Payment Assistance
If you are worried about your ability to pay a higher energy bill, there are payment assistance programs available.
Energy Prices Are Rising. We're Here To Help.
South Dakota Rate Review
We know many Americans are facing challenging times, and no one wants to see rising electric bills. We are also committed to providing reliable, sustainable energy service at the most affordable rates possible to our customers.
NorthWestern Energy requested a regulatory electric rate review in South Dakota as we continue to strengthen our electric system. The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission approved NorthWestern Energy’s settlement agreement with SDPUC staff which allows for an 11.38% increase in NorthWestern Energy total electric bills, or a 17.97% increase in base electric rates, from a $21.52 million increase in South Dakota electric revenues effective Jan. 10, 2024.
The rate increase will ensure that our customers will continue to be served by a financially sound company capable of efficiently funding the significant capital expenditures needed to maintain, expand and modernize our energy infrastructure.
We recognize that our rate increase will impact our customers during a period when other prices are also increasing, which is why we’re here to help customers who may be struggling with their bills. Customers concerned about their ability to pay their energy bill can contact NorthWestern Energy for information about energy assistance programs and to arrange flexible payment options.
How much will my bill increase?
For a typical electric residential customer using 750 kilowatt-hours per month, the approved rate increase will mean a monthly bill increase of:
$13.67
The increase represents a 1.42% yearly increase since the previous rates were established in 2015. Since then, NorthWestern Energy has invested $267 million in our South Dakota electric infrastructure to continue our commitment to providing reliable, sustainable energy service at the most affordable rates possible to our South Dakota customers.
Below is a sample of new rates, based on average use by customer class.
Residential Customers
Monthly Usage (kWh) | Monthly Electric Bill under Prior Rates | Monthly Electric Bill under New Rates | Amount of Increase | Percentage Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
400 | $58.62 | $66.40 | $7.78 | 13.3% |
| 500 | $71.70 | $81.16 | $9.46 | 13.2% |
| 600 | $84.78 | $95.92 | $11.14 | 13.1% |
| 750 | $104.39 | $118.06 | $13.67 | 13.1% |
| 1000 | $135.24 | $152.78 | $17.54 | 13.0% |
| 2000 | $211.42 | $234.68 | $23.26 | 11.0% |
South Dakota Residential Rate Comparison
| Prior Rate | New Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Charge | $6.00 | $7.00 |
| First 200 kWh | $0.09476 | $0.11186 |
| Next 600 kWh | $0.09322 | $0.11186 |
| Next 200 kWh | $0.08397 | $0.09913 |
| Next 200 kWh | $0.06701 | $0.07909 |
| Over 1,200 kWh | $0.03153 | $0.03565 |
| Ad valorem taxes | $0.00349 | $0.00349 |
| Delivered Cost of Energy | $0.00939 | $0.00939 |
| Delivered Cost of Fuel | $0.02468 | $0.02468 |
Commercial Customers
Monthly Usage (kWh) | Monthly Electric Bill under Prior Rates | Monthly Electric Bill under New Rates | Amount of Increase | Percentage Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
400 | $71.08 | $79.87 | $8.79 | 12.4% |
| 1,000 | $158.40 | $176.74 | $18.34 | 11.6% |
| *5,000 | $576.84 | $639.82 | $62.98 | 10.9% |
| *10,000 | $1,153.70 | $1,279.64 | $125.94 | 10.9% |
| *50,000 | $4,670.54 | $5,256.56 | $586.02 | 12.5% |
| *100,000 | $9,215.09 | $10,362.31 | $1,147.22 | 12.4% |
| *1,000,000 | $88,147.01 | $98,847.02 | $10,700.01 | 12.1% |
*Assumes a 50% load factor
We recognize that our rate increase will impact our customers during a period when other prices are also increasing. NorthWestern Energy is committed to helping customers who may be struggling with their bills.
What can I do to manage my bill?
- Start preparing today.
- Apply for financial assistance.
- Sign up for Budget Billing.
- Implement energy efficiency tips.
If you're concerned about paying your bill, reach out to us right away. We have billing and payment options that can help.
Budget Billing
With Budget Billing, your NorthWestern Energy bill is the same amount each month, year round.
Payment Arrangements
We can also explore a payment arrangement if your account qualifies. Log in to your My Energy Account for payment and billing program information. Or call our Customer Service Team at 800-245-6977 to discuss additional options.
Service & Payment Locations
Our walk-in Customer Service locations are available for in-person assistance. Find the office nearest you.
BE ENERGY EFFICIENT
Save money by being more energy efficient. Check out our top-10 low-cost or no-cost tips for energy efficiency.
We are strengthening our energy infrastructure
Our recent South Dakota Rate Review will ensure our customers will continue to be served by a financially sound company capable of efficiently funding the significant capital expenditures needed to maintain, expand and modernize our energy infrastructure.
Since 2014, NorthWestern Energy has invested $267 million in our South Dakota electric infrastructure to continue our commitment to providing reliable, sustainable energy service at the most affordable rates possible to our customers.
These investments include:
Bob Glanzer Generating Station
The 58-megawatt Bob Glanzer Generating Station in Huron was commissioned in May 2022, providing on-demand resources to support the variability of wind and solar projects coming onto NorthWestern Energy’s system and to help serve our South Dakota customers affordably and reliably during extended periods of peak energy demand.
Upgraded Meters
NorthWestern Energy replaced all electric meters in South Dakota, which were manually read, with two-way communicating Advanced Metering Infrastructure meters. NorthWestern Energy now has situational awareness from meter data, which can be used to identify issues on the system before there is an outage. Customer experience will be elevated through the expanded use of the AMI platform in the future.
LED Streetlights
NorthWestern Energy’s 17,000 streetlights in South Dakota are being converted to LED lights over the next several years, which use 50% less electricity and last longer. LED lights increase safety at night through greater visibility and fewer streetlight outages.
Annual Inspections
Distribution poles and underground cable are inspected annually and those not meeting condition standards have been replaced.
Improved Service Reliability
Advanced Distribution Management System software was implemented to improve service reliability.
System Upgrades
Substations, transmission systems and switchyards are frequently upgraded.
Track your energy use in My Energy Account
With My Energy Account, you can visually track your energy use, month-to-month and year-over-year. Understanding your energy use can help you develop habits to save energy and money.