North Dakota & South Dakota Electricity Rates: Rural Electric Guide

North Dakota & South Dakota Electricity Rates: Rural Electric Guide

North Dakota and South Dakota share similar electricity landscapes - low population density, abundant wind resources, and a mix of investor-owned utilities and rural electric cooperatives.

North Dakota Utilities

Xcel Energy (Northern States Power)

Serves Fargo, Grand Forks, and other eastern North Dakota cities.

• Average rate: ~11.5 cents per kWh
• Strong wind energy portfolio

Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU)

Serves Bismarck, Mandan, and western North Dakota.

• Average rate: ~11.8 cents per kWh
• Mix of coal and renewable generation

Basin Electric Cooperatives

Numerous rural electric cooperatives serve agricultural areas.

• Rates vary but typically 10-12 cents per kWh
• Member-owned, not-for-profit

South Dakota Utilities

Black Hills Energy

Serves Rapid City and western South Dakota.

• Average rate: ~12.5 cents per kWh
• Diverse generation including wind

Xcel Energy

Serves Sioux Falls and eastern South Dakota.

• Average rate: ~11.8 cents per kWh
• Significant wind energy investment

Rural Electric Cooperatives

Serve most of rural South Dakota.

• Rates typically 11-13 cents per kWh
• Member-owned structure

Why Dakota Rates Are Low

1. Wind energy abundance - both states rank in top 10 for wind production
2. Low population density - less infrastructure per customer
3. Cooperative model - no profit motive for many utilities
4. Hydropower access from Missouri River dams

Energy Assistance Programs

North Dakota

• LIHEAP through Department of Human Services
• Weatherization Assistance Program
• Utility company payment plans

South Dakota

• LIHEAP through Department of Social Services
• Energy Assistance Program
• Weatherization assistance

Tips for Dakota Residents

1. Embrace wind energy - it's keeping your rates stable
2. Prepare for winter - heating costs can spike
3. Consider cooperative membership benefits if applicable
4. Explore time-of-use rates for additional savings