Electricity rates in Tennessee

Updated with EIA data for August 2026

Average rate
13.42¢
August 2026
12-month average
13.61¢
US: 18.16¢
Average bill
$206
1,532 kWh / month
National rank
#46
1 = most expensive of 51

In August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in Tennessee was 13.42¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), 26% lower than the US average of 18.16¢. That makes Tennessee the 46th most expensive of the 50 states and DC. Prices rose 2.5% from August 2025 (13.09¢).

Tennessee electricity rates over time

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Tennessee, cents per kWh US average

Average rate, bill and usage by year

YearAvg rateAvg monthly billAvg monthly use
2026 (8 mo)13.80¢$1721,249 kWh
202513.22¢$1561,180 kWh
202412.42¢$1431,154 kWh
202312.19¢$1351,109 kWh
202212.25¢$1451,188 kWh
202111.07¢$1311,183 kWh
202010.76¢$1261,168 kWh
201910.87¢$1321,217 kWh
201810.71¢$1371,283 kWh
201710.72¢$1231,150 kWh

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

Rates by sector (August 2026)

SectorRateA year earlier
Residential13.42¢13.09¢
Commercial13.13¢12.86¢
Industrial6.92¢6.85¢
Transportation0.00¢0.00¢
All sectors11.93¢11.70¢

How much does electricity cost in Tennessee?

At Tennessee's 12-month average residential rate of 13.61¢ 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 useTennesseeUS average
250 kWh$34.03$45.40
500 kWh$68.05$90.80
750 kWh$102.08$136.20
1,000 kWh$136.10$181.60
1,500 kWh$204.15$272.40
2,000 kWh$272.20$363.20

Tennessee electricity prices month by month

Over the last 12 months, the average residential rate ranged from 12.82¢ (February 2026) to 15.08¢ (March 2026), and homes used the most electricity in February 2026 (1,602 kWh on average).

MonthAvg rateAvg billAvg use
August 202613.42¢$2061,532 kWh
July 202613.71¢$2051,494 kWh
June 202614.07¢$1681,196 kWh
May 202614.47¢$130896 kWh
April 202614.94¢$137917 kWh
March 202615.08¢$149987 kWh
February 202612.82¢$2051,602 kWh
January 202613.10¢$1791,370 kWh
December 202512.89¢$1581,225 kWh
November 202513.49¢$118872 kWh
October 202513.08¢$126964 kWh
September 202513.30¢$1571,183 kWh

Tennessee vs neighboring states

Tennessee's 12-month average rate is higher than 1 of its 8 neighbors.

State12-mo avg rateAvg monthly billRank
Tennessee13.61¢$161#44
Alabama16.44¢$187#24
Arkansas13.57¢$143#45
Georgia15.17¢$164#32
Kentucky13.94¢$154#41
Mississippi14.85¢$174#34
Missouri13.97¢$145#40
North Carolina14.79¢$154#35
Virginia16.64¢$177#22

What appliances cost to run in Tennessee

ApplianceTypical wattageCost per hour
Space heater750–1,500 W$0.10–$0.20
Refrigerator725 W$0.10
Clothes dryer1,800–5,000 W$0.24–$0.68
Washing machine350–500 W$0.05–$0.07
Dishwasher1,200–2,400 W$0.16–$0.33
Electric water heater4,500–5,500 W$0.61–$0.75
Microwave750–1,100 W$0.10–$0.15
Window fan55–250 W$0.01–$0.03

All appliance costs · Appliance cost calculator for Tennessee

Can you choose your electricity provider in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, 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 Nashville produces about 1,338 kWh a year (NREL PVWatts). Sized for an average Tennessee home, a 10.8 kW system would cost about $27,756 before any incentives and pay for itself in about 14.6 years. See the full Tennessee solar estimate.

Guides for Tennessee

Tennessee electricity calculators

Frequently asked questions

What is the average electricity rate in Tennessee?

The average residential electricity rate in Tennessee was 13.42¢ per kWh in August 2026. Over the past 12 months it averaged 13.61¢ per kWh.

What is the average electric bill in Tennessee?

The average residential customer in Tennessee paid $206 for 1,532 kWh in August 2026, based on EIA revenue, sales and customer counts.

Is electricity in Tennessee more expensive than the national average?

In August 2026, Tennessee's average rate of 13.42¢ was 26% lower than the US average of 18.16¢.

Can I choose my electricity provider in Tennessee?

Generally no. Most Tennessee 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.