South Dakota Electricity Prices

South Dakota's residential electricity rate stands at 15.73¢/kWh as of May 2026, ranking 31st among the most expensive in the 50 states and DC. This is 14.7% below the national average of 18.44¢/kWh, a difference of 2.71¢/kWh. Among neighboring states, the rate falls in the middle: more expensive than North Dakota at 13.61¢/kWh and Nebraska at 13.59¢/kWh, but less than Iowa at 14.14¢/kWh, Montana at 14.67¢/kWh, Wyoming at 14.80¢/kWh, and Minnesota at 16.95¢/kWh. Commercial and industrial rates are lower, at 11.78¢/kWh and 9.78¢/kWh respectively.

Over the past five years since May 2021, the rate has climbed 20.2% from 13.09¢/kWh. The longer view shows even steeper growth: since May 2006 it has risen 88.4% from 8.35¢/kWh, and since records began in January 2001 it has more than doubled, up 141.3% from 6.52¢/kWh. The current rate of 15.73¢/kWh marks the highest level in the dataset.

Monthly residential electricity bills average $138 on consumption of 981 kWh, both notably different from the national average bill of $155 on 871 kWh per month. South Dakota residents use roughly 13% more electricity but pay $17 less per month, reflecting the rate advantage over the national figure.