Electricity Cost in South Dakota (July 2026)
Electricity in South Dakota costs 15.37 cents per kWh on average for homes in July 2026 – 16% below the US average of 18.31¢. That is the 18th cheapest of 51 states and DC. A home using 900 kWh pays about $138.33 a month in energy charges.
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, July 2026, released September 24, 2026. Dollar figures below are computed from this rate.
Monthly electric bill in South Dakota by usage
| Monthly usage | South Dakota bill | At US average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh | $76.85 | $91.55 | −$14.70 |
| 900 kWh | $138.33 | $164.79 | −$26.46 |
| 1,200 kWh | $184.44 | $219.72 | −$35.28 |
| 1,500 kWh | $230.55 | $274.65 | −$44.10 |
Energy charge only: kWh × 15.37¢. Fixed fees and taxes are not included.
In 2024 the average South Dakota household used 994 kWh a month (above the US average of 863) and paid $127.81, which included fees (12.86¢ per kWh over that year). At the July 2026 rate, that same usage would run about $152.78.
What appliances cost to run in South Dakota
| Appliance | Watts | Use | Per month | vs US average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Space heater | 1,500 | 6 h/day | $42.08 | −$8.05 |
| Window AC | 900 | 8 h/day | $33.66 | −$6.44 |
| Portable AC | 1,200 | 8 h/day | $44.89 | −$8.59 |
| Central AC | 3,500 | 8 h/day | $130.92 | −$25.04 |
| Refrigerator | 150 | 8 h/day | $5.61 | −$1.07 |
| Chest freezer | 100 | 8 h/day | $3.74 | −$0.72 |
| Dehumidifier | 500 | 6 h/day | $14.03 | −$2.68 |
| Electric water heater | 4,500 | 3 h/day | $63.12 | −$12.07 |
| Clothes dryer | 3,000 | 1 h/day | $14.03 | −$2.68 |
| Dishwasher | 1,200 | 1 h/day | $5.61 | −$1.07 |
| Washing machine | 400 | 1 h/day | $1.87 | −$0.36 |
| Electric oven | 2,400 | 1 h/day | $11.22 | −$2.15 |
| Gaming PC | 400 | 4 h/day | $7.48 | −$1.43 |
| TV | 100 | 5 h/day | $2.34 | −$0.45 |
| Ceiling fan | 60 | 8 h/day | $2.24 | −$0.43 |
| Hot tub | 1,500 | 4 h/day | $28.05 | −$5.37 |
| Pool pump | 1,500 | 8 h/day | $56.11 | −$10.73 |
| EV Level 2 charger | 7,200 | 2 h/day | $67.33 | −$12.88 |
| Electric blanket | 100 | 8 h/day | $3.74 | −$0.72 |
| Mini split | 1,000 | 8 h/day | $37.40 | −$7.15 |
Typical wattage and daily hours from our appliance pages; month = 30.42 days; rate 15.37¢/kWh.
In South Dakota, one electric dryer costs about $14.03 a month and a space heater used 6 hours a day about $42.08. Every kWh you save is worth 15.37 cents here, so payback on efficiency upgrades is slower than the national norm.
Has the price changed in South Dakota?
The residential rate moved from 14.52¢ in July 2025 to 15.37¢ in July 2026: +0.85¢ per kWh (+5.9%). Nationally the change was +0.86¢ (+4.9%). For a 900 kWh month that is an extra $7.65 compared with a year earlier.
Compare with other states
- North Carolina: 15.16¢/kWh (0.21¢ cheaper)
- Kansas: 15.27¢/kWh (0.10¢ cheaper)
- Arizona: 15.38¢/kWh (0.01¢ pricier)
- South Carolina: 15.47¢/kWh (0.10¢ pricier)
- Cheapest in the US: Louisiana at 12.72¢/kWh – 900 kWh would cost $114.48 instead of $138.33.
South Dakota is in the West North Central region. Cheaper in the region: North Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas. All: North Dakota (13.41¢), Nebraska (13.78¢), Kansas (15.27¢), Iowa (15.99¢), Missouri (16.09¢), Minnesota (17.45¢).
Ways to cut your bill in South Dakota
- Run your own numbers in the electricity cost calculator.
- Compare heating options at 15.37¢/kWh with the heat pump vs furnace calculator.
- See what it costs to charge an electric car in South Dakota.
- Estimate savings from solar panels: each kWh produced offsets 15.37 cents.
Frequently asked questions
How much is electricity per kWh in South Dakota?
The average residential rate in South Dakota was 15.37 cents per kWh in July 2026. That is 16% below the US average of 18.31 cents, and ranks South Dakota 18th cheapest of 51 (50 states plus DC).
What is the average electric bill in South Dakota?
In 2024, the average South Dakota home used 994 kWh a month and paid $127.81, versus $142.26 nationally. At today's 15.37¢ rate, the same 994 kWh would cost about $152.78 in energy charges.
Is electricity getting more expensive in South Dakota?
Yes. The residential price was 15.37¢ in July 2026 compared with 14.52¢ in July 2025, a change of +0.85¢ (+5.9%). The US average moved +0.86¢ over the same period.
How much does a 1,000 kWh month cost in South Dakota?
About $153.70 in energy charges at 15.37¢/kWh, compared with $183.10 at the US average. Fixed customer charges and taxes on your utility bill come on top.
Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.A (July 2026); EIA Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price (2024).