Electricity rates in 56081 — Saint James, MN
Homes in ZIP 56081 pay about 15.2¢ per kWh (South Central Electric Assn, 2024 average). The Minnesota average is 17.2¢ and the U.S. average 18.2¢ (Aug 2026).
What a month of electricity costs
Monthly cost at the average price of 15.2¢ per kWh. Real bills add or subtract fixed charges, tiers, time-of-use and fuel adjustments.
Where ZIP 56081 is
Outlined: ZIP code area · scroll or pinch to zoomUtilities serving 56081
| Utility | Home price | Avg. bill | Customers in MN |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Central Electric Assn Cooperative | 15.2¢ 2024 | $203 | 4,665 |
| Northern States Power Co. - Minnesota Investor Owned · serves Watonwan County | 17.3¢ Jan–Aug 2026 | $100 | 1,230,057 |
| Federated Rural Electric Assn Cooperative · serves Watonwan County | 11.6¢ 2024 | $142 | 5,727 |
| Brown County Rural Elec Assn Cooperative · serves Watonwan County | 12.6¢ 2024 | $299 | 4,566 |
| City of St James (MN) Municipal · serves Watonwan County | 10.1¢ 2024 | $206 | 2,255 |
| City of Madelia (MN) Municipal · serves Watonwan County | 15.0¢ 2024 | $309 | 1,421 |
Utilities are matched to this ZIP code by NREL’s ZIP–utility table and the EIA service-territory list for Watonwan County; county matches may serve only part of the area. Prices are each utility’s average residential revenue per kWh.
Minnesota price trend
Hover or tap the chart for exact monthly values. Source: EIA-861M (monthly, latest months preliminary); forecast: EIA Short-Term Energy Outlook (October 2026) for the West North Central region, which includes Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota.
Averages, not a quote. Prices here are what each utility’s residential customers paid on average (revenue ÷ kWh sold, fixed charges included), as reported to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Your own rate depends on your plan, season and usage — check your bill or your utility’s tariff.
Questions about 56081
How much does electricity cost in 56081?
About 15.2¢ per kWh for homes (South Central Electric Assn, 2024 average, EIA). At 900 kWh a month that is roughly $137.
Who is the electric utility for 56081?
South Central Electric Assn, with about 4,665 residential customers in Minnesota; 5 other utilities also serve parts of the area.
Is electricity in MN getting more expensive?
The Minnesota residential average was 17.2¢ per kWh in August 2026, up 1.8% from a year earlier; the U.S. average was 18.2¢.