Electricity rates in Pennsylvania

Updated with EIA data for August 2026

Average rate

21.77¢

August 2026

12-month average

20.86¢

US: 18.16¢

Average bill

$198

911 kWh / month

National rank

#14

1 = most expensive of 51

In August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in Pennsylvania was 21.77¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), 20% higher than the US average of 18.16¢. That makes Pennsylvania the 14th most expensive of the 50 states and DC. Prices rose 9.2% from August 2025 (19.93¢).

Pennsylvania electricity rates over time

Pennsylvania, cents per kWh US average

Average rate, bill and usage by year

Year	Avg rate	Avg monthly bill	Avg monthly use
2026 (8 mo)	21.13¢	$183	867 kWh
2025	19.29¢	$162	839 kWh
2024	17.77¢	$145	817 kWh
2023	18.10¢	$143	791 kWh
2022	15.94¢	$136	854 kWh
2021	13.76¢	$117	851 kWh
2020	13.58¢	$115	846 kWh
2019	13.80¢	$115	837 kWh
2018	13.89¢	$120	864 kWh
2017	14.23¢	$114	805 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	21.77¢	19.93¢
Commercial	13.93¢	12.68¢
Industrial	10.47¢	9.66¢
Transportation	11.51¢	10.40¢
All sectors	15.99¢	14.62¢

How much does electricity cost in Pennsylvania?

At Pennsylvania's 12-month average residential rate of 20.86¢ 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	Pennsylvania	US average
250 kWh	$52.15	$45.40
500 kWh	$104.30	$90.80
750 kWh	$156.45	$136.20
1,000 kWh	$208.60	$181.60
1,500 kWh	$312.90	$272.40
2,000 kWh	$417.20	$363.20

Pennsylvania electricity prices month by month

Over the last 12 months, the average residential rate ranged from 20.07¢ (December 2025) to 21.77¢ (August 2026), and homes used the most electricity in January 2026 (1,129 kWh on average).

Month	Avg rate	Avg bill	Avg use
August 2026	21.77¢	$198	911 kWh
July 2026	21.71¢	$221	1,020 kWh
June 2026	21.73¢	$171	785 kWh
May 2026	21.55¢	$134	624 kWh
April 2026	21.47¢	$136	635 kWh
March 2026	20.92¢	$168	805 kWh
February 2026	20.30¢	$209	1,030 kWh
January 2026	20.19¢	$228	1,129 kWh
December 2025	20.07¢	$208	1,035 kWh
November 2025	20.15¢	$145	719 kWh
October 2025	20.48¢	$133	648 kWh
September 2025	20.43¢	$143	699 kWh

Pennsylvania vs neighboring states

Pennsylvania's 12-month average rate is higher than 3 of its 6 neighbors.

State	12-mo avg rate	Avg monthly bill	Rank
Pennsylvania	20.86¢	$174	#15
Delaware	17.98¢	$167	#19
Maryland	21.18¢	$202	#14
New Jersey	23.74¢	$160	#12
New York	28.60¢	$168	#6
Ohio	18.41¢	$159	#18
West Virginia	15.53¢	$164	#29

What appliances cost to run in Pennsylvania

Appliance	Typical wattage	Cost per hour
Space heater	750–1,500 W	$0.16–$0.31
Refrigerator	725 W	$0.15
Clothes dryer	1,800–5,000 W	$0.38–$1.04
Washing machine	350–500 W	$0.07–$0.10
Dishwasher	1,200–2,400 W	$0.25–$0.50
Electric water heater	4,500–5,500 W	$0.94–$1.15
Microwave	750–1,100 W	$0.16–$0.23
Window fan	55–250 W	$0.01–$0.05

All appliance costs · Appliance cost calculator for Pennsylvania

Can you choose your electricity provider in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has retail electricity choice: in many areas, households can buy their electricity supply from a competitive retail provider instead of the utility's default rate. Your local utility still delivers the power and handles outages. Availability depends on your utility area. Compare the plan rate, contract length, fees and any cancellation charge before you switch.

Solar snapshot

Each kW of solar panels in Philadelphia produces about 1,356 kWh a year (NREL PVWatts). Sized for an average Pennsylvania home, a 7.6 kW system would cost about $19,532 before any incentives and pay for itself in about 9.4 years. See the full Pennsylvania solar estimate.

Guides for Pennsylvania

Switching Providers

How to Switch Electricity Providers in Pennsylvania: PAPowerSwitch Guide

Compare suppliers against your Price to Compare on PAPowerSwitch, enroll by phone or online, and know your three-business-day rescission right.

Nov 8, 2026 · 6 min read

Switching Providers

Fixed-Rate vs Variable-Rate Electricity Plans: Which Should You Choose?

Fixed plans lock your supply price per kWh for a term; variable plans can change monthly. Here is how each works, state rules, and how to choose.

Nov 9, 2026 · 7 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

Pennsylvania electricity calculators

Frequently asked questions

What is the average electricity rate in Pennsylvania?

The average residential electricity rate in Pennsylvania was 21.77¢ per kWh in August 2026. Over the past 12 months it averaged 20.86¢ per kWh.

What is the average electric bill in Pennsylvania?

The average residential customer in Pennsylvania paid $198 for 911 kWh in August 2026, based on EIA revenue, sales and customer counts.

Is electricity in Pennsylvania more expensive than the national average?

In August 2026, Pennsylvania's average rate of 21.77¢ was 20% higher than the US average of 18.16¢.

Can I choose my electricity provider in Pennsylvania?

Yes, Pennsylvania has retail electricity choice, so many households can buy supply from a competitive provider. Your utility still delivers the power.

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.