Electricity rates in Kentucky

Updated with EIA data for August 2026

Average rate

13.80¢

August 2026

12-month average

13.94¢

US: 18.16¢

Average bill

$188

1,364 kWh / month

National rank

#44

1 = most expensive of 51

In August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in Kentucky was 13.80¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), 24% lower than the US average of 18.16¢. That makes Kentucky the 44th most expensive of the 50 states and DC. Prices rose 5.3% from August 2025 (13.10¢).

Kentucky electricity rates over time

Kentucky, cents per kWh US average

Average rate, bill and usage by year

Year	Avg rate	Avg monthly bill	Avg monthly use
2026 (8 mo)	14.20¢	$165	1,163 kWh
2025	13.13¢	$144	1,094 kWh
2024	12.79¢	$134	1,047 kWh
2023	12.65¢	$126	994 kWh
2022	12.91¢	$141	1,094 kWh
2021	11.50¢	$125	1,084 kWh
2020	10.87¢	$117	1,073 kWh
2019	10.80¢	$120	1,112 kWh
2018	10.60¢	$124	1,166 kWh
2017	10.85¢	$114	1,052 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	13.80¢	13.10¢
Commercial	12.09¢	11.81¢
Industrial	7.37¢	7.01¢
Transportation	0.00¢	0.00¢
All sectors	11.14¢	10.65¢

How much does electricity cost in Kentucky?

At Kentucky's 12-month average residential rate of 13.94¢ 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	Kentucky	US average
250 kWh	$34.85	$45.40
500 kWh	$69.70	$90.80
750 kWh	$104.55	$136.20
1,000 kWh	$139.40	$181.60
1,500 kWh	$209.10	$272.40
2,000 kWh	$278.80	$363.20

Kentucky electricity prices month by month

Over the last 12 months, the average residential rate ranged from 13.10¢ (December 2025) to 15.02¢ (April 2026), and homes used the most electricity in January 2026 (1,464 kWh on average).

Month	Avg rate	Avg bill	Avg use
August 2026	13.80¢	$188	1,364 kWh
July 2026	13.81¢	$193	1,394 kWh
June 2026	14.26¢	$160	1,123 kWh
May 2026	14.98¢	$128	854 kWh
April 2026	15.02¢	$122	811 kWh
March 2026	14.89¢	$140	940 kWh
February 2026	13.42¢	$181	1,349 kWh
January 2026	14.27¢	$209	1,464 kWh
December 2025	13.10¢	$164	1,254 kWh
November 2025	13.58¢	$117	859 kWh
October 2025	13.48¢	$112	835 kWh
September 2025	13.40¢	$132	982 kWh

Kentucky vs neighboring states

Kentucky's 12-month average rate is higher than 1 of its 7 neighbors.

State	12-mo avg rate	Avg monthly bill	Rank
Kentucky	13.94¢	$154	#41
Illinois	18.91¢	$132	#16
Indiana	16.90¢	$157	#21
Missouri	13.97¢	$145	#40
Ohio	18.41¢	$159	#18
Tennessee	13.61¢	$161	#44
Virginia	16.64¢	$177	#22
West Virginia	15.53¢	$164	#29

What appliances cost to run in Kentucky

Appliance	Typical wattage	Cost per hour
Space heater	750–1,500 W	$0.10–$0.21
Refrigerator	725 W	$0.10
Clothes dryer	1,800–5,000 W	$0.25–$0.70
Washing machine	350–500 W	$0.05–$0.07
Dishwasher	1,200–2,400 W	$0.17–$0.33
Electric water heater	4,500–5,500 W	$0.63–$0.77
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 Kentucky

Can you choose your electricity provider in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, 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 Louisville produces about 1,343 kWh a year (NREL PVWatts). Sized for an average Kentucky home, a 10.0 kW system would cost about $25,700 before any incentives and pay for itself in about 14.2 years. See the full Kentucky solar estimate.

Guides for Kentucky

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

Kentucky electricity calculators

Frequently asked questions

What is the average electricity rate in Kentucky?

The average residential electricity rate in Kentucky was 13.80¢ per kWh in August 2026. Over the past 12 months it averaged 13.94¢ per kWh.

What is the average electric bill in Kentucky?

The average residential customer in Kentucky paid $188 for 1,364 kWh in August 2026, based on EIA revenue, sales and customer counts.

Is electricity in Kentucky more expensive than the national average?

In August 2026, Kentucky's average rate of 13.80¢ was 24% lower than the US average of 18.16¢.

Can I choose my electricity provider in Kentucky?

Generally no. Most Kentucky 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.