Average Electric Bill by State (2026)
The average American electric bill hit $166 a month in 2026 — up 29% from about $129 just four years ago. But what you pay depends heavily on where you live: from $96 a month in Utah to a punishing $268 in Hawaii. Here's the state-by-state breakdown, what's really driving your bill, and how to bring it down. More in our Personal Finance Statistics Hub →
Average Electric Bill by State (Monthly, 2026)
| State | Avg. Monthly Bill | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $268 | Highest rate (~53¢/kWh), imported oil |
| Connecticut | $215 | High rates |
| Massachusetts | $190 | High rates |
| California | $185 | High rates, moderate usage |
| Texas | $178 | High summer A/C usage |
| South Carolina | $172 | High usage, humid summers |
| Florida | $170 | Year-round cooling |
| Alabama | $168 | High usage |
| U.S. average | $166 | ~18.3¢/kWh, 903 kWh/mo |
| Georgia | $165 | High usage |
| Maryland | $160 | Above-average rates |
| Arizona | $158 | Heavy summer cooling |
| Nevada | $140 | Low rate (~13¢), high usage |
| New York | $135 | High rate, low usage |
| Ohio | $130 | Moderate |
| Oregon | $120 | Mild climate |
| Michigan | $115 | Moderate usage |
| Illinois | $110 | Lower rates |
| Colorado | $108 | Low usage, mild |
| Washington | $105 | Cheap hydro power |
| New Mexico | $100 | Low usage, dry |
| Utah | $96 | Low rate, dry climate |
Approximate 2026 average monthly residential electric bills, based on EIA rate and consumption data (national average ~18.3¢/kWh, 903 kWh/month). Figures are rounded and vary by utility, home size, and season; a representative set of states is shown.
Highest vs. Lowest — Visual
📌 Key Insight
Your bill is rate × usage — and the two don't always move together. Hawaii uses the least electricity of any state but pays the most, because its rate is more than double the national average. Hot, humid states like Texas and Florida flip it: normal rates but heavy year-round air conditioning. Knowing which lever drives your bill — an expensive rate or high usage — tells you whether to shop suppliers (in deregulated states) or focus on cutting consumption.
What About Total Utilities?
Electricity is usually the biggest utility line, but it's not the only one. Add natural gas, water and sewer, trash, and internet, and a typical household's total utilities run roughly $450–$650 a month depending on state, home size, and season. Budgeting for the whole bundle — not just the power bill — keeps you from getting surprised in peak heating or cooling months.
How to Lower Your Electric Bill
- Adjust the thermostat — a few degrees up in summer or down in winter is the single biggest lever.
- Switch to LEDs and efficient appliances, and unplug always-on "vampire" electronics.
- Seal leaks and improve insulation so you're not paying to heat or cool the outdoors.
- Shift heavy usage to off-peak hours if you're on time-of-use pricing.
- Shop your supplier in deregulated states, and consider solar in high-rate, sunny states.
Track Every Recurring Bill
Utilities creep up quietly. A budgeting app flags rising bills and helps you find room to save across your whole budget.
Best Budgeting Apps → Average Monthly ExpensesFrequently Asked Questions
About $166/month nationally, based on ~18.3¢/kWh and ~903 kWh of use. That's up 29% from ~$129/month in 2022.
Hawaii is highest (~$268/month) despite the lowest usage, because its rate tops 50¢/kWh. Utah is lowest (~$96) thanks to cheap rates and a dry climate.
It's your rate times your usage. Hot, humid states run big A/C bills; high-rate states like Hawaii, Connecticut, and California charge a lot per kWh. Old appliances, poor insulation, and electric heat add up too.
Adding gas, water/sewer, trash, and internet, a typical household spends roughly $450–$650/month, with electricity usually the largest single piece.
Adjust the thermostat, switch to LEDs and efficient appliances, seal leaks, shift usage off-peak, shop suppliers in deregulated states, and consider solar in high-rate sunny states.