US Electricity Rate by State
Look up the average residential electricity rate for any US state and estimate your monthly bill. Includes national rank and comparison to the US average.
US residential average is ~886 kWh/month. Check your utility bill for your actual usage.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does electricity cost vary so much by state?
Three big drivers: (1) Generation mix — states with abundant hydro (Washington, Oregon) or coal (Wyoming, West Virginia) tend to be cheaper than states with imported natural gas or oil-based generation. (2) Transmission distance — Hawaii imports nearly all its fuel oil, driving the highest rates in the country. (3) Regulatory structure — deregulated retail markets (Texas, Pennsylvania) let consumers shop for plans; vertically-integrated utilities (Florida, much of the South) set rates through state commissions.
What is a kWh and how is my bill calculated?
A kilowatt-hour is the standard billing unit — 1 kWh = using 1,000 watts for one hour. Your bill = kWh used × cents-per-kWh rate, plus monthly fixed charges (delivery fee, customer charge, taxes). Different tariffs may use tiered rates (the first 500 kWh at one rate, the next 500 at a higher rate) or time-of-use rates (different rates by hour of day).
What's the average electric bill in the US?
About $135–145/month nationally as of 2024, based on the average 886 kWh/month at the national average rate. State averages range from about $90 in low-rate, low-use states (Utah, Idaho) to over $230 in high-rate, high-AC states (Hawaii, Connecticut). Climate and home size drive consumption; rate is the per-unit cost.
How can I lower my electric bill?
Five highest-leverage moves: (1) Adjust thermostat 2–3°F closer to the outside temperature — each degree is ~3% savings on HVAC. (2) Switch incandescent bulbs to LED — pays back in months. (3) Air-dry laundry when possible. (4) Use programmable or smart thermostats to avoid heating/cooling an empty house. (5) Weatherstripping and attic insulation deliver multi-year ROI.
Do renewable energy plans cost more?
It varies. In deregulated markets, 100%-renewable plans often cost 1–3¢/kWh more than standard plans. In states with renewable portfolio standards, the cost is baked into the default rate, so renewable-specific plans are often comparable. Community solar subscriptions usually deliver a 5–10% discount versus the utility default in exchange for committing to a multi-year plan.