As electricity demand increases and the cost of providing power continues to rise in communities across the county, Flandreau residents will be among the first to see another increase in their monthly utility bills.
The rising costs mark the second year of a planned three-year rate adjustment for city utility customers. Households with average electricity usage can expect an increase of approximately $3 to $8 per month, City Administrator Cohl Turnquist said. The adjustments were discussed at recent Flandreau City Council meetings.
The city plans to reevaluate its utility reserves in 2026 to determine whether the third and final planned rate increase will be necessary. Communities the size of Flandreau are typically advised to maintain at least $1.2 million in reserves to cover emergencies, such as a major power line failure, Turnquist said. The city currently spends about $1.8 million annually on electricity purchases.
Revenue from the utility is reinvested into infrastructure improvements, he added. Residents will see the new rates reflected in their April bills.
The city also plans to announce details soon about a community meeting regarding water and sewer infrastructure upgrades in Flandreau’s southeast quadrant. Construction is expected to begin later this spring.