Electricity is a part of modern society, powering our homes, businesses, and industries. However, its cost can change depending on where you live. In the United States, the rates fluctuate from state to state due to factors like regional energy sources, infrastructure investment, regulatory policies, and demand patterns.
Hawaii
Hawaii, often called paradise on Earth, is a fascinating destination known for its beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse ecosystems. Unfortunately, the electricity cost will leave you unimpressed, as the location tops the charts with prices up to $0.42 per kWh.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island is the smallest and the seventh least populated location. However, the locality’s power bill prices will surprise you. The cost in this region is skyrocketing, with people having to pay an amount of $0.31 per kWh.
Maine
Residents of Maine continue to grapple with escalating energy expenses of about $0.29 per kWh. Maine experiences high energy costs, partly due to its cold weather and dependence on oil heating.
Connecticut
From its colonial heritage to its vibrant arts scene and scenic views, Connecticut offers several cultural experiences and attractions to explore and enjoy. However, the region is on the list of highest electricity rates with $0.28 per kWh, as it relies on imports and limited renewable energy stocks.
Massachusetts
Since 2013, the state has witnessed a notable increase in solar energy use, resulting in a drastic decline in electricity rates from $0.30 to $0.28 per kWh. Massachusetts also obtains energy from neighboring states via the regional grid.
California
Over the years, the cost of electricity in California has skyrocketed. Due to the state’s ambitious goals, investment in grid modernization, and environmental regulation, consumers must shell out $0.26 per kWh to light their homes.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire experiences cold winters, leading to increased heating demand and electricity consumption, which costs $0.25 per kWh. It also receives supplies of natural gas from Maine and Canada. With no fossil fuel reserves within its territory, it imports coal from neighboring locations.
Alaska
Despite having oil and natural gas reserves, Alaska faces unique challenges in energy generation due to its remote location and harsh climate. Consequently, prices in Alaska tend to be higher than the standard value, reaching $0.23 per kWh, as it includes the cost of transporting fuel to remote communities.
New York
New York has one of the largest and most diverse economies. In addition to finance and commerce, the quarter is a leader in technology, healthcare, tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. Naturally, one cannot expect electricity to be cheap here, with prices up to $0.22 per kWh.
Vermont
Vermont’s regular electric rate is $0.21 per kWH, 29.97% higher than the norm of $0.16. One prominent reason for such increased prices could be that the district relies upon energy from Canada.
Michigan
Michigan’s overall cost of living index is 92.4, 8.6% lower than the national median. Notably, housing and utilities are economical, with an index of 80.5% below the national average. However, you will shell out about $0.19 per kWh as power bill payments.
Pennsylvania
A landlocked state, Pennsylvania shares borders with Delaware, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, and Canada. Known as the Keystone State, Pennsylvania was part of the United States’s formative years. The price of energy supply is $0.18 per kWh this quarter.
Maryland
Maryland’s population density is relatively high compared to many other locations in the US, which necessitates the expansion and maintenance of energy infrastructure. These investments have contributed to rates up to $0.17 per kWh.
New Jersey
Over the years, New Jersey has seen a noticeable increase in tourism. It is a popular spot for television and film production. With growing industrial and allied activities, the district’s electricity prices have surged to $0.17 per kWh.
Delaware
Delaware natives ordinarily pay $0.17 per kWh, with high prices due to its location and limited energy supplies. However, the neighborhood has made strides in promoting energy efficiency and the adoption of inexhaustible sources to mitigate price volatility.
Wisconsin
Despite its lack of supply, most of Wisconsin’s electricity is created from coal and natural gas. It imports coal predominantly from Wyoming and natural gas from states such as Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Kansas, and Canada, which explains prices as high as $0.17 per kWh.
Ohio
Blessed with abundant natural gas, Ohio is one of the top electricity producers, which has provided consumers with a reliable power source that costs significantly less than the national average, which is $0.16 per kWh.
Illinois
Reports suggest that there has been a decrease of 6.3% in the cost of electricity in Illinois in the past year. In 2022, individuals paid $0.15 per kWh, but in 2023, it was $0.15 per kWh.
Florida
Despite being dubbed the Sunshine State, Florida generates minimal power from solar energy. It lacks any mandates for renewable energy usage. Although the second-largest energy producer in the United States, it depends on imports from neighboring areas to fulfill consumer demand, raising the cost to $0.15 per kWh.
Minnesota
The Land of 10,000 Lakes primarily relies on its natural reservoirs, such as water, biomass, and coal, to meet consumer needs. With such abundance, Minnesota has maintained prices up to $0.15 per kWh.
Indiana
Indiana’s electricity rates are about $0.15 per kWh, driven by its reliance on coal and access to affordable natural gas. However, the locality faces challenges transitioning to cleaner energy sources and updating aging infrastructure to meet evolving environmental standards.
West Virginia
Energy supply charges in West Virginia multiplied faster over the past fifteen years due to a heavy reliance on coal rather than diversifying with wind and solar energy. As a coal production powerhouse, the area heavily depended on this asset, raising prices to $0.15 per kWh.
Alabama
Alabama is among the states with nominal electricity rates. Thanks to its abundant coal reservoirs and relatively low population density, citizens pay $0.15 per kWh. Further, the state benefits from a deregulated energy market, fostering supplier competition.
North Carolina
Interestingly, rivers coursing through North Carolina supply hydroelectric power to the area. While it lacks a fossil fuel supply and does not produce oil or coal, one pays at most $0.14 per kWh as a power supply charge.
Texas
Texas launched its power grid first, and adjoining areas followed suit. Natural gas-powered steam generators contribute just over half of the power. Thus, Texans pay $0.14 per kWh as fuel charges.
Nevada
The regular rate in Nevada is about $0.14 per kWh. The primary factors contributing to these prices are increased power consumption, government-imposed sustainable energy mandates, and restricted availability of low-cost electricity sources like coal.
Colorado
Colorado’s power supply is based on fossil fuels, with coal contributing roughly half and natural gas accounting for a quarter. The region ranks 27th in current rates at about $0.14 per kWh.
Arizona
The abundant sunshine in Arizona has led to considerable investments in solar power, driving down prices to $0.14 per kWh in recent years. Additionally, the area benefits from a diverse energy portfolio, including nuclear power, which helps stabilize prices.
New Mexico
New Mexico has energy development potential, particularly in oil, gas, and renewables. Over the past decade, the quarter has capitalized on much of this potential, tripling its oil output and increasing its combined wind and solar capacity five-fold, bringing prices to $0.14 per kWh.
South Carolina
The usual cost of living in South Carolina is 6% lower than the overall standard. While housing costs are 21% lower, utilities are 8% higher, especially electricity prices, which is about $0.14 per kWh.
Virginia
The 35th largest state, Virginia, covers an area of about 42,774 square miles (110,786 square kilometers). It is also home to 8.6 million residents, making it the 12th most populous locality. The population here is charged a nominal $0.14 per kWh for powering their houses.
Georgia
Georgia benefits from a diverse energy portfolio, including nuclear, coal, natural gas, and renewables. Moreover, investments in grid modernization and infrastructure upgrades made electricity distribution reliable and efficient, keeping prices up to $0.13 per kWh.
Kansas
In the past decade, Kansas has experienced substantial growth in wind power, similar to many Great Plains states. The proportion of energy generated from wind has multiplied by five since 2010, keeping prices low at $0.13 per kWh.
Mississippi
We can list several reasons people choose to retire in Mississippi, given its mild climate, affordable cost of living, and abundance of outdoor activities. Now, you can add lower power bills of up to $0.13 per kWh as another factor for moving to this place.
Iowa
Iowa leads in wind energy production, leveraging its vast wind resources to keep amounts as low as $0.13 per kWh. Additionally, the district is known for its friendly communities, and one will receive a warm welcome.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma witnesses considerable windiness—so much so that the state song refers to it. While the wind leads to drying up water holes and crops, it serves as a valuable energy source here. Electricity costs are minimal in this sector, up to $0.13 per kWh.
Oregon
The governing boards that oversee the electric and natural gas sectors ensure stable costs for Oregonians. Oregon has retail electricity prices of $0.13 per kWh, mainly due to the region’s hydroelectric system. These competitive prices make it an appealing destination for businesses with high electricity demands.
Kentucky
Kentucky is famous for its fast food chain, KFC, which has become a worldwide sensation. But do you know it’s also known for its lower electricity rates? Yes, individuals barely pay $0.12 per kWh for lighting their houses.
South Dakota
South Dakota is a good option for retirees seeking a low cost of living, abundant outdoor activities, and the absence of state income tax. Moreover, the expansive and sparsely populated Midwest province offers electric supply at $0.12 per kWh.
Montana
Montana has fewer than ten occupants per square mile and is the third least densely populated state. The state also supplies fossil fuels and renewable energy to the country. The standard cost of electricity here is $0.12 per kWh. Interestingly, Montana is actively exploring the development of geothermal energy.
Arkansas
Arkansas relies heavily on coal and natural gas, which has historically kept charges relatively low at $0.12 per kWh compared to national averages. However, increasing investments in inexhaustible sources, like solar energy, could influence future pricing trends.
Tennessee
Tennessee has several vibrant cities and charming small towns, each with a unique character and attraction. There’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy. It is also among the places that charge a decent amount of $0.12 per kWh for energy supply.
Wyoming
Wyoming generates nearly 12 times more energy than it consumes, making it the second-largest net energy supplier among the states, following Texas. People in this neighborhood pay about $0.12 per kWh as energy rates.
Missouri
Due to a regulated electricity market in Missouri, local utility companies control electricity prices, generation, and delivery. Despite this, Missouri inhabitants enjoy lower prices of $0.12 per kWh. The potential for biomass energy to thrive in Missouri is significant, particularly considering approximately one-third of the state’s forest coverage.
Idaho
Idaho’s abundant hydroelectric supply helps keep energy rates reasonable. The locality aims to develop sustainable energy sources and create energy efficiency measures, so citizens must shell out $0.12 per kWh.
Louisiana
Louisiana is another district that has seen prices sharply decline in a year from $0.12 to $0.11 per kWh. It primarily generates current through its two single-reactor nuclear power plants.
Nebraska
In the US, there exists a region where every resident and business receives current from a community-owned institution rather than a for-profit corporation. Nebraskans benefit from one of the nation’s moderate electricity rates of $0.11 per kWh, with revenues reinvested in infrastructure.
North Dakota
One of the most affordable localities to live in, in terms of energy rates, is North Dakota. Nearly 90% of its electricity comes from coal-fired power plants, 8% from renewable resources, and 4% from hydroelectric dams, keeping costs up to $0.11 per kWh.
Washington
Interestingly, the country’s capital has maintained reasonable prices in terms of electricity rates. The charges here do not burn a hole in your pocket and are about $0.11 per kWh.
Utah
Today, coal-fired power plants generate most of Utah’s electricity. Still, Rocky Mountain Power is expanding its scope of alternative energy sources such as solar. The province has managed to keep costs at a minimum of up to $0.1 per kWh.
