For some families on Pine Ridge, a strict budget grows even tighter in the winter months, balancing food, medicine, and other utility bills as fuel and seasonal expenses skyrocket. In the upper plains of South Dakota, harsh winter storms regularly drive temperatures down to -5º (a punishing -30º after wind chill). With many homes lacking proper insulation as a matter of costly repairs, a consistent source of fuel often makes a difference between life and loss on Pine Ridge.