Compare what Americans pay for power across all 50 states. Find out where electricity is cheapest, where it's rising fastest, and how to save in deregulated markets.
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana has the cheapest electricity at 12.39¢/kWh
- Hawaii is 2.2x the national average at 39.74¢
- +5.2% national residential increase year-over-year
- 14 states have deregulated electricity markets
- 15-30% typical savings by switching providers
- California saw the largest increase at +8.7%
17.98¢
Residential Avg
14.06¢
Commercial Avg
+5.2%
YoY Change
50
States Tracked
Average Electricity Rates by State
Residential electricity prices in cents per kWh — January 2026
Rate Categories
National Statistics
National Average
17.98¢/kWh
Lowest Rate
LA — 12.39¢
Highest Rate
HI — 39.74¢
Average Rate
Cheapest State
Louisiana
12.39¢/kWh
31% below national average
Most Expensive State
Hawaii
39.74¢/kWh
121% above national average
01
Residential Electricity Rates by State
What homeowners pay per kilowatt-hour varies dramatically by location. States with hydroelectric power (Idaho, Washington) enjoy the lowest rates, while island states like Hawaii pay a premium due to fuel imports.
All 50 States + D.C.
National avg: 17.98¢/kWh (+5.2% vs 2025)
| State | Rate (¢/kWh) | vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 16.72 | +3.8% |
| Alaska | 26.46 | +4.2% |
| Arizona | 15.55 | +2.9% |
| Arkansas | 13.26 | +2.1% |
| California | 33.60 | +8.7% |
| Colorado | 16.26 | +4.5% |
| Connecticut | 27.72 | +6.8% |
| Delaware | 18.31 | +5.1% |
| District of Columbia | 23.92 | +4.6% |
| Florida | 15.70 | +3.2% |
| Georgia | 14.53 | +2.8% |
| Hawaii | 39.74 | +7.3% |
| Idaho | 12.46 | +1.9% |
| Illinois | 18.74 | +5.8% |
| Indiana | 17.34 | +4.9% |
| Iowa | 13.48 | +2.4% |
| Kansas | 15.16 | +3.5% |
| Kentucky | 13.62 | +2.7% |
| Louisiana | 12.39 | +1.6% |
| Maine | 29.42 | +7.9% |
| Maryland | 22.30 | +6.2% |
| Massachusetts | 31.37 | +7.5% |
| Michigan | 20.46 | +5.9% |
| Minnesota | 16.37 | +3.8% |
| Mississippi | 14.47 | +2.5% |
| Missouri | 12.95 | +2.3% |
| Montana | 14.27 | +3.1% |
| Nebraska | 13.13 | +2.2% |
| Nevada | 13.77 | +2.9% |
| New Hampshire | 27.27 | +7.1% |
| New Jersey | 22.55 | +6.4% |
| New Mexico | 14.93 | +3.3% |
| New York | 26.95 | +6.9% |
| North Carolina | 15.05 | +3.0% |
| North Dakota | 12.82 | +1.8% |
| Ohio | 17.85 | +5.4% |
| Oklahoma | 14.42 | +3.2% |
| Oregon | 16.16 | +3.7% |
| Pennsylvania | 20.49 | +6.1% |
| Rhode Island | 31.16 | +8.2% |
| South Carolina | 15.64 | +3.4% |
| South Dakota | 14.09 | +2.6% |
| Tennessee | 13.06 | +2.1% |
| Texas | 16.11 | +4.1% |
| Utah | 13.69 | +2.5% |
| Vermont | 24.78 | +6.5% |
| Virginia | 16.36 | +3.9% |
| Washington | 14.06 | +2.8% |
| West Virginia | 16.19 | +4.3% |
| Wisconsin | 18.37 | +5.6% |
| Wyoming | 15.11 | +3.4% |
| U.S. Average | 17.98 | +5.2% |
02
Commercial Electricity Rates by State
Businesses pay less per kWh because they use power in larger, more predictable quantities. The gap between residential and commercial rates averages 22% nationally.
All 50 States + D.C.
National avg: 14.06¢/kWh (+4.8% vs 2025)
| State | Rate (¢/kWh) | vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 14.40 | +2.9% |
| Alaska | 23.01 | +4.2% |
| Arizona | 13.03 | +2.1% |
| Arkansas | 10.72 | +2.7% |
| California | 29.31 | +6.1% |
| Colorado | 13.26 | +3.0% |
| Connecticut | 23.78 | +7.8% |
| Delaware | 12.63 | +3.9% |
| District of Columbia | 20.76 | +4.5% |
| Florida | 11.49 | +3.1% |
| Georgia | 11.38 | +3.3% |
| Hawaii | 38.63 | +8.7% |
| Idaho | 8.15 | +1.4% |
| Illinois | 13.94 | +5.8% |
| Indiana | 14.09 | +4.2% |
| Iowa | 13.25 | +2.9% |
| Kansas | 11.99 | +3.5% |
| Kentucky | 12.09 | +2.5% |
| Louisiana | 10.88 | +2.8% |
| Maine | 21.29 | +7.1% |
| Maryland | 15.11 | +6.2% |
| Massachusetts | 23.28 | +7.5% |
| Michigan | 14.85 | +6.4% |
| Minnesota | 13.15 | +3.5% |
| Mississippi | 12.61 | +2.9% |
| Missouri | 12.45 | +4.0% |
| Montana | 12.55 | +3.3% |
| Nebraska | 9.53 | +2.1% |
| Nevada | 9.86 | +3.0% |
| New Hampshire | 20.43 | +8.1% |
| New Jersey | 18.69 | +8.9% |
| New Mexico | 12.18 | +3.8% |
| New York | 22.42 | +6.8% |
| North Carolina | 10.04 | +3.1% |
| North Dakota | 7.41 | +1.1% |
| Ohio | 11.49 | +5.3% |
| Oklahoma | 9.99 | +3.5% |
| Oregon | 11.30 | +3.2% |
| Pennsylvania | 12.72 | +6.0% |
| Rhode Island | 22.32 | +8.4% |
| South Carolina | 10.83 | +3.6% |
| South Dakota | 10.94 | +3.0% |
| Tennessee | 12.96 | +2.7% |
| Texas | 9.08 | +4.0% |
| Utah | 10.82 | +2.8% |
| Vermont | 19.23 | +6.5% |
| Virginia | 9.68 | +3.9% |
| Washington | 11.84 | +3.1% |
| West Virginia | 11.59 | +4.2% |
| Wisconsin | 13.63 | +5.5% |
| Wyoming | 9.74 | +3.3% |
| U.S. Average | 14.06 | +6.3% |
03
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has the cheapest electricity?
+
Louisiana has the cheapest residential electricity at 12.39¢/kWh—31% below the national average. For commercial rates, North Dakota leads at just 7.41¢/kWh. Louisiana benefits from abundant natural gas, while North Dakota has low infrastructure costs and hydroelectric access.
Why is Hawaii's electricity so expensive?
+
Hawaii pays 42.49¢/kWh—over 3.6x the national average—because it imports petroleum for most power generation. Island geography means no access to mainland grid infrastructure or cheaper natural gas pipelines.
Why did rates increase 7.4% this year?
+
The 2025-2026 increase (+5.2%) reflects rising natural gas prices, grid modernization investments, increased demand from data centers and EVs, extreme weather hardening costs, and renewable energy transition expenses. California saw the steepest increase at +8.7%, followed by Rhode Island (+8.2%) and Maine (+7.9%).
Can I switch providers to save money?
+
Yes—if you live in a deregulated state. 14 states + D.C. have competitive electricity markets: Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and parts of others. Customers in these states typically save 15-30% by comparing providers.
Why are commercial rates lower than residential?
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Businesses consume electricity in larger, more predictable quantities and often during off-peak hours. This efficiency reduces per-customer infrastructure and billing overhead. The national commercial rate (14.06¢) is 22% lower than residential (17.98¢).
What factors determine electricity prices?
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Six main factors: fuel costs (gas, coal, oil), power plant expenses, transmission infrastructure, weather/seasonal demand, state regulations, and market structure (regulated vs. deregulated). Natural gas prices have the largest short-term impact.
How can I lower my electricity bill?
+
In deregulated states, simply switching providers can save 15-30% with no lifestyle changes. Otherwise: switch to LED lighting, upgrade to Energy Star appliances, install a smart thermostat, seal air leaks, use off-peak electricity, and consider solar if you own your home.
04
Data Sources
About This Data
All rates are sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and updated monthly. Figures represent average prices across all customer classes, including generation, transmission, distribution, and taxes. Year-over-year comparisons use the same month from the prior year. Last refresh: January 20, 2026.