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.

The average wholesale electricity price in September 2025 in the United Kingdom is forecast to amount to*******British pounds per megawatt-hour, a decrease from the previous month. A record high was reached in August 2022 when day-ahead baseload contracts averaged ***** 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.

This table shows the average prices paid for natural gas and electricity. The total prices represent the sum of energy supply prices and network prices.

The total price is the price paid by an end-user, for instance a household or an industrial company consuming energy in their production process. Natural gas used for non-energy purposes or for electricity generation is excluded from the data.

Data available from: 1st semester of 2009

Status of the figures: The figures in this table are provisional for the two most recent semesters, and the annual figures follow the status of the second semester of the relevant reporting year. The remaining figures are final.

Changes as of September 30: Figures for the first half of 2025 have been added.

The network prices for final non-household customers will from now on, and dating back to 2009, be derived from administrative data sources. This now follows the methodology for households. Consumption data can be combined with tariffs that are published on the websites of the network companies, providing the necessary data to compile the prices. The change in methodology is carried out for the full time-series, making sure the network prices are consistent and price changes are not the result of varying measurement approaches.

When will new figures be published? New provisional figures will be published three months after the semesters end, at the end of September and at the end of March.

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

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.

Data available from: January 2021

Status of the figures: When first published, the figures are provisional. These will become definitive with the following month’s publication.

Changes compared with previous version: Data on the most recent period have been added and/or adjustments have been implemented.

When will new figures be published? New figures will usually be published between the first and second Thursday of the month.

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 average retail price of electricity for households has risen steadily in the United States, reaching a peak of around 16.48 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2024. In the U.S., electricity prices tend to reflect base overnight costs for power plants, their maintenance, fuel costs, and the operation of power grids. How electricity rates differ across states in the U.S. The price of electricity varies widely across states. Hawaii has continuously had one of the highest rates and Washington one of the lowest. In Hawaii, the power sector is largely reliant on petroleum and diesel generators. Crude oil is a comparatively expensive fuel and prices tend to be volatile, driving up overall electricity prices. Meanwhile, electricity prices are low in states which use hydropower as the main source of electricity, as Washington. In the U.S., costs of electricity are greatly shaped by the primary power source used per state. Maintaining the power grid In addition to primary fuel purchases, the costs required to operate and maintain transmission and distribution systems also impact the prices that a household pays. In 2023, power utilities reported a peak in grid operating expenses, with transmission-related costs reaching 15.8 billion U.S. dollars and 6.4 billion U.S. dollars invested in distribution networks.

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 still have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, such as in countries like Italy, where prices are forecast to reach ****** euros per megawatt hour in September 2025. 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 July 2025. 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. As of August 2025, electricity prices in Italy have decreased to ****** euros per megawatt hour, reflecting ongoing volatility in the market.

The price of gas in the United Kingdom was 80.1 British pence per therm in the third quarter of 2025. It is anticipated gas prices will increase to 85.4 pence in the first quarter of 2026 before gradually falling to just under 77.6 pence by the second quarter of of the year. Surging energy costs and the cost of living crisis At the height of the UK's cost of living crisis in 2022, approximately 91 percent of UK households were experiencing rising prices compared with the previous month. It was during 2022 that the UK's CPI inflation rate reached a peak of 11.1 percent, in October of that year. Food and energy, in particular, were the main drivers of inflation during this period, with energy inflation reaching 26.6 percent, and food prices increasing by 18.2 percent at the height of the crisis. Although prices fell to more expected levels by 2024, an uptick in inflation is forecast for 2025, with prices rising by 3.7 percent in the third quarter of the year. Global Inflation Crisis The UK was not alone in suffering rapid inflation during this time period, with several countries across the world experiencing an inflation crisis. The roots of the crisis began as the global economy gradually emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Blocked-up supply chains, struggled to recover as quickly as consumer demand, with food and energy prices also facing upward pressure. Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 led to Europe gradually weening itself of cheap Russian energy exports, while for several months Ukraine struggled to export crucial food supplies to the rest of the World.

The electricity delivery process has experienced a major shift in recent years, driven by a push to reduce emissions. Governments across Europe are actively moving away from conventional sources of electricity generation, leading to a decline in the continent's dependency on fossil fuels. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewables accounted for 41.7% of electricity generation in Europe in 2022, up from 32.9% in 2017. The rise of renewables has spurred an influx of renewable generators and necessitated increased investment in electricity networks. This has lifted revenue for transmission and distribution network operators. Revenue is forecast to rise at a compound annual rate of 8.7% over the five years through 2025, reaching €2.8 billion. Falling wholesale prices and a reduction in overall electricity consumption spurred a drop in revenue during the pandemic. Excess demand for natural gas as economies loosened pandemic-related restrictions spurred a strong rebound in wholesale electricity prices in 2021, translating to a jump in revenue. Wholesale prices recorded a renewed spike following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, spurring a surge in revenue generated by electricity producers and suppliers. Renewable generators were able to rake in extra profit from electricity sold to wholesale markets at inflated prices, counterbalancing a significant rise in costs for fossil fuel generators and electricity suppliers. Wholesale prices have since come down as Europe has diversified its fuel mix away from Russian gas. Revenue is forecast to decline by 5.1% in the current year. Revenue is forecast to increase at a compound annual rate of 0.3% over the five years through 2030 to €2.9 billion. The revised Renewable Energy Directive of the EU has set a goal for 69% of electricity to be generated from renewables by 2030. Electricity generators will continue expanding their renewables capacity, while investment in upgrading the electricity network to accommodate the rapid shift to renewables will boost income for transmission and distribution network operators. Rising renewable electricity generation will place downward pressure on wholesale prices, though the electrification of heat and transport is set to spur an uptick in demand for electricity across the continent.

Energy Inflation in the United States increased to 2.80 percent in September from 0.20 percent in August of 2025. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for the United States Energy Inflation.

Hawaii is the state with the highest household electricity price in the United States. In February 2025, the average retail price of electricity for Hawaiian residences amounted to 41.11 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour. California followed in second, with 32.41 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour. Meanwhile, Utah registered the lowest price in the period, at around 12.41 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 2024, it stood at 13 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.

The electricity delivery process has experienced a major shift in recent years, driven by a push to reduce emissions. Governments across Europe are actively moving away from conventional sources of electricity generation, leading to a decline in the continent's dependency on fossil fuels. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewables accounted for 41.7% of electricity generation in Europe in 2022, up from 32.9% in 2017. The rise of renewables has spurred an influx of renewable generators and necessitated increased investment in electricity networks. This has lifted revenue for transmission and distribution network operators. Revenue is forecast to rise at a compound annual rate of 8.7% over the five years through 2025, reaching €2.8 billion. Falling wholesale prices and a reduction in overall electricity consumption spurred a drop in revenue during the pandemic. Excess demand for natural gas as economies loosened pandemic-related restrictions spurred a strong rebound in wholesale electricity prices in 2021, translating to a jump in revenue. Wholesale prices recorded a renewed spike following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, spurring a surge in revenue generated by electricity producers and suppliers. Renewable generators were able to rake in extra profit from electricity sold to wholesale markets at inflated prices, counterbalancing a significant rise in costs for fossil fuel generators and electricity suppliers. Wholesale prices have since come down as Europe has diversified its fuel mix away from Russian gas. Revenue is forecast to decline by 5.1% in the current year. Revenue is forecast to increase at a compound annual rate of 0.3% over the five years through 2030 to €2.9 billion. The revised Renewable Energy Directive of the EU has set a goal for 69% of electricity to be generated from renewables by 2030. Electricity generators will continue expanding their renewables capacity, while investment in upgrading the electricity network to accommodate the rapid shift to renewables will boost income for transmission and distribution network operators. Rising renewable electricity generation will place downward pressure on wholesale prices, though the electrification of heat and transport is set to spur an uptick in demand for electricity across the continent.

United States EIA Forecast: Electricity Price: Generation Fuel Costs: Natural Gas data was reported at 3.498 USD/MN BTU in Dec 2019. This records an increase from the previous number of 3.284 USD/MN BTU for Nov 2019. United States EIA Forecast: Electricity Price: Generation Fuel Costs: Natural Gas data is updated monthly, averaging 3.281 USD/MN BTU from Mar 2016 (Median) to Dec 2019, with 46 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4.571 USD/MN BTU in Jan 2017 and a record low of 2.403 USD/MN BTU in Jun 2016. United States EIA Forecast: Electricity Price: Generation Fuel Costs: Natural Gas 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.P003: Energy Price: Forecast: Energy Information Administration.

Italy Electricity decreased 4.07 EUR/MWh or 2.96% 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.