Monthly report
Electricity Rate Report
Residential electricity rates in 50 states and DC for February 2026, compared with February 2025.
Maine had the largest one-year increase in average residential electricity rates in February 2026, up 22.6% to 32.2¢ per kWh from 26.3¢ in February 2025. Rhode Island had the largest decline, down 11.5% to 29.4¢ from 33.3¢.
- The U.S. average residential rate in February 2026 was 17.6¢ per kWh, up 7.4% from February 2025.
- 47 of 50 states and DC had a higher rate than in February 2025; 4 had a lower one.
- Hawaii had the highest rate at 43.0¢ per kWh and North Dakota the lowest at 11.6¢.
- 17 states were above the U.S. average and 34 below it.
Data refreshed October 18, 2026.
U.S. average residential electricity rate
- A year earlier
- 16.4¢ Feb 2025
- Two-year high
- 18.1¢ Sep 2025
- Two-year low
- 15.9¢ Jan 2025
States up vs. down
47 / 4
higher / lower than Feb 2025, of 51
Biggest rise: Maine
+22.6%
26.3¢ to 32.2¢ per kWh
Biggest fall: Rhode Island
−11.5%
33.3¢ to 29.4¢ per kWh
Gap between highest and lowest
31.4¢
Hawaii 43.0¢, North Dakota 11.6¢
One-year change
Biggest one-year changes in residential electricity rates by state, February 2026
Average residential rate in February 2026 compared with February 2025. 47 states rose, 4 fell.
One-year change in residential rates by state
Change in average residential rate, February 2025 to February 2026
Largest one-year rises and falls, Feb 2025 to Feb 2026
Largest increases
| State | Feb 2025 | Feb 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | 26.3¢ | 32.2¢ | +22.6% |
| Washington DC | 19.7¢ | 24.0¢ | +21.6% |
| New Jersey | 19.7¢ | 23.1¢ | +17.4% |
| Idaho | 10.9¢ | 12.6¢ | +15.3% |
Largest decreases
| State | Feb 2025 | Feb 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | 33.3¢ | 29.4¢ | −11.5% |
| Connecticut | 33.2¢ | 30.8¢ | −7.3% |
| West Virginia | 14.8¢ | 14.4¢ | −2.8% |
| Oregon | 14.7¢ | 14.6¢ | −0.1% |
National comparison
Every state's electricity rate against the U.S. average, February 2026
The U.S. average residential rate in February 2026 was 17.6¢ per kWh, up 7.4% from 16.4¢ in February 2025. 17 of 50 states and DC were above it and 34 below.
U.S. average, Feb 2026
17.6¢
+7.4% vs. Feb 2025
Above the U.S. average
17
of 51
Below the U.S. average
34
of 51
One column per state, cheapest to the left. Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, average retail price to residential customers, February 2026.
| State | Rate¢ per kWh | vs. U.S. | 1 yr1-yr change |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 11.6¢ | −34.1% | +13.8% |
| Nebraska | 11.8¢ | −33.2% | +8.7% |
| Missouri | 12.2¢ | −31.0% | +8.0% |
| Idaho | 12.6¢ | −28.4% | +15.3% |
| Arkansas | 12.7¢ | −27.9% | +9.4% |
| Iowa | 12.7¢ | −27.8% | +4.9% |
| Tennessee | 12.8¢ | −27.4% | +2.2% |
| Louisiana | 12.9¢ | −27.1% | +8.7% |
| Oklahoma | 12.9¢ | −27.0% | +11.1% |
| Wyoming | 13.0¢ | −26.1% | +11.5% |
| South Dakota | 13.2¢ | −25.0% | +11.8% |
| Utah | 13.3¢ | −24.5% | +7.6% |
| Montana | 13.3¢ | −24.5% | +14.9% |
| Kentucky | 13.4¢ | −24.0% | +4.7% |
| Washington | 14.1¢ | −20.1% | +13.2% |
| Georgia | 14.1¢ | −19.9% | +4.2% |
| Nevada | 14.4¢ | −18.5% | +0.6% |
| West Virginia | 14.4¢ | −18.4% | −2.8% |
| Oregon | 14.6¢ | −17.1% | −0.1% |
| North Carolina | 14.6¢ | −17.1% | +3.2% |
| Mississippi | 14.7¢ | −16.6% | +10.3% |
| New Mexico | 15.1¢ | −14.6% | +3.7% |
| Kansas | 15.1¢ | −14.4% | +10.5% |
| Minnesota | 15.4¢ | −12.8% | +5.4% |
| Texas | 15.4¢ | −12.7% | +3.6% |
| Florida | 15.8¢ | −10.5% | +5.5% |
| Virginia | 16.0¢ | −9.6% | +12.2% |
| Arizona | 16.0¢ | −9.2% | +5.5% |
| Indiana | 16.1¢ | −9.0% | +9.7% |
| South Carolina | 16.1¢ | −8.5% | +11.4% |
| Alabama | 16.2¢ | −8.3% | +2.2% |
| Delaware | 16.3¢ | −7.8% | +4.0% |
| Colorado | 16.8¢ | −4.9% | +11.3% |
| Ohio | 17.5¢ | −0.7% | +10.7% |
| Illinois | 17.8¢ | +1.0% | +8.3% |
| Wisconsin | 18.7¢ | +6.2% | +7.6% |
| Michigan | 20.0¢ | +13.3% | +5.9% |
| Maryland | 20.1¢ | +13.8% | +9.7% |
| Pennsylvania | 20.3¢ | +15.0% | +12.8% |
| New Jersey | 23.1¢ | +31.0% | +17.4% |
| Vermont | 23.3¢ | +31.8% | +5.8% |
| Washington DC | 24.0¢ | +35.8% | +21.6% |
| Alaska | 25.8¢ | +46.1% | +4.2% |
| New Hampshire | 26.5¢ | +50.3% | +15.3% |
| Rhode Island | 29.4¢ | +66.9% | −11.5% |
| New York | 30.0¢ | +69.9% | +14.4% |
| Massachusetts | 30.5¢ | +72.6% | +0.1% |
| Connecticut | 30.8¢ | +74.3% | −7.3% |
| Maine | 32.2¢ | +82.3% | +22.6% |
| California | 33.2¢ | +88.2% | +4.7% |
| Hawaii | 43.0¢ | +143.6% | +0.7% |
| United States | 17.6¢ | +7.4% |
Ten-year trend
Ten-year change in residential electricity rates by state
Compound annual change in the average residential rate from February 2016 to February 2026.
Average yearly change over ten years, Feb 2016 to Feb 2026
Fastest rising
| State | Feb 2026 rate | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | 32.2¢ | +7.6% |
| Washington DC | 24.0¢ | +7.0% |
| California | 33.2¢ | +6.5% |
| New York | 30.0¢ | +6.0% |
| Hawaii | 43.0¢ | +4.8% |
| Rhode Island | 29.4¢ | +4.6% |
| Massachusetts | 30.5¢ | +4.4% |
| Washington | 14.1¢ | +4.3% |
| New Jersey | 23.1¢ | +4.1% |
| Connecticut | 30.8¢ | +4.0% |
Slowest rising
| State | Feb 2026 rate | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | 14.4¢ | +1.7% |
| Kansas | 15.1¢ | +1.8% |
| Iowa | 12.7¢ | +1.9% |
| Nebraska | 11.8¢ | +2.1% |
| Wyoming | 13.0¢ | +2.1% |
| North Dakota | 11.6¢ | +2.2% |
| Delaware | 16.3¢ | +2.3% |
| Utah | 13.3¢ | +2.4% |
| South Dakota | 13.2¢ | +2.4% |
| Minnesota | 15.4¢ | +2.5% |
Moving between states
What movers pay: electricity rates on the largest state-to-state moves
The 20 largest state-to-state moves in 2024, priced at February 2026 rates. The last column is the change in a 1,000 kWh monthly bill from the rate difference alone.
The dollar figure is the change in a 1,000 kWh monthly bill from the rate difference alone. Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey state-to-state migration, 2024; EIA Electric Power Monthly, February 2026.
| From → to | MoversMovers, 2024 | 1,000 kWhAt 1,000 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| California → Texas | 77,161 | −$178 |
| New York → New Jersey | 56,799 | −$69 |
| California → Nevada | 53,289 | −$188 |
| California → Arizona | 52,383 | −$172 |
| Florida → Georgia | 52,371 | −$17 |
| Florida → Texas | 52,219 | −$4 |
| New York → Florida | 50,661 | −$142 |
| Texas → California | 45,447 | +$178 |
| Texas → Florida | 45,259 | +$4 |
| California → Washington | 43,938 | −$191 |
| New Jersey → Pennsylvania | 38,467 | −$28 |
| California → Florida | 36,194 | −$174 |
| New Jersey → New York | 36,002 | +$69 |
| Georgia → Florida | 34,388 | +$17 |
| Florida → North Carolina | 33,591 | −$12 |
| Pennsylvania → Florida | 33,530 | −$45 |
| North Carolina → South Carolina | 33,151 | +$15 |
| Oregon → Washington | 32,341 | −$5 |
| California → Oregon | 31,500 | −$186 |
| California → New York | 31,367 | −$32 |
Movers are Census Bureau survey estimates of people who moved between the two states during 2024. Dollar figures exclude fixed charges, taxes and fees.
Moving?
Your own move: compare any two states
Pick where you live now and where you are headed. The calculator prices the same monthly use at each state's average residential rate for July 2026, so you can see the change before you sign a lease.
Typical for the U.S.: 870 kWh
Bill in a U.S.-average state
$159a month
18.3¢ per kWh
Bill in Florida
$131a month
15.0¢ per kWh, 14th lowest of 51
Difference after the move
−$28a month
−18.0% on the rate, $336 a year less
Moving from a state at the U.S. average to Florida, a home using 870 kWh a month would pay about $131 instead of $159, $28 less, at July 2026 average rates.
Statewide average residential rates, EIA, July 2026; actual bills depend on your utility, rate plan, taxes and fees.
Rate versus usage
Rate versus usage: where high rates meet low bills
The rate is only half of a bill. Over the twelve months from March 2025 through February 2026, 8 states paid an above-median rate yet had a below-median bill because homes there used less power, and 8 paid a below-median rate yet had an above-median bill because homes there used more. The median state rate was 15.4¢ per kWh and the median bill $152 a month.
Average rate, cents per kWh
Dashed lines mark the median state: 15.4¢ per kWh and $152 a month. Labels are state postal codes; the table below names them. Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, usage-weighted twelve-month averages.
| State | Avg rate | kWhkWh / mo | Avg bill | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High rate, low bill | |||||
| Colorado | 16.1¢ | 667 | $107 | ||
| Wisconsin | 18.4¢ | 661 | $121 | ||
| Michigan | 20.2¢ | 632 | $128 | ||
| Vermont | 23.2¢ | 596 | $138 | ||
| Minnesota | 16.0¢ | 735 | $117 | ||
| Alaska | 26.3¢ | 574 | $151 | ||
| Illinois | 17.9¢ | 722 | $129 | ||
| Washington DC | 22.8¢ | 637 | $146 | ||
| Low rate, high bill | |||||
| Tennessee | 13.3¢ | 1,217 | $161 | ||
| Louisiana | 12.8¢ | 1,212 | $155 | ||
| Mississippi | 14.3¢ | 1,173 | $168 | ||
| Florida | 15.4¢ | 1,097 | $169 | ||
| South Carolina | 15.3¢ | 1,067 | $163 | ||
| West Virginia | 15.4¢ | 1,071 | $165 | ||
| Kentucky | 13.5¢ | 1,128 | $152 | ||
| Georgia | 14.9¢ | 1,080 | $161 | ||
Twelve-month averages, March 2025 through February 2026. Rank 1 is the lowest of 51.
Method and sources
How this report is computed, and its sources
- Residential rates are the U.S. Energy Information Administration's average retail price of electricity to residential customers for each state and DC in February 2026: residential revenue divided by residential kilowatt-hour sales, in cents per kWh.
- The one-year change compares February 2026 with the same month a year earlier, February 2025, so seasonal swings in rates do not distort the comparison.
- The U.S. figure is EIA's national residential average for February 2026, and its one-year change compares it with February 2025 the same way. A state is above the national average when its rate for the month is higher than the U.S. figure.
- The ten-year change is the compound annual growth rate between February 2016 and February 2026, the same calendar month ten years apart.
- Mover corridors use the Census Bureau's American Community Survey state-to-state migration flows for 2024: people who lived in the origin state a year earlier and the destination state at survey time. For each destination we use its five largest origin states and keep the 20 largest flows nationwide. Mover counts are survey estimates with margins of error.
- Dollar figures assume 1,000 kWh of use in a month and multiply that by the difference in average rates. They ignore fixed monthly charges, taxes and fees, and the plan a household actually picks.
- Rate versus usage uses the twelve months from March 2025 through February 2026: average monthly use per residential customer, the usage-weighted average rate, and their product as the average monthly bill. A state is "high rate, low bill" when its rate is above the median state and its bill is below the median state, and the reverse for "low rate, high bill". States missing EIA usage per customer for any month in the window are left out of this comparison.
- A month is marked as a one-month jump or drop when its rate moves more than 35% from the prior month and the following month comes back within 15% of the prior month. Those rows stay in the tables as EIA published them, but the headline rise and fall skip any state whose one-year change rests on such a month.
- Percentages are computed from unrounded EIA prices and then rounded to one decimal place, so a change computed from the rounded rates shown may differ slightly.
Sources
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly: average retail price and sales of electricity to residential customers by stateData through July 2026
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey state-to-state migration flowsData through 2024
- U.S. Census Bureau, state-to-state migration table for 2024 (spreadsheet)Data through 2024
Report archive
One report for every month of EIA data
Each month keeps its own URL, so a figure you cite today still resolves next year. The U.S. average and the count of states up and down are that month's.
July 2026
18.3¢
U.S. average; 45 up, 6 down
June 2026
18.3¢
U.S. average; 46 up, 5 down
May 2026
18.4¢
U.S. average; 45 up, 6 down
April 2026
18.8¢
U.S. average; 47 up, 3 down
March 2026
18.6¢
U.S. average; 45 up, 6 down
February 2026
17.6¢
U.S. average; 47 up, 4 down
January 2026
17.4¢
U.S. average; 48 up, 3 down
December 2025
17.2¢
U.S. average; 45 up, 6 down
November 2025
17.8¢
U.S. average; 42 up, 9 down
October 2025
18.0¢
U.S. average; 46 up, 5 down
September 2025
18.1¢
U.S. average; 47 up, 4 down
August 2025
17.6¢
U.S. average; 48 up, 3 down