Electricity rates in South Dakota

Updated with EIA data for August 2026

Average rate
15.15¢
August 2026
12-month average
14.28¢
US: 18.16¢
Average bill
$160
1,057 kWh / month
National rank
#35
1 = most expensive of 51

In August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in South Dakota was 15.15¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), 17% lower than the US average of 18.16¢. That makes South Dakota the 35th most expensive of the 50 states and DC. Prices rose 9.0% from August 2025 (13.90¢).

South Dakota electricity rates over time

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South Dakota, cents per kWh US average

Average rate, bill and usage by year

YearAvg rateAvg monthly billAvg monthly use
2026 (8 mo)14.58¢$1481,018 kWh
202513.32¢$131984 kWh
202412.86¢$128994 kWh
202312.32¢$1261,025 kWh
202212.09¢$1281,058 kWh
202112.22¢$1251,019 kWh
202011.75¢$1221,037 kWh
201911.55¢$1211,044 kWh
201811.59¢$1211,045 kWh
201711.77¢$115978 kWh

Rates are weighted by kWh sold. Bills and usage are averages per residential customer.

Rates by sector (August 2026)

SectorRateA year earlier
Residential15.15¢13.90¢
Commercial11.71¢10.64¢
Industrial9.43¢8.67¢
Transportation0.00¢0.00¢
All sectors12.42¢11.38¢

How much does electricity cost in South Dakota?

At South Dakota's 12-month average residential rate of 14.28¢ per kWh, here is the energy cost for common monthly usage levels, next to the US average. Fixed customer charges, taxes and fees vary by utility and are not included.

Monthly useSouth DakotaUS average
250 kWh$35.70$45.40
500 kWh$71.40$90.80
750 kWh$107.10$136.20
1,000 kWh$142.80$181.60
1,500 kWh$214.20$272.40
2,000 kWh$285.60$363.20

South Dakota electricity prices month by month

Over the last 12 months, the average residential rate ranged from 12.43¢ (December 2025) to 15.73¢ (May 2026), and homes used the most electricity in January 2026 (1,269 kWh on average).

MonthAvg rateAvg billAvg use
August 202615.15¢$1601,057 kWh
July 202615.37¢$1761,146 kWh
June 202615.36¢$133868 kWh
May 202615.73¢$127805 kWh
April 202614.52¢$129885 kWh
March 202614.28¢$1441,006 kWh
February 202613.22¢$1471,113 kWh
January 202613.58¢$1721,269 kWh
December 202512.43¢$1431,150 kWh
November 202513.74¢$118860 kWh
October 202514.01¢$112798 kWh
September 202514.68¢$123836 kWh

South Dakota vs neighboring states

South Dakota's 12-month average rate is higher than 5 of its 6 neighbors.

State12-mo avg rateAvg monthly billRank
South Dakota14.28¢$140#36
Iowa14.20¢$120#37
Minnesota16.28¢$121#25
Montana13.94¢$115#42
Nebraska12.74¢$122#50
North Dakota12.35¢$133#51
Wyoming14.01¢$114#39

What appliances cost to run in South Dakota

ApplianceTypical wattageCost per hour
Space heater750–1,500 W$0.11–$0.21
Refrigerator725 W$0.10
Clothes dryer1,800–5,000 W$0.26–$0.71
Washing machine350–500 W$0.05–$0.07
Dishwasher1,200–2,400 W$0.17–$0.34
Electric water heater4,500–5,500 W$0.64–$0.79
Microwave750–1,100 W$0.11–$0.16
Window fan55–250 W$0.01–$0.04

All appliance costs · Appliance cost calculator for South Dakota

Can you choose your electricity provider in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, most households buy electricity from their local utility at regulated rates, so shopping for a different supplier is usually not an option. The best ways to lower your bill are to reduce usage and check whether your utility offers time-of-use or other rate plans.

Solar snapshot

Each kW of solar panels in Sioux Falls produces about 1,409 kWh a year (NREL PVWatts). Sized for an average South Dakota home, a 8.4 kW system would cost about $21,588 before any incentives and pay for itself in about 13.2 years. See the full South Dakota solar estimate.

Guides for South Dakota

South Dakota electricity calculators

Frequently asked questions

What is the average electricity rate in South Dakota?

The average residential electricity rate in South Dakota was 15.15¢ per kWh in August 2026. Over the past 12 months it averaged 14.28¢ per kWh.

What is the average electric bill in South Dakota?

The average residential customer in South Dakota paid $160 for 1,057 kWh in August 2026, based on EIA revenue, sales and customer counts.

Is electricity in South Dakota more expensive than the national average?

In August 2026, South Dakota's average rate of 15.15¢ was 17% lower than the US average of 18.16¢.

Can I choose my electricity provider in South Dakota?

Generally no. Most South Dakota households buy electricity from their local utility at regulated rates.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Form EIA-861M monthly sales and revenue data. Latest month: August 2026. Recent months may be preliminary and revised by EIA. See how we calculate.