Electricity is one of your largest utility costs. Rates and usage vary dramatically by state, climate, and housing type. Here’s the complete breakdown.
Table of Contents
National Average
Metric
Value
Average monthly bill
$150
Average rate per kWh
$0.167
Average monthly usage
899 kWh
Annual electricity cost
$1,800
Average Electric Bill by State
State
Avg Rate (¢/kWh)
Avg Monthly Usage (kWh)
Avg Monthly Bill
Alabama
14.6
1,190
$174
Alaska
24.0
570
$137
Arizona
14.1
1,040
$147
Arkansas
12.5
1,080
$135
California
27.5
540
$149
Colorado
14.8
680
$101
Connecticut
29.5
700
$207
Delaware
15.2
900
$137
Florida
15.1
1,100
$166
Georgia
14.0
1,100
$154
Hawaii
42.0
500
$210
Idaho
10.5
950
$100
Illinois
16.0
720
$115
Indiana
15.0
920
$138
Iowa
14.5
860
$125
Kansas
14.8
900
$133
Kentucky
12.5
1,050
$131
Louisiana
12.0
1,180
$142
Maine
24.0
530
$127
Maryland
16.5
920
$152
Massachusetts
28.0
580
$162
Michigan
18.5
650
$120
Minnesota
14.5
780
$113
Mississippi
13.0
1,170
$152
Missouri
13.0
1,000
$130
Montana
12.0
830
$100
Nebraska
12.5
950
$119
Nevada
13.5
930
$126
New Hampshire
25.0
580
$145
New Jersey
18.5
680
$126
New Mexico
14.0
620
$87
New York
22.0
590
$130
North Carolina
13.5
1,020
$138
North Dakota
12.0
1,020
$122
Ohio
15.0
840
$126
Oklahoma
12.5
1,050
$131
Oregon
12.0
870
$104
Pennsylvania
17.0
800
$136
Rhode Island
27.5
560
$154
South Carolina
14.5
1,080
$157
South Dakota
13.0
950
$124
Tennessee
12.5
1,120
$140
Texas
14.0
1,140
$160
Utah
11.0
780
$86
Vermont
20.0
530
$106
Virginia
14.0
1,020
$143
Washington
10.5
950
$100
West Virginia
13.0
1,050
$137
Wisconsin
16.0
680
$109
Wyoming
11.5
850
$98
Most and Least Expensive States
Highest Electric Bills
Rank
State
Avg Monthly Bill
Avg Rate
1
Hawaii
$210
42.0¢/kWh
2
Connecticut
$207
29.5¢/kWh
3
Alabama
$174
14.6¢/kWh
4
Florida
$166
15.1¢/kWh
5
Massachusetts
$162
28.0¢/kWh
Lowest Electric Bills
Rank
State
Avg Monthly Bill
Avg Rate
1
Utah
$86
11.0¢/kWh
2
New Mexico
$87
14.0¢/kWh
3
Wyoming
$98
11.5¢/kWh
4
Idaho
$100
10.5¢/kWh
5
Washington
$100
10.5¢/kWh
What Drives Electric Costs
Factor
Impact
Climate (heating/cooling needs)
Southern states use 40%+ more electricity
Energy source (hydro vs. fossil)
Hydro states (WA, OR, ID) have lowest rates
Deregulated vs. regulated market
Deregulated can be cheaper or more expensive
Home size
Each 1,000 sq ft adds ~$30-$50/month
Electric vs. gas heating
Electric heating can double winter bills
Home age and insulation
Old homes use 20-40% more energy
How to Lower Your Electric Bill
Strategy
Annual Savings
Programmable/smart thermostat
$100-$200
LED bulbs (whole house)
$75-$150
Seal air leaks and add insulation
$200-$400
Energy-efficient appliances (over time)
$100-$300
Adjust thermostat 2-3°F
$50-$100
Wash clothes in cold water
$50-$75
Solar panels (long-term)
$1,000-$2,000
Rate comparison (deregulated states)
$100-$300
Key Takeaways
The average U.S. electric bill is ~$150/month ($1,800/year) at 16.7¢/kWh
Hawaii is the most expensive per kWh (42¢); Idaho and Washington the cheapest (10.5¢)
Southern states have the highest total bills due to heavy AC usage despite moderate rates
Climate is the biggest driver — cooling in the South and heating in the Northeast add $50-$100/month seasonally
Simple efficiency upgrades save $300-$700/year — smart thermostats and LED bulbs have the fastest payback
