EXISTING CONDITIONS As of 2021, South Dakota produced approximately 12% more energy within its borders than it consumed. This is achieved collectively by 45 power plants that generate through: coal (1), hydroelectric (4), natural gas (9), petroleum (12), wind/solar (17 and climbing), and miscellaneous sources (2). Wind generation has seen substantial growth in recent years. Wind/solar facilities comprised nearly 55% of the State’s annual production according to 2023 data collected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), 77% of the state's total production came from wind and hydroelectric sources in 2023. Drought conditions reduced the hydroelectric generation output in 2023. According to the DOE, the only sizable power plant west of
Power Plant Quantities By Type
Pierre is a natural gas power plant in Rapid City. According to the EIA, South Dakota generated
approximately two and a half times more electricity in 2021 than it did in 2008. This speaks to the State’s growth and its need for reliable electrical infrastructure not only for generation, but also for transmission and distribution. According to the DOE, the most significant causes of power outages were faulty equipment or human error. Weather‑related incidents followed closely behind and were the leading cause of property damage relating to hazards found in the electrical grid.
Other
There are 45 production facilities throughout the State. Two plants, which generate approximately 5% of the State’s instantaneous capacity, are scheduled to close by 2025.
South Dakota State Energy Profile bit.ly/SD-EIA-EnergyProfile
Infrastructure First Project
Electric | 37
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