U.S. electricity costs
What is the average residential electricity rate in the U.S.?
The latest available EIA U.S. residential average is 18.16¢ per kWh for August 2026.
U.S. residential average
18.16¢per kWhEIA · August 2026
This nationwide average combines residential electricity sales and revenue. Individual state and utility prices can differ substantially.
12-month trend
U.S. residential electricity prices
Monthly average residential electricity price reported by EIA.
| Month | Average price |
|---|---|
| Aug 2026 | 18.16¢/kWh |
| Jul 2026 | 18.31¢/kWh |
| Jun 2026 | 18.35¢/kWh |
| May 2026 | 18.44¢/kWh |
| Apr 2026 | 18.86¢/kWh |
| Mar 2026 | 18.60¢/kWh |
| Feb 2026 | 17.65¢/kWh |
| Jan 2026 | 17.45¢/kWh |
| Dec 2025 | 17.11¢/kWh |
| Nov 2025 | 17.77¢/kWh |
| Oct 2025 | 17.95¢/kWh |
| Sep 2025 | 18.05¢/kWh |
Monthly examples
What the U.S. average means for common usage levels
These examples apply the national average price directly to usage. They are not a prediction of a particular household bill.
Compare locally
See how every state compares with the U.S. average.
Browse state prices, rankings, year-over-year changes, and 12-month trends.