South Dakota Electricity Rates and Average Bill
Data through August 2026 (the latest month EIA has published) · Updated October 31, 2026
As of August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in South Dakota is 15.15¢/kWh (the 17th-lowest in the U.S.) and the average monthly bill is $160.09, per EIA data. That rate is 3.0¢ below the U.S. average of 18.16¢/kWh.
Rate trend, last three years
View this chart as a table (last 12 months)
| Month | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | 14.68 | 122.66 | 836 |
| October 2025 | 14.01 | 111.77 | 798 |
| November 2025 | 13.74 | 118.12 | 860 |
| December 2025 | 12.43 | 142.94 | 1150 |
| January 2026 | 13.58 | 172.34 | 1269 |
| February 2026 | 13.22 | 147.19 | 1113 |
| March 2026 | 14.28 | 143.56 | 1006 |
| April 2026 | 14.52 | 128.54 | 885 |
| May 2026 | 15.73 | 126.62 | 805 |
| June 2026 | 15.36 | 133.30 | 868 |
| July 2026 | 15.37 | 176.10 | 1146 |
| August 2026 | 15.15 | 160.09 | 1057 |
South Dakota vs the U.S. average
| South Dakota | U.S. average | |
|---|---|---|
| Rate (August 2026) | 15.15¢/kWh | 18.16¢/kWh |
| Average monthly bill | $160.09 | $209.23 |
| Average monthly usage | 1057 kWh | 1152 kWh |
| Rate change, 1 year | +9.0% | +3.4% |
| Rate change, 5 years | +18.4% | +30.5% |
South Dakota's average residential rate of 15.15¢/kWh for August 2026 ranks 17th of 51 (1 = lowest). Over the past year the rate moved +9.0% (South Dakota) versus +3.4% nationally; over five years, +18.4% versus +30.5% nationally. Average usage of 1057 kWh/month compares with 1152 kWh nationally, which is why the bill and rate ranks can differ. For how South Dakota's recent increase ranks against every other state (12-month, 3-year and 5-year changes), see electricity rate increases by state.
Largest utilities in South Dakota
Average effective rates and bills for South Dakota's largest utilities, from EIA Form 861-M (August 2026). Or find yours by ZIP code.
| Utility | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) | Residential customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern States Power Co - Minnesota | 14.33 | 134.02 | 935 | 95,427 |
| Black Hills Power, Inc. | 18.19 | 152.09 | 836 | 62,956 |
| NorthWestern Energy | 14.12 | 162.35 | 1,149 | 52,078 |
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 15.15¢/kWh is about $151.50. The state's actual average usage is 1057 kWh/month, which is what produces the $160.09 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.