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  <xsd:element id="bkh_AssetRetirementObligationLiabilitiesAcquired" name="AssetRetirementObligationLiabilitiesAcquired" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_AssetRetirementObligationRevisionEstimatePercentageChangeinEquipmentCosts" name="AssetRetirementObligationRevisionEstimatePercentageChangeinEquipmentCosts" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_AssetRetirementObligationsTable" name="AssetRetirementObligationsTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_AssetsNotExpectedToBeUtilizedInCostOfServiceGasProgramMember" name="AssetsNotExpectedToBeUtilizedInCostOfServiceGasProgramMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_AtRiskMeterRelocationProgramARMRPMember" name="AtRiskMeterRelocationProgramARMRPMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramAuthorizedAggregateValue" name="AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramAuthorizedAggregateValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramSharesIssued" name="AtTheMarketEquityOfferingProgramSharesIssued" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_AtTheMarketEquityProgramProceedsfromSaleofStock" name="AtTheMarketEquityProgramProceedsfromSaleofStock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_AverageCrudeOilPricePerBarrelNYMEX" name="AverageCrudeOilPricePerBarrelNYMEX" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:perUnitItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_AverageCrudeOilPricePerBarrelWellhead" name="AverageCrudeOilPricePerBarrelWellhead" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:perUnitItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_AverageNaturalGasLiquidsPricePerMCFNYMEX" name="AverageNaturalGasLiquidsPricePerMCFNYMEX" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:perUnitItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_AverageNaturalGasLiquidsPricePerMCFWellhead" name="AverageNaturalGasLiquidsPricePerMCFWellhead" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:perUnitItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_AverageNaturalGasPricePerMCFNYMEX" name="AverageNaturalGasPricePerMCFNYMEX" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:perUnitItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_AverageNaturalGasPricePerMCFWellhead" name="AverageNaturalGasPricePerMCFWellhead" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:perUnitItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_BlackHillsCorporationMember" name="BlackHillsCorporationMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyArkansasMember" name="BlackHillsEnergyArkansasMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyNebraskaGasMember" name="BlackHillsEnergyNebraskaGasMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyRockyMountainNaturalGasMember" name="BlackHillsEnergyRockyMountainNaturalGasMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_BlackHillsEnergyWyomingGasMember" name="BlackHillsEnergyWyomingGasMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_BlackHillsGasDistributionColoradoMember" name="BlackHillsGasDistributionColoradoMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_BlackHillsGasDistributionNebraskaMember" name="BlackHillsGasDistributionNebraskaMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_BlackHillsGasDistributionWyomingMember" name="BlackHillsGasDistributionWyomingMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_BlackHillsRetirementPlanMember" name="BlackHillsRetirementPlanMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_BlackHillsServiceCompanyMember" name="BlackHillsServiceCompanyMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_BondIssuanceCostsMember" name="BondIssuanceCostsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_BondsDue2024Member" name="BondsDue2024Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_BridgeTermLoanJuly2015Member" name="BridgeTermLoanJuly2015Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_BuschRanchWindFarmMember" name="BuschRanchWindFarmMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaCombinedFederalandStateincomeTaxRate" name="BusinessAcquisitionProFormaCombinedFederalandStateincomeTaxRate" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCostsNetOfTax" name="BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCostsNetOfTax" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetofLongTermDebtandCashAcquired" name="BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetofLongTermDebtandCashAcquired" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetofLongTermDebtandCashAcquiredBeforeWorkingCapitalAdjustment" name="BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetofLongTermDebtandCashAcquiredBeforeWorkingCapitalAdjustment" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedWorkingCapitalAdjustmentReceived" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedWorkingCapitalAdjustmentReceived" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongtermDebtIncludingWorkingCapitalChanges" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongtermDebtIncludingWorkingCapitalChanges" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedRegulatoryLiability" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedRegulatoryLiability" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_BusinessGroupAxis" name="BusinessGroupAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_BusinessGroupDomain" name="BusinessGroupDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_CIGRockiesMember" name="CIGRockiesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_CapitalAdditionRequirementsbytheFERCJointAccessTransmissionTariff" name="CapitalAdditionRequirementsbytheFERCJointAccessTransmissionTariff" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_CapitalizedInterest" name="CapitalizedInterest" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_CapitalizedInterestOfCostExcludedFromAmortization" name="CapitalizedInterestOfCostExcludedFromAmortization" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_CargillPowerPurchaseAgreementMember" name="CargillPowerPurchaseAgreementMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_CawleyGillespieAssociatesMr.ZaneMeekinsMember" name="CawleyGillespieAssociatesMr.ZaneMeekinsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_CityOfGilletteMember" name="CityOfGilletteMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_CleanAirCleanJobsActConstructionFinancingRiderMember" name="CleanAirCleanJobsActConstructionFinancingRiderMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_ColoradoElectricMember" name="ColoradoElectricMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_ColoradoPublicUtilitiesCommissionCPUCMember" name="ColoradoPublicUtilitiesCommissionCPUCMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_CommitmentandContingenciesEnvironmentalMattersPostClosureMonitoringPeriod" name="CommitmentandContingenciesEnvironmentalMattersPostClosureMonitoringPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_CommonCollectiveTrustCashAndCashEquivalentsMember" name="CommonCollectiveTrustCashAndCashEquivalentsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_CommonCollectiveTrustEquityFundMember" name="CommonCollectiveTrustEquityFundMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_CommonCollectiveTrustFixedIncomeFundMember" name="CommonCollectiveTrustFixedIncomeFundMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_CommonCollectiveTrustMoneyMarketFundMember" name="CommonCollectiveTrustMoneyMarketFundMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_CommonStockPurchasePercentageOfRecentAverageMarketPrice" name="CommonStockPurchasePercentageOfRecentAverageMarketPrice" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_ConsultantNameAxis" name="ConsultantNameAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_ConsultantNameDomain" name="ConsultantNameDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_ContinuationPeriodofChoiceGasProgram" name="ContinuationPeriodofChoiceGasProgram" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_ContractNotSubjecttoMasterNettingArrangementMember" name="ContractNotSubjecttoMasterNettingArrangementMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_ContractSubjecttoMasterNettingArrangementMember" name="ContractSubjecttoMasterNettingArrangementMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_CorporateTermLoanDueApril2017Member" name="CorporateTermLoanDueApril2017Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_CorporateTermLoanDueAugust2019Member" name="CorporateTermLoanDueAugust2019Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_CorporateTermLoanDueJune2017Member" name="CorporateTermLoanDueJune2017Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_CorporateTermLoanDueJune2021Member" name="CorporateTermLoanDueJune2021Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_CorporateUnitsOwnershipInterestPercentageInSubordinatedNotes" name="CorporateUnitsOwnershipInterestPercentageInSubordinatedNotes" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_CreditFacilityandShortTermDebtCovenantsTableTextBlock" name="CreditFacilityandShortTermDebtCovenantsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_CurrentAssetsHeldForSaleMember" name="CurrentAssetsHeldForSaleMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_CurrentAssetsMember" name="CurrentAssetsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_CurrentLiabilitiesHeldForSaleMember" name="CurrentLiabilitiesHeldForSaleMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_CurrentLiabilitiesMember" name="CurrentLiabilitiesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_CushionGasDepreciableMember" name="CushionGasDepreciableMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_CushionGasNotDepreciatedMember" name="CushionGasNotDepreciatedMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DebtInstrumentConsolidatedIndebtednessToCapitalizationRatioRequirementForTheNextFiscalYear" name="DebtInstrumentConsolidatedIndebtednessToCapitalizationRatioRequirementForTheNextFiscalYear" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DebtInstrumentConsolidatedIndebtednesstoCapitalizationRatio" name="DebtInstrumentConsolidatedIndebtednesstoCapitalizationRatio" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConsecutiveTradingDaysforCalculationofApplicableMarketValue" name="DebtInstrumentConvertibleConsecutiveTradingDaysforCalculationofApplicableMarketValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatioBasisStatedPrincipalAmount" name="DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatioBasisStatedPrincipalAmount" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DebtInstrumentConvertibleIfApplicableMarketValueGreaterThanReferencePriceAmountUsedToCalculateNumberofSharesNumerator" name="DebtInstrumentConvertibleIfApplicableMarketValueGreaterThanReferencePriceAmountUsedToCalculateNumberofSharesNumerator" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DebtInstrumentConvertiblePresentValueOfFutureContractAdjustmentPayments" name="DebtInstrumentConvertiblePresentValueOfFutureContractAdjustmentPayments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DebtInstrumentConvertibleReferencePrice" name="DebtInstrumentConvertibleReferencePrice" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_DeferredFinancingCostsOtherMember" name="DeferredFinancingCostsOtherMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DeferredFinancingCostsTableTextBlock" name="DeferredFinancingCostsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesaMember" name="DeferredIncomeTaxChargesaMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DeferredTaxLiabilityState" name="DeferredTaxLiabilityState" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DefinedBenefitPlanAlternativeInvestmentsFairValueOfPlanAssets" name="DefinedBenefitPlanAlternativeInvestmentsFairValueOfPlanAssets" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedRateofReturnOnAssetsForNextFiscalYear" name="DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedRateofReturnOnAssetsForNextFiscalYear" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueofPlanAssetsExcludingNetAssetValueinvestments" name="DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueofPlanAssetsExcludingNetAssetValueinvestments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_DefinedContributionPlan401KMember" name="DefinedContributionPlan401KMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_DefinedContributionPlanCompanyRetirementMember" name="DefinedContributionPlanCompanyRetirementMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeVestingPeriod" name="DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeVestingPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationRemainingAmortizationPeriod" name="DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationRemainingAmortizationPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_DerivativeAssetsCurrentMember" name="DerivativeAssetsCurrentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrentMember" name="DerivativeAssetsNoncurrentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DerivativeExpiredDuringthePeriod" name="DerivativeExpiredDuringthePeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrentMember" name="DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrentMember" name="DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DiscountedPresentValueRateUsedinEstimatingFutureNetRevenuesOilandGasIndustry" name="DiscountedPresentValueRateUsedinEstimatingFutureNetRevenuesOilandGasIndustry" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationDerivativeAssetsCurrentandNoncurrent" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationDerivativeAssetsCurrentandNoncurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsCorporateExpenses" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsCorporateExpenses" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsDerivativeLiabilitiesCurrentandNoncurrent" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsDerivativeLiabilitiesCurrentandNoncurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsImpairmentOfLonglivedAssetsNetofTax" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsImpairmentOfLonglivedAssetsNetofTax" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsImpairmentofEquityInvestments" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsImpairmentofEquityInvestments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsImpairmentofLonglivedAssets" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsImpairmentofLonglivedAssets" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element id="bkh_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsOtherIncomeExpensenet" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsOtherIncomeExpensenet" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_DividendReinvestmentandStockPurchasePlanMember" name="DividendReinvestmentandStockPurchasePlanMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element id="bkh_DurationOfBaseRateMoratoriumImposedbyASPC" name="DurationOfBaseRateMoratoriumImposedbyASPC" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_DurationofBaseRateMoratoriumimposedbyCPUC" name="DurationofBaseRateMoratoriumimposedbyCPUC" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element id="bkh_EarlyTerminationSettlementOfGasSupplyContract" name="EarlyTerminationSettlementOfGasSupplyContract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element id="bkh_EarlyTerminationSettlementOfGasSupplyContractPercentageOfContractNotSubjecttoRegulatoryRecovery" name="EarlyTerminationSettlementOfGasSupplyContractPercentageOfContractNotSubjecttoRegulatoryRecovery" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
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  <xsd:element id="bkh_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAllowanceForOtherFundsUsedDuringConstructionEquity" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAllowanceForOtherFundsUsedDuringConstructionEquity" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element id="bkh_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationOtherThanOptionsTotalPayoutValue" name="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationOtherThanOptionsTotalPayoutValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_EnvironmentalMember" name="EnvironmentalMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_EnvironmentalMonitoringSiteAxis" name="EnvironmentalMonitoringSiteAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element id="bkh_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentageSold" name="EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentageSold" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
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  <xsd:element id="bkh_LengthOfNaturalGasPipelineAcquired" name="LengthOfNaturalGasPipelineAcquired" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:lengthItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element id="bkh_LongTermContractToSellElectricPowerDateOfContractExpiration" name="LongTermContractToSellElectricPowerDateOfContractExpiration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:dateItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_LongTermDebtBeforeTheDeductionOfDeferredFinancingCosts" name="LongTermDebtBeforeTheDeductionOfDeferredFinancingCosts" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
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  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_NebraskaPublicServiceCommissionNPSCMember" name="NebraskaPublicServiceCommissionNPSCMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_NeilSimpsonIIMember" name="NeilSimpsonIIMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element id="bkh_NonCashRevisionToCapitalizedAssetRetirementCosts" name="NonCashRevisionToCapitalizedAssetRetirementCosts" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element id="bkh_NumberofDaystheCompanyhastoPayDistributionsofNetIncomeAttributabletoNoncontrollingInterests" name="NumberofDaystheCompanyhastoPayDistributionsofNetIncomeAttributabletoNoncontrollingInterests" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_NumberofMegawattsCapacityPurchased" name="NumberofMegawattsCapacityPurchased" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:powerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element id="bkh_NumberofMegawattsSoldUnderLongTermContract" name="NumberofMegawattsSoldUnderLongTermContract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:powerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_OsagePlantIndustrialRubbleLandfillMember" name="OsagePlantIndustrialRubbleLandfillMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_PerformanceSharesEquityAwardsMember" name="PerformanceSharesEquityAwardsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_PerformanceSharesLiabilityAwardsMember" name="PerformanceSharesLiabilityAwardsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_PiceanceBasinMember" name="PiceanceBasinMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_PowerGenerationMember" name="PowerGenerationMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element id="bkh_PracticalExperienceInPetroleumEngineering" name="PracticalExperienceInPetroleumEngineering" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_PremiumonPubliclyTradedEquityUnitsKnownAsCorporateUnits" name="PremiumonPubliclyTradedEquityUnitsKnownAsCorporateUnits" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_PriorYearMember" name="PriorYearMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStockandSaleOfInterestInCorporateUnits" name="ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStockandSaleOfInterestInCorporateUnits" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_PropertyPlantEquipmentExcludingConstructionInProgress" name="PropertyPlantEquipmentExcludingConstructionInProgress" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_PropertyPlantandEquipmentIncludingNewAssetAcquisitionsGrossPeriodIncreaseDecrease" name="PropertyPlantandEquipmentIncludingNewAssetAcquisitionsGrossPeriodIncreaseDecrease" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesPurchaseAndSaleOfMineralsInPlace" name="ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesPurchaseAndSaleOfMineralsInPlace" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:volumeItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevleopedReservesRollForward" name="ProvedDevelopedAndUndevleopedReservesRollForward" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionBorrowedInterestCostsCapitalized" name="PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionBorrowedInterestCostsCapitalized" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_PublicUtilitiesIncreaseinAmortizationExpenseDuetoChangeinAmortizationPeriods" name="PublicUtilitiesIncreaseinAmortizationExpenseDuetoChangeinAmortizationPeriods" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_PublicUtilitiesMoratoriumPeriod" name="PublicUtilitiesMoratoriumPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantandEquipmentCapitalLease" name="PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantandEquipmentCapitalLease" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantandEquipmentCostOfPlantInvestment" name="PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantandEquipmentCostOfPlantInvestment" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element id="bkh_PublicUtilitiesSuspensionOfRateIncreaseDuetoaMoratoriumbyStateRegulators" name="PublicUtilitiesSuspensionOfRateIncreaseDuetoaMoratoriumbyStateRegulators" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_PurchaseContractMember" name="PurchaseContractMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_PurchaseOptionPropertyMember" name="PurchaseOptionPropertyMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_PurchasePowerContractMean10MegawattsMember" name="PurchasePowerContractMean10MegawattsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_PurchasedGasCostObligationMember" name="PurchasedGasCostObligationMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_RecourseLeverageRatio" name="RecourseLeverageRatio" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_RegulatoryAssetsAmortizationPeriodUnclassified" name="RegulatoryAssetsAmortizationPeriodUnclassified" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_RegulatoryLiabilitiesAmortizationPeriodUnclassified" name="RegulatoryLiabilitiesAmortizationPeriodUnclassified" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_RemarketableJuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2028Member" name="RemarketableJuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2028Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_RenewableWindEnergyWyomingElectricMember" name="RenewableWindEnergyWyomingElectricMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_ReserveCalculationCostsToGatherAndProcessNaturalGasPreviouslyNettedFromTheGasPriceWereReclassifiedIntoOperatingExpenses" name="ReserveCalculationCostsToGatherAndProcessNaturalGasPreviouslyNettedFromTheGasPriceWereReclassifiedIntoOperatingExpenses" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:perUnitItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_RestrictedCashFairValueDisclosure" name="RestrictedCashFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_RockyMountainNaturalGasMember" name="RockyMountainNaturalGasMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_SanJuanBasinMember" name="SanJuanBasinMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_ScheduleOfDividendReinvestmentPlanTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfDividendReinvestmentPlanTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_ScheduleOfEmployerContributionToEmployeeBenefitPlansTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfEmployerContributionToEmployeeBenefitPlansTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_ScheduleOfJointlyOwnedFacilitiesTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfJointlyOwnedFacilitiesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" name="ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" name="ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element id="bkh_ScheduleofOffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleofOffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_SecuritiesExcludedFromDilutedEarningsPerShareDueToNetLoss" name="SecuritiesExcludedFromDilutedEarningsPerShareDueToNetLoss" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationLineItems" name="SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationTable" name="SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_SeniorSecuredNotesDue2019Member" name="SeniorSecuredNotesDue2019Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2017Member" name="SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2017Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2019Member" name="SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2019Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2020Member" name="SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2020Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2023Member" name="SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2023Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2026Member" name="SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2026Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2027Member" name="SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2027Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2046Member" name="SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2046Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_SettlementofGasSupplyContractAbstract" name="SettlementofGasSupplyContractAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionHistoricalVolatilityRate" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionHistoricalVolatilityRate" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPayoutCashPercentage" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPayoutCashPercentage" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPayoutChangeOfControl" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPayoutChangeOfControl" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPayoutSharesPercentage" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPayoutSharesPercentage" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementbyShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsImpliedVolatilityRate" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementbyShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsImpliedVolatilityRate" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardOtherThanOptionsWeightedAveragePriceRollForward" name="SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardOtherThanOptionsWeightedAveragePriceRollForward" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardPayoutPercentageofTarget" name="SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardPayoutPercentageofTarget" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_SharingArrangementwiththeCityofGilletteWyomingMember" name="SharingArrangementwiththeCityofGilletteWyomingMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_SilverSageWindPowerPurchaseAgreementMember" name="SilverSageWindPowerPurchaseAgreementMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_SourceGasMember" name="SourceGasMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_SourceGasTransactionMember" name="SourceGasTransactionMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_SouthDakotaElectricMember" name="SouthDakotaElectricMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_SouthDakotaPublicUtilitiesCommissionSDPUCMember" name="SouthDakotaPublicUtilitiesCommissionSDPUCMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_StateTaxCreditMember" name="StateTaxCreditMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_StockPrice" name="StockPrice" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_StocktonStorageRevenueRequirementMember" name="StocktonStorageRevenueRequirementMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_TaxCutsandJobsActof2017ChangeinTaxRateIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" name="TaxCutsandJobsActof2017ChangeinTaxRateIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_TaxCutsandJobsActof2017IncompleteAccountingChangeinTaxRateProvisionalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" name="TaxCutsandJobsActof2017IncompleteAccountingChangeinTaxRateProvisionalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_TaxCutsandJobsActof2017IncompleteAccountingProvisionalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" name="TaxCutsandJobsActof2017IncompleteAccountingProvisionalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_TaxCutsandJobsActof2017ReclassificationfromAOCItoRetainedEarnings" name="TaxCutsandJobsActof2017ReclassificationfromAOCItoRetainedEarnings" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_TotalCapitalExpendituresAndAssetAcquisitionsOfContinuingOperations" name="TotalCapitalExpendituresAndAssetAcquisitionsOfContinuingOperations" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_TotalOtherIncomeExpense" name="TotalOtherIncomeExpense" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_TransmissionTieMember" name="TransmissionTieMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_TransportationStorageGatheringAndCoalAgreementsMember" name="TransportationStorageGatheringAndCoalAgreementsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_TrueupfromSourceGasTaxReturnsMember" name="TrueupfromSourceGasTaxReturnsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingfromSettlementswithTaxingAuthoritiesAffectingAccumulatedDeferredIncomeTaxes" name="UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingfromSettlementswithTaxingAuthoritiesAffectingAccumulatedDeferredIncomeTaxes" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingfromSettlementswithTaxingAuthoritiesAffectingCurrentTaxesPayable" name="UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingfromSettlementswithTaxingAuthoritiesAffectingCurrentTaxesPayable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_UtilitiesGroupMember" name="UtilitiesGroupMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_UtilityPlantMegawattCapacity" name="UtilityPlantMegawattCapacity" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:powerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="bkh_WeightedAverageGrantDateofFairValueShareBasedCompensationArrangement" name="WeightedAverageGrantDateofFairValueShareBasedCompensationArrangement" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasicAndDilutedAbstract" name="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasicAndDilutedAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_WesttoEastTransmissionTieMember" name="WesttoEastTransmissionTieMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_WillowCreekLodgeCreekPipelineAndGatheringSystemMember" name="WillowCreekLodgeCreekPipelineAndGatheringSystemMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_WygenIGeneratingFacilityMember" name="WygenIGeneratingFacilityMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_WygenIIIGeneratingFacilityMember" name="WygenIIIGeneratingFacilityMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_WyodakPlantMember" name="WyodakPlantMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_WyomingElectricMember" name="WyomingElectricMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="bkh_WyomingPublicServiceCommissionWPSCMember" name="WyomingPublicServiceCommissionWPSCMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
</xsd:schema>
