Electric BillsWhy Is My Electric Bill So High? Common Causes and How to Check
A high electric bill usually means more kWh, a higher price per kWh or a longer billing period. Here's how to tell which, and what to check next.
Average electric bill by state (August 2026)
The average US household paid $209 for 1,152 kWh of electricity in August 2026. Bills vary by season, so the 12-month average is the better guide.
| State | August 2026 bill | 12-month avg bill | Avg use (kWh) | Avg rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $269 | $228 | 514 | 44.27¢ |
| Maryland | $233 | $202 | 955 | 21.18¢ |
| Connecticut | $204 | $193 | 703 | 27.42¢ |
| Alabama | $254 | $187 | 1,140 | 16.44¢ |
| Massachusetts | $236 | $183 | 603 | 30.39¢ |
| Texas | $266 | $178 | 1,114 | 15.98¢ |
| Virginia | $220 | $177 | 1,066 | 16.64¢ |
| Pennsylvania | $198 | $174 | 836 | 20.86¢ |
| Mississippi | $239 | $174 | 1,170 | 14.85¢ |
| New Hampshire | $202 | $173 | 643 | 26.95¢ |
| Florida | $217 | $169 | 1,097 | 15.41¢ |
| South Carolina | $226 | $169 | 1,070 | 15.77¢ |
| New York | $212 | $168 | 586 | 28.60¢ |
| Colorado | $167 | — | 973 | 17.17¢ |
| Delaware | $210 | $167 | 927 | 17.98¢ |
| West Virginia | $174 | $164 | 1,056 | 15.53¢ |
| Georgia | $234 | $164 | 1,080 | 15.17¢ |
| California | $235 | $164 | 507 | 32.34¢ |
| Rhode Island | $176 | $163 | 552 | 29.44¢ |
| New Mexico | $162 | — | 983 | 16.51¢ |
| Arizona | $269 | $162 | 1,054 | 15.39¢ |
| Tennessee | $206 | $161 | 1,186 | 13.61¢ |
| New Jersey | $236 | $160 | 674 | 23.74¢ |
| Ohio | $199 | $159 | 864 | 18.41¢ |
| Alaska | $139 | $158 | 588 | 26.94¢ |
| Louisiana | $227 | $158 | 1,211 | 13.02¢ |
| Indiana | $189 | $157 | 929 | 16.90¢ |
| Maine | $157 | $156 | 528 | 29.60¢ |
| District of Columbia | $206 | $155 | 635 | 24.48¢ |
| North Carolina | $196 | $154 | 1,044 | 14.79¢ |
| Kentucky | $188 | $154 | 1,101 | 13.94¢ |
| Oklahoma | $251 | $149 | 1,076 | 13.81¢ |
| Missouri | $216 | $145 | 1,039 | 13.97¢ |
| Arkansas | $217 | $143 | 1,056 | 13.57¢ |
| Vermont | $142 | $141 | 590 | 23.90¢ |
| South Dakota | $160 | $140 | 983 | 14.28¢ |
| Kansas | $204 | $134 | 887 | 15.13¢ |
| Michigan | $172 | $134 | 631 | 21.28¢ |
| North Dakota | $130 | $133 | 1,076 | 12.35¢ |
| Illinois | $171 | $132 | 697 | 18.91¢ |
| Washington | $120 | $132 | 927 | 14.20¢ |
| Oregon | $135 | $131 | 843 | 15.53¢ |
| Wisconsin | $148 | $125 | 665 | 18.79¢ |
| Nevada | $207 | $122 | 908 | 13.45¢ |
| Nebraska | $155 | $122 | 957 | 12.74¢ |
| Minnesota | $145 | $121 | 745 | 16.28¢ |
| Iowa | $149 | $120 | 848 | 14.20¢ |
| Idaho | $137 | $116 | 907 | 12.77¢ |
| Montana | $122 | $115 | 826 | 13.94¢ |
| Wyoming | $119 | $114 | 817 | 14.01¢ |
| Utah | $164 | $104 | 785 | 13.26¢ |
Want to estimate your own bill? Use the electric bill calculator.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Form EIA-861M monthly sales and revenue data. Latest month: August 2026. Recent months may be preliminary and revised by EIA. See how we calculate.
What makes up your electric bill
Most bills combine an energy charge (kWh used × price per kWh), a fixed customer charge each month, and taxes and fees. In states with retail choice the bill often splits into supply (the electricity) and delivery (the poles and wires). See how to read your electric bill.
Because the average bill is usage × rate, a state can have a low rate but high bills (homes use a lot of electricity for air conditioning or electric heat) or a high rate but moderate bills.
Why bills change month to month
Over the last 12 months the average US bill ranged from $124 in November 2025 to $212 in July 2026. Heating and cooling drive most of that swing, so compare your bill with the same month last year rather than last month.
How to bring your bill down
- Estimate your own bill with the electric bill calculator.
- Find out why your bill is so high and how to lower it.
- Check what your space heater, air conditioner or dryer costs to run.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average electric bill in the US?
The average US residential electric bill was $209 in August 2026 for 1,152 kWh, based on EIA data.
Which state has the highest electric bills?
Hawaii had the highest 12-month average residential bill, at $228 a month.
Which state has the lowest electric bills?
Utah had the lowest 12-month average residential bill, at $104 a month.
Why is my electric bill higher in some months?
Usage rises with heating and cooling. Over the last 12 months the average US bill ranged from $124 (November 2025) to $212 (July 2026).
How much electricity does the average home use?
The average US home used 1,152 kWh in August 2026 (EIA).
How is the average bill calculated?
Average bill = residential revenue ÷ number of residential customers, from EIA Form 861M. It includes all charges the utility collects, but not every local tax.
How can I estimate my own bill?
Multiply your monthly kWh by your rate in cents and divide by 100, then add your fixed monthly charge. The electric bill calculator does this with your state's rate.
Guides
Electric Bills
Electric BillsHow to Read Your Electric Bill: kWh, Supply vs. Delivery, Fixed Charges and Riders
A line-by-line guide to your electric bill: kWh usage, supply and delivery charges, fixed customer charges, riders and taxes, and how to find your real cost per kWh.
Saving EnergyHow to Lower Your Electric Bill: 12 Practical, Sourced Ways
Practical ways to lower your electric bill, from free thermostat and standby-power fixes to LEDs, insulation and rate plans, each backed by DOE, EPA or EIA guidance.