Courtesy Aspen Police Department A picture of the "Earth First!" graffiti found at one of the three Black Hills Energy locations that showed evidence of tampering. Heat and hot water are slowly returning to Aspen after purported vandalism cut off gas service to around 3,500 customers over the weekend. The service interruption came as the mountain community faces freezing temperatures and a surge of tourism around the holidays. By the end of the day Tuesday, Black Hills Energy reported the company had restored service to about 2,000 homes and businesses. Carly West, a utility spokesperson, said 170 technicians will continue to light pilot lights and check for toxic gases to fully restore service.