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.
Updated with EIA data for August 2026
In August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in Nebraska was 13.54¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), 25% lower than the US average of 18.16¢. That makes Nebraska the 45th most expensive of the 50 states and DC. Prices rose 5.8% from August 2025 (12.80¢).
| Year | Avg rate | Avg monthly bill | Avg monthly use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (8 mo) | 12.92¢ | $128 | 994 kWh |
| 2025 | 12.05¢ | $117 | 973 kWh |
| 2024 | 11.53¢ | $110 | 956 kWh |
| 2023 | 11.20¢ | $112 | 996 kWh |
| 2022 | 10.79¢ | $113 | 1,043 kWh |
| 2021 | 10.75¢ | $108 | 1,005 kWh |
| 2020 | 10.80¢ | $109 | 1,013 kWh |
| 2019 | 10.77¢ | $108 | 1,004 kWh |
| 2018 | 10.70¢ | $109 | 1,021 kWh |
| 2017 | 10.97¢ | $105 | 957 kWh |
Rates are weighted by kWh sold. Bills and usage are averages per residential customer.
| Sector | Rate | A year earlier |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 13.54¢ | 12.80¢ |
| Commercial | 10.00¢ | 9.09¢ |
| Industrial | 8.37¢ | 8.70¢ |
| Transportation | 0.00¢ | 0.00¢ |
| All sectors | 10.49¢ | 10.00¢ |
At Nebraska's 12-month average residential rate of 12.74¢ 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 | Nebraska | US average |
|---|---|---|
| 250 kWh | $31.85 | $45.40 |
| 500 kWh | $63.70 | $90.80 |
| 750 kWh | $95.55 | $136.20 |
| 1,000 kWh | $127.40 | $181.60 |
| 1,500 kWh | $191.10 | $272.40 |
| 2,000 kWh | $254.80 | $363.20 |
Over the last 12 months, the average residential rate ranged from 11.24¢ (December 2025) to 13.78¢ (July 2026), and homes used the most electricity in July 2026 (1,250 kWh on average).
| Month | Avg rate | Avg bill | Avg use |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2026 | 13.54¢ | $155 | 1,144 kWh |
| July 2026 | 13.78¢ | $172 | 1,250 kWh |
| June 2026 | 13.25¢ | $129 | 975 kWh |
| May 2026 | 13.59¢ | $107 | 790 kWh |
| April 2026 | 13.29¢ | $99 | 742 kWh |
| March 2026 | 12.91¢ | $114 | 881 kWh |
| February 2026 | 11.60¢ | $118 | 1,013 kWh |
| January 2026 | 11.59¢ | $134 | 1,153 kWh |
| December 2025 | 11.24¢ | $125 | 1,112 kWh |
| November 2025 | 12.13¢ | $92 | 755 kWh |
| October 2025 | 12.74¢ | $98 | 769 kWh |
| September 2025 | 13.46¢ | $121 | 897 kWh |
Nebraska's 12-month average rate is lower than all of its neighbors.
| State | 12-mo avg rate | Avg monthly bill | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | 12.74¢ | $122 | #50 |
| Colorado | 17.17¢ | $167 | #20 |
| Iowa | 14.20¢ | $120 | #37 |
| Kansas | 15.13¢ | $134 | #33 |
| Missouri | 13.97¢ | $145 | #40 |
| South Dakota | 14.28¢ | $140 | #36 |
| Wyoming | 14.01¢ | $114 | #39 |
| Appliance | Typical wattage | Cost per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Space heater | 750–1,500 W | $0.10–$0.19 |
| Refrigerator | 725 W | $0.09 |
| Clothes dryer | 1,800–5,000 W | $0.23–$0.64 |
| Washing machine | 350–500 W | $0.04–$0.06 |
| Dishwasher | 1,200–2,400 W | $0.15–$0.31 |
| Electric water heater | 4,500–5,500 W | $0.57–$0.70 |
| Microwave | 750–1,100 W | $0.10–$0.14 |
| Window fan | 55–250 W | $0.01–$0.03 |
All appliance costs · Appliance cost calculator for Nebraska
In Nebraska, 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.
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The average residential electricity rate in Nebraska was 13.54¢ per kWh in August 2026. Over the past 12 months it averaged 12.74¢ per kWh.
The average residential customer in Nebraska paid $155 for 1,144 kWh in August 2026, based on EIA revenue, sales and customer counts.
In August 2026, Nebraska's average rate of 13.54¢ was 25% lower than the US average of 18.16¢.
Generally no. Most Nebraska 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.