The retail price for electricity in the United States stood at an average of 12.72 U.S. dollar cents per kilowatt-hour in 2023. This is the highest figure reported in the indicated period. Nevertheless, the U.S. still has one of the lowest electricity prices worldwide. As a major producer of primary energy, energy prices are lower than in countries that are more reliant on imports or impose higher taxes. Electricity prices in the U.S. by consumer group On average, retail electricity prices in the U.S. grew by over 85 percent since the beginning of the century. However, not every sector has been affected equally by the said price increase. U.S. electricity prices for residential customers saw a much steeper increase in the period, while transportation prices increased by approximately 50 percent. Reasons for increases in electricity prices The rising prices are justified by the costs of power production and power grid maintenance. Although the production cost of electricity generated from coal, natural gas, and nuclear sources remained relatively stable, the integration of renewable energy sources, investments in smart grid technologies, growing peak demand, power blackouts caused by natural disasters, and the global energy crisis in 2022 continued to trouble the electric utility industry in recent years. Average U.S. electricity prices per state can also vary widely, with Hawaii residents experiencing some of the highest rates in the country.

In February 2025, electricity prices in the United Kingdom amounted to 143.37 British pounds per megawatt-hour, an increase on the previous month. A record high was reached in August 2022 when day-ahead baseload contracts averaged 363.7 British pounds per megawatt-hour.
Electricity price stabilization in Europe Electricity prices increased in 2024 compared to the previous year, when prices stabilized after the energy supply shortage. Price spikes were driven by the growing wholesale prices of natural gas and coal worldwide, which are among the main sources of power in the region.

… and in the United Kingdom? The United Kingdom was one of the countries with the highest electricity prices worldwide during the energy crisis. Since then, prices have been stabilizing, almost to pre-energy crisis levels. The use of nuclear, wind, and bioenergy for electricity generation has been increasing recently. The fuel types are an alternative to fossil fuels and are part of the country's power generation plans going into the future.

Graph and download economic data for Average Price: Electricity per Kilowatt-Hour in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA (CBSA) (APUS49A72610) from Nov 1978 to Dec 2024 about Los Angeles, electricity, energy, urban, CA, retail, price, and USA.

Retail residential electricity prices in the United States have mostly risen over the last decades. In 2023, prices registered a year-over-year growth of 6.3 percent, the highest growth registered since the beginning of the century. Residential prices are projected to continue to grow by two percent in 2024. Drivers of electricity price growth The price of electricity is partially dependent on the various energy sources used for generation, such as coal, gas, oil, renewable energy, or nuclear. In the U.S., electricity prices are highly connected to natural gas prices. As the commodity is exposed to international markets that pay a higher rate, U.S. prices are also expected to rise, as it has been witnessed during the energy crisis in 2022. Electricity demand is also expected to increase, especially in regions that will likely require more heating or cooling as climate change impacts progress, driving up electricity prices. Which states pay the most for electricity? Electricity prices can vary greatly depending on both state and region. Hawaii has the highest electricity prices in the U.S., at roughly 43 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour as of May 2023, due to the high costs of crude oil used to fuel the state’s electricity. In comparison, Idaho has one of the lowest retail rates. Much of the state’s energy is generated from hydroelectricity, which requires virtually no fuel. In addition, construction costs can be spread out over decades.

Germany Electricity decreased 21.39 EUR/MWh or 18.48% since the beginning of 2025, according to the latest spot benchmarks offered by sellers to buyers priced in megawatt hour (MWh). This dataset includes a chart with historical data for Germany Electricity Price.

Spain Electricity decreased 81.27 EUR/MWh or 59.82% since the beginning of 2025, according to the latest spot benchmarks offered by sellers to buyers priced in megawatt hour (MWh). This dataset includes a chart with historical data for Spain Electricity Price.

Graph and download economic data for Average Price: Electricity per Kilowatt-Hour in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI (CBSA) (APUS23B72610) from Nov 1978 to Oct 2024 about Detroit, electricity, energy, MI, urban, retail, price, and USA.

In 2022, the average end-use electricity price in the United States stood at around 12.2 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour. This figure is projected to decrease in the coming three decades, to reach some 11 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour by 2050.

In 2022, the electricity price index was calculated at around 151.2 points. While this marked a significant increase compared to the base year of 2005, it was still the lowest electricity index value since 2012.

Italy Electricity decreased 10.78 EUR/MWh or 7.83% since the beginning of 2025, according to the latest spot benchmarks offered by sellers to buyers priced in megawatt hour (MWh). This dataset includes a chart with historical data for Italy Electricity Price.

Graph and download economic data for Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Electricity in U.S. City Average (CUSR0000SEHF01) from Jan 1952 to Feb 2025 about electricity, urban, consumer, CPI, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Germany, Belgium, and Ireland had some of the highest household electricity prices worldwide, as of June 2024. At the time, German households were charged around 0.39 U.S. dollars per kilowatt-hour, while in Belgium, the price stood at 0.37 U.S. dollars per kilowatt-hour. By comparison, in Qatar, residents paid more than 10 times less. What is behind electricity prices? Electricity prices vary widely across the world and sometimes even within a country itself, depending on factors like infrastructure, geography, and politically determined taxes and levies. For example, in Denmark, Belgium, and Sweden, taxes constitute a significant portion of residential end-user electricity prices. Reliance on fossil fuel imports Meanwhile, thanks to their great crude oil and natural gas production output, countries like Iran, Qatar, and Russia enjoy some of the cheapest electricity prices in the world. Here, the average household pays less than 0.1 U.S. dollars per kilowatt-hour. In contrast, countries heavily reliant on fossil fuel imports for electricity generation are more vulnerable to market price fluctuations. The top importers of natural gas in Europe in 2023 were Germany and Italy, where this energy source constitutes a relevant share of the power mix.

Compared to 1998 (index = 100), the index value for the development of household electricity prices in Germany was 270 points as of July 2023. The timeline shown here indicates that electricity prices in Germany have been growing noticeably in recent years.

Electric power selling price index (EPSPI). Monthly data are available from January 1981. The table presents data for the most recent reference period and the last four periods. The base period for the index is (2014=100).

France Electricity decreased 6.42 EUR/MWh or 9.19% since the beginning of 2025, according to the latest spot benchmarks offered by sellers to buyers priced in megawatt hour (MWh). This dataset includes a chart with historical data for France Electricity Price.

UK Electricity decreased 15.90 GBP/MWh or 15.52% since the beginning of 2025, according to the latest spot benchmarks offered by sellers to buyers priced in megawatt hour (MWh). This dataset includes a chart with historical data for the United Kingdom Electricity Price.

At the end of fiscal year 2024, the Wholesale Price Index of electricity across India was 145. While there has be a constant increase in the Wholesale Price Index, the financial year 2020 marks a first decrease.

Germany's electricity prices have experienced an increase in the latter half of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, reaching an average of 140.42 euros per megawatt-hour in February 2025. This marks a notable decrease from the record high of over 469 euros per megawatt-hour in August 2022, yet remains above pre-pandemic levels. The ongoing volatility in energy prices continues to impact German households and businesses, reflecting broader trends across Europe's energy landscape. Electricity price recovery German electricity prices began recovering back to pre-energy crisis levels in 2024, a period driven by a complex interplay of factors, including increased heating demand, reduced wind power generation, and water scarcity affecting hydropower production. The rise in natural gas and coal prices, exacerbated by the economic recovery post-COVID-19 and the Ukraine conflict, further contributed to the spike. Despite Germany's progress in renewable energy sources, with over 50 percent of gross electricity generated from renewable sources in 2023, the country still relies heavily on fossil fuels. Coal and natural gas accounted for approximately 40 percent of the energy mix, making Germany vulnerable to fluctuations in global fuel prices. Impact on consumers and future outlook The volatility in electricity prices has directly impacted German consumers. As of April 1, 2024, households with basic supplier contracts were paying around 46 cents per kilowatt-hour, making it the most expensive option compared to other providers or special contracts. The breakdown of household electricity prices in 2023 showed that supply and margin, along with energy procurement, constituted the largest controllable components, amounting to 40.6 and 11.6 euro cents per kilowatt-hour, respectively. While prices have decreased since the 2022 peak, they remain higher than pre-crisis levels, underscoring the ongoing challenges in Germany's energy sector as it continues its transition towards renewable sources.

Have timely access to reliable Electricity price assessments in Mexico:

• Electricity, industrial sector, Mexico, including generation, transmission, and distribution costs
• Electricity, household, Mexico, for consumption from 76 up to 140 kWh/month

Each assessment includes Electricity price history for the past 10 years, current prices, and short-term forecasts. Price assessments are updated on the 3rd business day of every month and are accessible via online charts, an Excel Add-In, and an API. Free previews for all assessments are available at Intratec website.

Electricity price assessments for Mexico and up to 32 other countries are part of Intratec Energy Price References. Subscribe and access now current prices of key energy commodities worldwide.

Have timely access to reliable Electricity price assessments in United States:

• Electricity, industrial sector, United States, including generation, transmission, and distribution costs
• Electricity, household, United States

Each assessment includes Electricity price history for the past 10 years, current prices, and short-term forecasts. Price assessments are updated on the 3rd business day of every month and are accessible via online charts, an Excel Add-In, and an API. Free previews for all assessments are available at Intratec website.

Electricity price assessments for United States and up to 32 other countries are part of Intratec Energy Price References. Subscribe and access now current prices of key energy commodities worldwide.