Drs Producoes/E+/Getty images
Residential electricity bills changes
If you feel like your energy bills are increasing, you’re not alone. The U.S. experienced a 3% increase in energy bills from 2023 to 2024, according to annual data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). But some states are feeling this increase more than others. In this guide, we identify which states had the largest increase in electric bills in 2024 using the EIA’s latest energy consumption and electricity rate data by state.
Top 10 states with electric bill increases
Oregon had the largest monthly energy bill increase from 2023 to 2024, with bills rising 16.1%. The driving factor behind Oregon’s sharp rise in bills was multiple utility rate increases approved by the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC). These price hikes were due to several challenges the state faced, including supply chain issues, inflation, and infrastructure damage from severe storms.
Find out which other states also felt the strain of higher energy bills in 2024.
| State | 2023 average monthly bill | 2024 average monthly bill | Percent increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $112 | $130 | 16.10% |
| New York | $127 | $140 | 10.20% |
| New Jersey | $117 | $128 | 9.40% |
| North Carolina | $131 | $143 | 9.20% |
| Utah | $87 | $95 | 9.20% |
| Maryland | $154 | $166 | 7.80% |
| District of Columbia | $105 | $113 | 7.60% |
| West Virginia | $144 | $155 | 7.60% |
| Rhode Island | $153 | $162 | 5.90% |
| Vermont | $120 | $126 | 5% |
States with electric bill decreases
Despite some of the high bill increases in 2024, only a few states had bill decreases. New Hampshire residents enjoyed 16.7% lower energy bills in 2024 versus the previous year, the largest decrease in the country. In 2024, renewable resources supplied 17% of the state’s total electricity, which could have helped lower consumers’ energy bills. New Hampshire also produces more electricity than it consumes, meaning there’s a greater in-state supply than demand.
| State | 2023 average monthly bill | 2024 average monthly bill | Percent decrease |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $174 | $145 | -16.70% |
| Maine | $151 | $134 | -11.30% |
| Nevada | $155 | $140 | -9.70% |
| Florida | $168 | $156 | -7.10% |
| Pennsylvania | $148 | $145 | -2% |
Why are my energy bills going up?
The rising wholesale cost of electricity is a primary driver behind the recent increase in consumers’ bills. While it’s difficult to pinpoint one reason for higher wholesale prices, several challenges may be contributing to the pressure on rates, according to the World Resources Institute:
- Electricity demand is growing faster than supply.
- The U.S. power grid is aging and requires significant repairs and investments to modernize the infrastructure.
- More frequent and severe weather patterns increase both electricity consumption and operating costs.
How to lower your energy bill
While the wholesale cost of energy is beyond consumers’ control, you can help manage your monthly utility bills by decreasing your electricity consumption. Here are a few tips to reduce your energy bills:
- Turn off lights in unused rooms
- Lower your water heater temperature
- Use power strips to turn off devices completely
- Reduce your heating and cooling usage
- Upgrade to ENERGY STAR-certified appliances
- Perform regular maintenance on your HVAC unit
- Switch out incandescent light bulbs for LED bulbs
- Complete a total home energy audit
Shop for cheap electricity on Choose Energy
If you live in a deregulated state, you could also lower your bills by shopping for a cheaper energy rate. Choose Energy is a free marketplace that helps residents and businesses find the best deals from affordable energy companies in minutes. We offer electricity and natural gas plans in the following states:
| Electricity | Natural gas |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | Georgia |
| Maine | New Jersey |
| Massachusetts | Ohio |
| New Jersey | Pennsylvania |
| New York | |
| New Hampshire | |
| Ohio | |
| Pennsylvania | |
| Texas |
Enter your ZIP code or call the number on your screen to chat with an energy agent and get matched with a new plan in minutes.