Electricity rates in Idaho

Updated with EIA data for August 2026

Average rate

13.37¢

August 2026

12-month average

12.77¢

US: 18.16¢

Average bill

$137

1,026 kWh / month

National rank

#47

1 = most expensive of 51

In August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in Idaho was 13.37¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), 26% lower than the US average of 18.16¢. That makes Idaho the 47th most expensive of the 50 states and DC. Prices rose 10.7% from August 2025 (12.08¢).

Idaho electricity rates over time

Idaho, cents per kWh US average

Average rate, bill and usage by year

Year	Avg rate	Avg monthly bill	Avg monthly use
2026 (8 mo)	13.02¢	$121	929 kWh
2025	11.83¢	$110	933 kWh
2024	11.52¢	$109	944 kWh
2023	11.05¢	$107	965 kWh
2022	10.37¢	$104	1,005 kWh
2021	10.16¢	$98	961 kWh
2020	9.95¢	$95	955 kWh
2019	9.89¢	$94	949 kWh
2018	10.15¢	$96	945 kWh
2017	10.04¢	$100	1,000 kWh

Rates are weighted by kWh sold. Bills and usage are averages per residential customer.

Rates by sector (August 2026)

Sector	Rate	A year earlier
Residential	13.37¢	12.08¢
Commercial	10.21¢	8.95¢
Industrial	9.71¢	8.66¢
Transportation	0.00¢	0.00¢
All sectors	11.09¢	9.87¢

How much does electricity cost in Idaho?

At Idaho's 12-month average residential rate of 12.77¢ 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	Idaho	US average
250 kWh	$31.93	$45.40
500 kWh	$63.85	$90.80
750 kWh	$95.78	$136.20
1,000 kWh	$127.70	$181.60
1,500 kWh	$191.55	$272.40
2,000 kWh	$255.40	$363.20

Idaho electricity prices month by month

Over the last 12 months, the average residential rate ranged from 11.88¢ (December 2025) to 14.37¢ (June 2026), and homes used the most electricity in January 2026 (1,183 kWh on average).

Month	Avg rate	Avg bill	Avg use
August 2026	13.37¢	$137	1,026 kWh
July 2026	13.73¢	$153	1,112 kWh
June 2026	14.37¢	$114	794 kWh
May 2026	12.35¢	$92	746 kWh
April 2026	12.70¢	$97	763 kWh
March 2026	13.00¢	$113	866 kWh
February 2026	12.63¢	$119	944 kWh
January 2026	12.06¢	$143	1,183 kWh
December 2025	11.88¢	$126	1,060 kWh
November 2025	12.25¢	$105	860 kWh
October 2025	12.46¢	$92	737 kWh
September 2025	12.50¢	$98	787 kWh

Idaho vs neighboring states

Idaho's 12-month average rate is lower than all of its neighbors.

State	12-mo avg rate	Avg monthly bill	Rank
Idaho	12.77¢	$116	#49
Montana	13.94¢	$115	#42
Nevada	13.45¢	$122	#46
Oregon	15.53¢	$131	#28
Utah	13.26¢	$104	#47
Washington	14.20¢	$132	#38
Wyoming	14.01¢	$114	#39

What appliances cost to run in Idaho

Appliance	Typical wattage	Cost per hour
Space heater	750–1,500 W	$0.10–$0.19
Refrigerator	725 W	$0.09
Clothes dryer	1,800–5,000 W	$0.23–$0.64
Washing machine	350–500 W	$0.04–$0.06
Dishwasher	1,200–2,400 W	$0.15–$0.31
Electric water heater	4,500–5,500 W	$0.57–$0.70
Microwave	750–1,100 W	$0.10–$0.14
Window fan	55–250 W	$0.01–$0.03

All appliance costs · Appliance cost calculator for Idaho

Can you choose your electricity provider in Idaho?

In Idaho, 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.

Solar snapshot

Each kW of solar panels in Boise produces about 1,468 kWh a year (NREL PVWatts). Sized for an average Idaho home, a 7.6 kW system would cost about $19,532 before any incentives and pay for itself in about 14.2 years. See the full Idaho solar estimate.

Guides for Idaho

Electric Bills

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.

Nov 8, 2026 · 5 min read

Saving Energy

How 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.

Nov 9, 2026 · 5 min read

Solar

Is Solar Worth It in 2026? What Changed After the Federal Tax Credit Ended

The 25D federal credit ended for systems installed after 2025. Here is what now decides whether solar pays off, and how to estimate your own payback.

Nov 9, 2026 · 6 min read

Idaho electricity calculators

Frequently asked questions

What is the average electricity rate in Idaho?

The average residential electricity rate in Idaho was 13.37¢ per kWh in August 2026. Over the past 12 months it averaged 12.77¢ per kWh.

What is the average electric bill in Idaho?

The average residential customer in Idaho paid $137 for 1,026 kWh in August 2026, based on EIA revenue, sales and customer counts.

Is electricity in Idaho more expensive than the national average?

In August 2026, Idaho's average rate of 13.37¢ was 26% lower than the US average of 18.16¢.

Can I choose my electricity provider in Idaho?

Generally no. Most Idaho 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.