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<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_KansasCorporationCommissionKCCMember_2276b880-13f6-4131-80d6-679484cacc70_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_KansasCorporationCommissionKCCMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_2a164d71-8456-4462-ba3b-befcbdd35b81_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Dividends on common stock</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_4b80a3c1-a886-4787-8a44-b330439454cd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_74d1aab0-c02d-480f-b48b-56a4c64bc80a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Regulatory Agency [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_1f2cfb19-9e76-4714-b756-d1587ebd133b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred credits and other liabilities:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrentMember_24fb12f9-f790-494e-b971-83e1c8e93425_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other assets, non-current</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrentMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">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>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_b4cc6cbb-64d3-4954-8817-888c7e20bec4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Prior service cost (benefit)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid_42480118-a7f6-42a2-bc54-8169e6b36e0b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accrued property, plant and equipment purchases at September 30</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_FuelPurchasedPowerAndCostOfGasSold_71f7458f-f2b8-4334-acff-ee9995d009eb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_FuelPurchasedPowerAndCostOfGasSold" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_FuelPurchasedPowerAndCostOfGasSold_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_FuelPurchasedPowerAndCostOfGasSold" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">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:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_FuelPurchasedPowerAndCostOfGasSold" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_FuelPurchasedPowerAndCostOfGasSold"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_0ab1aa16-7c9a-44a1-87f2-591e7dc03684_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_e75847c6-c1a2-4480-baff-c0bfe6cb2f22_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Comprehensive income</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense_3e00e0ae-84a1-4ec3-baf9-3f0a859a9d71_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Employee benefit plans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_0f213ca1-e582-4e42-9785-9b6812c2a44f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_d5e22986-6f53-4b82-9ba8-b2f77a6bc33d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_6f2a0c6a-c24d-4b17-9002-fa4122b151ae_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Earnings per share, Basic (usd per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Earnings Per Share, Basic</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_AmountRecoveredThroughRegulatoryMechanism_76812b43-717f-4870-ba8b-fcddb3873d55_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_AmountRecoveredThroughRegulatoryMechanism" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Amount Recovered Through Regulatory Mechanism</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_AmountRecoveredThroughRegulatoryMechanism_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_AmountRecoveredThroughRegulatoryMechanism" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Amount Recovered Through Regulatory Mechanism</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_AmountRecoveredThroughRegulatoryMechanism_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_AmountRecoveredThroughRegulatoryMechanism" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Amount Recovered Through Regulatory Mechanism</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_AmountRecoveredThroughRegulatoryMechanism" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_AmountRecoveredThroughRegulatoryMechanism"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlock_765c6ce5-0772-463a-944f-235b8551533f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Revenue</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlock"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis_44d300ec-639d-4304-8903-4a98eee92ddb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Public Utility [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Public Utility [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_AnnualTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCredits_8497cc7b-21d6-4119-b48b-f2104310e816_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_AnnualTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCredits" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Annual TCJA-Related Customer Billing Credits</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_AnnualTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCredits_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_AnnualTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCredits" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Annual TCJA-Related Customer Billing Credits</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_AnnualTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCredits_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_AnnualTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCredits" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Annual TCJA-Related Customer Billing Credits</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_AnnualTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCredits" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_AnnualTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCredits"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bkh_AnnualTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCredits" xlink:to="lab_bkh_AnnualTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCredits" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsCurrent_5d8addd0-6cfc-4fb0-a405-d41b7b8f21e2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted cash and equivalents</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsCurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted Cash and Investments, Current</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsCurrent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsCurrent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsCurrent" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsCurrent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_PurchasePowerAgreementSetToExpireAfterACertainNumberOfYearsFollowingCompletionOfTheFacility_a6f42b43-e1c1-4137-9f24-a4c6806c6628_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_PurchasePowerAgreementSetToExpireAfterACertainNumberOfYearsFollowingCompletionOfTheFacility" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Purchase Power Agreement Set to Expire after a Certain Number of Years Following Completion of the Facility</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_PurchasePowerAgreementSetToExpireAfterACertainNumberOfYearsFollowingCompletionOfTheFacility_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_PurchasePowerAgreementSetToExpireAfterACertainNumberOfYearsFollowingCompletionOfTheFacility" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Purchase Power Agreement Set to Expire after a Certain Number of Years Following Completion of the Facility</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_PurchasePowerAgreementSetToExpireAfterACertainNumberOfYearsFollowingCompletionOfTheFacility_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_PurchasePowerAgreementSetToExpireAfterACertainNumberOfYearsFollowingCompletionOfTheFacility" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Purchase Power Agreement Set to Expire after a Certain Number of Years Following Completion of the Facility</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_PurchasePowerAgreementSetToExpireAfterACertainNumberOfYearsFollowingCompletionOfTheFacility" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_PurchasePowerAgreementSetToExpireAfterACertainNumberOfYearsFollowingCompletionOfTheFacility"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bkh_PurchasePowerAgreementSetToExpireAfterACertainNumberOfYearsFollowingCompletionOfTheFacility" xlink:to="lab_bkh_PurchasePowerAgreementSetToExpireAfterACertainNumberOfYearsFollowingCompletionOfTheFacility" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_4884dd5f-6c43-47ae-8e68-daaae8a9854a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Regulatory Agency [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Regulatory Agency [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentType_29ed0281-332b-4d49-9aaf-4b962c3cea49_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentType" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Document Type</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentType_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentType" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Document Type</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_DocumentType"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentType" xlink:to="lab_dei_DocumentType" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueHedgeLiabilitiesAtFairValue_089e2d68-ccad-4495-9346-41157a32ac19_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueHedgeLiabilitiesAtFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Hedge Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueHedgeLiabilitiesAtFairValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueHedgeLiabilitiesAtFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Hedge Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueHedgeLiabilitiesAtFairValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueHedgeLiabilitiesAtFairValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueHedgeLiabilitiesAtFairValue" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueHedgeLiabilitiesAtFairValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock_44c35cb6-8a7f-4665-a49c-a0712906ecf0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Disaggregation of Revenue</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_NebraskaPublicServiceCommissionNPSCMember_9cfde9a9-ef32-4b63-85e5-e6ac4a22554e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_NebraskaPublicServiceCommissionNPSCMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Nebraska Public Service Commission (NPSC)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_NebraskaPublicServiceCommissionNPSCMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_NebraskaPublicServiceCommissionNPSCMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Nebraska Public Service Commission (NPSC) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_NebraskaPublicServiceCommissionNPSCMember" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_NebraskaPublicServiceCommissionNPSCMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_PublicUtilitiesRequestedTermExtensionOfSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRider_d255b2c1-3684-4633-93f7-2598e16c31e5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_PublicUtilitiesRequestedTermExtensionOfSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRider" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Public Utilities, Requested Term Extension of System Safety and Integrity Rider</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_PublicUtilitiesRequestedTermExtensionOfSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRider_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_PublicUtilitiesRequestedTermExtensionOfSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRider" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Public Utilities, Requested Term Extension of System Safety and Integrity Rider</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_PublicUtilitiesRequestedTermExtensionOfSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRider_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_PublicUtilitiesRequestedTermExtensionOfSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRider" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Public Utilities, Requested Term Extension of System Safety and Integrity Rider</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_PublicUtilitiesRequestedTermExtensionOfSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRider" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_PublicUtilitiesRequestedTermExtensionOfSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRider"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bkh_PublicUtilitiesRequestedTermExtensionOfSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRider" xlink:to="lab_bkh_PublicUtilitiesRequestedTermExtensionOfSystemSafetyAndIntegrityRider" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_ed58a249-e8a8-4178-a894-c14bfe4c6d8f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Measurement [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Measurement [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_67bbe44e-b9b3-4948-9ad6-20497e7b331c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Current Reporting Status</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Current Reporting Status</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember_9edad48a-a1d9-4ebd-aede-a456d4fb95bd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" xlink:to="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasicAndDilutedAbstract_f91b9762-9c11-4f0e-a2d9-acb4f1a0bb9a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted average common shares outstanding:</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasicAndDilutedAbstract_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted average number of shares of common stock, basic and diluted[Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_baa15e41-2422-4a72-bbed-a7bfda42096d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Paper</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Paper [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense_1495e61c-2055-4d34-ac35-ca221dd3bc83_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other adjustments, net</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_f717ddd1-ed2a-4d93-990f-780e4d17f6e0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTextBlock_55134b40-b211-4dfb-aa53-a26c9c148d80_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Regulatory Matters</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRecoveries_230d9d8e-8b14-4784-b9c8-5add3cda18de_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRecoveries" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Recoveries and Other Additions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRecoveries_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRecoveries" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_CreditFacilityAndShortTermDebtCovenantsTableTextBlock_38128adb-5349-4c8d-9c53-4b5c2e74d626_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_CreditFacilityAndShortTermDebtCovenantsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Credit Facility and Short Term Debt Covenants</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_CreditFacilityAndShortTermDebtCovenantsTableTextBlock" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_CreditFacilityAndShortTermDebtCovenantsTableTextBlock"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedReturnOnEquityPercentage_1a836ab9-689d-407c-850a-77fb45641d05_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedReturnOnEquityPercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Public Utilities, Requested Return on Equity, Percentage</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent_fb7012dc-cb1e-495f-8aeb-34d5a0de7ddd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Regulatory assets, current</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent_51894850-d556-4670-87d5-fd9c6d1c868d_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Less current regulatory assets</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FutureMember_bed95772-8c3b-4628-8386-558d5f772524_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FutureMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Natural gas futures purchased</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FutureMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FutureMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Future [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FutureMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FutureMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_WholesaleMember_d3818194-4d1a-4fb5-a2e2-cc63ddfe5efe_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_WholesaleMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Wholesale</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_WholesaleMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_WholesaleMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Wholesale [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_WholesaleMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_WholesaleMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Wholesale [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_WholesaleMember" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_WholesaleMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bkh_WholesaleMember" xlink:to="lab_bkh_WholesaleMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueHedgesAtFairValueNet_c2c34f76-d86d-46d0-b6cf-77b494405fa8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueHedgesAtFairValueNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Hedges, Net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueHedgesAtFairValueNet_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueHedgesAtFairValueNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Hedges, Net</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueHedgesAtFairValueNet" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueHedgesAtFairValueNet"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis_0fb239a4-a039-4b08-8f32-86af0e17e0c3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Regulatory Liability [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Regulatory Liability [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_1467e3a2-60dd-4022-a21f-5390e6e1178f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_cbc0fafb-72b6-484c-ae2a-b660efab184c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Long-term Debt</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Long-term Debt</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAssetAndRightToReclaimCashOffset_9a423427-78d7-496a-a689-09062f4fe394_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAssetAndRightToReclaimCashOffset" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAssetAndRightToReclaimCashOffset_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAssetAndRightToReclaimCashOffset" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAssetAndRightToReclaimCashOffset" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAssetAndRightToReclaimCashOffset"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAssetAndRightToReclaimCashOffset" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAssetAndRightToReclaimCashOffset" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_NaturalGasPhysicalPurchasesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_NaturalGasPhysicalPurchasesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Natural Gas Physical Purchases [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_NaturalGasPhysicalPurchasesMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_NaturalGasPhysicalPurchasesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Natural Gas Physical Purchases [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_NaturalGasPhysicalPurchasesMember" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_NaturalGasPhysicalPurchasesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bkh_NaturalGasPhysicalPurchasesMember" xlink:to="lab_bkh_NaturalGasPhysicalPurchasesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_SettlementOfPlanToProvideTCJAAndStateTaxReformBenefitsToCustomersAnnually_51e49916-84f0-4edf-b717-e20e05fffb5f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_SettlementOfPlanToProvideTCJAAndStateTaxReformBenefitsToCustomersAnnually" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Settlement of Plan to Provide TCJA and State Tax Reform benefits to Customers Annually</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_SettlementOfPlanToProvideTCJAAndStateTaxReformBenefitsToCustomersAnnually_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_SettlementOfPlanToProvideTCJAAndStateTaxReformBenefitsToCustomersAnnually" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Settlement of Plan to Provide TCJA and State Tax Reform benefits to Customers Annually</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_SettlementOfPlanToProvideTCJAAndStateTaxReformBenefitsToCustomersAnnually_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_SettlementOfPlanToProvideTCJAAndStateTaxReformBenefitsToCustomersAnnually" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Settlement of Plan to Provide TCJA and State Tax Reform benefits to Customers Annually</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_SettlementOfPlanToProvideTCJAAndStateTaxReformBenefitsToCustomersAnnually" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_SettlementOfPlanToProvideTCJAAndStateTaxReformBenefitsToCustomersAnnually"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bkh_SettlementOfPlanToProvideTCJAAndStateTaxReformBenefitsToCustomersAnnually" xlink:to="lab_bkh_SettlementOfPlanToProvideTCJAAndStateTaxReformBenefitsToCustomersAnnually" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_SettlementOfPlanToProvideTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCreditsToItsCustomers_2aee3fec-8680-4813-9605-d21ed5d2e3d4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_SettlementOfPlanToProvideTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCreditsToItsCustomers" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Settlement of plan to provide TCJA-related customer billing credits to its customers</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_SettlementOfPlanToProvideTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCreditsToItsCustomers_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_SettlementOfPlanToProvideTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCreditsToItsCustomers" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Settlement of plan to provide TCJA-related customer billing credits to its customers</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_SettlementOfPlanToProvideTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCreditsToItsCustomers_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_SettlementOfPlanToProvideTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCreditsToItsCustomers" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Settlement of plan to provide TCJA-related customer billing credits to its customers. The billing credits, which represent a disposition of excess deferred income tax benefits resulting from the TCJA, will be delivered to customers in the next fiscal year.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_SettlementOfPlanToProvideTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCreditsToItsCustomers" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_SettlementOfPlanToProvideTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCreditsToItsCustomers"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bkh_SettlementOfPlanToProvideTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCreditsToItsCustomers" xlink:to="lab_bkh_SettlementOfPlanToProvideTCJARelatedCustomerBillingCreditsToItsCustomers" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_BlackHillsEnergyKansasGasMember_4e5cdcc6-c7af-4e5a-a267-702e44078235_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_BlackHillsEnergyKansasGasMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Kansas Gas</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_BlackHillsEnergyKansasGasMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_BlackHillsEnergyKansasGasMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Black Hills Energy, Kansas Gas [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_BlackHillsEnergyKansasGasMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_BlackHillsEnergyKansasGasMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Black Hills Energy, Kansas Gas</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_BlackHillsEnergyKansasGasMember" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_BlackHillsEnergyKansasGasMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bkh_BlackHillsEnergyKansasGasMember" xlink:to="lab_bkh_BlackHillsEnergyKansasGasMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent_f7cf289b-ad72-4a5a-a3b3-15c418915fc3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative assets, current</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Asset, Current</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis_867f759a-883b-42a1-aff5-43832194e071_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:to="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrentAbstract_3a120388-0a08-47d1-9a0f-e92b8dc0fd88_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other assets:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrentAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_TradingSymbol_8b220c28-1d9c-47f8-88ac-e0c228f35ca7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Trading Symbol</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_TradingSymbol_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Trading Symbol</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:to="lab_dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_InterestRateSwapAndCommodityDerivativeMember_a40f8ce2-8438-4e96-8801-953f28e0c9c6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_InterestRateSwapAndCommodityDerivativeMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Rate Swap and Commodity Derivative</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_InterestRateSwapAndCommodityDerivativeMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_InterestRateSwapAndCommodityDerivativeMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Rate Swap and Commodity Derivative [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_InterestRateSwapAndCommodityDerivativeMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_InterestRateSwapAndCommodityDerivativeMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Rate Swap and Commodity Derivative</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_InterestRateSwapAndCommodityDerivativeMember" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_InterestRateSwapAndCommodityDerivativeMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bkh_InterestRateSwapAndCommodityDerivativeMember" xlink:to="lab_bkh_InterestRateSwapAndCommodityDerivativeMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_ApprovalReceivedFromRegulatoryAgencyMember_ebe83f51-a9e2-4321-b52f-eea713e2d88b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_ApprovalReceivedFromRegulatoryAgencyMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Approval Recevied from Regulatory Agency</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_ApprovalReceivedFromRegulatoryAgencyMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_ApprovalReceivedFromRegulatoryAgencyMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Approval Received from Regulatory Agency [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_ApprovalReceivedFromRegulatoryAgencyMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_ApprovalReceivedFromRegulatoryAgencyMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Approval Received from Regulatory Agency</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_ApprovalReceivedFromRegulatoryAgencyMember" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_ApprovalReceivedFromRegulatoryAgencyMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bkh_ApprovalReceivedFromRegulatoryAgencyMember" xlink:to="lab_bkh_ApprovalReceivedFromRegulatoryAgencyMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_d0f2b76b-ec8c-45c5-9e4b-37c307763b23_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Current liabilities:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Liabilities, Current [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollForward_92f6c2e2-8ea3-48ea-822e-2e6fb27fe6ed_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollForward_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollForward_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollForward" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollForward"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bkh_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollForward" xlink:to="lab_bkh_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollForward" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_ce23bf56-067d-4c97-9f95-f3df7c2c670b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Issuance of common stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock_54e66994-798a-4c89-b960-1ca2bab0fdc2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Revenue Recognition</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Revenue [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock_6ac14ebc-bdb4-43f7-9c81-d2af48155005_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Disclosure [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_59ac2d32-2153-47c1-bf35-9af849d8b2c0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Line of Credit</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Line of Credit [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_cc5ac904-165f-4522-8fc5-a6345e5f3eef_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_81acc5ef-e93e-40f4-b834-55b3c8a66ac9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_2129fae1-5a71-48ee-993f-449385047e7b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Instrument [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Instrument [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_937b6391-c75b-4728-bd25-6b48135fa893_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Issuance of common stock (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2024Member_0ee882ab-3e2d-49b7-b825-97a4f9bbceb5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2024Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2024</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2024Member_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2024Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2024</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_GasSupplyContractTerminationMember_6ee6b670-a1d3-4820-b360-6067c4b2c2a5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_GasSupplyContractTerminationMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gas supply contract termination</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_GasSupplyContractTerminationMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_GasSupplyContractTerminationMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gas Supply Contract Termination [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_GasSupplyContractTerminationMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_GasSupplyContractTerminationMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gas Supply Contract Termination [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_GasSupplyContractTerminationMember" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_GasSupplyContractTerminationMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_912dc2dd-7568-4646-9346-590ac37966d5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Letters of Credit</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_778d859d-ea2d-4052-9b2d-b210e973e707_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Public Utilities, Regulatory Proceeding [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Public Utilities, Regulatory Proceeding [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StormCostsMember_fcd7a5c1-7bcb-478c-8c2c-6b59c8e44e35_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StormCostsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Winter Storm Uri Incremental Costs in a Separately Tracked Mechanism</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StormCostsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StormCostsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Storm Costs [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StormCostsMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StormCostsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StormCostsMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StormCostsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_b781a422-608b-4344-8a45-39d134caa68b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common stock $1 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; issued 63,865,151 and 62,827,179 shares, respectively</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock, Value, Issued</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_105415fe-505b-4a9e-9eac-498c85c1a40f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_NetPaymentsBorrowingsOfRevolvingCreditFacilityAndCommercialPaperProgram_4ae8ee59-70a4-4077-b133-0fc8f1cce709_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_NetPaymentsBorrowingsOfRevolvingCreditFacilityAndCommercialPaperProgram" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net borrowings (payments) of Revolving Credit Facility and CP Program</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_NetPaymentsBorrowingsOfRevolvingCreditFacilityAndCommercialPaperProgram_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_NetPaymentsBorrowingsOfRevolvingCreditFacilityAndCommercialPaperProgram" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net (payments) borrowings of Revolving Credit Facility and Commercial Paper Program</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_NetPaymentsBorrowingsOfRevolvingCreditFacilityAndCommercialPaperProgram_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_NetPaymentsBorrowingsOfRevolvingCreditFacilityAndCommercialPaperProgram" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net (payments) borrowings of Revolving Credit Facility and Commercial Paper Program</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_NetPaymentsBorrowingsOfRevolvingCreditFacilityAndCommercialPaperProgram" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_NetPaymentsBorrowingsOfRevolvingCreditFacilityAndCommercialPaperProgram"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bkh_NetPaymentsBorrowingsOfRevolvingCreditFacilityAndCommercialPaperProgram" xlink:to="lab_bkh_NetPaymentsBorrowingsOfRevolvingCreditFacilityAndCommercialPaperProgram" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_8ad87156-adae-4554-a989-ecd1304b3d9a_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total other income (expense)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Nonoperating Income (Expense)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_NumberOfOneYearExtensionOptions_ad6f9abe-80f6-4491-b0da-c68f38e20da1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_NumberOfOneYearExtensionOptions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Number Of One Year Extension Options</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_NumberOfOneYearExtensionOptions_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_NumberOfOneYearExtensionOptions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Number Of One Year Extension Options</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_NumberOfOneYearExtensionOptions_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_NumberOfOneYearExtensionOptions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Number Of One Year Extension Options</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_NumberOfOneYearExtensionOptions" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_NumberOfOneYearExtensionOptions"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bkh_NumberOfOneYearExtensionOptions" xlink:to="lab_bkh_NumberOfOneYearExtensionOptions" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_ColoradoElectricMember_6db09d13-ad60-434f-86e1-39b546290c44_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_ColoradoElectricMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Colorado Electric</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_ColoradoElectricMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_ColoradoElectricMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Colorado Electric [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_ColoradoElectricMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_ColoradoElectricMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Colorado Electric</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_ColoradoElectricMember" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_ColoradoElectricMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bkh_ColoradoElectricMember" xlink:to="lab_bkh_ColoradoElectricMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect_a1835552-81c2-4502-99b0-06ecddb457ed_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net change in cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_FixedforFloatSwapsPurchasedMember_fc336e33-e461-4a54-ac8d-51701b178392_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_FixedforFloatSwapsPurchasedMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Natural gas over-the-counter swaps, net</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Long-term Debt, Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_94115292-cccf-4fce-b4f3-69f1aba55507_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other investing activities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_99b2cd10-310f-4816-ba2c-87776813682e_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Property, plant and equipment additions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_dd5eb793-20b2-424d-960c-78729a29bdf0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Contributions by Employer</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_MaximumMember_c5c376d7-49c5-4fa0-b939-a9d46bc78ec5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MaximumMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Maximum</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_MaximumMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MaximumMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Maximum [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_MaximumMember" xlink:to="lab_srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd_894d607b-9b65-4ab8-acd4-c3e97b990a23_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_ElectricUtilitiesMember_f9b13fbd-08e1-4e7e-85ba-0c55c94f9a47_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_ElectricUtilitiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Electric Utilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_ElectricUtilitiesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_ElectricUtilitiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Electric Utilities [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_ElectricUtilitiesMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_ElectricUtilitiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Electric Utilities Segment [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_ElectricUtilitiesMember" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_ElectricUtilitiesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bkh_ElectricUtilitiesMember" xlink:to="lab_bkh_ElectricUtilitiesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanNoncurrentInvestmentsAndPropertyPlantAndEquipment_ad2cf6e0-6708-40c6-a69a-62ee8605b67d_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanNoncurrentInvestmentsAndPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total other assets, non-current</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanNoncurrentInvestmentsAndPropertyPlantAndEquipment_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanNoncurrentInvestmentsAndPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Assets, Noncurrent, Other than Noncurrent Investments and Property, Plant and Equipment</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanNoncurrentInvestmentsAndPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanNoncurrentInvestmentsAndPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanNoncurrentInvestmentsAndPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanNoncurrentInvestmentsAndPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_PowerGenerationMember_ab1faa47-6de0-4ebd-8d66-c05a3cf630f4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_PowerGenerationMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Power Generation</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_PowerGenerationMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_PowerGenerationMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Power Generation [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_PowerGenerationMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_PowerGenerationMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Power Generation</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_PowerGenerationMember" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_PowerGenerationMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bkh_PowerGenerationMember" xlink:to="lab_bkh_PowerGenerationMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1f9e140d-33a8-46a2-8dbf-a33e8cbae52d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Legal Entity [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_LegalEntityAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Legal Entity [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="lab_dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts_f7bb581a-ec65-4006-88a9-a4ffda921f70_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payment for Debt Extinguishment or Debt Prepayment Cost</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payment for Debt Extinguishment or Debt Prepayment Cost</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_9e2e774f-412d-4260-9469-6070d1288ab8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accrued Liabilities Schedule</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_6661e3a3-453d-4ee9-b0b5-f35066d644d1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing activities:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_AtTheMarketEquityProgramProceedsfromSaleofStock_a7dc44cc-412f-48b3-814c-49941795bbd4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_AtTheMarketEquityProgramProceedsfromSaleofStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">At The Market Equity Program Proceeds from Sale of Stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_AtTheMarketEquityProgramProceedsfromSaleofStock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_AtTheMarketEquityProgramProceedsfromSaleofStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">At The Market Equity Program Proceeds from Sale of Stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_AtTheMarketEquityProgramProceedsfromSaleofStock_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_AtTheMarketEquityProgramProceedsfromSaleofStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">At The Market Equity Program Proceeds from Sale of Stock</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_AtTheMarketEquityProgramProceedsfromSaleofStock" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_AtTheMarketEquityProgramProceedsfromSaleofStock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bkh_AtTheMarketEquityProgramProceedsfromSaleofStock" xlink:to="lab_bkh_AtTheMarketEquityProgramProceedsfromSaleofStock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_a3b69014-1c1f-4e89-b15b-af41038876f1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Consolidation Items [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Consolidation Items [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="lab_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_AllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionMember_0ca12c10-38f4-4980-b7e0-9d3c0a49fbbc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_AllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred taxes on AFUDC</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_AllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_AllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Allowance For Funds Used During Construction [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_AllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_AllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">The offsetting entry to other income when an enterprise capitalizes, as part of the cost of plant and equipment, the cost of financing construction as financed partially by equity.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_AllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionMember" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_AllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bkh_AllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionMember" xlink:to="lab_bkh_AllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_b51fb441-a3ed-42f7-b3d7-080d42f53196_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total stockholders&#8217; equity</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_1c36632e-55d6-45a5-ac51-8078a77eba97_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common stock, shares, issued</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_OtherRegulatoryLiabilitiesMember_ddc7e11e-d01b-41b3-bb5d-6cd470708afa_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_OtherRegulatoryLiabilitiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other regulatory liabilities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InventoryNet_c69ef5f0-f174-4c10-96e4-6b88a3da28d2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InventoryNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Materials, supplies and fuel</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_211c85a6-5514-4cce-b8fe-c6f59018be83_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Equity Component [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Stockholders' Equity, Other</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_CarryingCostsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_CarryingCostsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Carrying Costs</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ed7fedf1-d57f-4dc3-b923-f0881aec69d3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Statement [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Statement [Line Items]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_bfa0d38f-9cd7-4220-aa1a-b4dc42221df6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-based compensation</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Shares Issued, Value, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_1cb242fb-0f1d-4c29-b1b4-4bb2a85352df_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Retirement Plan Type [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_fae3a799-8eea-4261-adf5-5be8bac15a0d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Short-term Debt, Type [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Short-term Debt, Type [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetRegulatoryAssetsAbstract_fc150f71-35d4-48a3-b209-3bd18e9d8e91_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetRegulatoryAssetsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Regulatory assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetRegulatoryAssetsAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetRegulatoryAssetsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net Regulatory Assets [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetRegulatoryAssetsAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetRegulatoryAssetsAbstract"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_a00ae460-dd78-4348-815a-01ea93971b75_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_CustomerDepositsandPrepayments_cf99eee9-5881-4416-9fcc-b2a524137fa9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_CustomerDepositsandPrepayments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Customer deposits and prepayments</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_CustomerDepositsandPrepayments" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_CustomerDepositsandPrepayments"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations_7d88947c-ce76-4cfd-abee-e0eff1c6ab2e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Contributions to defined benefit pension plans</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_eaf3c4c5-8fd6-4455-b9a5-05b6a1ba8ca4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, State or Province</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_3d606bbc-ea41-4692-896c-588326f28335_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Income before income taxes</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRestorationCostsMember_6e192d50-dc31-4a0e-a7ca-ff7a0d97705f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRestorationCostsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Decommissioning costs</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRestorationCostsMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalRestorationCostsMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_e7cb40e6-40a4-47fb-9049-2bd079ccb147_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest, net of amounts capitalized</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapital1_fa3bd847-fec7-4593-8208-5dd25e08c369_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapital1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapital1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapital1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_NumberOfMegawattsCapacityPurchased_a55199c5-6002-4dcc-8fdb-dbc9f91cb594_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_NumberOfMegawattsCapacityPurchased" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Number of Megawatts Capacity Purchased</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_NumberOfMegawattsCapacityPurchased_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_NumberOfMegawattsCapacityPurchased" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Number of Megawatts Capacity Purchased</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_NumberOfMegawattsCapacityPurchased_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_NumberOfMegawattsCapacityPurchased" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Number of Megawatts Capacity Purchased</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_7798d52a-afba-4ffa-91ac-b69199183b11_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Product and Service [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Product and Service [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_NebraskaPublcServiceCommissionNPSCMember_aea1e34e-5e4c-4637-8056-fd34788c8df3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_NebraskaPublcServiceCommissionNPSCMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Nebraska Publc Service Commission (NPSC)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_NebraskaPublcServiceCommissionNPSCMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_NebraskaPublcServiceCommissionNPSCMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Nebraska Publc Service Commission (NPSC)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_73588ec1-7e31-4bc8-951d-159c4e0a0b1f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Noncontrolling Interest</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Noncontrolling Interest [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SupplementalBalanceSheetDisclosuresTextBlock_ce61e8c5-c5d3-4de7-b2fb-9cf3ac9e1dd2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SupplementalBalanceSheetDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Selected Balance Sheet Information</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SupplementalBalanceSheetDisclosuresTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SupplementalBalanceSheetDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosures [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalBalanceSheetDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalBalanceSheetDisclosuresTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalBalanceSheetDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SupplementalBalanceSheetDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFuelCostsMember_c6e976e4-bcfc-4740-9eb1-5f308ab3b52d_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFuelCostsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred energy and fuel cost adjustments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFuelCostsMember_012c078f-d07d-453e-af49-074b44fabb39_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFuelCostsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred energy and gas costs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFuelCostsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFuelCostsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Fuel Costs [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFuelCostsMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFuelCostsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFuelCostsMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFuelCostsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTextBlock_88b9c65e-aa3d-4912-9f89-9be30f2713e1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Account Receivable Schedule</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_2c5decc9-677f-47e0-9389-cc889b65dde2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_c61dbc05-ee3d-4987-9a15-ed1975b824ef_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Contract [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Contract [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_cb91dd20-fd9f-4d36-8feb-01f67a40c74e_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net income attributable to non-controlling interest</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_2e1eac32-4c0e-4f0e-b0bc-f766197ce68e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Revolving Credit Facility</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Revolving Credit Facility [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_9d952a22-6066-49d4-b11a-29ea1d12c44b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_930f493c-c6ce-4a02-b723-3a272df3fae7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Frequency [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Frequency [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CollateralAlreadyPostedAggregateFairValue_e8cd0841-f696-4693-b5e5-b70c5d9057e4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CollateralAlreadyPostedAggregateFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Credit Risk Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedInventoryNaturalGasInStorage_d9e8b8b3-d0be-43b7-827f-1556d04b92fa_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedInventoryNaturalGasInStorage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Natural gas in storage</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_e2d2ce36-d163-4ea9-9ea9-45c1bee8d318_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accounts payable</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_EnvironmentalMember_916f6a76-320a-48ca-ac8f-086d0b7347db_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_EnvironmentalMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Environmental</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_EnvironmentalMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_EnvironmentalMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Environmental [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_EnvironmentalMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_EnvironmentalMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Environmental costs associated with utility property [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_0309d128-c452-4c3d-9cb4-609544d12c9a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_45f41d72-abe1-4ed6-be93-a06017c77264_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Materials, supplies and fuel</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_ca09ed4f-3145-4148-8346-8725b3e09dde_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Beginning balance (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_ColoradoPublicUtilitiesCommissionCPUCMember_a1fcef3b-664d-4b2a-9d6c-72f80d037317_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_ColoradoPublicUtilitiesCommissionCPUCMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_28855f69-362b-4cf2-b7ff-a0c47bb9cf4a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongMember_aef5a53b-3203-45a6-951e-46101a516bcd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Long</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Long [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LongMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterialsAndSupplies_6bfccbd6-7fa0-4a67-9ba0-6c7a8cee896e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterialsAndSupplies" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Materials and supplies</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterialsAndSupplies_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterialsAndSupplies" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Gross</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_a436a776-3df1-40ce-bb41-2b564dc0db14_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Regulatory Asset [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Regulatory Asset [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsRemainderOfFiscalYear_1fde649d-dfe3-4382-86ed-8f0ec251500f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_1510099f-bec3-4bbe-a433-1dc7c326918b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_BlackHillsEnergyNebraskaGasMember_27b1d671-9bc4-4355-a243-1b6e40ce4e8e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_BlackHillsEnergyNebraskaGasMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Nebraska Gas</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_BlackHillsEnergyNebraskaGasMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_BlackHillsEnergyNebraskaGasMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Black Hills Energy, Nebraska Gas [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_BlackHillsEnergyNebraskaGasMember" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_BlackHillsEnergyNebraskaGasMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable_62fb70b2-4953-4722-8dd5-6baee3e199b9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">A table of assets and liabilities that are created when regulatory agencies permit public utilities to defer recognitiion of certain revenues or costs included in rate setting.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_28f55e7d-4965-42c1-a06f-7bef657aeb39_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Income Statement Location [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Income Statement Location [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_30511ca4-3ba2-4338-857a-8cba7a3a27af_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Term</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_MarketOffSystemSalesMember_b9f8639e-cb13-4733-95fe-bbb05c1bc8bb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_MarketOffSystemSalesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Market - off-system sales</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_MarketOffSystemSalesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_MarketOffSystemSalesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Market Off-System Sales [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_MarketOffSystemSalesMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_MarketOffSystemSalesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Market Off-System Sales [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_MarketOffSystemSalesMember" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_MarketOffSystemSalesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bkh_MarketOffSystemSalesMember" xlink:to="lab_bkh_MarketOffSystemSalesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_BlackHillsEnergyColoradoElectricMember_2c07168e-a9bf-4c46-999f-d856681a63ca_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_BlackHillsEnergyColoradoElectricMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Colorado Electric</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_BlackHillsEnergyColoradoElectricMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_BlackHillsEnergyColoradoElectricMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Black Hills Energy, Colorado Electric [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_BlackHillsEnergyColoradoElectricMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_BlackHillsEnergyColoradoElectricMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Black Hills Energy, Colorado Electric</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_BlackHillsEnergyColoradoElectricMember" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_BlackHillsEnergyColoradoElectricMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_eba0f5e7-e7bb-4b9f-ab79-c6215d895c4e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_FuelTypeDomain_9d38e09d-0622-4960-952e-be04433518c0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_FuelTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fuel Type [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_FuelTypeDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_FuelTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fuel Type [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_FuelTypeDomain_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_FuelTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fuel Type [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_FuelTypeDomain" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_FuelTypeDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bkh_FuelTypeDomain" xlink:to="lab_bkh_FuelTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_26e9af0d-3f8a-41b1-81ed-a58f81bfb98b_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total property, plant and equipment, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Property, Plant and Equipment, Net</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_8ab9a987-bc72-4a2e-8b6d-b98ccc951b5e_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total operating expenses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Operating Expenses</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_aa2063d3-79d0-4686-8c4c-d5370b317191_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other deferred credits and other liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Liabilities, Noncurrent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_c4a89b0a-37e2-4f25-b388-c517edab8137_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Long-term debt - repayments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repayments of Long-term Debt</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_2ba5ec57-d735-474b-b73d-9a7340c231d0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Earnings per share of common stock:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Earnings Per Share [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_6f7ec081-143f-48a4-bca1-f29d946d3a72_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Assets, Commodity Derivatives</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Asset</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_4c3e35eb-2684-4020-ac89-f422a9cfc9a8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Property, plant and equipment</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_d3132b57-89e9-4934-ad83-4672f6dcdcbc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Document Quarterly Report</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Document Quarterly Report</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" xlink:to="lab_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_Revenues_59d40c93-fea6-45e8-92b4-bb2e1c5b4951_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Revenues</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_Revenues_438b4198-82bc-4adb-b337-bad15352c2f6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total revenues</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_Revenues_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Revenues</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_cb226ed2-c150-4b1c-939c-9cc147f4dc8c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_56d18b70-1496-4289-87b0-aaccfd2570c7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Line of Credit Facility [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Line of Credit Facility [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_7bc3d52b-728b-4aa9-a539-9092b245f1b8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_e91adeaf-e419-48db-baef-f79f5a0d0968_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Long-term debt, net of current maturities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_ce59db68-635a-429a-bbe8-f462b716782e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_8cde9c1a-f9b4-4739-9155-dd2abd1094e7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Current assets:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Assets, Current [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_eac919c8-8f5d-4f03-a70d-4e5efe1667e8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_0fc7d41f-9714-4ab4-a499-05961fc1e8da_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other financing activities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_SettlementTotalOfPlanToProvideTCJAAndStateTaxReformBenefitsToCustomers_873333ea-15b4-404c-b3b9-03e367c3c7e8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_SettlementTotalOfPlanToProvideTCJAAndStateTaxReformBenefitsToCustomers" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Settlement Total of Plan to Provide TCJA and State Tax Reform benefits to Customers</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_SettlementTotalOfPlanToProvideTCJAAndStateTaxReformBenefitsToCustomers_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_SettlementTotalOfPlanToProvideTCJAAndStateTaxReformBenefitsToCustomers" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Settlement Total of Plan to Provide TCJA and State Tax Reform benefits to Customers</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_786fe0fc-f59a-4473-893e-faf03f94fa11_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Central Index Key</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_SecurityExchangeName_5f04a9ae-8f8d-40b4-af06-4ab59c1d96f4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Security Exchange Name</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_SecurityExchangeName_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Security Exchange Name</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommodityOptionMember_86ee6dea-ee5c-4fd1-b0db-6c176501e7e3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommodityOptionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Natural gas options purchased, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommodityOptionMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommodityOptionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Commodity Option [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommodityOptionMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommodityOptionMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_476413e6-9323-4e06-a1f6-14fe50cea5da_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_7a8c1469-4397-4e74-9b2f-65bf9f95e8fe_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Diluted (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_47080999-52b2-4a85-87a9-f442c2e27da8_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other comprehensive income, net of tax</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_3d12b977-2416-4910-b047-cf2f3d65eae0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other comprehensive income, net of tax</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_159fd957-c63b-4301-804c-fc7d2276dd37_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_fafaba24-73ad-47f6-afa6-518173fe02fe_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accrued interest</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Payable, Current</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_96ed3fc3-1a1d-49df-860e-6e1248c9792e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Income Taxes</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RemovalCostsMember_c21db9ac-e6d5-4e54-8c72-4c160e2be415_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RemovalCostsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cost of removal</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_b0b15331-34d5-40ac-986b-660de367045a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Current Fiscal Year End Date</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_26a0492a-cd35-413f-8c73-b6133469724c_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total current liabilities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_964f09d5-fdbc-49d8-80e4-cc374fa763d6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Inter-company Revenues</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_b97a61d4-b809-48f1-af6c-af80d6281aaf_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Public Utilities General Disclosures [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_bb6b0fb4-f22c-4e9e-9524-1f06de2a2c18_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_a2564cf6-6742-43d5-8e29-eabfd8fa58f2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromOtherShortTermDebt_22a3ce6e-411f-4049-ba4a-615154da077b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromOtherShortTermDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Term loan - borrowings</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromOtherShortTermDebt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromOtherShortTermDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Other Short-term Debt</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_4e7f56b3-62dd-443c-946b-535c57da4f8f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting Information</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_b2838a1e-c7da-4cfe-bfcf-c87dea841529_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, Postal Zip Code</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PositionDomain_7cf52f32-b987-4849-a66b-b662b1428f33_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PositionDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Position [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PositionDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PositionDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Position [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PositionDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PositionDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_IntercompanyCustomersMember_cc998e90-471e-4861-b6ec-d27c7db97356_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_IntercompanyCustomersMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Intercompany Customers</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_IntercompanyCustomersMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_IntercompanyCustomersMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Intercompany Customers [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_IntercompanyCustomersMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_IntercompanyCustomersMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Intercompany Customers [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_IntercompanyCustomersMember" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_IntercompanyCustomersMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_ExternalCustomersMember_0fdb708b-0fbd-4754-9fb0-c8b1c09094f7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_ExternalCustomersMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">External Customers</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_ExternalCustomersMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_ExternalCustomersMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">External Customers [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bkh_ExternalCustomersMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_ExternalCustomersMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">External Customers</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes_0a2b1483-bd71-46c5-8042-6882f68c60eb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Taxes - property and production</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_TransportationMember_fe788b43-d9ae-4eb0-8cdf-36dc86e21399_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_TransportationMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Transportation</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_TransportationMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_TransportationMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Transportation [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bkh_TransportationMember" xlink:href="bkh-20210930.xsd#bkh_TransportationMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_a74e061c-e5c9-46e0-b0a2-8d89dc8ae4be_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_552d9b54-3ffe-4086-b498-e5200f8b51a4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementTable_222c13fb-8981-4e60-8389-be9dbf737d94_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Statement [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_a6a9fd02-f234-447a-b1a7-dfc75ee8b89f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DilutiveSecuritiesAbstract_64bf5043-4f5c-40e9-8836-d432ee5e102e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DilutiveSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Dilutive effect of:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DilutiveSecuritiesAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DilutiveSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DilutiveSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DilutiveSecuritiesAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DilutiveSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DilutiveSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_bkh_PublicUtilitiesNumberOfDaysAfterFilingARateReviewTheInterimRatesMayBeImplemented_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bkh_PublicUtilitiesNumberOfDaysAfterFilingARateReviewTheInterimRatesMayBeImplemented" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Public Utilities, Number of Days After Filing a Rate Review the Interim Rates May Be Implemented</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount_5dd6c5ce-6b42-48d5-9eb9-05fe8bf5708d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Public Utilities, Requested Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Public Utilities, Requested Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesOtherDisclosuresAbstract_265772f7-6ffc-441d-9665-0812fbbbbbe0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Regulatory liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesOtherDisclosuresAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, Other Disclosures [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesOtherDisclosuresAbstract"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_srt_RangeAxis_ee98cbb6-ee27-4b30-b563-1c29287c64b5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_RangeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Statistical Measurement [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_RangeAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_RangeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Statistical Measurement [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_a6bacaee-f1e5-46ae-a43e-8b39a32096e8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeRemainingMaturity1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeRemainingMaturity1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative, Remaining Maturity</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeRemainingMaturity1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeRemainingMaturity1"/>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_CoverAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cover [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_CoverAbstract"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_Goodwill_0fe91bee-bc7c-40c2-818b-2fb2f45ff40f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Goodwill</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_Goodwill_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Goodwill</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember_bf4cafb9-712a-4ba4-a2b3-8781b77a3c17_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cost of Sales [Member]</link:label>
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