Electricity-price source
Our state electricity-price pages use residential electricity data published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). We use monthly average residential electricity prices for each state, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. average. We retain recent monthly history so state pages can show trends and year-over-year comparisons.
What the state price means
The state figure is an average delivered residential price expressed in cents per kilowatt-hour. It is useful for broad comparisons and quick estimates, but it is not the same thing as a specific customer's tariff.
How frequently data are updated
Our automated data pipeline checks EIA data on a recurring basis and regenerates the state pages when updated values are available. EIA data can be revised after initial publication, so historical values on this site may also change after a refresh.
State rankings and national comparisons
State and DC rankings are calculated from the same latest monthly EIA residential-price dataset, ordered from highest average price to lowest. Percentage comparisons use the EIA U.S. residential average for the same month.
Year-over-year changes
Year-over-year change compares the latest available monthly state average with the same calendar month one year earlier. If the matching prior-year month is unavailable, we do not display a percentage change.
Basic appliance calculation
For appliances, estimated energy use is calculated as watts ÷ 1,000 × hours used. Estimated cost is then energy use in kilowatt-hours × the electricity price.
EV charging calculation
The EV calculator estimates battery energy from miles driven ÷ vehicle efficiency. It then adjusts for charging losses by dividing by the charging-efficiency assumption before multiplying by the electricity price.
EV versus gasoline calculation
EV energy cost is calculated using the method above. Gasoline cost is estimated as miles driven ÷ miles per gallon × gasoline price. The comparison covers energy or fuel cost only, not maintenance, insurance, depreciation, financing, taxes, charging equipment, or other ownership costs.
EV charging-time calculation
Charging time is estimated from battery energy needed ÷ effective charging power. Effective charging power is the entered charging power multiplied by the charging-efficiency assumption. Real charging can take longer because power may taper or be limited by the vehicle, battery temperature, voltage, or thermal management.
Electricity bill estimate
The bill calculator multiplies monthly kilowatt-hours by the entered electricity price. It estimates the energy portion of a bill and does not separately model fixed charges, taxes, credits, demand charges, or special tariffs.
Use your own rate when possible
For a personal estimate, the electricity price from your own utility bill or rate plan will usually be more relevant than a statewide average.
Source acknowledgment
Electricity-price data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration. EIA data are presented as a source and do not imply EIA endorsement of this website.