Electricity Rates by State

How much does electricity cost?

According to July 2026 data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average residential electricity rate in the United States is 18.31 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). A power rate — also called an electricity rate or price per kWh — is the amount customers pay for each kWh of electricity they use. Actual energy prices vary by state, customer type, electricity usage and supplier.

The Choose Energy team analyzed this data to compare electricity prices across the country and identify the factors that have the greatest impact on customers’ costs.

Electricity rates vary widely across the country, making location a major factor in household energy costs. In July 2026, Louisiana had the lowest average residential power rate at 12.72 cents per kWh, while Hawaii had the highest at 48.00 cents per kWh. For comparison, the average Texas electricity rate was 15.88 cents per kWh, 13.3% below the U.S. average of 18.31 cents per kWh. Customers living in deregulated areas of Texas can also compare electricity plans and rates from competing providers.

Use the table below to compare residential electricity rates by state using the latest available EIA data. Rates are listed in cents per kilowatt-hour, and rankings run from the lowest to the highest residential rate.

In July 2026, Louisiana had the lowest average residential electricity rate in the country at 12.72 cents per kWh. That was approximately 30.5% below the U.S. average of 18.31 cents per kWh. Electricity prices can be influenced by fuel costs, local demand, generation resources, infrastructure and state energy policies.

The table below compares the 10 states with the lowest residential electricity rates using the latest available EIA data.

In July 2026, Hawaii had the country’s highest average residential electricity rate at 48.00 cents per kWh, approximately 162.2% above the U.S. average of 18.31 cents per kWh. California ranked second at 33.61 cents per kWh. Five of the 10 states with the highest rates were in New England.

The table below compares the 10 states with the highest residential electricity rates using the latest available EIA data.

Commercial electricity rates vary by state, industry, building size and usage patterns. Businesses in deregulated energy markets may be able to choose their electricity supplier and compare plans. Learn more about business electricity rates and available options.

In July 2026, Hawaii had the highest average commercial electricity rate at 43.63 cents per kWh, while North Dakota had the lowest at 8.22 cents per kWh. The U.S. average was 14.53 cents per kWh. Texas had the second-lowest commercial rate at 8.47 cents per kWh—approximately 41.7% below the national average. Hawaii recorded the largest annual increase, rising 24.4% from July 2025.

Use the table below to compare commercial electricity rates by state. Rankings run from the lowest to the highest average commercial rate.

The table below estimates monthly electricity bills by state using average residential electricity rates and average monthly household electricity usage data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). In July, Hawaii had the highest estimated monthly bill at $237.60, while Utah had the lowest at $101.55. The estimated U.S. average was $158.02 per month.

Estimates combine July 2026 residential electricity rates with the latest available average monthly household electricity usage data, which is from 2024. Actual bills may vary based on household consumption, fixed utility charges, taxes and other fees.

The cost of electricity per kWh is influenced by several factors, including fuel and generation costs, transmission and distribution infrastructure, weather, customer demand, regulations, taxes and how much electricity a state imports or exports.

A state’s electricity generation mix can affect energy prices, but no single power source determines what customers pay. Explore Choose Energy’s electricity generation by state report to compare the power sources used across the country.

Energy choice rules vary by state, utility service area and customer type. Some states allow eligible customers to choose an electricity supplier, a natural gas supplier or both. Programs may be available statewide or limited to certain utilities, locations, businesses or residential customers.

Under electricity retail choice, an eligible customer can purchase electricity from an alternate supplier while the local utility continues delivering power to the property. Natural gas customer choice works similarly: customers may purchase gas from a competitive marketer while the local utility handles delivery.

The states below have some level of electricity or natural gas choice available to at least some customers. Eligibility and supplier availability can vary, so customers should confirm their options with their local utility or state public utility commission. If electricity choice is available in your area, enter your ZIP code to compare electricity rates and plans from participating providers.

Why do electricity rates vary so much by state?

Electricity prices vary because each state has different fuel costs, weather, power demand, power plants, grid systems, taxes and energy rules. Prices can also change based on how much electricity a state buys from or sells to other states. No single factor sets a state’s average price per kWh.

Which states have the highest and lowest electricity rates?

In July 2026, Hawaii had the highest average residential electricity rate at 48.00 cents per kWh. Louisiana had the lowest average residential electricity rate at 12.72 cents per kWh. The U.S. average was 18.31 cents per kWh.

How can I compare electricity rates by state?

Use the residential and commercial tables on this page to compare average electricity rates by state. The EIA uses average revenue per kWh to estimate electricity rates. These numbers are statewide averages, not prices from individual suppliers.

Can I compare electricity rates by ZIP code?

In deregulated energy markets, you can enter your ZIP code on the Choose Energy marketplace to compare electricity plans and rates in your area. Available suppliers and plans depend on your location and utility service area.

Why are commercial electricity rates often lower than residential rates?

Commercial customers often use more electricity and follow different usage patterns than homes. They may also receive power at higher voltages or use different utility rate plans. These factors can lower the average price per kWh, but some businesses also pay demand charges and other fees.

Do deregulated states always have lower electricity prices?

No. Energy choice lets eligible customers choose a supplier, but it does not promise a lower price. Compare the total price per kWh, contract length, rate type, fees and utility delivery charges when reviewing retail electric providers.

How can I estimate my monthly electricity bill from a rate per kWh?

Multiply your monthly electricity usage in kWh by your rate in cents per kWh, then divide by 100. For example, 1,000 kWh at 15 cents per kWh equals $150 in energy charges. Your total bill may also include fixed utility charges, delivery fees, taxes and other charges.

Are you a journalist or researcher looking for historical electricity rate data? Send us details about what you need, and we’ll respond with relevant data and insights from one of our energy experts. You can also explore the Choose Energy Data Center for more U.S. energy statistics and analysis.

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