Independent rate reference - not affiliated with any utility or energy supplier. Data: EIA Electric Power Monthly, April 2026.Full disclaimer
ElectricityRatePerKWh

Electricity Rate in South Dakota (2026): 12.37c/kWh Average

Residential Rate
12.37¢
per kWh
vs US Avg
-30%
5.28c below
Avg Monthly Bill
$133
1072 kWh
Provider Choice
No
Regulated monopoly

South Dakota Electricity Rate: What You Need to Know

South Dakota electricity averages 12.37 cents per kWh for residential customers as of April 2026, according to the EIA Electric Power Monthly. This is 5.28c below the US average of 17.65c/kWh. The average monthly bill for South Dakota households is $133 based on typical usage of 1072 kWh.

Generation mix: Hydro 45%, wind 30%, natural gas 20%, coal 5%. The fuel mix is a primary driver of electricity rates - states with abundant hydro or nuclear tend to have lower rates, while states dependent on imported petroleum (Hawaii) or natural gas pay more.

Year-over-year change: South Dakota rates rose 2.4% year-over-year as of April 2026. This compares to the US average increase of 5.4% over the same period.

Regulated: You Cannot Switch Electricity Suppliers

Black Hills Energy / Otter Tail Power operates as the regulated utility in South Dakota. Retail electricity choice is not available for residential customers. Options for reducing your bill include: time-of-use rate optimization, energy efficiency upgrades, and rooftop solar.

Your South Dakota Electricity Bill Components

Energy charge (1072 kWh x 12.37c)$132.61
Fixed customer charge (estimated)~$10.00
Estimated monthly total$142.61
All Sectors - South Dakota
Residential12.37c
Commercial10.14c
Industrial6.54c
Dominant Utility
Black Hills Energy / Otter Tail Power
Adjacent States
North Dakota11.64c
Minnesota15.09c
Nebraska13.12c
Montana13.23c
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South Dakota Electricity: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the electricity rate in South Dakota in 2026?+
The average residential electricity rate in South Dakota is 12.37 cents per kWh as of April 2026, according to the EIA Electric Power Monthly. This is 5.28c below the US average of 17.65c/kWh (-30%). The average monthly electricity bill in South Dakota is approximately $133 based on 1072 kWh typical monthly usage.
Can I switch electricity providers in South Dakota?+
No - South Dakota operates a regulated electricity market. Black Hills Energy / Otter Tail Power serves as the regulated monopoly utility. Customers cannot switch electricity generation suppliers. Options for reducing bills include time-of-use rate optimization (where available), energy efficiency upgrades, and solar installation.
What is the average monthly electricity bill in South Dakota?+
The average South Dakota household uses approximately 1072 kWh per month. At 12.37c/kWh plus approximately $10 in fixed charges, the average monthly bill is $133. This varies by season (higher in summer for cooling-dominant states like Florida, higher in winter for heating-dominant states).
What is the primary electricity source in South Dakota?+
South Dakota's generation mix is primarily Hydro 45%, wind 30%, natural gas 20%, coal 5%. This fuel mix is a key factor in the state's electricity rate - states relying on hydro or nuclear typically have lower rates, while states heavily dependent on natural gas or petroleum (like Hawaii) face higher costs.
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