In July 2026, homes in South Dakota paid an average of 15.37¢ per kWh, the 18th cheapest of the 50 states and DC and 16.1% below the U.S. average of 18.31¢.
That price is up 5.9% from a year earlier.
Over the past 12 months the average home in South Dakota used 986 kWh a month, for an average bill of $140 (U.S.: $157).
About electricity in South Dakota
Wind generates most of South Dakota's electricity, with hydropower from Missouri River dams supplying much of the rest, and the state produces far more than it uses.
- wind 57%
- hydropower 22%
- natural gas 10%
- coal 9%
- other 2%
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission is the state agency that regulates electric utilities in South Dakota.
Average electric bill in South Dakota
Over the last 12 months the average South Dakota home paid $140 a month for electricity, the 18th lowest of the 50 states and DC. In July 2026 the average bill was $176 for 1,146 kWh.
Over the last 12 months, homes in South Dakota used the most electricity in January, when electric heating drives usage up: an average of 1,269 kWh and a $173 bill. The lightest month was May, at 805 kWh and $127.
What would I pay?
| Monthly use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh × 15.37¢ | $76.85 | $922 |
| 1,000 kWh × 15.37¢typical | $153.70 | $1,844 |
| 1,500 kWh × 15.37¢ | $230.55 | $2,767 |
| 2,000 kWh × 15.37¢ | $307.40 | $3,689 |
Estimate your own bill
Cost of electricity in South Dakota by month
Businesses in South Dakota paid 12.17¢ per kWh in July 2026 (the 21st cheapest for business power), and industrial users paid 9.83¢.
Electric companies in South Dakota
21 utilities deliver electricity to homes in South Dakota. The largest is Northern States Power Co - Minnesota, serving 94,137 homes.
| Utility | Homes served | Avg. home rate |
|---|---|---|
| Northern States Power Co - Minnesota | 94,137 | 13.13¢ |
| Black Hills Power, Inc. | 67,608 | 15.12¢ |
| NorthWestern Energy | 51,787 | 13.35¢ |
| Sioux Valley SW Elec Coop | 22,989 | 13.94¢ |
| Southeastern Electric Coop Inc | 20,959 | 12.98¢ |
| West River Electric Assn Inc | 18,975 | 15.16¢ |
| Watertown Municipal Utilities | 11,775 | 9.29¢ |
| City of Brookings | 10,769 | 10.69¢ |
| Black Hills Electric Coop, Inc | 9,415 | 14.79¢ |
| Otter Tail Power Co | 9,094 | 11.42¢ |
"Avg. home rate" is what each utility's full-service residential customers paid on average in 2025 (revenue ÷ kWh sold). Delivery-only utilities have no full-service rate.
Can you choose your electricity supplier in South Dakota?
No. Households in South Dakota buy electricity from the utility that serves their address. Rates are set by the state utility commission (for investor-owned utilities) or by the utility's own board (for co-ops and city-owned utilities).
South Dakota compared with neighboring states
| State | Price per kWh | Avg. monthly bill (12 mo.) |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 13.41¢ | $132 |
| Nebraska | 13.78¢ | $123 |
| Wyoming | 14.36¢ | $114 |
| Montana | 14.99¢ | $115 |
| South Dakota | 15.37¢ | $140 |
| Iowa | 15.99¢ | $121 |
| Minnesota | 17.45¢ | $120 |
South Dakota electricity FAQ
What is the average electric bill in South Dakota?
The average home in South Dakota paid $140 a month over the last 12 months, using 986 kWh. That is the 18th lowest of the 50 states and DC. In July 2026 alone, the average bill was $176.
How much does electricity cost per kWh in South Dakota?
Homes paid an average of 15.37¢ per kWh in July 2026, 16.1% below the U.S. average of 18.31¢. Businesses paid 12.17¢ per kWh.
Which month has the highest electric bills in South Dakota?
January, in the last 12 months of data: the average bill reached $173 (1,269 kWh), compared with $127 in May, the lowest month.
Can I choose my electricity provider in South Dakota?
No. Households in South Dakota buy electricity from the utility that serves their address, at rates set by regulators or the utility's board.
What are the largest electric companies in South Dakota?
By number of residential customers in 2025: Northern States Power Co - Minnesota (94,137), Black Hills Power, Inc. (67,608), NorthWestern Energy (51,787).
Latest SD electric rates, bills and usage: U.S. Energy Information Administration retail sales data (forms EIA-861M and EIA-861), latest month July 2026. Utilities and suppliers: EIA-861 (2025). Bills and usage are revenue and sales divided by customers. Last updated 2026-10-20.