How to read your electric bill
Your bill has more lines than the price per kWh. Here is what is in it and how to estimate the energy part yourself.
The parts of a bill
Most bills show: an energy charge (kWh used times a price), a delivery charge for wires and poles, a fixed monthly customer charge, riders and taxes. This site covers the average price, which is total revenue divided by kWh sold. It is not your plan rate.
| Part of the bill | What it is | In our data? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy charge | kWh used times a price per kWh | Yes, as the average price |
| Delivery charge | Poles, wires and meters; separate from energy in choice states | Only for Texas wires companies (EIA-861 2024) |
| Customer charge | A flat amount each month | No |
| Riders and surcharges | Programs added by the utility or state | No |
| Taxes and fees | State and local | No |
A quick estimate
Multiply your kWh by the price in cents and divide by 100. In 2025 the U.S. home average was 17.23 cents, so 900 kWh costs about $155 in energy. Fixed charges and taxes come on top.
To find your own kWh, look for the usage line on the bill, labeled kWh, usually with a bar chart of the last 12 months. Compare the same month a year ago before you compare with a neighbor.
Three monthly sizes in six states (2025 average prices)
| State | Cents per kWh | 500 kWh | 900 kWh | 1,500 kWh | Average home use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 31.35 | $157 | $282 | $470 | 503 kWh |
| Texas | 15.40 | $77 | $139 | $231 | 1,096 kWh |
| Florida | 15.21 | $76 | $137 | $228 | 1,104 kWh |
| New York | 26.39 | $132 | $238 | $396 | 571 kWh |
| Washington | 13.17 | $66 | $119 | $198 | 955 kWh |
| Louisiana | 12.52 | $63 | $113 | $188 | 1,202 kWh |
Source: EIA retail sales, 2025; average home use = 2024 sales over customers over 12 months. Energy only; fixed charges and taxes are not included. Retrieved 2026-10-02. CSV, 51 rows.
Typical bills across states
United States, Typical monthly home bill, highest and lowest five states, 2025: EIA retail sales.
CSVUsing actual monthly use, the U.S. typical home bill in 2025 was $151 a month at 874 kWh, energy only. By state it runs from $95 in New Mexico to $208 in Hawaii.
| State | Typical monthly bill, energy only | Average use per month | Price, cents per kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $208 | 515 kWh | 40.40 |
| Connecticut | $207 | 705 kWh | 29.31 |
| Maryland | $184 | 945 kWh | 19.53 |
| Alabama | $184 | 1,145 kWh | 16.09 |
| Massachusetts | $181 | 595 kWh | 30.41 |
| Montana | $111 | 853 kWh | 12.99 |
| Idaho | $110 | 933 kWh | 11.83 |
| Colorado | $103 | 658 kWh | 15.69 |
| Utah | $99 | 761 kWh | 13.02 |
| New Mexico | $95 | 638 kWh | 14.85 |
Source: EIA monthly retail sales 2025: average kWh per home customer times the month's price, averaged over 12 months. First five highest bills, last five lowest. Retrieved 2026-10-02. CSV, 51 rows.
Prices move through the year
In 2025 the U.S. home price was highest in September at 18.05 cents and lowest in January at 15.92 cents, a 13% gap. Use also swings with heating and cooling, so summer and winter bills differ more than prices alone suggest.
Where to go next
For a worked example with a delivery rate, see the line-by-line guide. For why use changes by month, see the seasons guide. If you can choose a supplier, read the TDU and REP guide before you compare plans.
Key facts and where they come from
| Fact | Value | Source | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. home price 2025 | 17.23 cents per kWh | EIA retail sales, 2025 | 2025 annual |
| U.S. typical monthly bill, energy only | $151 | EIA monthly sales 2025 | 2025 |
| U.S. average use | 874 kWh per month | EIA monthly sales 2025 | 2025 |
| Highest typical bill: Hawaii | $208 per month | EIA monthly sales 2025 | 2025 |
| Lowest typical bill: New Mexico | $95 per month | EIA monthly sales 2025 | 2025 |
| Highest monthly U.S. price | 18.05 cents (September) | EIA monthly sales 2025 | 2025 |
| Lowest monthly U.S. price | 15.92 cents (January) | EIA monthly sales 2025 | 2025 |
| What one kWh is | 1 kW for 1 hour | EIA Energy Glossary, eia.gov/tools/glossary | retrieved 2026-10-02 |
| What EIA's average price is | Revenue divided by kWh sold | EIA retail sales, 2025 | 2025 |
| Energy per 900 kWh at U.S. price | $155 | Computed | 2025 price |
Related guides
Questions
How do I estimate my electric bill?
kWh used times price in cents divided by 100. At 17.23 cents, 900 kWh is about $155.
Why is my bill higher than the average price suggests?
Fixed monthly charges, taxes and riders are not in the average price.
What is a kWh?
One kilowatt-hour is 1,000 watts used for one hour, for example a 100 watt bulb for 10 hours.
Which state has the highest home price in 2025?
Hawaii at 40.40 cents.
Which state has the lowest home price in 2025?
North Dakota at 11.82 cents.
Is the average price my rate?
No. It is revenue divided by kWh across all customers of a state or utility, so your plan rate can differ.
Do prices change by month?
Yes. U.S. home price in 2025 ranged from 15.92 cents in January to 18.05 in September.
Which state has the highest typical bill?
Hawaii: $208 a month, energy only, in 2025.
Where do I find fixed charges?
In your utility's tariff or on the bill. This site has no data on fixed charges.