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: 

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10 states with the highest rates

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10 states with the lowest rates

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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.

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10 states with the highest usage

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10 states with the lowest usage

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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: 

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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: 

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

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

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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

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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.

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