South Dakota Electricity Rates and Average Bill
Data through June 2026 (the latest month EIA has published) · Updated September 04, 2026
As of June 2026, the average residential electricity rate in South Dakota is 15.36¢/kWh (the 19th-lowest in the U.S.) and the average monthly bill is $133.30, per EIA data. That rate is 3.0¢ below the U.S. average of 18.34¢/kWh.
Rate trend, last three years
View this chart as a table (last 12 months)
| Month | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2025 | 14.52 | 157.32 | 1083 |
| 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 |
South Dakota vs the U.S. average
| South Dakota | U.S. average | |
|---|---|---|
| Rate (June 2026) | 15.36¢/kWh | 18.34¢/kWh |
| Average monthly bill | $133.30 | $170.65 |
| Average monthly usage | 868 kWh | 930 kWh |
| Rate change, 1 year | +8.0% | +5.0% |
| Rate change, 5 years | +19.0% | +32.6% |
South Dakota's average residential rate of 15.36¢/kWh for June 2026 ranks 19th of 51 (1 = lowest). Over the past year the rate moved +8.0% (South Dakota) versus +5.0% nationally; over five years, +19.0% versus +32.6% nationally. Average usage of 868 kWh/month compares with 930 kWh nationally, which is why the bill and rate ranks can differ. For how South Dakota's recent increase ranks against every other state (12-month, 3-year and 5-year changes), see electricity rate increases by state.
Largest utilities in South Dakota
Average effective rates and bills for South Dakota's largest utilities, from EIA Form 861-M (June 2026). Or find yours by ZIP code.
| Utility | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) | Residential customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern States Power Co - Minnesota | 14.90 | 121.50 | 815 | 95,267 |
| Black Hills Power, Inc. | 15.91 | 100.60 | 632 | 62,681 |
| NorthWestern Energy | 15.25 | 119.53 | 784 | 52,053 |
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 15.36¢/kWh is about $153.60. The state's actual average usage is 868 kWh/month, which is what produces the $133.30 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.