South Dakota Electricity Rates and Average Bill
Data through July 2026 (the latest month EIA has published) · Updated October 13, 2026
As of July 2026, the average residential electricity rate in South Dakota is 15.37¢/kWh (the 18th-lowest in the U.S.) and the average monthly bill is $176.10, per EIA data. That rate is 2.9¢ below the U.S. average of 18.31¢/kWh.
Rate trend, last three years
View this chart as a table (last 12 months)
| Month | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2025 | 13.98 | 143.90 | 1029 |
| September 2025 | 14.76 | 125.81 | 853 |
| October 2025 | 14.09 | 114.68 | 814 |
| November 2025 | 13.81 | 121.15 | 877 |
| December 2025 | 12.51 | 146.78 | 1174 |
| January 2026 | 13.60 | 172.51 | 1269 |
| February 2026 | 13.24 | 147.32 | 1113 |
| March 2026 | 14.29 | 143.69 | 1006 |
| April 2026 | 14.52 | 128.54 | 885 |
| May 2026 | 15.73 | 126.61 | 805 |
| June 2026 | 15.36 | 133.30 | 868 |
| July 2026 | 15.37 | 176.10 | 1146 |
South Dakota vs the U.S. average
| South Dakota | U.S. average | |
|---|---|---|
| Rate (July 2026) | 15.37¢/kWh | 18.31¢/kWh |
| Average monthly bill | $176.10 | $212.44 |
| Average monthly usage | 1146 kWh | 1160 kWh |
| Rate change, 1 year | +5.9% | +4.9% |
| Rate change, 5 years | +19.8% | +32.4% |
South Dakota's average residential rate of 15.37¢/kWh for July 2026 ranks 18th of 51 (1 = lowest). Over the past year the rate moved +5.9% (South Dakota) versus +4.9% nationally; over five years, +19.8% versus +32.4% nationally. Average usage of 1146 kWh/month compares with 1160 kWh nationally, which is why the bill and rate ranks can differ. For how South Dakota's recent increase ranks against every other state (12-month, 3-year and 5-year changes), see electricity rate increases by state.
Largest utilities in South Dakota
Average effective rates and bills for South Dakota's largest utilities, from EIA Form 861-M (July 2026). Or find yours by ZIP code.
| Utility | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) | Residential customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern States Power Co - Minnesota | 17.40 | 201.81 | 1,160 | 95,356 |
| Black Hills Power, Inc. | 14.33 | 148.16 | 1,034 | 62,886 |
| NorthWestern Energy | 14.81 | 136.53 | 922 | 52,039 |
Average bill = rate × average usage. Utilities with similar rates can show very different average bills because their customers' average usage differs (housing mix, heating fuel, climate).
Estimate a bill at South Dakota rates
Worked example: 1,000 kWh at South Dakota's average rate of 15.37¢/kWh is about $153.70. The state's actual average usage is 1146 kWh/month, which is what produces the $176.10 average bill. These are average effective rates including all charges; your utility's tariff will differ.
Wondering what's behind rising rates nationally? See Why is my electric bill so high?, our data-led explainer on demand growth, data centers, and grid costs. Also: South Dakota gas prices and why they are what they are, and the cheapest way to heat a home by fuel and state.
Source: EIA retail sales data (residential sector, monthly), published with roughly a two-month lag. Rate = revenue ÷ sales; bill = revenue ÷ customers. We do not project unpublished months. See methodology.