South Dakota

Xcel ‘smart meters’ making tracking usage easier for South Dakota customers

Published

2 years ago

January 18, 2024

Xcel ‘smart meters’ making tracking usage easier for South Dakota customers

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Xcel energy users will soon have more control than ever over their energy use and therefore more control over their bills with the implementation of ‘smart meters.’

“We’re moving through all the states as we go. South Dakota is just starting. The first installs that are happening this week have been going fantastic,” said Zach Hein, an Olameter regional manager.

“It’s really a monitoring device more than anything. Hopefully, it will encourage folks to want to conserve energy,” Eric Pauli said, Xcel Energy’s community relations manager.

The benefit of the switch to smart meters is two-fold. First, it will allow Xcel to address any outages in a timely manner.

“We still want customers to call in and let us know, but it’s going to help us to be able to isolate various areas when there are storms that come through and be able to get our customers back on quickly,” Pauli said.

Second, it will allow customers the ability to track energy usage more precisely.

“This is a real opportunity for folks to save dollars. Let’s be honest, people are really getting hit with higher costs on things right now. This is a tool that we can put in the customer’s hand that they can utilize to save some money on their bill,” Pauli said.

By providing usage updates every 15 minutes on the Xcel My Account that you can access online or on your phone, customers will be able to more accurately see what in their home is costing them the most.

“You’re going to be able to see an appliance if you do click it on. Use an oven for example or a television or lots of lights, if you have something that’s pulling a large load, you’re going to be able to see that in real-time,” Pauli said.

As for when you can expect a technician at your home– you will receive a call ahead and a letter in the mail to notify you.

The installation itself is a quick and easy process.

“We are going to inspect for tight wires, broken lugs, or any potential issues that could be in the box. Once we do that to verify everything is safe we’re going to pull that meter. Were going to take pictures. Make sure that we have verification that everything is good. Then we’re going to close up the box and move on,” Hein said.

The process of switching over to smart meters for all of the more than 100,000 South Dakota customers will go through all of this year– and part of next year.

You can learn more about where the next installations will be taking place HERE.

Source link

South Dakota

Rodeo Rapid City Returns to South Dakota as 7-Time PRCA Indoor Rodeo of the Year

Published

59 minutes ago

January 27, 2026

Press Room

Rodeo Rapid City Returns to South Dakota as 7-Time PRCA Indoor Rodeo of the Year

The seven-time PRCA Top Indoor Rodeo of The Year is back once again in Rapid City, South Dakota. Rodeo Rapid City kicks off January 30th and is full of a week of non-stop action in the rodeo arena. As one of the biggest rodeos this early on in the season, athletes are ready to show out after the National Western Stock Show and the Fort Worth Stock Show.

Best Indoor Rodeo of the Year Begins This Weekend

Starting things off in The Monument Arena will be Xtreme Bulls 2026 on Friday night, following that on Saturday the 31st is Xtreme Broncs 2026. These two events mark the opening of what is sure to be some of the season’s most action-packed performances from the best athletes bull riding, and saddle bronc riding have to offer.

If you like our content, choose Sports Illustrated as a preferred source on Google.

The official Rodeo Rapid City doesn’t kick off until Friday, February 5th, and it continues all weekend. Last year, securing the top spot for rough stock was Garrett Shadbolt in bareback riding, Damian Brennan in saddle bronc riding and Jake Lockwood in bull riding.

Men’s timed event winners were Boyd Sawyer (steer wrestling), Cullen Teller and Brayden Fillmore (team roping), and Tyler Milligan (tie-down roping). Katie Chism won the barrel racing.

Last season, this rodeo was an indicator of how 2025 was going to go for some of these athletes. More than one who performed well in Rapid City went on to secure a spot at the National Finals Rodeo. With a payout of nearly $200,000, a win here adds a nice chunk of change to season earnings totals early in the season.

Come For The Rodeo Stay For The Music

While there is just over a week of rodeo arena action happening in South Dakota, there will also be plenty to do in between. A new event is being added this year called Rope, Ride and Slide where two cowboys, one bronc rider and one steer wrestler each perform in individual events, then join together to team rope. This fun new addition happens Friday (Jan. 30th) and should be a way to introduce more people to the events of rodeo.

There will also be live performances happening all week as well. Kicking things off Friday night will be Tristan Schofield & The Drive by Night followed by Jessica Loobey on Saturday. During the week Big Skillet performs on Tuesday with Brandon Jones taking the stage Thursday. Rounding out musical acts are Tanner Usrey with Kenny Feidler (Friday, Feb. 6th) and Ole 60 with Rob Langdon (Saturday, Feb. 7th)

From rodeo action to live music, Rapid City is sure to be full of some of the best performances seen by rodeo fans so far this year.

To get tickets head to https://www.centralstatesfairinc.com/events

More Rodeo News

Source link

South Dakota

SD Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life winning numbers for Jan. 26, 2026

Published

13 hours ago

January 27, 2026

Press Room

The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Jan. 26, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 26 drawing

21-31-51-60-63, Powerball: 18, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 26 drawing

03-21-22-42-44, Lucky Ball: 09

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Jan. 26 drawing

02-12-15-27-48, Star Ball: 09, ASB: 03

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

Prizes of $100 or less: Can be claimed at any South Dakota Lottery retailer.
Prizes of $101 or more: Must be claimed from the Lottery. By mail, send a claim form and a signed winning ticket to the Lottery at 711 E. Wells Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501.
Any jackpot-winning ticket for Dakota Cash or Lotto America, top prize-winning ticket for Lucky for Life, or for the second prizes for Powerball and Mega Millions must be presented in person at a Lottery office. A jackpot-winning Powerball or Mega Millions ticket must be presented in person at the Lottery office in Pierre.

When are the South Dakota Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Dakota Cash: 9 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Dakota editor. You can send feedback using this form.

Source link

South Dakota

Rhoden requests advisory opinion from South Dakota Supreme Court regarding Lt. Governor’s ability to break a tie vote during final passage of a bill

Published

1 day ago

January 26, 2026

Press Room

Rhoden requests advisory opinion from South Dakota Supreme Court regarding Lt. Governor’s ability to break a tie vote during final passage of a bill | DRGNews