Electricity rates in Arkansas

Updated with EIA data for August 2026

Average rate

14.37¢

August 2026

12-month average

13.57¢

US: 18.16¢

Average bill

$217

1,510 kWh / month

National rank

#43

1 = most expensive of 51

In August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in Arkansas was 14.37¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), 21% lower than the US average of 18.16¢. That makes Arkansas the 43rd most expensive of the 50 states and DC. Prices rose 7.8% from August 2025 (13.33¢).

Arkansas electricity rates over time

Arkansas, cents per kWh US average

Average rate, bill and usage by year

Year	Avg rate	Avg monthly bill	Avg monthly use
2026 (8 mo)	13.74¢	$152	1,103 kWh
2025	12.87¢	$138	1,076 kWh
2024	12.32¢	$129	1,048 kWh
2023	12.25¢	$129	1,049 kWh
2022	12.05¢	$134	1,110 kWh
2021	11.27¢	$124	1,098 kWh
2020	10.41¢	$110	1,060 kWh
2019	9.80¢	$109	1,118 kWh
2018	9.81¢	$113	1,156 kWh
2017	10.28¢	$106	1,028 kWh

Rates are weighted by kWh sold. Bills and usage are averages per residential customer.

Rates by sector (August 2026)

Sector	Rate	A year earlier
Residential	14.37¢	13.33¢
Commercial	11.73¢	10.75¢
Industrial	7.85¢	7.32¢
Transportation	13.75¢	13.65¢
All sectors	11.33¢	10.46¢

How much does electricity cost in Arkansas?

At Arkansas's 12-month average residential rate of 13.57¢ per kWh, here is the energy cost for common monthly usage levels, next to the US average. Fixed customer charges, taxes and fees vary by utility and are not included.

Monthly use	Arkansas	US average
250 kWh	$33.93	$45.40
500 kWh	$67.85	$90.80
750 kWh	$101.78	$136.20
1,000 kWh	$135.70	$181.60
1,500 kWh	$203.55	$272.40
2,000 kWh	$271.40	$363.20

Arkansas electricity prices month by month

Over the last 12 months, the average residential rate ranged from 12.35¢ (January 2026) to 14.37¢ (August 2026), and homes used the most electricity in August 2026 (1,510 kWh on average).

Month	Avg rate	Avg bill	Avg use
August 2026	14.37¢	$217	1,510 kWh
July 2026	14.33¢	$202	1,406 kWh
June 2026	14.12¢	$154	1,087 kWh
May 2026	14.36¢	$114	796 kWh
April 2026	14.16¢	$106	748 kWh
March 2026	13.63¢	$111	813 kWh
February 2026	12.73¢	$156	1,227 kWh
January 2026	12.35¢	$152	1,234 kWh
December 2025	12.36¢	$131	1,062 kWh
November 2025	13.25¢	$102	770 kWh
October 2025	13.29¢	$120	905 kWh
September 2025	13.82¢	$153	1,107 kWh

Arkansas vs neighboring states

Arkansas's 12-month average rate is higher than 1 of its 6 neighbors.

State	12-mo avg rate	Avg monthly bill	Rank
Arkansas	13.57¢	$143	#45
Louisiana	13.02¢	$158	#48
Missouri	13.97¢	$145	#40
Mississippi	14.85¢	$174	#34
Oklahoma	13.81¢	$149	#43
Tennessee	13.61¢	$161	#44
Texas	15.98¢	$178	#26

What appliances cost to run in Arkansas

Appliance	Typical wattage	Cost per hour
Space heater	750–1,500 W	$0.10–$0.20
Refrigerator	725 W	$0.10
Clothes dryer	1,800–5,000 W	$0.24–$0.68
Washing machine	350–500 W	$0.05–$0.07
Dishwasher	1,200–2,400 W	$0.16–$0.33
Electric water heater	4,500–5,500 W	$0.61–$0.75
Microwave	750–1,100 W	$0.10–$0.15
Window fan	55–250 W	$0.01–$0.03

All appliance costs · Appliance cost calculator for Arkansas

Can you choose your electricity provider in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, most households buy electricity from their local utility at regulated rates, so shopping for a different supplier is usually not an option. The best ways to lower your bill are to reduce usage and check whether your utility offers time-of-use or other rate plans.

Solar snapshot

Each kW of solar panels in Little Rock produces about 1,373 kWh a year (NREL PVWatts). Sized for an average Arkansas home, a 9.6 kW system would cost about $24,672 before any incentives and pay for itself in about 14.4 years. See the full Arkansas solar estimate.

Guides for Arkansas

Electric Bills

Why Electricity Prices Differ So Much by State

Electricity costs several times more per kWh in some states than others. EIA data shows how fuel mix, grid costs, regulation and climate drive the gap.

Nov 8, 2026 · 5 min read

Saving Energy

How to Lower Your Electric Bill: 12 Practical, Sourced Ways

Practical ways to lower your electric bill, from free thermostat and standby-power fixes to LEDs, insulation and rate plans, each backed by DOE, EPA or EIA guidance.

Nov 9, 2026 · 5 min read

Solar

Is Solar Worth It in 2026? What Changed After the Federal Tax Credit Ended

The 25D federal credit ended for systems installed after 2025. Here is what now decides whether solar pays off, and how to estimate your own payback.

Nov 9, 2026 · 6 min read

Arkansas electricity calculators

Frequently asked questions

What is the average electricity rate in Arkansas?

The average residential electricity rate in Arkansas was 14.37¢ per kWh in August 2026. Over the past 12 months it averaged 13.57¢ per kWh.

What is the average electric bill in Arkansas?

The average residential customer in Arkansas paid $217 for 1,510 kWh in August 2026, based on EIA revenue, sales and customer counts.

Is electricity in Arkansas more expensive than the national average?

In August 2026, Arkansas's average rate of 14.37¢ was 21% lower than the US average of 18.16¢.

Can I choose my electricity provider in Arkansas?

Generally no. Most Arkansas households buy electricity from their local utility at regulated rates.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Form EIA-861M monthly sales and revenue data. Latest month: August 2026. Recent months may be preliminary and revised by EIA. See how we calculate.