Ireland, Italy, and Germany had some of the highest household electricity prices worldwide, as of March 2025. At the time, Irish households were charged around 0.45 U.S. dollars per kilowatt-hour, while in Italy, the price stood at 0.43 U.S. dollars per kilowatt-hour. By comparison, in Russia, residents paid almost 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.

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. The price cap set by the Dutch government for 2023 has now been incorporated into the prices. 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 March 28: Figures for the second half of 2024 have been added. 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.

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.

Graph and download economic data for Consumer Price Index: OECD Groups: Energy (Fuel, Electricity, and Gasoline): Total for United Kingdom (CPGREN01GBM657N) from Feb 1970 to Nov 2023 about fuels, electricity, energy, gas, United Kingdom, CPI, price index, indexes, and price.

Graph and download economic data for Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices: Electricity, Gas, Solid Fuels and Heat Energy for Netherlands (ELGAS0NLM086NEST) from Jan 1996 to Aug 2025 about heating, Netherlands, fuels, electricity, energy, harmonized, gas, CPI, price index, indexes, and price.

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.

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 33.73 EUR/MWh or 29.15% 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.

UK Electricity decreased 26.90 GBP/MWh or 26.26% 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.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Industry: Natural Gas Distribution: to Electric Power (PCU221210221210115) from Dec 1990 to Aug 2025 about distributive, electricity, gas, PPI, industry, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

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 August 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.

Italy Electricity decreased 28.35 EUR/MWh or 20.58% 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 Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices: Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels for Turkey (CP0450TRM086NEST) from Jan 1996 to Aug 2025 about Turkey, fuels, electricity, harmonized, gas, CPI, price index, indexes, and price.

Daily data showing the System Price of electricity, and rolling seven-day average, in Great Britain. These are official statistics in development. Source: Elexon.

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.