Updated with EIA data for August 2026
In August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in Massachusetts was 30.48¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), 68% higher than the US average of 18.16¢. That makes Massachusetts the 3rd most expensive of the 50 states and DC. Prices fell 0.2% from August 2025 (30.55¢).
| Year | Avg rate | Avg monthly bill | Avg monthly use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (8 mo) | 30.19¢ | $191 | 634 kWh |
| 2025 | 30.41¢ | $181 | 596 kWh |
| 2024 | 29.35¢ | $167 | 570 kWh |
| 2023 | 29.61¢ | $166 | 559 kWh |
| 2022 | 25.97¢ | $150 | 577 kWh |
| 2021 | 22.89¢ | $136 | 596 kWh |
| 2020 | 21.97¢ | $132 | 602 kWh |
| 2019 | 21.92¢ | $126 | 574 kWh |
| 2018 | 21.61¢ | $131 | 607 kWh |
| 2017 | 20.06¢ | $117 | 583 kWh |
Rates are weighted by kWh sold. Bills and usage are averages per residential customer.
| Sector | Rate | A year earlier |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 30.48¢ | 30.55¢ |
| Commercial | 24.11¢ | 23.15¢ |
| Industrial | 20.03¢ | 19.17¢ |
| Transportation | 8.69¢ | 8.80¢ |
| All sectors | 26.42¢ | 25.76¢ |
At Massachusetts's 12-month average residential rate of 30.39¢ 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 | Massachusetts | US average |
|---|---|---|
| 250 kWh | $75.98 | $45.40 |
| 500 kWh | $151.95 | $90.80 |
| 750 kWh | $227.93 | $136.20 |
| 1,000 kWh | $303.90 | $181.60 |
| 1,500 kWh | $455.85 | $272.40 |
| 2,000 kWh | $607.80 | $363.20 |
Over the last 12 months, the average residential rate ranged from 28.82¢ (May 2026) to 31.29¢ (October 2025), and homes used the most electricity in August 2026 (774 kWh on average).
| Month | Avg rate | Avg bill | Avg use |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2026 | 30.48¢ | $236 | 774 kWh |
| July 2026 | 30.49¢ | $225 | 738 kWh |
| June 2026 | 29.61¢ | $171 | 576 kWh |
| May 2026 | 28.82¢ | $137 | 474 kWh |
| April 2026 | 29.45¢ | $144 | 491 kWh |
| March 2026 | 30.21¢ | $180 | 594 kWh |
| February 2026 | 30.46¢ | $215 | 705 kWh |
| January 2026 | 31.16¢ | $223 | 717 kWh |
| December 2025 | 30.80¢ | $196 | 638 kWh |
| November 2025 | 31.13¢ | $151 | 484 kWh |
| October 2025 | 31.29¢ | $153 | 490 kWh |
| September 2025 | 30.31¢ | $164 | 542 kWh |
Massachusetts's 12-month average rate is higher than all of its neighbors.
| State | 12-mo avg rate | Avg monthly bill | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 30.39¢ | $183 | #3 |
| Connecticut | 27.42¢ | $193 | #7 |
| New Hampshire | 26.95¢ | $173 | #8 |
| New York | 28.60¢ | $168 | #6 |
| Rhode Island | 29.44¢ | $163 | #5 |
| Vermont | 23.90¢ | $141 | #11 |
| Appliance | Typical wattage | Cost per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Space heater | 750–1,500 W | $0.23–$0.46 |
| Refrigerator | 725 W | $0.22 |
| Clothes dryer | 1,800–5,000 W | $0.55–$1.52 |
| Washing machine | 350–500 W | $0.11–$0.15 |
| Dishwasher | 1,200–2,400 W | $0.36–$0.73 |
| Electric water heater | 4,500–5,500 W | $1.37–$1.67 |
| Microwave | 750–1,100 W | $0.23–$0.33 |
| Window fan | 55–250 W | $0.02–$0.08 |
All appliance costs · Appliance cost calculator for Massachusetts
Massachusetts has retail electricity choice: in many areas, households can buy their electricity supply from a competitive retail provider instead of the utility's default rate. Your local utility still delivers the power and handles outages. Availability depends on your utility area. Compare the plan rate, contract length, fees and any cancellation charge before you switch.
Each kW of solar panels in Boston produces about 1,302 kWh a year (NREL PVWatts). Sized for an average Massachusetts home, a 5.6 kW system would cost about $14,392 before any incentives and pay for itself in about 6.6 years. See the full Massachusetts solar estimate.
Switching ProvidersMassachusetts lets you leave Basic Service for a competitive supplier. Here's how Energy Switch MA works, your cancellation rights and the risks to weigh.
Switching ProvidersFixed plans lock your supply price per kWh for a term; variable plans can change monthly. Here is how each works, state rules, and how to choose.
Saving EnergyPractical 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.
SolarThe 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.
The average residential electricity rate in Massachusetts was 30.48¢ per kWh in August 2026. Over the past 12 months it averaged 30.39¢ per kWh.
The average residential customer in Massachusetts paid $236 for 774 kWh in August 2026, based on EIA revenue, sales and customer counts.
In August 2026, Massachusetts's average rate of 30.48¢ was 68% higher than the US average of 18.16¢.
Yes, Massachusetts has retail electricity choice, so many households can buy supply from a competitive provider. Your utility still delivers the power.
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.