Average Electric Bills
The average American household pays $163 per month for electricity. But that number swings wildly by state—from $99/mo in Utah to $203/mo in Hawaii. See how your state compares and find out how to lower your bill.
Key Takeaways
Average Electric Bills
Average monthly residential electric bill — March 2026
Bill Categories
National Statistics
Average Monthly Electric Bill by State
Monthly bills depend on two factors: the per-kWh rate and how much electricity you use. States with cheap rates can still have high bills if consumption is high (looking at you, Alabama). Meanwhile, a pricey state like Massachusetts has a moderate bill because New Englanders use less power.
| State | Avg Bill | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg kWh/Mo | vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $186 | 16.79 | 1,108 | +4.8% |
| Alaska | $151 | 26.57 | 568 | +4.4% |
| Arizona | $155 | 15.62 | 992 | +3.6% |
| Arkansas | $141 | 13.32 | 1,059 | +2.9% |
| California | $185 | 33.75 | 548 | +8.9% |
| Colorado | $115 | 16.33 | 704 | +4.7% |
| Connecticut | $195 | 27.84 | 700 | +7.0% |
| Delaware | $163 | 18.39 | 886 | +5.3% |
| District of Columbia | $165 | 24.03 | 687 | +4.8% |
| Florida | $172 | 15.77 | 1,091 | +3.9% |
| Georgia | $153 | 14.60 | 1,048 | +3.5% |
| Hawaii | $203 | 39.89 | 509 | +7.5% |
| Idaho | $118 | 12.51 | 943 | +2.6% |
| Illinois | $131 | 18.82 | 696 | +6.0% |
| Indiana | $161 | 17.42 | 924 | +5.1% |
| Iowa | $127 | 13.54 | 938 | +3.2% |
| Kansas | $143 | 15.23 | 939 | +3.7% |
| Kentucky | $146 | 13.68 | 1,067 | +3.4% |
| Louisiana | $145 | 12.44 | 1,166 | +2.4% |
| Maine | $169 | 29.55 | 572 | +8.1% |
| Maryland | $172 | 22.40 | 768 | +6.4% |
| Massachusetts | $183 | 31.51 | 581 | +7.7% |
| Michigan | $143 | 20.55 | 696 | +6.1% |
| Minnesota | $131 | 16.44 | 797 | +4.5% |
| Mississippi | $163 | 14.53 | 1,122 | +3.3% |
| Missouri | $138 | 13.01 | 1,061 | +3.1% |
| Montana | $119 | 14.33 | 830 | +3.8% |
| Nebraska | $130 | 13.19 | 986 | +3.0% |
| Nevada | $127 | 13.83 | 918 | +3.6% |
| New Hampshire | $174 | 27.39 | 635 | +7.3% |
| New Jersey | $152 | 22.65 | 671 | +6.6% |
| New Mexico | $108 | 15.00 | 720 | +3.5% |
| New York | $160 | 27.07 | 591 | +7.1% |
| North Carolina | $149 | 15.12 | 986 | +3.7% |
| North Dakota | $137 | 12.87 | 1,065 | +2.5% |
| Ohio | $148 | 17.93 | 826 | +5.6% |
| Oklahoma | $146 | 14.48 | 1,008 | +3.9% |
| Oregon | $127 | 16.23 | 782 | +3.9% |
| Pennsylvania | $156 | 20.58 | 758 | +6.3% |
| Rhode Island | $179 | 31.30 | 572 | +8.4% |
| South Carolina | $169 | 15.71 | 1,076 | +4.1% |
| South Dakota | $137 | 14.15 | 969 | +3.3% |
| Tennessee | $147 | 13.12 | 1,121 | +2.8% |
| Texas | $176 | 16.18 | 1,088 | +4.8% |
| Utah | $99 | 13.75 | 720 | +3.2% |
| Vermont | $139 | 24.89 | 558 | +6.7% |
| Virginia | $155 | 16.43 | 943 | +4.6% |
| Washington | $125 | 14.12 | 885 | +3.5% |
| West Virginia | $156 | 16.26 | 959 | +4.5% |
| Wisconsin | $135 | 18.45 | 732 | +5.8% |
| Wyoming | $127 | 15.18 | 837 | +3.6% |
| U.S. Average | $163 | 18.05 | 903 | +5.4% |
What Makes Up Your Electric Bill?
Your monthly bill isn’t just the electricity you use—it includes several components that vary by utility and state. Understanding them can help you spot savings opportunities.
Heating & Cooling
HVAC is the single largest driver of residential electricity use. States with extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) have higher average consumption.
Water Heating
Electric water heaters account for roughly $23/mo of the average bill. Heat pump water heaters can cut this cost by 50–65%.
Lighting
Switching to LED bulbs from incandescents cuts lighting costs by 75%. The average home has 30+ light fixtures—the savings add up fast.
Appliances & Electronics
Refrigeration, laundry, cooking, TVs, and standby power from electronics. Energy Star appliances use 10–50% less energy than standard models.
States with the Highest & Lowest Electric Bills
A state’s average bill depends on two variables: the per-kWh rate and monthly consumption. That’s why Hawaii has the highest bill despite having the lowest consumption—its rate is 2.2x the national average. Conversely, Louisiana has the cheapest rate but a high bill because southern households run AC year-round.
How the Average Electric Bill Has Changed
The average American electric bill has risen 26% over five years—from $129/month in 2022 to $163/month in 2026. Rising rates and growing consumption from EVs, home offices, and electrification of heating are the primary drivers.
| Year | Avg Bill/Mo | Avg Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg kWh/Mo | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $129 | 14.92 | 865 | — |
| 2023 | $139 | 15.85 | 877 | +7.8% |
| 2024 | $148 | 16.63 | 890 | +6.5% |
| 2025 | $155 | 17.13 | 905 | +4.7% |
| 2026 | $163 | 18.05 | 903 | +5.2% |
The 2025–2026 jump was driven primarily by a 5.4% increase in per-kWh rates. Consumption held roughly flat as efficiency gains from newer appliances and LED lighting offset increased usage from EV charging and home electrification. Natural gas price volatility, grid hardening investments after extreme weather events, and data center demand growth all contributed to higher generation costs.
How to Lower Your Electric Bill
There are two levers for reducing your monthly bill: use less electricity or pay a lower rate. In deregulated states, you can do both.
Switch Providers (Deregulated States)
If you live in Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, or other deregulated states, comparing providers is the fastest way to cut your bill—often with zero lifestyle changes.
Smart Thermostat
Programmable and smart thermostats reduce HVAC costs by automatically adjusting temperatures when you’re asleep or away. The average household saves $50+ annually.
LED Lighting
LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescents and last 25x longer. Replacing 20 bulbs saves approximately $150/year on a typical bill.
Seal Air Leaks & Insulate
Air leaks around windows, doors, and ducts waste 10–20% of heating and cooling energy. Weatherstripping and caulking are inexpensive fixes with immediate payback.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average electric bill in the US?
The average monthly electric bill in the U.S. is $163 as of March 2026. This is based on an average residential electricity rate of 18.05¢/kWh and average monthly consumption of 903 kWh. Bills range from $99/month in Utah to $203/month in Hawaii.
Which state has the lowest electric bill?
Utah has the lowest average monthly electric bill at $99/month. Utah benefits from low electricity rates (13.75¢/kWh) combined with moderate consumption (720 kWh/month) due to its dry climate, which reduces air conditioning demand.
Which state has the highest electric bill?
Hawaii has the highest average monthly electric bill at $203/month. Despite having the lowest consumption in the country (509 kWh/month), Hawaii’s extremely high electricity rate of 39.89¢/kWh—driven by imported petroleum fuel—pushes bills above every other state.
Why is my electric bill so high?
Common reasons include: seasonal temperature extremes that increase HVAC use, older or inefficient appliances, poor home insulation, a high per-kWh rate from your utility, phantom load from electronics on standby, and increased usage from working from home. Check your kWh consumption on your bill—if it’s above 903 kWh, usage is the main driver. If it’s below average but your bill is still high, your rate is the issue.
How can I lower my electric bill?
The fastest method in deregulated states (TX, OH, PA, IL, NJ, NY, CT, and others) is to switch providers—typical savings are 15–30% with no lifestyle changes. Beyond that: install a smart thermostat ($50+/yr savings), switch to LED bulbs (75% less energy), seal air leaks, use Energy Star appliances, run laundry and dishwashers during off-peak hours, and consider solar if you own your home.
What uses the most electricity in a home?
Heating and cooling account for approximately 46% of the average home’s electricity use. Water heating is next at 14%, followed by lighting (10%), refrigeration (7%), and all other appliances and electronics (23%). In hot-climate states like Texas and Florida, HVAC can exceed 50% of total usage.
Does the average electric bill include taxes and fees?
Yes. The averages on this page reflect total billed amounts, including generation charges, transmission and distribution fees, taxes, and any applicable surcharges. In most states, generation accounts for 40–60% of the total, with the remainder split between delivery charges and taxes.
Data Sources
About This Data
Average monthly bill amounts are calculated from EIA-reported average residential electricity rates and average monthly consumption by state. Rate data is sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and updated monthly. Consumption data reflects the most recent 12-month average reported by each state’s electric utilities. Year-over-year comparisons use the same month from the prior year. Last refresh: March 2, 2026.
