Electricity rates in South Dakota

The average residential electricity price in South Dakota was 15.15¢/kWh in August 2026, 16.6% below the U.S. average of 18.16¢/kWh (EIA).

Average price (Aug 2026)
15.15¢/kWh
Change vs Aug 2025
+9.0%+1.25¢/kWh
Rank (1 = most expensive)
35thof 51
vs U.S. average
−16.6%−3.01¢/kWh

South Dakota residential electricity price, last 12 months

South Dakota vs U.S. average residential electricity price, last 12 monthsSouth Dakota: 14.7¢ in Sep 2025, 15.2¢ in Aug 2026. Low 12.4¢, high 15.7¢.12.0¢14.0¢16.0¢18.0¢20.0¢Nov 2025Feb 2026May 2026Aug 2026
· cents per kWh
Show data table
MonthSouth DakotaU.S. average
Aug 202615.2¢18.2¢
Jul 202615.4¢18.3¢
Jun 202615.4¢18.4¢
May 202615.7¢18.4¢
Apr 202614.5¢18.9¢
Mar 202614.3¢18.6¢
Feb 202613.2¢17.6¢
Jan 202613.6¢17.4¢
Dec 202512.4¢17.1¢
Nov 202513.7¢17.8¢
Oct 202514.0¢17.9¢
Sep 202514.7¢18.1¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (Aug 2026). Retrieved November 5, 2026. About our data

What common appliances cost to run in South Dakota

Worked examples at 15.15¢/kWh, the August 2026 average:

  • Running a 1,500 W space heater 6 hours a day for 30 days uses 270 kWh and costs about $40.91.
  • Running a 3,500 W central air conditioner 8 hours a day for 30 days uses 840 kWh and costs about $127.26.
  • Running a refrigerator using 500 kWh per year uses 500 kWh and costs about $75.75 a year.

Try your own appliance in the appliance cost calculator.

Typical monthly use and bill

South Dakota residential customers used an average of 984 kWh a month in 2025 (EIA annual data). At 15.15¢/kWh, that works out to about $149.08 a month.

States with similar prices

Compare all 50 states and DC

Frequently asked questions

Is electricity expensive in South Dakota?

South Dakota ranked 35th most expensive of 51 (50 states and DC) in August 2026, at 15.15¢/kWh versus the U.S. average of 18.16¢/kWh.

How have South Dakota electricity prices changed over the past year?

The average residential price rose from 13.90¢/kWh in August 2025 to 15.15¢/kWh in August 2026, a change of +9.0%.

What is a typical electric bill in South Dakota?

Residential customers in South Dakota used an average of 984 kWh a month in 2025. At 15.15¢/kWh that is about $149.08 a month. Use the electric bill calculator for your own usage.

Why might my South Dakota rate differ from this average?

The state average blends every utility, rate plan and fixed charge in the state. Utilities, co-ops and municipal providers set different tariffs, and time-of-use or tiered plans change the price of each kWh. Divide your bill total by your kWh for your own average rate.

Data last updated: