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South Dakota Rate Case

On June 4, 2025, we filed a request with the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to increase electric rates for our South Dakota customers. This request reflects rising costs to maintain a safe, reliable electric system while meeting customers’ electricity demands as economically as possible. We last requested a rate review in South Dakota in 2018. 

On March 10, 2026, the PUC approved updated electric rates, which will take effect April 1, 2026. The approved rates reflect an annual net 7.74% base revenue increase, or $3.33 million, and support the safe and reliable delivery of cost-effective electric service.

What this means for your bill 

As part of our rate review, we implemented interim, or temporary, rates beginning December 1, 2025. Because final rates are lower than interim rates, you won’t see an additional increase and will receive a refund of the difference with interest. This refund will appear as a credit on May 2026 bills.

Even with this change, our South Dakota residential rates remain approximately 35% lower than the national average and about 11% lower than the regional average.

To help put electric costs into perspective, with updated rates effective April 1:

  • A typical South Dakota home will pay about $3.82 per day.
  • A typical South Dakota business will pay about $9.28 per day.

When interim rates were implemented in December, the PUC also approved changes to our Transmission Cost Recovery Rider and Phase‑In Rider. These changes help offset the base rate increase.

What our electric rates support

You depend on electricity every day, often without needing to think about the ongoing work behind the scenes that keeps power flowing. Our electric rates support the people, equipment, and planning that helps keep homes warm, businesses running, and the lights on.

Electricity begins with generation, moves through transmission lines, and reaches homes and businesses through local distribution. Each step of that process is reflected in how customer dollars are used.

Out of every dollar you pay:

  • 43 cents pays for producing electricity to meet daily demand.
  • 33 cents supports transmission infrastructure, including high voltage lines and substations.
  • 24 cents covers local distribution systems that safely deliver electricity to customers.

Ways to save

We understand rising electric costs are challenging. If you’re concerned about your bill, we offer payment plans, budget billing, and energy-efficiency programs to ease the impact of rising costs.   

Take control: Simple ways to save money and energy this winter

To help manage your bill:

  • Turn off or unplug electronics, such as entertainment systems, chargers, small appliances, and printers, when not in use.
  • Make low-cost or no-cost changes, such as switching to LED bulbs, programming thermostats, replacing furnace filters, and sealing doors and windows.
  • Participate in off-peak programs for electric heating, thermal storage, and water heating.
  • Consider using our Even Monthly Payment plan to better manage your budget by making your bill more predictable. While this plan doesn’t lower your energy costs, it does divide them evenly over each month.  

Some customers may also qualify for additional assistance through South Dakota programs such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), or the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP), which can help with heating costs and home energy saving improvements. 

To find information about payment assistance, visit Billing Resources or call us at 800-257-4044. 

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