Electricity rates in Montana

Updated with EIA data for August 2026

Montana electricity rates over time

Average rate, bill and usage by year

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

Rates by sector (August 2026)

How much does electricity cost in Montana?

At Montana'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.

Montana electricity prices month by month

Over the last 12 months, the average residential rate ranged from 12.78¢ (December 2025) to 15.57¢ (August 2026), and homes used the most electricity in January 2026 (1,100 kWh on average).

Montana vs neighboring states

Montana's 12-month average rate is higher than 2 of its 4 neighbors.

What appliances cost to run in Montana

All appliance costs · Appliance cost calculator for Montana

Can you choose your electricity provider in Montana?

In Montana, 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 Billings produces about 1,344 kWh a year (NREL PVWatts). Sized for an average Montana home, a 7.6 kW system would cost about $19,532 before any incentives and pay for itself in about 14.3 years. See the full Montana solar estimate.

Guides for Montana

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

Montana electricity calculators

• Electric bill calculatorEstimate a monthly bill at Montana's average rate.
• Electricity cost calculatorCost of any number of kWh in Montana.
• Solar panel calculatorSystem size, cost and payback for a Montana home.
• EV charging costHome charging cost per mile in Montana.

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.