Scored 7/10 on whether it helps or hurts everyday people.
The Utility Costs Bill
New bill aims to protect residents from rising utility costs
Protect residents from increased utility costs and utility shortages caused by data centers, to clarify authority to regulate data centers, and to modify provisions pertaining to the purchasing of goods and services by a data center.
Good for everyday people ·
This bill would help stop data centers from raising utility prices for regular people.
Our take
What we think, in plain words.
If this bill passes, it could keep utility costs lower for everyone. It's important to speak up now to protect your wallet.
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The facts
What the bill actually says, no spin.
- The bill aims to protect residents from increased utility costs.
- It seeks to prevent shortages caused by data centers.
- It clarifies how data centers can be regulated.
How they voted
The actual floor vote, and who broke from their own party.
Want to see how your representatives voted on this? Find your reps →
- Randy Deibert (R): voted against it, crossing most Republicans
- Steve Kolbeck (R): voted against it, crossing most Republicans
- Jim Mehlhaff (R): voted against it, crossing most Republicans
In the news
Scanning the news for this bill…
Headlines gathered from across the news, starting points to explore, not endorsements. Always read the official text before acting.
Sources
Read it yourself: the official bill and records.
This bill is in the South Dakota Bill Book 2026
The best and worst South Dakota bills of 2026, one page each — our take on the left, the bill on the right, and room for your notes. No email needed.
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