</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPostretirementHealthCoverageMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Postretirement Health Coverage [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPostretirementHealthCoverageMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Postretirement Health Coverage</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Total</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Depreciation, depletion and amortization</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FirstMortgageBondsDue2039Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">First Mortgage Bonds Due 2039 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FirstMortgageBondsDue2039Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">First Mortgage Bonds Due 2039 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_FirstMortgageBondsDue2039Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">First Mortgage Bonds Due 2039</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="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_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_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_SaleOfStockPricePerShare_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Sale of Stock, Price Per Share</link:label>
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    <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/label">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax</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/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/terseLabel">Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CorporateTermLoanDueJune2021Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Corporate Term Loan Due June 2021 [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_GasDistributionEquipmentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Gas Distribution Equipment [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_GasDistributionEquipmentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Gas distribution</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/label">Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent</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/terseLabel">Net income available for common stock</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="srt_WeightedAverageMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Weighted Average [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_WeightedAverageMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Weighted Average</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="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_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CommonCollectiveTrustEquityFundMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Common Collective Trust - Equity</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="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/terseLabel">Common Collective Trust, Equity Fund</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbyShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformanceGoalPercentileofPeerGroupPerformance_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Performance Goal - The Company's Total Shareholder Return for the Prescribed Period as a Percentile of Peer Group Performance</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbyShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformanceGoalPercentileofPeerGroupPerformance_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Performance Goal - Percentile of Peer Group Performance</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbyShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformanceGoalPercentileofPeerGroupPerformance_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Performance Goal - Percentile of Peer Group Performance</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="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="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/terseLabel">Electric Utilities</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="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_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_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="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_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_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_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="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="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/terseLabel">Loss on reacquired debt</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Federal NOL</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Total</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Regulatory Accounting</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SummaryOfTaxCreditCarryforwardsTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Summary of Tax Credit Carryforwards [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SummaryOfTaxCreditCarryforwardsTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Summary of State Tax Carryforwards</link:label>
    <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="dei_EntityRegistrantName_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Registrant Name</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Total</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Derivative Liabilities, Total</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel">Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel">Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Allowance for credit losses</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_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_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_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_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Share-Based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_Revenues_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Revenues, Total</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_Revenues_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Revenues</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_Revenues_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_ShareBasedCompensation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense, Total</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense</link:label>
    <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>
    <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_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_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_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/totalLabel">Total property, plant and equipment, net</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_StormCarryingCostsOneTimeTrueUpToCommissionAuthorizedRates_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Storm Carrying Costs One Time True-up to Commission Authorized Rates</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_StormCarryingCostsOneTimeTrueUpToCommissionAuthorizedRates_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Storm Carrying Costs One Time True-up to Commission Authorized Rates</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_StormCarryingCostsOneTimeTrueUpToCommissionAuthorizedRates_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Storm Carrying Costs One Time True-up to Commission Authorized Rates</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount, Total</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Less unamortized debt discount</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Award Type [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Award Type [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Statement [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Statement [Line Items]</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/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_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="bkh_TransmissionServicesAgreementsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Transmission Services Agreements</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_TransmissionServicesAgreementsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Transmission Services Agreements [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_TransmissionServicesAgreementsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Transmission services agreements.</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="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="bkh_NebraskaPublcServiceCommissionNPSCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Nebraska Publc Service Commission (NPSC)</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_TriStateGenerationAndTransmissionAssociationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association</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">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/terseLabel">Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]</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="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="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Deferred Tax Assets, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities_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_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Goodwill and Intangible Assets</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_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_ClassOfStockLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Class of Stock [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Class of Stock [Line Items]</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_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_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 (used in) operating activities</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRevisionOfEstimate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRevisionOfEstimate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Revisions to Prior Estimates</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardPayoutPercentageofTarget_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">The percentage target for payout of equity compensation awards</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardPayoutPercentageofTarget_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Payout, Percentage of Target</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardPayoutPercentageofTarget_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Performance Share Award, Percentage of Target</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_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="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_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Weighted-average recognition period</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="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="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/2009/role/negatedLabel">Regulatory liabilities, current</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_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_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_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_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_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="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_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/terseLabel">Natural Gas, Distribution</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedThereafter_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, after Year Five</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedThereafter_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Thereafter</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_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="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="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/terseLabel">Gas supply contract termination</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_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_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueAfterFiveYears_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, after Year Five</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueAfterFiveYears_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Thereafter</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Principles of Consolidation</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="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="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss)</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Actuarial (gain) loss</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Valuation Allowance</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedInterest_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Capitalized Interest</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedInterest_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">AFUDC Borrowed</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="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards</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">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/terseLabel">Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]</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="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/periodStartLabel">Beginning balance (in shares)</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="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/terseLabel">Rate Review Approved by Regulatory Agency</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/label">Debt Disclosure [Text Block]</link:label>
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    <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_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_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt, Total</link:label>
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    <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="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="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossPeriodIncreaseDecrease_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Period Increase (Decrease), Total</link:label>
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    <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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RealEstateMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Real Estate [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RealEstateMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Real Estate</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions</link:label>
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    <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>
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    <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_AssetRetirementObligationLiabilitiesSettled_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationLiabilitiesSettled_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Liabilities Settled</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiaryOfCommonParentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Subsidiary of Common Parent [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiaryOfCommonParentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Subsidiary of Common Parent</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="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_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/label">Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan [Member]</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_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Receivable Type [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Receivable Type [Axis]</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_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_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivablesByBillingStatusTypeAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Billing Status, Type [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivablesByBillingStatusTypeAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Accounts Receivable by Billing Status, Type [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_VariableRateDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Variable Rate [Domain]</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="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="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_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="bkh_PublicUtilitiesNumberOfFormerRidersReplacedWithANewComprehensiveSafetyAndIntegrityRider_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities Number Of Former Riders Replaced With A New Comprehensive Safety And Integrity Rider</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PublicUtilitiesNumberOfFormerRidersReplacedWithANewComprehensiveSafetyAndIntegrityRider_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Public utilities, number of former riders replaced with a new comprehensive safety and integrity rider.</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Derivative liabilities, current</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrentMember_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_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative Liabilities, Current [Member]</link:label>
    <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>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_OtherMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_OtherMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other revenues</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="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/terseLabel">Netting Contract by Category [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2046Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2046 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2046Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2046 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2046Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2046</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_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_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_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/verboseLabel">Reporting Segment [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Lessor - lease term</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_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/verboseLabel">Accrued liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_UtilitiesGroupMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Utilities Group - consists of our Electric Utilities and our Gas Utilities segments</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_UtilitiesGroupMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Utilities Group [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_UtilitiesGroupMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Utilities Group</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Debt Instrument [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Debt Instrument [Axis]</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">Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [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="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="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/terseLabel">Deferred taxes on flow through accounting</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">State income tax (net of federal tax effect)</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Treasury Stock [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_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="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramAuthorizedAggregateValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">At The Market Equity Offering Program authorized an aggregate value that the Company may, through its sales agents, offer and sell from time to time shares of its common stock.</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramAuthorizedAggregateValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">At The Market Equity Offering Program Authorized Aggregate Value</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramAuthorizedAggregateValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">At The Market Equity Offering Program Authorized Aggregate Value</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="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_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss)</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Investment income (loss)</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_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_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Forfeited (usd per share)</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Amortization of Intangible Assets</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Intangible assets, amortization expense</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_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_AwardTypeAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Award Type [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Award Type [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SouthDakotaElectricMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">South Dakota Electric</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SouthDakotaElectricMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">South Dakota Electric [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SouthDakotaElectricMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Black Hills Energy - South Dakota Electric</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SouthDakotaElectricMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">South Dakota Electric</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Receivable [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Receivable [Domain]</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_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_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="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_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount, Total</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Unrecognized compensation expense</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_ReceivablesBillingStatusDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Receivables Billing Status [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivablesBillingStatusDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Receivables Billing Status [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PowerGenerationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Power Generation</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PowerGenerationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Power Generation [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PowerGenerationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Power Generation</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="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="bkh_TransportationStorageGatheringAndCoalAgreementsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Natural gas supply, transportation and storage agreements</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_TransportationStorageGatheringAndCoalAgreementsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Transportation, Storage, Gathering And Coal Agreements [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Related Party Transaction [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Related Party Transaction [Domain]</link:label>
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    <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_RemovalCostsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Removal Costs [Member]</link:label>
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    <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>
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    <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="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/terseLabel">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_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="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_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">2024</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/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two</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="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_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="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_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_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsContributionsByPlanParticipant_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Plan Participant</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsContributionsByPlanParticipant_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Retiree contributions</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Reductions for prior year tax positions</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract</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_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_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="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="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="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="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="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/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="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceOperatingLossCarryforwardsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowance, Operating Loss Carryforward [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceOperatingLossCarryforwardsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Valuation Allowance, Operating Loss Carryforwards</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="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="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="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_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnThirdAnniversary_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_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnThirdAnniversary_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Three</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_LitigationCaseAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Litigation Case [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Variable Interest Entities</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/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/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/label">Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment</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 and depletion</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Black Hills Corporation&#8217;s common stock volatility</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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationUncertainTaxBenefitsPercent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Uncertain Tax Benefits</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Investment [Table Text Block]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDistribution_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Distribution</link:label>
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    <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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DilutiveSecuritiesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <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="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="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/terseLabel">Public Utilities, Term Extension of System Safety and Integrity Rider</link:label>
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    <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/label">Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts</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_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditAfterTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), after Tax</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditAfterTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Prior service cost (gain)</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="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_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="us-gaap_SummaryOfOperatingLossCarryforwardsTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Summary of Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforwards</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SummaryOfOperatingLossCarryforwardsTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block]</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/label">Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Gross</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="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2027Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2027 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2027Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2027 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2027Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2027</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_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Deferred Financing Costs</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BusinessGroupAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Business Group (grouping of segments) [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BusinessGroupAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Business Group [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BusinessGroupAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Business Group [Axis]</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 (used in) operating activities:</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_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_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_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="bkh_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateComprisedPercentOfImpliedVolatility_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate (comprised percent of implied volatility)</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateComprisedPercentOfImpliedVolatility_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate (comprised percent of implied volatility)</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateComprisedPercentOfImpliedVolatility_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Volatility Rate - Implied</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="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/documentation">Available borrowing capacity.</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/verboseLabel">Recovery of incremental costs</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="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/totalLabel">Regulatory assets</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CarryingCostsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Carrying Costs</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CarryingCostsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Carrying Costs [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CarryingCostsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Carrying Costs</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="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="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_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_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Property, Plant and Equipment</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">General</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/totalLabel">Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations</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>
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    <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_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Goodwill [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Goodwill [Table]</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/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/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/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/label">Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross</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_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/terseLabel">Financing Receivable, Current, Allowance for Credit Loss</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Debt, Maturity, after Year Five</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Thereafter</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesAfterTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), after Tax</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesAfterTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Net (gain) loss</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/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_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="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/label">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/terseLabel">Additional paid-in capital</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="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="us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Tax Credit Carryforward</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityPublicFloat_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Public Float</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityPublicFloat_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Public Float</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_GTResourcesLLCMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">GT Resources, LLC v. Black Hills Corporation, Case No. 2020CV30751 (U.S. District Court for the City and County of Denver, Colorado)</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAmountOfAcquisitionAdjustments1_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Amount of Acquisition Adjustments</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAmountOfAcquisitionAdjustments1_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Plant acquisition adjustment</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFirstAnniversary_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">2023</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Letters of credit</link:label>
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    <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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <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="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_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/terseLabel">Public Utilities - Length of Electric Transmission Lines to Receive Infrastructure Investments</link:label>
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    <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_LocalPhoneNumber_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Local Phone Number</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PerformanceSharesEquityAwardsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">The equity award components for Performance Shares [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PerformanceSharesEquityAwardsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Performance Shares, Equity Awards [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EnvironmentalLossContingencyStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleEnumeration_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Environmental Loss Contingency, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]</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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedTwoYears_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="bkh_AnnualRevenueRequirementasRequiredbytheFERCJointAccessTransmissionTariff_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Annual Revenue Requirement, as Required by the FERC Joint-Access Transmission Tariff</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_AnnualRevenueRequirementasRequiredbytheFERCJointAccessTransmissionTariff_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Annual Revenue Requirement, as Required by the FERC Joint-Access Transmission Tariff</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_IntegratedGenerationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Integrated Generation</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_IntegratedGenerationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Integrated Generation [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_IntegratedGenerationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Integrated Generation</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_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_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">2027</link:label>
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    <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="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/terseLabel">Net borrowings (payments) of Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program</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_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_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_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">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/terseLabel">Income Statement Location [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_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_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year One</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_JointlyOwnedUtilityPlantOwnershipAmountOfPlantAccumulatedDepreciation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Jointly Owned Utility Plant, Ownership Amount of Plant Accumulated Depreciation</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_JointlyOwnedUtilityPlantOwnershipAmountOfPlantAccumulatedDepreciation_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_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_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_AssetRetirementObligation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Asset Retirement Obligation, Total</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Asset Retirement Obligation</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligation_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_AssetRetirementObligation_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_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]</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_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number, Ending Balance</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number, Beginning Balance</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number</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_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/terseLabel">Customer deposits and prepayments</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/verboseLabel">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/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_LongTermDebt_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Long-term Debt</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NumberOfDefinedPensionPlans_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Number of Defined Pension Plans</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NumberOfDefinedPensionPlans_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Number of Defined Pension Plans</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_NumberOfDefinedPensionPlans_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Number of Defined Pension Plans</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/label">Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent</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_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Share-Based Compensation Arrangements by Share-Based Payment Award [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwardsOther_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Other</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwardsOther_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">State tax credits</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Debt Instrument, Name [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/label">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/terseLabel">Document Fiscal Year Focus</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill), Total</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel">Intangible assets, net, ending balance</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel">Intangible assets, net, beginning balance</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Intangible assets, net</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued, Total</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest Accrued</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BusinessGroupDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">[Domain] for Business Group (grouping of segments) [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BusinessGroupDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Business Group [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BusinessGroupDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Business Group [Domain]</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/label">Earnings Per Share, Basic</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_ValuationAllowanceTaxCreditCarryforwardMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Valuation Allowance, Income Tax Credit Carryforwards</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceTaxCreditCarryforwardMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowance, Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]</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>
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    <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_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_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Minimum</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Volatility range for peer group, Minimum</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_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_ScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnSecondAnniversary_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">2024</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnSecondAnniversary_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Two</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 - 36,726 and 54,078, respectively</link:label>
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    <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="us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Equity Compensation</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WinterStormUriMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Winter Storm Uri</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WinterStormUriMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Winter Storm Uri [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WinterStormUriMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Winter Storm Uri</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PerformanceSharesLiabilityAwardsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Performance Shares, Liability Awards [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_PuebloAirportGenerationMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Jointly Owned Pueblo Airport Generating Facility [Member]</link:label>
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    <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="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Income Taxes Paid, Net, Total</link:label>
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    <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_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_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Accounts Receivable [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Accretion</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Property, Plant and Equipment</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="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_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_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="bkh_WyodakPlantMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Wyodak Plant - power generation plant owned 20% by Black Hills Power and 80% by Pacificorp[Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WyodakPlantMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Wyodak Plant [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_WyodakPlantMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Wyodak Plant</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Income Tax Authority [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Income Tax Authority [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total deferred tax assets</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="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/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/verboseLabel">Net income</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_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_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="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="bkh_CushionGasDepreciableMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Cushion Gas - Depreciable [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CushionGasDepreciableMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cushion Gas - Depreciable [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_CushionGasDepreciableMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Cushion gas - depreciable</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Four</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Future Amortization Expense, Year Four</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>
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    <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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Two</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Future Amortization Expense, Year Two</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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceSheetAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total future commitments</link:label>
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    <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_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_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]</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/label">Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain]</link:label>
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    <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="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/terseLabel">Black Hills Corporation</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Measurement Frequency [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]</link:label>
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    <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>
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    <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_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/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross, Total</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentPeriod_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Purchase Commitment, Period</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Segment Reporting</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Five</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Future Amortization Expense, Year Five</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsPolicy_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Asset Retirement Obligation [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLossStatementOfIncomeOrComprehensiveIncomeExtensibleEnumeration_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Derivative, Loss, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration]</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionContributions_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Payment for Pension Benefits</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionContributions_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Payment for Pension Benefits</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionContributions_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Contributions to defined benefit pension plans</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAmortizationPeriod_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Regulatory Asset, Amortization Period</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAmortizationPeriod_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Regulatory Asset, Amortization Period</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>
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    <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_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Weighted average useful life</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BenefitFromRelievedTCJARelatedLiabilities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Benefit from Relieved TCJA Related Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_BenefitFromRelievedTCJARelatedLiabilities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Benefit from Relieved TCJA Related Liabilities</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_ManufacturedGasPlantMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Manufactured Gas Plant [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCredits_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Percent, Total</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCredits_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel">Tax Credits</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Debt, Gross</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Future Amortization Expense, Year Three</link:label>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="bkh_EffectiveIncomeTaxReconciliationAmortizationOfExcessDeferredIncomeTaxExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Amortization Of excess deferred income tax expense</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>
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    <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Equity Securities [Member]</link:label>
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