Household power costs: October 2024

by
Amanda Smith
Published
October 9, 2024

With electricity prices varying widely from state to state — from California's high of 32.56 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to Louisiana’s low of 11.50 cents per kWh — understanding what you’ll pay and how much energy you’ll likely use is more important than ever. In this update, we’ll break down current electricity rates, expected usage patterns, and tips for saving on your next energy bill.

Your electricity ‘supply rate’ is the price you pay for each unit of electricity you use, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). One kilowatt-hour is the amount of electricity it takes to power something like a 100-watt light bulb for 10 hours. So, when you see something like 16.62 cents per kWh, that’s how much the electric company charges for each unit of power you use. The more power you use, the more kWhs you rack up, and the higher your bill will be.

How much does electricity cost right now?

The average cost of electricity in the U.S. for October 2024 is about 16.62 cents per kilowatt-hour. Rates vary by state, with some areas like California reaching up to 32.56 cents/kWh, while states like Louisiana have rates as low as 11.50 cents/kWh. That’s why knowing the rate in your area is important—it helps you understand how much you’ll be paying based on your electricity usage. Here’s a look at what the electricity supply rates are in each U.S. state today, and where rates are currently the most and least expensive: 

source: EIA

10 states with the highest rates

State Rate (¢/kWh)
Hawaii 42.67
California 32.56
Massachusetts 28.84
Connecticut 28.02
Alaska 25.64
Rhode Island 25.60
New York 25.01
Maine 22.59
New Hampshire 21.71
New Jersey 20.70

source: EIA

10 states with the lowest rates

State Rate (¢/kWh)
Wisconsin 12.95
North Dakota 12.90
South Dakota 12.90
Kentucky 12.47
Arkansas 12.40
Nebraska 12.27
Idaho 12.23
Vermont 12.23
Washington 11.87
Louisiana 11.50

How much energy can I expect to use in October?

As temperatures begin to cool in October, your household’s energy usage might shift as well. Whether you're cranking up the heat or still running the air conditioner in warmer states, it's important to understand how much electricity you can expect to use. On average, households across the U.S. will consume anywhere from 500 to over 1,100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) this month, depending on where you live. Let’s take a closer look at typical usage patterns for October so you can better anticipate your energy needs.

Average power usage: October

Check Your State's Average Electricity Usage for October

10 states with the highest usage

State Average Usage (kWh)
Louisiana 1170
Alabama 1145
Florida 1132
Arizona 1114
West Virginia 1098
Tennessee 1087
Vermont 1075
Arkansas 1060
Rhode Island 1054
Georgia 1040

10 states with the lowest usage

State Average Usage (kWh)
Michigan 710
Utah 703
Connecticut 680
District of Columbia 677
New Hampshire 643
Massachusetts 621
Maine 576
Hawaii 558
Alaska 552
California 535

How much will my power bill cost this month?

Wondering what your power bill will look like this October? With electricity rates and usage varying widely across the U.S., your bill could range from just over $100 to over $500, depending on where you live and how much energy you consume. From high rates in states like California to more budget-friendly ones in the South, let’s break down what you can expect and how to estimate your costs, so you’re not caught off guard when your bill arrives.

Your power bill is made up of many different charges, including your supply charge (the price you pay per kWh). Here are some other key charges that will impact the total amount you pay: 

  • Delivery charges: Utilities charge for delivering electricity or gas to your home. This includes maintaining the infrastructure, like power lines and pipes, and may vary depending on your location.
  • Capacity charges: Some regions charge for ensuring enough energy capacity is available to meet peak demand, especially during high-usage periods like summer.
  • Taxes and fees: These can include local, state, and federal taxes, as well as regulatory and environmental fees.
  • Metering and service fees: Utilities may charge for reading and maintaining your meter, as well as for general account services.
  • While it's hard to predict what your potential delivery charges, taxes and fees might be, we can take a look at what the supply portion of your bill is likely to cost this monthly depending on where you live. It starts with a simple calculation: 

    Monthly Bill=Average Usage (kWh)×Rate (¢/kWh)÷100

    Here is what you can likely expect to spend on the supply portion of your power bill this month in each US state: 

    Powered by joinarbor.com

    How can I save? What rates are available?  

    In certain deregulated energy markets, households can choose from competitive electricity supply rates that offer potential savings compared to standard utility rates. These supply rates are available through third-party providers and vary by region. At Arbor, we find and secure these lower supply rates for you. Here's an overview of what's currently available through Arbor and how you might save based on your location:

    Lower supply rates that Arbor is connecting users to now

    State Competitive Rate (kWh) Default Utility Rate (kWh) Savings (%)
    Pennsylvania (PPL) $0.09778 $0.10040 2.6%
    Pennsylvania (Duquesne Light) $0.09965 $0.11850 15.9%
    Pennsylvania (METED) $0.09880 $0.10404 5.0%
    Massachusetts (Eversource) $0.15160 $0.15772 >3.9%
    Massachusetts (Unitil) $0.15540 $0.19304 19.5%
    Maryland (PEPCO) $0.11304 $0.12420 9.0%
    Ohio (Duke Energy) $0.06718 $0.08180 17.9%
    Ohio (Ohio Edison) $0.06654 $0.08180 18.7%
    Ohio (AES Ohio) $0.06687 $0.08580 22.1%

    As of October 15, 2024

    These substantial savings are only available in deregulated energy markets. Keep in mind that these opportunities may shift as market conditions change, so it’s always worth exploring what’s available in your area.

    Utility Name
    Default rate
    Rate through Arbor
    Savings
    No items found.
    Table of Contents
    Seasonal Trends

    Household power costs: October 2024

    As we kick off the month of October, energy costs continue to change across the U.S., leaving households wondering what their power bills will look like this month. With electricity prices varying widely from state to state — from California's high of 32.56 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to Louisiana’s low of 11.50 cents per kWh — understanding what you’ll pay and how much energy you’ll likely use is more important than ever. In this update, we’ll break down current electricity rates, expected usage patterns, and tips for saving on your energy bill.

    Posted 
    October 17, 2024
    Read
    by
    Amanda Smith
    Posted 
    December 11, 2022
    Read

    With electricity prices varying widely from state to state — from California's high of 32.56 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to Louisiana’s low of 11.50 cents per kWh — understanding what you’ll pay and how much energy you’ll likely use is more important than ever. In this update, we’ll break down current electricity rates, expected usage patterns, and tips for saving on your next energy bill.

    Your electricity ‘supply rate’ is the price you pay for each unit of electricity you use, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). One kilowatt-hour is the amount of electricity it takes to power something like a 100-watt light bulb for 10 hours. So, when you see something like 16.62 cents per kWh, that’s how much the electric company charges for each unit of power you use. The more power you use, the more kWhs you rack up, and the higher your bill will be.

    How much does electricity cost right now?

    The average cost of electricity in the U.S. for October 2024 is about 16.62 cents per kilowatt-hour. Rates vary by state, with some areas like California reaching up to 32.56 cents/kWh, while states like Louisiana have rates as low as 11.50 cents/kWh. That’s why knowing the rate in your area is important—it helps you understand how much you’ll be paying based on your electricity usage. Here’s a look at what the electricity supply rates are in each U.S. state today, and where rates are currently the most and least expensive: 

    source: EIA

    10 states with the highest rates

    State Rate (¢/kWh)
    Hawaii 42.67
    California 32.56
    Massachusetts 28.84
    Connecticut 28.02
    Alaska 25.64
    Rhode Island 25.60
    New York 25.01
    Maine 22.59
    New Hampshire 21.71
    New Jersey 20.70

    source: EIA

    10 states with the lowest rates

    State Rate (¢/kWh)
    Wisconsin 12.95
    North Dakota 12.90
    South Dakota 12.90
    Kentucky 12.47
    Arkansas 12.40
    Nebraska 12.27
    Idaho 12.23
    Vermont 12.23
    Washington 11.87
    Louisiana 11.50

    How much energy can I expect to use in October?

    As temperatures begin to cool in October, your household’s energy usage might shift as well. Whether you're cranking up the heat or still running the air conditioner in warmer states, it's important to understand how much electricity you can expect to use. On average, households across the U.S. will consume anywhere from 500 to over 1,100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) this month, depending on where you live. Let’s take a closer look at typical usage patterns for October so you can better anticipate your energy needs.

    Average power usage: October

    Check Your State's Average Electricity Usage for October

    10 states with the highest usage

    State Average Usage (kWh)
    Louisiana 1170
    Alabama 1145
    Florida 1132
    Arizona 1114
    West Virginia 1098
    Tennessee 1087
    Vermont 1075
    Arkansas 1060
    Rhode Island 1054
    Georgia 1040

    10 states with the lowest usage

    State Average Usage (kWh)
    Michigan 710
    Utah 703
    Connecticut 680
    District of Columbia 677
    New Hampshire 643
    Massachusetts 621
    Maine 576
    Hawaii 558
    Alaska 552
    California 535

    How much will my power bill cost this month?

    Wondering what your power bill will look like this October? With electricity rates and usage varying widely across the U.S., your bill could range from just over $100 to over $500, depending on where you live and how much energy you consume. From high rates in states like California to more budget-friendly ones in the South, let’s break down what you can expect and how to estimate your costs, so you’re not caught off guard when your bill arrives.

    Your power bill is made up of many different charges, including your supply charge (the price you pay per kWh). Here are some other key charges that will impact the total amount you pay: 

  • Delivery charges: Utilities charge for delivering electricity or gas to your home. This includes maintaining the infrastructure, like power lines and pipes, and may vary depending on your location.
  • Capacity charges: Some regions charge for ensuring enough energy capacity is available to meet peak demand, especially during high-usage periods like summer.
  • Taxes and fees: These can include local, state, and federal taxes, as well as regulatory and environmental fees.
  • Metering and service fees: Utilities may charge for reading and maintaining your meter, as well as for general account services.
  • While it's hard to predict what your potential delivery charges, taxes and fees might be, we can take a look at what the supply portion of your bill is likely to cost this monthly depending on where you live. It starts with a simple calculation: 

    Monthly Bill=Average Usage (kWh)×Rate (¢/kWh)÷100

    Here is what you can likely expect to spend on the supply portion of your power bill this month in each US state: 

    Powered by joinarbor.com

    How can I save? What rates are available?  

    In certain deregulated energy markets, households can choose from competitive electricity supply rates that offer potential savings compared to standard utility rates. These supply rates are available through third-party providers and vary by region. At Arbor, we find and secure these lower supply rates for you. Here's an overview of what's currently available through Arbor and how you might save based on your location:

    Lower supply rates that Arbor is connecting users to now

    State Competitive Rate (kWh) Default Utility Rate (kWh) Savings (%)
    Pennsylvania (PPL) $0.09778 $0.10040 2.6%
    Pennsylvania (Duquesne Light) $0.09965 $0.11850 15.9%
    Pennsylvania (METED) $0.09880 $0.10404 5.0%
    Massachusetts (Eversource) $0.15160 $0.15772 >3.9%
    Massachusetts (Unitil) $0.15540 $0.19304 19.5%
    Maryland (PEPCO) $0.11304 $0.12420 9.0%
    Ohio (Duke Energy) $0.06718 $0.08180 17.9%
    Ohio (Ohio Edison) $0.06654 $0.08180 18.7%
    Ohio (AES Ohio) $0.06687 $0.08580 22.1%

    As of October 15, 2024

    These substantial savings are only available in deregulated energy markets. Keep in mind that these opportunities may shift as market conditions change, so it’s always worth exploring what’s available in your area.

    Utility Name
    Default rate
    Rate through Arbor
    Savings
    No items found.
    Table of Contents

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