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.

This table contains consumer prices for electricity and gas. Weighted average monthly prices are published broken down into transport rate, delivery rates and taxes, both including and excluding VAT. These prices are published on a monthly basis. The prices presented in this table were used to compile the CPI up to May 2023. Prices for newly offered contracts were collected. Contract types that are no longer offered, but have been in previous reporting periods, are imputed. The average can therefore diverge from the prices paid for energy contracts by Dutch households. Data available from January 2018 up to May 2023. Status of the figures: The figures are definitive. Changes as of 17 July 2023: This table will no longer be updated. Due to a change in the underlying data and accompanying method for calculcating average energy prices, a new table was created. See paragraph 3. Changes as of 13 February: Average delivery rates are not shown in this table from January 2023 up to May 2023. With the introduction of the price cap, the average energy rates (delivery rates) of fixed and variable energy contracts together remained useful for calculating a development for the CPI. However, as a pricelevel, they are less useful. Average energy prices from January 2023 up to May 2023 are published in a customized table. In this publication, only data concerning new variable contracts are taken into account When will new figures be published? Does not apply.

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.

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.

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.

Serbia Consumer Price Index (CPI): Annual Growth Rate: Energy data was reported at 5.400 % in Oct 2018. This stayed constant from the previous number of 5.400 % for Sep 2018. Serbia Consumer Price Index (CPI): Annual Growth Rate: Energy data is updated monthly, averaging 5.800 % from Jan 2007 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 142 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 15.000 % in Mar 2008 and a record low of -2.600 % in Jan 2015. Serbia Consumer Price Index (CPI): Annual Growth Rate: Energy data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bank of Serbia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Serbia – Table RS.I005: Consumer Price Index: Annual Growth Rate.

The global energy price index stood at around 106.9 in 2023. This was a decrease of 45 points compared to the previous year, when fuel and power demand increased as the economies recovered from the coronavirus pandemic. For 2024, forecasts suggest the price index would decrease to 104. Price indices show the development of prices for goods or services over time relative to a base year. Commodity prices may be dependent on various factors, from supply and demand to overall economic growth. Electricity prices around the world As with overall fuel prices, electricity costs for end users are dependent on power infrastructure, technology type, domestic production, and governmental levies and taxes. Generally, electricity prices are lower in countries with great coal and gas resources, as those have historically been the main sources for electricity generation. This is one of the reasons why electricity prices are lowest in resource-rich countries such as Qatar, Russia, and the United States. Meanwhile, many European governments that have introduced renewable surcharges to support the deployment of solar and wind power and are at the same time dependent on fossil fuels imports, have the highest household electricity prices. Benchmark oil prices One of the commodities found within the energy market is oil. Oil is the main raw material for all common motor fuels, from gasoline to kerosene. In resource-poor and remote regions such as Alaska, Hawaii, and Cyprus, it is also one of the largest sources for electricity generation. Benchmark oil prices such as Europe’s Brent, the United States' WTI, or the OPEC basket are often used as indicators for the overall energy price development.

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.

United States Refiner Price: Resale: EIA: Number 1 Distillate data was reported at 2.414 USD/gal in Apr 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 2.209 USD/gal for Mar 2018. United States Refiner Price: Resale: EIA: Number 1 Distillate data is updated monthly, averaging 0.904 USD/gal from Jan 1983 (Median) to Apr 2018, with 423 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4.001 USD/gal in Jun 2008 and a record low of 0.409 USD/gal in Jul 1986. United States Refiner Price: Resale: EIA: Number 1 Distillate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Energy Information Administration. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.P002: Energy Price.

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.

In the observed period, weighted average monthly electricity prices on the day-ahead market in Poland increased from 163.95 zloty/MWh in January 2018 to over 500 zloty/MWh (117.77 EUR/MWh) in January 2025. The record weighted average price occurred in August 2022, exceeding 1,300 zloty. Consumption of electricity in Poland Electricity is essential to modern life and vital to every country’s economy. Starting from 1990, the final annual electricity consumption reached a value of 124.7 terawatt-hours. It eventually grew to 160 tWh in 2023, which happened to be a six percent decrease compared to the previous year. Consumption of solar photovoltaic power has become popular in recent years, but also the capacity of solar photovoltaic per inhabitant in Poland has significantly increased, rising from just 0.1 watts per inhabitant in 2013 to 464.1 W/inhab in 2023. In 2023, 18.5 million customers in Poland used electricity with consumption lower than 50 megawatt-hours. Electricity production from renewables Throughout the years, there have been different methods and sources of electricity production worldwide. Starting in 2012, the electricity production from solar photovoltaic power generated only 3.4 gigawatt-hours. In 2023, Poland's electricity production volume from solar photovoltaic power reached a peak of over 11 terawatt hours. Another source of electricity production was the wind. Where the production of electricity from wind steadily increased from five gigawatt-hours in 2000 to 23,234 gigawatt-hours in 2023. Biogas and biomass also play a significant role in the production of electricity. In 2012, electricity production from biogas and biomass was the highest at around 10,094 gigawatt-hours. However, in 2022, the production decreased, reaching 6,352 GWh.

Graph and download economic data for Consumer Price Index: OECD Groups: Energy (Fuel, electricity & gasoline): Total for G7 (G7CPGREN01GPQ) from Q2 1970 to Q1 2018 about G7, fuels, electricity, energy, gas, CPI, price index, indexes, and price.

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.

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.

United States Natural Gas Price: EIA: Industrial data was reported at 3.750 USD/1000 Cub ft in Sep 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 3.670 USD/1000 Cub ft for Aug 2018. United States Natural Gas Price: EIA: Industrial data is updated monthly, averaging 3.800 USD/1000 Cub ft from Jan 1984 (Median) to Sep 2018, with 417 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 13.060 USD/1000 Cub ft in Jul 2008 and a record low of 2.230 USD/1000 Cub ft in Jul 1991. United States Natural Gas Price: EIA: Industrial 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.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Prices Index: Economic activities: Energy: Total for Ireland (IRLPIEAEN01GPM) from Feb 2005 to Jan 2018 about Ireland, energy, PPI, price index, indexes, and price.

In the second half of 2023, electricity prices for the industry in Poland exceeded 13.8 euros per kilowatt-hour.

Electricity prices in households in Poland

The energy intensity of enterprises in Poland is one of the highest in the European Union and much higher than in Western European countries. Companies cannot compensate for rising energy prices in the prices of their products. Therefore, they are forced to look for other alternatives. Rising electricity prices for the industry are pushing entrepreneurs not only to save energy but also to look for their own sources of energy production, which would ultimately improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs for many enterprises. Electricity prices for households in Poland amounted to 17.7 euros per kilowatt-hour in the second half of 2023. The low prices in 2019 were mainly the result of the government's freezing of electricity prices to final recipients. However, the government increased energy prices from 2020. This will meant an increase in the cost of living for the average citizen. Not only energy prices rose, but also the prices of goods and services dependent on energy.

Wholesale electricity prices in Poland

Wholesale electricity prices in Poland were the highest in Central and Eastern Europe as of February 2024. Prices ranged increased from 203.7 zloty per megawatt-hour in March 2018 to nearly 1.4 thousand zloty per megawatt-hour in August 2022. The increase in wholesale electricity prices is mainly due to the price of coal. Coal is the primary fuel used to produce energy in Poland. In 2019, 77 TWh of power was produced from hard coal and 43 TWh from lignite. Another reason for higher energy prices is the rising price of CO2 emission allowances and the expected increase in generation capacity in the heating sector.