US Electricity Bill Calculator
EIA: avg US household 893 kWh/month.
EIA Feb 2026 US avg: $0.1765/kWh.
Many utilities charge a $5–$15 monthly customer / service charge.
Share with friends
How to use
- 1 Enter monthly kWh usage from your most recent electric bill (US average is 903 kWh/month for typical home).
- 2 Enter your rate per kWh ($/kWh). Use 0.1765 for US average, or your specific utility rate (often shown on bill).
- 3 Enter fixed monthly customer/service charge (typically $5-$15).
- 4 Click Calculate to see total monthly bill, energy charge, fixed charge, and annual cost projection.
- 5 Compare your rate to the 2026 EIA national average (17.65¢) and your state benchmark to identify high rates worth shopping in deregulated markets (TX, OH, PA, etc.).
About US Electricity Bill Calculator
FAQ
Q What is the 2026 average US electricity rate?
17.65 cents per kilowatt-hour (per EIA Electric Power Monthly, April 2026 data). National average monthly bill: $163 for typical 903 kWh usage. Up 5.4% from 2025 and 21% over the past 5 years.
Q Which state has the cheapest electricity?
North Dakota at 11.64¢/kWh (cheapest in 2026), followed by Idaho 11.5¢, Louisiana 12.44¢, Washington 12.2¢. Cheap because of nuclear (ID), hydropower (WA, ID), abundant gas (LA, ND), and abundant wind (ND, IA).
Q Which state has the most expensive electricity?
Hawaii at 43¢/kWh — 2.4× the US average. Reason: 100% imported fossil fuels (no domestic supply, oil-fired generators). Connecticut 33¢, Massachusetts 30¢, California 27.5¢, New York 23.2¢ round out the top expensive states.
Q Why are my electric bills going up in 2026?
Several factors: AI data center boom (massive new demand in some regions), grid infrastructure upgrades, severe weather hardening, natural gas price volatility (~40% of US generation), and renewable transition costs. National average up 5.4% in 2026 alone.
Q How can I switch electricity suppliers?
In 14 deregulated states (TX, OH, PA, IL, NY, NJ, MD, DC, MA, CT, RI, ME, VA, MI partial), you can choose your supplier separately from delivery. Visit Power-To-Choose.com (TX), PowerSwitchOhio.com (OH), or your state utility commission. Save 10-30% common.
Q Is solar worth it in 2026?
Depends on your rate. Hawaii (43¢): payback 4-5 years. CA/NY/MA (25-30¢): 6-9 years. ND/ID (11¢): 15+ years (often not worth it). Plus 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) through 2032. State rebates vary; net metering rules changing in many states.
Q What is time-of-use pricing?
Pay different rates by time of day. Peak hours (4pm-9pm typical): 2-3× off-peak rate. Off-peak (overnight): cheap. Saves money if you shift usage: run dishwasher/laundry overnight, charge EV after 9pm, pre-cool house in afternoon. Available in most utility territories now.
Q How much electricity does the average US home use?
903 kWh/month per EIA April 2026. Highest: Louisiana 1,232 kWh (humidity, AC). Lowest: Hawaii 511 kWh (small homes, no heating). California 540 kWh (mild climate). Heating-dominated: ME, VT 700-800 kWh. AC-dominated: TX, FL, AZ, GA 1,000+ kWh.
Official resources
EIA — Electric Power Monthly
US Energy Information Administration official monthly electricity report including state-by-state residential rates.
EIA — Sales, Revenue, Average Price
EIA quarterly statistics on electricity sales and prices by state, sector, and utility.
EnergyStar — Home Energy Yardstick
EPA EnergyStar tool to compare your home energy use to similar homes; find efficiency improvements.
DSIRE — Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
NC State University comprehensive database of federal, state, local, and utility incentives for energy efficiency.