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.

The retail price for electricity in the United States stood at an average of ***** U.S. dollar cents per kilowatt-hour in 2024. 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. Regional variations and sector disparities The impact of rising electricity costs across U.S. states is not uniform. Hawaii stands out with the highest household electricity price, reaching a staggering ***** U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour in September 2024. This stark contrast is primarily due to Hawaii's heavy reliance on imported oil for power generation. On the other hand, states like Utah benefit from lower rates, with prices around **** U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour. Regarding U.S. prices by sector, residential customers have borne the brunt of price increases, paying an average of ***** U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour in 2023, significantly more than commercial and industrial sectors. Factors driving price increases Several factors contribute to the upward trend in electricity prices. The integration of renewable energy sources, investments in smart grid technologies, and rising peak demand all play a role. Additionally, the global energy crisis of 2022 and natural disasters affecting power infrastructure have put pressure on the electric utility industry. The close connection between U.S. electricity prices and natural gas markets also influences rates, as domestic prices are affected by higher-paying international markets. Looking ahead, projections suggest a continued increase in electricity prices, with residential rates expected to grow by *** percent in 2024, driven by factors such as increased demand and the ongoing effects of climate change.

A comprehensive dataset of average residential, commercial, and combined electricity rates in cents per kWh for all 50 U.S. states.

Graph and download economic data for Average Price: Electricity per Kilowatt-Hour in U.S. City Average (APU000072610) from Nov 1978 to May 2025 about electricity, energy, retail, price, and USA.

A table listing the average electricity rates (kWh) of all 50 U.S. states as of March 2025.

Industrial consumers of electricity in the United States paid an average of 8.15 U.S. dollar cents per kilowatt-hour in 2024. This was an increase compared to the previous year, when prices peaked at 8.3 U.S. dollar cents per kilowatt-hour. Prices are forecast to increase further to 8.32 U.S. dollar cents per kilowatt-hour by the end of 2025.

Hawaii is the state with the highest household electricity price in the United States. In September 2024, the average retail price of electricity for Hawaiian residences amounted to 41.27 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour. California followed in second, with 30.221 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour. Meanwhile, Utah registered the lowest price in the period, at around 11.4 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour. Why is electricity so expensive in Hawaii? Fossil fuels, and specifically oil, account for approximately 80 percent of Hawaii’s electricity mix, so the electricity price in this state can be roughly brought down to the price of oil in the country. Oil was by far the most expensive fossil fuel used for electricity generation in the country. As Hawaii depends on oil imports, the cost of transportation and infrastructure must be added to the oil price. Electricity prices worldwide The U.S. retail price for electricity increased almost every year since 1990. In 2023, it stood at 12.7 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour, almost double the charge put on electricity back in 1990. However, household electricity prices are around 25 U.S. dollar cents per kilowatt-hour lower in the U.S. when compared to European countries reliant on energy imports, such as Germany and Italy.

Germany Electricity decreased 29.73 EUR/MWh or 25.69% 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.

This dataset is restricted, for more information please contact the author. Data were collected from multiple sources:The Electricity & Co-Generation Regulatory AuthoritySaudi Electricity companyWeb news article (2015, December 28). Increase of Fuel, Electricity and Water prices. Retrieved from https://akhbaar24.argaam.com/article/detail/255091accessed on March 22, 2018.In October 1984, the government adopted a Tariff that increased with increasing consumption. The changes of Tariffs started in November 1984.Tariff approved by Council of Ministries 170 and become effective in October 2000. This Tariff remained effective for approximately ten years The residential, agricultural, mosques, and charitable societies remained unchanged till 2018In 2010, a new tariff for government, commercial, and industrial consumption came into force, this was adopted by a decision of ECRA's board, to set tariffs for non-residential consumption with an upper limit of SR0.26/kWh.In 2015, the total value of electricity consumed by the residential sector was worth about 38 billion U.S. dollars.In 2018, the Council of Ministers has approved gradual revision of energy prices in the Kingdom including changes to electricity tariffs effective from Jan. 1. 2018, the Electricity and Cogeneration Regulatory Authority (ECRA) announced that new prices will take effect on January 1st, 2018.source: ECRACitation: Alghamdi, Abeer. 2018. “Changes in Saudi Arabia Electricity Prices.” [dataset]. https://datasource.kapsarc.org/explore/dataset/electricity-prices-in-saudi-arabia/information/.

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

Indonesia Electricity: Average Price: Total data was reported at 1,123.010 IDR/kWh in 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 1,105.110 IDR/kWh for 2017. Indonesia Electricity: Average Price: Total data is updated yearly, averaging 628.140 IDR/kWh from Dec 1994 (Median) to 2018, with 25 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,123.010 IDR/kWh in 2018 and a record low of 154.280 IDR/kWh in 1994. Indonesia Electricity: Average Price: Total data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by State Electricity Company. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Indonesia – Table ID.RBH001: Average Price: Electricity.

Italy Electricity decreased 15.25 EUR/MWh or 11.07% 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.

France Electricity decreased 4.49 EUR/MWh or 6.43% 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.

United States Electricity: Average Retail Price: EIA: Residential data was reported at 13.300 0.01 USD/kWh in Aug 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 13.130 0.01 USD/kWh for Jul 2018. United States Electricity: Average Retail Price: EIA: Residential data is updated monthly, averaging 8.590 0.01 USD/kWh from Jul 1976 (Median) to Aug 2018, with 434 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 13.300 0.01 USD/kWh in Aug 2018 and a record low of 3.600 0.01 USD/kWh in Jan 1977. United States Electricity: Average Retail Price: EIA: Residential data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Energy Information Administration. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.P002: Energy Price.

Japan JP: Residential Electricity Price: USD per kWh data was reported at 0.330 USD/kWh in 2022. This records an increase from the previous number of 0.260 USD/kWh for 2021. Japan JP: Residential Electricity Price: USD per kWh data is updated yearly, averaging 0.220 USD/kWh from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2022, with 33 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.330 USD/kWh in 2022 and a record low of 0.190 USD/kWh in 2002. Japan JP: Residential Electricity Price: USD per kWh data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Japan – Table JP.OECD.GGI: Environmental: Environmental Policy, Taxes and Transfers: OECD Member: Annual.

Chile accounted for the highest electricity price for industries in Central and Southern America, at 155 U.S. dollars per megawatt-hour in January 2025. By comparison, the industrial electricity price in Paraguay amounted to 36 U.S. dollars per megawatt-hour that month.

Pakistan PK: Residential Electricity Price: USD per kWh data was reported at 0.300 USD/kWh in 2020. This records an increase from the previous number of 0.280 USD/kWh for 2019. Pakistan PK: Residential Electricity Price: USD per kWh data is updated yearly, averaging 0.290 USD/kWh from Dec 2014 (Median) to 2020, with 7 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.330 USD/kWh in 2015 and a record low of 0.270 USD/kWh in 2018. Pakistan PK: Residential Electricity Price: USD per kWh data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Pakistan – Table PK.OECD.GGI: Environmental: Environmental Policy, Taxes and Transfers: Non OECD Member: Annual.

Electricity prices in the U.S. have surged due to rising demand from heatwaves and data centers, alongside investments in grid infrastructure.

Electricity prices in Europe are expected to remain volatile through 2025, with Italy projected to have some of the highest rates among major European economies. This trend reflects the ongoing challenges in the energy sector, including the transition to renewable sources and the impact of geopolitical events on supply chains. Despite efforts to stabilize the market, prices in countries like Italy are forecasted to reach ****** euros per megawatt hour by February 2025, indicating persistent pressure on consumers and businesses alike. Natural gas futures shaping electricity costs The electricity market's future trajectory is closely tied to natural gas prices, a key component in power generation. Dutch TTF gas futures, a benchmark for European natural gas prices, are projected to be ***** euros per megawatt hour in April 2025. This represents an increase of about ** euros compared to the previous year, suggesting that gas prices will continue to influence electricity rates across Europe. The reduced output from the Groningen gas field and increased reliance on imports further complicate the pricing landscape, potentially contributing to higher electricity costs in countries like Italy. Regional disparities and global market influences While European electricity prices remain high, significant regional differences persist. For instance, natural gas prices in the United States are expected to be roughly one-third of those in Europe by March 2025, at **** U.S. dollars per million British thermal units. This stark contrast highlights the impact of domestic production capabilities on global natural gas prices. Europe's greater reliance on imports, particularly in the aftermath of geopolitical tensions and the shift away from Russian gas, continues to keep prices elevated compared to more self-sufficient markets. As a result, countries like Italy may face sustained pressure on electricity prices due to their position within the broader European energy market.