How Black Hills Power compares with the utilities next door
| Utility | 2024 ¢/kWh | Customers | Δ vs Black Hills Power, ¢/kWh | $/yr difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West River Electric Assn Inc | 14.25 | 18,423 | -0.12 | -$13 |
| Black Hills Power, Inc. (this page) | 14.37 | 60,951 | — | — |
| Black Hills Electric Coop, Inc | 14.77 | 9,227 | +0.39 | +$42 |
2 bundled utilities (≥5,000 customers) share at least one county with Black Hills Power. Positive $/yr = that utility's customers pay more than Black Hills Power customers at the same usage. Territories are fixed by address — these gaps measure cost differences between areas, not options you can pick between.
Where Black Hills Power customers pay more (county benchmark)
| County | Cheapest utility in county | Their ¢/kWh | Black Hills Power premium, $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butte | MidAmerican Energy Co | 8.68 | +$615 |
| Meade | West River Electric Assn Inc | 14.25 | +$13 |
| Pennington | West River Electric Assn Inc | 14.25 | +$13 |
Multiple utilities in one county means adjoining territories, not household choice — you cannot switch wires companies.
Rate trend and size
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price, ¢/kWh | 13.67 | 14.37 | +5.2% |
| Residential customers | 59,756 | 60,951 | +2.0% |
Ownership: Investor Owned. Statewide context: South Dakota electricity rates.
Supply vs delivery on a Black Hills Power bill
South Dakota is a regulated retail market — Black Hills Power customers cannot choose a different supplier; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings. Official information: puc.sd.gov.
Counties served (SD, EIA-861 2024)
Butte · Custer · Fall River · Lawrence · Meade · Pennington
Questions people ask
- Is Black Hills Power, Inc. more expensive than other South Dakota utilities?
- Black Hills Power, Inc. customers paid an average 14.37 cents/kWh in 2024 — 10% above the South Dakota volume-weighted average of 13.02 cents (EIA-861, bundled residential service).
- Can I switch away from Black Hills Power, Inc.?
- No — distribution territory is fixed by address and South Dakota has no residential supplier shopping. Rate changes go through the state utility commission (puc.sd.gov).
- How many customers does Black Hills Power, Inc. have?
- 60,951 residential customers in South Dakota in 2024 across 6 counties, per its EIA-861 federal filing. Ownership type: investor-owned.