Why Electricity Prices Differ So Much by State
Electricity costs several times more per kWh in some states than others. EIA data shows how fuel mix, grid costs, regulation and climate drive the gap.
Updated with EIA data for August 2026
In August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in Florida was 14.99¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), 17% lower than the US average of 18.16¢. That makes Florida the 37th most expensive of the 50 states and DC. Prices fell 2.2% from August 2025 (15.33¢).
| Year | Avg rate | Avg monthly bill | Avg monthly use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (8 mo) | 15.32¢ | $175 | 1,140 kWh |
| 2025 | 15.21¢ | $168 | 1,103 kWh |
| 2024 | 14.14¢ | $156 | 1,104 kWh |
| 2023 | 15.21¢ | $168 | 1,107 kWh |
| 2022 | 13.90¢ | $155 | 1,111 kWh |
| 2021 | 11.90¢ | $130 | 1,096 kWh |
| 2020 | 11.27¢ | $129 | 1,142 kWh |
| 2019 | 11.70¢ | $130 | 1,108 kWh |
| 2018 | 11.54¢ | $128 | 1,110 kWh |
| 2017 | 11.61¢ | $126 | 1,089 kWh |
Rates are weighted by kWh sold. Bills and usage are averages per residential customer.
| Sector | Rate | A year earlier |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 14.99¢ | 15.33¢ |
| Commercial | 11.35¢ | 11.43¢ |
| Industrial | 8.93¢ | 9.01¢ |
| Transportation | 11.58¢ | 11.00¢ |
| All sectors | 13.30¢ | 13.54¢ |
At Florida's 12-month average residential rate of 15.41¢ per kWh, here is the energy cost for common monthly usage levels, next to the US average. Fixed customer charges, taxes and fees vary by utility and are not included.
| Monthly use | Florida | US average |
|---|---|---|
| 250 kWh | $38.53 | $45.40 |
| 500 kWh | $77.05 | $90.80 |
| 750 kWh | $115.58 | $136.20 |
| 1,000 kWh | $154.10 | $181.60 |
| 1,500 kWh | $231.15 | $272.40 |
| 2,000 kWh | $308.20 | $363.20 |
Over the last 12 months, the average residential rate ranged from 14.99¢ (August 2026) to 15.92¢ (January 2026), and homes used the most electricity in July 2026 (1,477 kWh on average).
| Month | Avg rate | Avg bill | Avg use |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2026 | 14.99¢ | $217 | 1,449 kWh |
| July 2026 | 15.03¢ | $222 | 1,477 kWh |
| June 2026 | 15.10¢ | $195 | 1,293 kWh |
| May 2026 | 15.17¢ | $169 | 1,114 kWh |
| April 2026 | 15.61¢ | $143 | 918 kWh |
| March 2026 | 15.37¢ | $138 | 900 kWh |
| February 2026 | 15.80¢ | $156 | 990 kWh |
| January 2026 | 15.92¢ | $155 | 972 kWh |
| December 2025 | 15.04¢ | $133 | 885 kWh |
| November 2025 | 15.79¢ | $135 | 855 kWh |
| October 2025 | 15.72¢ | $171 | 1,086 kWh |
| September 2025 | 15.77¢ | $193 | 1,221 kWh |
Florida's 12-month average rate is higher than 1 of its 2 neighbors.
| Appliance | Typical wattage | Cost per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Space heater | 750–1,500 W | $0.12–$0.23 |
| Refrigerator | 725 W | $0.11 |
| Clothes dryer | 1,800–5,000 W | $0.28–$0.77 |
| Washing machine | 350–500 W | $0.05–$0.08 |
| Dishwasher | 1,200–2,400 W | $0.18–$0.37 |
| Electric water heater | 4,500–5,500 W | $0.69–$0.85 |
| Microwave | 750–1,100 W | $0.12–$0.17 |
| Window fan | 55–250 W | $0.01–$0.04 |
All appliance costs · Appliance cost calculator for Florida
In Florida, most households buy electricity from their local utility at regulated rates, so shopping for a different supplier is usually not an option. The best ways to lower your bill are to reduce usage and check whether your utility offers time-of-use or other rate plans.
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Electricity costs several times more per kWh in some states than others. EIA data shows how fuel mix, grid costs, regulation and climate drive the gap.
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The average residential electricity rate in Florida was 14.99¢ per kWh in August 2026. Over the past 12 months it averaged 15.41¢ per kWh.
The average residential customer in Florida paid $217 for 1,449 kWh in August 2026, based on EIA revenue, sales and customer counts.
In August 2026, Florida's average rate of 14.99¢ was 17% lower than the US average of 18.16¢.
Generally no. Most Florida households buy electricity from their local utility at regulated rates.
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.