Electricity Rates by State
- The average U.S. residential electricity rate is 18.16¢/kWh as of August 2026, up 3.4% from a year earlier (EIA).
- Rates range from 12.72 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) in Nevada to 47.18 cents per kWh in Hawaii.
Check electric rates in your area
| State | Market | Residential | Commercial | Avg Bill/mo | YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Regulated | 16.33 | 14.98 | $187 | +0.4% |
| Alaska | Regulated | 29.41 | 23.90 | $166 | +5.8% |
| Arizona | Regulated | 15.05 | 13.05 | $155 | −0.3% |
| Arkansas | Regulated | 14.37 | 11.73 | $155 | +7.8% |
| California | Regulated | 29.75 | 30.02 | $147 | −3.8% |
| Colorado | Regulated | 17.17 | 13.94 | $113 | +5.9% |
| Connecticut | Deregulated | 24.51 | 19.29 | $173 | −18.8% |
| Delaware | Deregulated | 18.70 | 14.50 | $172 | +11.0% |
| District of Columbia | Deregulated | 25.98 | 23.31 | $166 | +12.1% |
| Florida | Regulated | 14.99 | 11.35 | $165 | −2.2% |
| Georgia | Regulated | 15.90 | 13.81 | $171 | +2.3% |
| Hawaii | Regulated | 47.18 | 43.55 | $243 | +22.5% |
| Idaho | Regulated | 13.37 | 10.21 | $125 | +10.7% |
| Illinois | Deregulated | 19.32 | 14.67 | $138 | +7.2% |
| Indiana | Regulated | 17.02 | 13.29 | $160 | +5.0% |
| Iowa | Regulated | 17.06 | 14.15 | $147 | +10.2% |
| Kansas | Regulated | 15.47 | 12.24 | $136 | +5.6% |
| Kentucky | Regulated | 13.80 | 12.09 | $151 | +5.3% |
| Louisiana | Regulated | 12.87 | 11.09 | $158 | +2.5% |
| Maine | Deregulated | 32.11 | 21.33 | $171 | +14.1% |
| Maryland | Deregulated | 21.40 | 17.00 | $202 | +7.6% |
| Massachusetts | Deregulated | 30.48 | 24.11 | $182 | −0.2% |
| Michigan | Regulated | 22.99 | 16.21 | $146 | +10.9% |
| Minnesota | Regulated | 17.20 | 13.41 | $128 | +1.8% |
| Mississippi | Regulated | 14.43 | 13.45 | $171 | +6.0% |
| Missouri | Regulated | 16.02 | 12.63 | $166 | +4.6% |
| Montana | Regulated | 15.57 | 13.64 | $133 | +9.0% |
| Nebraska | Regulated | 13.54 | 10.00 | $132 | +5.8% |
| Nevada | Regulated | 12.72 | 9.80 | $110 | +1.4% |
| New Hampshire | Deregulated | 27.64 | 20.99 | $177 | +13.1% |
| New Jersey | Deregulated | 24.61 | 18.71 | $165 | −0.4% |
| New Mexico | Regulated | 16.51 | 12.14 | $105 | +3.3% |
| New York | Deregulated | 28.65 | 23.06 | $168 | +7.5% |
| North Carolina | Regulated | 14.95 | 10.73 | $156 | +2.5% |
| North Dakota | Regulated | 13.31 | 8.07 | $142 | +2.6% |
| Ohio | Deregulated | 19.38 | 12.31 | $169 | +10.4% |
| Oklahoma | Regulated | 14.82 | 10.90 | $158 | +2.8% |
| Oregon | Regulated | 15.92 | 10.72 | $138 | +0.4% |
| Pennsylvania | Deregulated | 21.77 | 13.93 | $183 | +9.2% |
| Rhode Island | Deregulated | 28.18 | 23.31 | $158 | +6.2% |
| South Carolina | Regulated | 15.76 | 11.76 | $168 | +4.0% |
| South Dakota | Regulated | 15.15 | 11.71 | $149 | +9.0% |
| Tennessee | Regulated | 13.42 | 13.13 | $158 | +2.5% |
| Texas | Deregulated | 15.91 | 8.96 | $177 | +3.3% |
| Utah | Regulated | 13.31 | 10.39 | $101 | −2.3% |
| Vermont | Regulated | 23.84 | 20.47 | $141 | +7.9% |
| Virginia | Regulated | 17.64 | 11.14 | $188 | +11.3% |
| Washington | Regulated | 14.63 | 11.81 | $138 | +7.2% |
| West Virginia | Regulated | 16.31 | 11.65 | $175 | +4.4% |
| Wisconsin | Regulated | 19.41 | 14.19 | $129 | +5.3% |
| Wyoming | Regulated | 14.43 | 10.27 | $120 | +0.7% |
| U.S. Average | — | 18.16 | 14.47 | $159 | +3.4% |
Which States Have the Most Expensive Electricity?
Hawaii has the most expensive electricity at 47.18¢/kWh — 160% above the national average. Four of the ten priciest states are in New England, where aging grids and imported natural gas keep rates high.
| State | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg Bill/mo | vs. U.S. Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 47.18 | $243 | +160% |
| Maine | 32.11 | $171 | +77% |
| Massachusetts | 30.48 | $182 | +68% |
| California | 29.75 | $147 | +64% |
| Alaska | 29.41 | $166 | +62% |
Which States Have the Cheapest Electricity?
Nevada has the cheapest residential electricity at 12.72¢/kWh — 30% below the national average. Hydropower, wind, and low population density keep western and South Central states affordable.
| State | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg Bill/mo | vs. U.S. Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | 12.72 | $110 | −30% |
| Louisiana | 12.87 | $158 | −29% |
| North Dakota | 13.31 | $142 | −27% |
| Utah | 13.31 | $101 | −27% |
| Idaho | 13.37 | $125 | −26% |
For commercial rates, the ranking shifts: North Dakota (8.07¢) is cheapest, followed by Texas (8.96¢) and Nevada (9.80¢).
Which States Had the Biggest Electricity Rate Changes?
Hawaii saw the largest residential rate increase at +22.5% from August 2025, followed by Maine (+14.1%) and New Hampshire (+13.1%). Connecticut was the biggest decliner at −18.8%. Nationally, residential rates rose 3.4% over the past year.
Biggest Increases
| Hawaii | +22.5% |
| Maine | +14.1% |
| New Hampshire | +13.1% |
| District of Columbia | +12.1% |
| Virginia | +11.3% |
| Delaware | +11.0% |
| Michigan | +10.9% |
Biggest Decreases
| Connecticut | −18.8% |
| California | −3.8% |
| Utah | −2.3% |
| Florida | −2.2% |
| New Jersey | −0.4% |
Only 7 of 51 states saw rate decreases year-over-year.
In deregulated states, consumers can often offset rate increases by switching to a competitive plan. In regulated states, rate changes are set by the state public utility commission and applied uniformly.
How Do Electricity Rates Compare by Region?
The South Central region is cheapest at 14.49¢/kWh; the Northeast is most expensive at 25.66¢/kWh — 41% above the national average. As of August 2026, the five U.S. regions rank from cheapest to most expensive. Regional differences are driven by fuel sources, infrastructure age, and regulatory structure.
Northeast
25.66¢/kWhAging grids, imported natural gas, and renewable mandates make this the priciest region. Most states here are deregulated, so consumers can shop for lower rates.
West
19.62¢/kWhSkewed by Hawaii, California, and Alaska. Remove those three and the remaining states average just 14.87¢, well below national. Pacific Northwest hydro and desert solar keep most western states affordable.
Midwest
17.16¢/kWhWind energy and low population density keep Great Plains states cheap. Ohio and Illinois are deregulated, letting consumers shop for better rates.
Southeast
15.35¢/kWhCheap natural gas, nuclear baseload, and TVA hydro keep rates low. All ten states are regulated — no provider choice, but generally stable, predictable pricing.
Electricity Rates by City
In deregulated states, rates vary by city. Compare rates for 300+ cities across the largest competitive markets.
All 50 States Electricity Rate Directory
Select any state for an in-depth breakdown of current residential and commercial rates, historical pricing trends, major utility providers, and market structure.
About This Data
State rates on this page are the U.S. Energy Information Administration's average residential and commercial prices for August 2026 (Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A): each sector's revenue divided by the kilowatt-hours sold. Average monthly bills multiply that rate by EIA's 2025 average residential usage for the state (Form EIA-861). Year-over-year changes compare the same month a year earlier. City pages in deregulated markets show live plan prices from our marketplace instead.
Deregulated market claims are verified against state public utility commission filings, including the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), the Pennsylvania PUC, the Illinois Commerce Commission, and the New York Public Service Commission. Rates are updated monthly; city-level competitive data refreshes four times daily. See our Trust & Licensing page for editorial standards and regulatory credentials.
FAQ
What is the average electricity rate in the US?
The average U.S. electricity rate is 18.16¢/kWh for residential customers and 14.47¢/kWh for commercial customers as of August 2026 (EIA). Rates range from 12.72¢/kWh in Nevada to 47.18¢/kWh in Hawaii. The national average is up 3.4% from a year earlier. See the full state-by-state rate table above for every state’s current residential and commercial rates.
What state has the cheapest electricity?
Nevada has the cheapest residential electricity at 12.72¢/kWh, 30% below the national average. It is followed by Louisiana (12.87¢), North Dakota (13.31¢), Utah (13.31¢), and Idaho (13.37¢). For commercial rates, North Dakota is cheapest at 8.07¢/kWh. Low rates in these states are driven by hydroelectric power, wind energy, abundant natural gas, and low population density. See the top 5 cheapest states.
What state has the most expensive electricity?
Hawaii has the most expensive electricity at 47.18¢/kWh, 160% above the national average. Maine (32.11¢), Massachusetts (30.48¢), California (29.75¢), and Alaska (29.41¢) round out the top five.
Five of the ten most expensive states are in New England. Aging grid infrastructure and reliance on imported natural gas drive costs higher across the region. See the top 5 most expensive states.
Why is my electric bill so high?
High electric bills are typically caused by above-average rates in your state, seasonal usage spikes (AC in summer, heating in winter), inefficient appliances, or being on your utility’s default rate instead of a competitive plan. In deregulated states, you can compare a supplier's price with your utility's default rate.
Check your cost per kWh on your bill and compare it to your state’s average in the rate table above. See average electric bills by state for a full cost breakdown. If you’re paying more, you may be overpaying.
Can I choose my electricity provider?
Yes, if you live in a deregulated state. 19 states plus D.C. have some form of retail electricity choice: Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, plus limited or capped markets in Michigan, Virginia, California, Oregon, Nevada, and Montana.
In deregulated markets you can compare plans from competitive suppliers. Your utility still delivers the power and handles outages. Only the generation company changes.
Why are electricity rates going up?
The U.S. average residential rate is up 3.4% from a year earlier. Key drivers include:
- Rising natural gas prices
- Grid modernization and weather-hardening investments
- Increased demand from data centers and electric vehicles
- Renewable energy transition costs
Hawaii (+22.5%), Maine (+14.1%), and New Hampshire (+13.1%) saw the steepest increases. Connecticut (−18.8%) was the biggest decliner.
