Average Electric Bill by State 2026: Monthly Costs and Why They Differ

Your electric bill is determined by two things: how much electricity you use (kWh) and how much your utility charges per kWh. Both vary enormously by state — and the combination produces electric bills ranging from under $80/month in low-cost states to over $200/month in the most expensive markets.

Here's the 2026 state-by-state breakdown, plus the factors that explain the differences.

Average Electric Bill by State (2026)

Data reflects average residential monthly bills based on EIA consumption data and current utility rates. Actual bills vary by home size, heating fuel, and usage habits.

| State | Avg Monthly Bill | Avg Rate ($/kWh) | Avg Usage (kWh/mo) | Primary Driver | |---|---|---|---|---| | Alabama | $155 | $0.134 | 1,157 | Hot summers, AC-heavy | | Alaska | $127 | $0.233 | 545 | Low consumption, high rates | | Arizona | $148 | $0.133 | 1,113 | Extreme summer AC load | | Arkansas | $122 | $0.110 | 1,109 | Low rates, moderate climate | | California | $145 | $0.231 | 628 | High rates, mild climate | | Colorado | $95 | $0.133 | 714 | Mild climate, efficient homes | | Connecticut | $175 | $0.278 | 629 | Very high rates, dense housing | | Delaware | $130 | $0.150 | 867 | Mid-Atlantic average | | Florida | $143 | $0.133 | 1,075 | Hot climate, AC dominates | | Georgia | $138 | $0.127 | 1,087 | Hot summers, growing EV adoption | | Hawaii | $213 | $0.388 | 549 | Highest rates in US, oil generation | | Idaho | $87 | $0.097 | 897 | Cheap hydro power | | Illinois | $104 | $0.126 | 825 | Moderate rates, cold winters | | Indiana | $117 | $0.123 | 951 | Coal-heavy grid, moderate rates | | Iowa | $108 | $0.113 | 955 | Wind energy keeps rates lower | | Kansas | $115 | $0.122 | 942 | Central plains average | | Kentucky | $112 | $0.104 | 1,077 | Low rates, coal-heavy grid | | Louisiana | $115 | $0.097 | 1,185 | Very low rates, high AC use | | Maine | $130 | $0.218 | 596 | High rates, moderate consumption | | Maryland | $128 | $0.154 | 831 | Mid-Atlantic, mixed climate | | Massachusetts | $155 | $0.249 | 622 | High rates, gas heating common | | Michigan | $110 | $0.138 | 797 | Moderate, mixed climate | | Minnesota | $99 | $0.134 | 739 | Cold, gas heating reduces electric use | | Mississippi | $131 | $0.112 | 1,170 | Hot summers, AC load | | Missouri | $120 | $0.112 | 1,071 | Midwest average | | Montana | $101 | $0.112 | 902 | Cold, hydro power helps | | Nebraska | $109 | $0.110 | 991 | Public power utilities | | Nevada | $132 | $0.115 | 1,148 | Hot summers, high cooling load | | New Hampshire | $138 | $0.219 | 630 | High rates, cold winters | | New Jersey | $131 | $0.178 | 736 | High rates, dense housing | | New Mexico | $103 | $0.133 | 775 | Dry climate, moderate use | | New York | $122 | $0.199 | 613 | High rates, dense apartments | | North Carolina | $126 | $0.118 | 1,068 | Warm climate, growing state | | North Dakota | $119 | $0.115 | 1,035 | Coal grid, cold winters | | Ohio | $116 | $0.133 | 872 | Midwest average | | Oklahoma | $121 | $0.103 | 1,175 | Low rates, hot summers | | Oregon | $105 | $0.124 | 847 | Hydro power, mild coast | | Pennsylvania | $116 | $0.149 | 778 | Four-season, moderate | | Rhode Island | $162 | $0.268 | 605 | High rates, small homes | | South Carolina | $142 | $0.130 | 1,092 | Hot climate, AC load | | South Dakota | $114 | $0.118 | 966 | Plains average | | Tennessee | $133 | $0.114 | 1,167 | Hot summers, TVA rates | | Texas | $140 | $0.128 | 1,094 | Hot summers, deregulated market | | Utah | $89 | $0.102 | 873 | Low rates, moderate climate | | Vermont | $115 | $0.193 | 596 | High rates, cold and efficient homes | | Virginia | $130 | $0.131 | 992 | Mid-Atlantic, moderate | | Washington | $101 | $0.109 | 927 | Cheap hydro, moderate climate | | West Virginia | $110 | $0.108 | 1,019 | Coal grid, low rates | | Wisconsin | $108 | $0.133 | 812 | Midwest average | | Wyoming | $104 | $0.107 | 972 | Low rates, gas heating common | | US Average | $137 | $0.160 | 877 | |

Source: Based on EIA residential electricity consumption and rate data. 2026 figures reflect recent rate changes.

Why Electric Bills Vary So Much by State

1. Electricity Rate ($/kWh)

Rates vary 4× across the US — from $0.097/kWh in Louisiana to $0.388/kWh in Hawaii. Rates are primarily driven by:

• Fuel mix: Hydro-heavy states (Idaho, Washington, Oregon) have cheap power; oil-dependent states (Hawaii) have expensive power
• Grid infrastructure: Dense urban grids and aging infrastructure add costs
• Regulation: Regulated utilities vs. deregulated markets
• Renewable buildout: States investing heavily in wind and solar can see rate increases during transition

2. Heating Fuel

This is the biggest variable between states. Homes that heat with natural gas only use electricity for air conditioning, appliances, and water heating — typically 600–900 kWh/month. Homes with electric resistance heating or old electric heat pumps can use 1,500–2,500 kWh/month in winter.

Monthly electricity consumption by heating type: | Heating Fuel | Summer kWh | Winter kWh | Annual Average | |---|---|---|---| | Natural gas heat | 700–900 | 600–800 | 700–900 | | Modern heat pump | 700–900 | 900–1,300 | 850–1,100 | | Electric resistance heat | 700–900 | 2,000–3,500 | 1,200–2,000 | | Oil heat (electricity for blower only) | 700–900 | 700–850 | 700–900 |

3. Climate and Cooling Load

States with hot, humid summers have significantly higher electricity consumption due to air conditioning. Louisiana, Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi average over 1,100 kWh/month — 25% above the national average — primarily from AC.

4. Home Size

Average home size varies by state. Western states with newer construction tend to have larger homes; Northeastern states with older housing stock have smaller average homes. A larger home needs more heating, cooling, and lighting.

5. Appliance and Lighting Age

Older homes with incandescent lighting, older refrigerators, and inefficient HVAC systems use significantly more electricity. A home upgraded to LED lighting, a modern 18+ SEER2 AC, and a heat pump water heater can reduce consumption by 30–40%.

How to Reduce Your Electric Bill

If your electric bill is above the state average, these are the highest-impact improvements:

| Improvement | Typical Annual Savings | Cost | |---|---|---| | Smart thermostat | $140–$180 | $130–$250 | | Air sealing (DIY) | $100–$300 | $50–$150 | | Attic insulation top-up | $200–$500 | $1,500–$3,500 | | Heat pump water heater | $300–$500 | $1,200–$2,500 installed | | LED lighting (if any incandescents remain) | $100–$250 | $50–$150 | | High-efficiency AC (replacing 15+ yr old unit) | $200–$400 | $4,500–$8,000 installed | | Solar panels | $1,200–$2,400 | $18,000–$30,000 installed |

For a complete prioritized list, see our how to lower your electric bill guide.

Electric Bills and Solar Payback

If your state has high electricity rates, solar economics are typically stronger:

• Hawaii, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island ($0.20–$0.39/kWh): Solar payback often 6–10 years without federal credit
• California, New York, New Jersey ($0.18–$0.23/kWh): Solar payback typically 10–14 years
• Texas, Florida, Arizona ($0.12–$0.14/kWh): Moderate electricity rates, payback 14–18 years
• Idaho, Utah, Louisiana ($0.09–$0.11/kWh): Low rates make solar harder to justify purely on bill savings; backup power and grid independence may matter more

See our solar installation cost by state guide for 2026 gross installation prices and payback estimates.