What’s The Average Electric Bill in 2023 And How Does Yours Compare?

By homesolarsessions | Nov 16, 2023

In the 21st century, electricity is an essential cost of living that we’re all going to pay for, one way or another, throughout our lives. Yet it’s common for homeowners to feel unsure about whether their electricity costs are high, low, or just right. Understanding how your average bill compares to the state average is a great first step to answering the question “Why is my electricity bill so high?” So, in this article, we’ll explore:

• The average electric bill in each state
• How to find your average bill
• How to compare your bill to your state average

Let’s start by taking a look at the average electricity bill for each state and the entire US.

How much is the average electric bill in the US?

The average electric bill in the US is $147 per month based on the average residential electricity price of 16.7 cents per kWh for August 2023 and the average household consumption of 881 kWh per month based on data from the US Energy Information Administration. This figure does not include fixed basic charges. Of course, the United States is a large country and a land of extremes, so the national average is more of a landmark than a measuring stick. For example, the average bill in Hawaii ($208) is nearly two and a half times higher than the average bill in Utah ($90).

Why is there such a wide range? Well, electricity costs are a combination of usage and rates, both of which vary greatly from state to state. The price of electricity in the US ranges from 11 cents per kWh in Washington and Idaho to nearly 40 cents per kWh in Hawaii based on the availability of energy resources, demand, and — quite frankly — politics. Meanwhile, electricity usage depends largely on the weather and average temperatures. In the hot sticky South, it’s common for households to average well over 1,000 kWh of electricity per month, while more moderate coastal states use less than 600 kWh per month on average.

So, how much is electricity per month? That entirely depends on where you live, how much electricity you consume, and how you choose to pay for it.

How much is the average electric bill in each state?

The map below shows the average electric bill in each state. While these averages can serve as a useful benchmark, it’s important to note that there can be considerable variation within each state, which we’ll discuss below.