Utilities setup and providers in South Dakota: Regional energy providers: Xcel Energy, Black Hills Energy. Water services: Managed by local municipalities. Waste management: Check local services and schedules. Internet options: Midco, Vast Broadband, CenturyLink. Cable TV: Midco, DirectTV, Dish Network. Natural gas services: NorthWestern Energy, Black Hills Energy. Average utility costs: Vary by location and consumption. Utility deposits: Required for new residents. Assistance programs: Energy Assistance, Low Income Home Energy Assistance. Utility outage reporting: Directly to provider for quickest response.
Regional energy providers: Xcel Energy, Black Hills Energy.
Xcel Energy and Black Hills Energy are the primary regional energy providers in South Dakota. Xcel Energy, operating as Northern States Power Company, serves customers with electric and gas services, particularly in the eastern part of the state, and is part of a larger network spanning several states including Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Black Hills Energy, based in Rapid City, South Dakota, provides natural gas and electric utility services to over 1.2 million customers across eight states, including South Dakota.
Water services: Managed by local municipalities.
In South Dakota, water services are overseen by local municipalities, including the City of Harrisburg, where residents are required to complete an application and pay a deposit to establish water and sewer utilities, with billing and payment processes managed locally. Similarly, cities like Sioux Falls handle their own water services, encompassing billing, collection, and maintenance, under the supervision of the Public Works Water Division. The City of Pierre also administers its water services, which include the drinking water treatment plant, reservoirs, and water mains, ensuring a safe and dependable water supply to its residents.
Waste management: Check local services and schedules.
In South Dakota, a range of waste management services is offered to ensure safe and compliant disposal across the state. Clean Management specializes in both hazardous and nonhazardous waste disposal, boasting expertise in confined space entry and HAZWOPER training, all under the supervision of regulations set by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. In the eastern part of the state, Cooks Waste Paper and Recycling provides comprehensive residential and commercial recycling services across several counties, with a strong focus on safety and customer satisfaction. Overseeing the regulatory framework, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources is responsible for the proper management of solid waste, stipulating the necessary permits and adherence to both state and federal laws concerning storage, treatment, and disposal practices.
Internet options: Midco, Vast Broadband, CenturyLink.
In South Dakota, Midco stands out as the top internet provider, offering affordable plans with rates starting at $29 per month for 250Mbps, benefiting from wide availability and solid customer service. Vast Broadband, now rebranded as Bluepeak, also provides high-speed internet services, including fiber options reaching up to 5,000Mbps in specific areas. Another option is CenturyLink, primarily offering DSL internet but also featuring some fiber availability, particularly in cities such as Sioux Falls and Rapid City. For a detailed comparison, you can visit the Best Internet Providers in South Dakota page on Cnet for in-depth insights and updates.
Cable TV: Midco, DirectTV, Dish Network.
In South Dakota, key cable TV providers include Midco, offering cable TV services with bundle options up to 1 Gbps internet. Additionally, DIRECTV and DISH Network, which are satellite TV providers, boast extensive channel lineups, such as DIRECTV's 330+ channels and DISH Network's 290+ channels. These providers also offer appealing features like DVR capabilities and price guarantees. For more detailed information on these services, CableTV provides comprehensive insights and comparisons on available options.
Natural gas services: NorthWestern Energy, Black Hills Energy.
NorthWestern Energy provides natural gas services in South Dakota, distributing gas to customers as part of its overall energy portfolio that includes a mix of renewable and traditional resources. However, it does not generate natural gas but focuses on distribution. Similarly, Black Hills Energy is an investor-owned utility that offers comprehensive natural gas services in South Dakota, including various rate schedules, energy options programs, and infrastructure support, with detailed tariffs and regulations filed with the Nebraska and South Dakota public service commissions.
Average utility costs: Vary by location and consumption.
In South Dakota, average utility costs vary by location and consumption. For example, the average monthly utility cost is around $408, with specific costs such as $124.50 for energy, $50 for natural gas, $50 for internet, and $26 for water, though these can differ across cities like Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Pierre. To understand more about this, visit Unbiased for detailed insights into the region's cost of living.
Utility deposits: Required for new residents.
In South Dakota, new residents are typically required to pay utility deposits, which vary by type of service and credit history. For residential users, deposits can range from $125 for non-heating services to $275 for heating services, and these deposits are refunded after one year of non-delinquent payment history. To learn more about the specific deposit amounts and refund policies, potential residents can refer to the Watertown Municipal Utilities website, which provides comprehensive details about the utility services offered in the area.
Assistance programs: Energy Assistance, Low Income Home Energy Assistance.
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) in South Dakota offers crucial financial assistance to low-income households to help pay for home heating costs, taking household size, income, and heating expenses into account for eligibility. Alongside this, the Weatherization Assistance Program focuses on making homes more energy efficient, giving priority to the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and families with children. These programs work hand-in-hand to ensure vulnerable populations have access to affordable and sustainable living conditions during colder months.
Utility outage reporting: Directly to provider for quickest response.
To report a power outage in South Dakota, contact your utility provider directly for the quickest response. You can either call Sioux Valley Energy at 800-234-1960 or use their SmartHub App. Additionally, other providers like Dakota Energy Cooperative at 1-800-353-8591 or Codington-Clark Electric Cooperative at 844.968.1976 can also be contacted. For more information on reporting outages and faster assistance, visit the Sioux Valley Energy website.