Moving to South Dakota: utilities and your first-month checklist
Which company serves your new address depends on where in South Dakota it is. Each link below goes to that company's own page for starting service. Start it two to three weeks ahead, from the day you get the keys.
Electric companies in South Dakota
Sioux Falls and southeast South DakotaBlack Hills Energy
Rapid City and the Black Hills regionNorthWestern Energy
Aberdeen, Huron, Mitchell, Brookings and eastern South DakotaMontana-Dakota Utilities
Parts of northern and western South DakotaOtter Tail Power
Northeast South Dakota (Milbank, Webster)MidAmerican Energy
Southeast corner of South Dakota
Natural gas in South Dakota
Sioux Falls and southeast South DakotaNorthWestern Energy
Aberdeen, Huron, Mitchell and eastern South DakotaMontana-Dakota Utilities
Rapid City area and western South DakotaBlack Hills Energy
Rapid City and western South Dakota (not on PUC's gas list; confirm)
Water in South Dakota
Usually run by the city, town or county. Search the new address's town name with "water service".
Help with the bills
If deposits or bills are a stretch, South Dakota runs energy assistance: official assistance page. Ask the utility about deposit waivers too; many waive the deposit with a good payment letter from your old company.
Problems with a utility
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission regulates utilities in South Dakota and takes complaints.
New-resident deadlines in South Dakota
- Driver's license: within 90 days of moving. Official page
- Car registration and title: within 90 days of moving. Official page
- Inspection: No inspection listed for ordinary vehicles. Rebuilt vehicles need one. Official page
- South Dakota driver license office
- Register to vote in South Dakota
From the state's own websites, checked October 2026. Deadlines can change; check the official page before you rely on one.
Your first month in a new state
- USPS: change your address: Start mail forwarding up to 30 days early. The real site is usps.com.
- Your new state's motor vehicle office: Driver's license, registration and title. Most states set a short deadline after you move, so check yours first.
- Register to vote: Routes you to the official registration for the new state.
- Medicaid, if you have it: Medicaid doesn't move with you. You apply again in the new state.
- Health insurance: A permanent move can open a special enrollment period.
- Social Security: Change your address once here; Medicare gets it from Social Security.
Utility companies and service areas checked October 2026. Service areas follow addresses, not county lines exactly: confirm with the company before you book.