Electricity rates in West Virginia

Updated with EIA data for August 2026

Average rate

16.31¢

August 2026

12-month average

15.53¢

US: 18.16¢

Average bill

$174

1,069 kWh / month

National rank

#27

1 = most expensive of 51

In August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in West Virginia was 16.31¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), 10% lower than the US average of 18.16¢. That makes West Virginia the 27th most expensive of the 50 states and DC. Prices rose 4.4% from August 2025 (15.62¢).

West Virginia electricity rates over time

West Virginia, cents per kWh US average

Average rate, bill and usage by year

Year	Avg rate	Avg monthly bill	Avg monthly use
2026 (8 mo)	15.58¢	$169	1,086 kWh
2025	15.39¢	$165	1,073 kWh
2024	15.07¢	$155	1,027 kWh
2023	14.05¢	$139	986 kWh
2022	13.23¢	$142	1,074 kWh
2021	12.15¢	$130	1,066 kWh
2020	11.80¢	$124	1,051 kWh
2019	11.25¢	$122	1,084 kWh
2018	11.18¢	$127	1,133 kWh
2017	11.63¢	$119	1,026 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	16.31¢	15.62¢
Commercial	11.65¢	11.57¢
Industrial	8.34¢	8.23¢
Transportation	0.00¢	0.00¢
All sectors	11.74¢	11.46¢

How much does electricity cost in West Virginia?

At West Virginia's 12-month average residential rate of 15.53¢ 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	West Virginia	US average
250 kWh	$38.83	$45.40
500 kWh	$77.65	$90.80
750 kWh	$116.48	$136.20
1,000 kWh	$155.30	$181.60
1,500 kWh	$232.95	$272.40
2,000 kWh	$310.60	$363.20

West Virginia electricity prices month by month

Over the last 12 months, the average residential rate ranged from 14.41¢ (February 2026) to 16.80¢ (May 2026), and homes used the most electricity in January 2026 (1,622 kWh on average).

Month	Avg rate	Avg bill	Avg use
August 2026	16.31¢	$174	1,069 kWh
July 2026	15.78¢	$182	1,155 kWh
June 2026	15.45¢	$149	966 kWh
May 2026	16.80¢	$125	742 kWh
April 2026	16.06¢	$108	671 kWh
March 2026	16.37¢	$170	1,041 kWh
February 2026	14.41¢	$205	1,421 kWh
January 2026	14.77¢	$240	1,622 kWh
December 2025	14.59¢	$214	1,468 kWh
November 2025	15.63¢	$153	978 kWh
October 2025	16.17¢	$125	771 kWh
September 2025	16.11¢	$122	758 kWh

West Virginia vs neighboring states

West Virginia's 12-month average rate is higher than 1 of its 5 neighbors.

State	12-mo avg rate	Avg monthly bill	Rank
West Virginia	15.53¢	$164	#29
Kentucky	13.94¢	$154	#41
Maryland	21.18¢	$202	#14
Ohio	18.41¢	$159	#18
Pennsylvania	20.86¢	$174	#15
Virginia	16.64¢	$177	#22

What appliances cost to run in West Virginia

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–$0.78
Washing machine	350–500 W	$0.05–$0.08
Dishwasher	1,200–2,400 W	$0.19–$0.37
Electric water heater	4,500–5,500 W	$0.70–$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 West Virginia

Can you choose your electricity provider in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, 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 Charleston produces about 1,219 kWh a year (NREL PVWatts). Sized for an average West Virginia home, a 10.4 kW system would cost about $26,728 before any incentives and pay for itself in about 14.0 years. See the full West Virginia solar estimate.

Guides for West Virginia

Electric Bills

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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

West Virginia electricity calculators

Frequently asked questions

What is the average electricity rate in West Virginia?

The average residential electricity rate in West Virginia was 16.31¢ per kWh in August 2026. Over the past 12 months it averaged 15.53¢ per kWh.

What is the average electric bill in West Virginia?

The average residential customer in West Virginia paid $174 for 1,069 kWh in August 2026, based on EIA revenue, sales and customer counts.

Is electricity in West Virginia more expensive than the national average?

In August 2026, West Virginia's average rate of 16.31¢ was 10% lower than the US average of 18.16¢.

Can I choose my electricity provider in West Virginia?

Generally no. Most West Virginia 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.