Compare Electricity Rates Across the US

Not every U.S. state gives residents the freedom to choose their electricity provider. In deregulated states, competition among providers allows consumers to shop for the best rates and plans for their specific needs.

Texas

Georgia

Virginia

Connecticut

Rhode Island

California

Washington, DC

Delaware

Illinois

Maine

Massachusetts

Michigan

Pennsylvania

New York

Ohio

New Jersey

New Hampshire

Maryland

Oregon

Electricity rates aren’t universal. The cost you pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh) can vary significantly depending on your location. In deregulated states, competition among providers can lead to better rates, but it can also result in confusion if you’re not sure what to look for. Factors like demand, energy generation mix, regional utility fees, and seasonal trends all contribute to these rate differences.

To make comparison easier, the Power Wizard experts have created a table of electricity rates by state. For the most accurate and up-to-date rates, visit your state-specific page.

Below you can see a map of all the states that have at least some level of electricity deregulation in blue and regulated states in gray:

Residential Energy Rates (Updated September 2025)

• Average U.S. Residential Electricity Rate: 17.65¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh)
• State with the Highest Average Residential Rate: Hawaii at 43.00¢/kWh
• State with the Lowest Average Residential Rate: North Dakota at 11.64¢/kWh

Commercial Energy Rates  (Updated September 2025)

• Average U.S. Commercial Electricity Rate: 14.37¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh)
• State with the Highest Average Commercial Rate: Hawaii at 38.62¢/kWh
• State with the Lowest Average Commercial Rate:North Dakota at 8.08¢/kWh

1. North Dakota – 11.64¢/kWh

2. Nebraska – 11.79¢/kWh

3. Missouri – 12.17¢/kWh

4. Idaho – 12.63¢/kWh

5. Arkansas – 12.73¢/kWh

1. Hawaii – 43.00¢/kWh

2. California – 33.22¢/kWh

3. Maine – 32.17¢/kWh

4. Connecticut – 30.77¢/kWh

5. Massachusetts – 30.46¢/kWh

Electricity rates vary by state due to a mix of market structure, infrastructure, geography, and demand. The Power Wizard energy experts have broken down cost factors for you below:

• Fuel Source Availability: States that use cheaper, local sources, such as coal or hydropower, tend to have lower rates. Regions relying on expensive imports or renewable sources (e.g., natural gas, solar) often have higher prices.
• Market Structure: Regulated states often have more stable pricing, but that doesn’t always mean lower rates. Other factors—like demand, population density, fuel access, and infrastructure—can have a bigger impact. Texas, a deregulated state, regularly sees lower average rates than regulated states like Hawaii or California. If you live in a deregulated state, the best way to get lower rates is to shop around.
• Transmission and Distribution Costs: The cost of maintaining infrastructure to deliver electricity, including poles, wires, and substations, affects rates. States with older or complex grids may face higher delivery fees.
• Electricity Demand and Population Density: Dense or industrial states with high energy demand (e.g., New York, Massachusetts) often face elevated prices due to consumption needs and grid strain.
• Weather and Climate: States with extreme seasonal temperatures use more electricity for heating or cooling. This demand spike influences rates, particularly in warmer states like Texas or Florida.
• Regulatory and Environmental Policies: Local laws and incentives supporting green energy, emissions limits, or renewable investments can impact generation costs.
• Transmission Congestion and Energy Imports: States that import large amounts of electricity or experience congestion on transmission lines may pay more due to limited supply or delivery inefficiencies.
• Emergency Preparedness Costs:Investments in weatherproofing, storm recovery, or wildfire prevention can raise infrastructure costs that get passed on to ratepayers.
• Rate Structures and Surcharges: Tiered pricing, time-of-use rates, seasonal adjustments, and usage penalties can all influence the final rate customers pay.