Electricity rates in Wisconsin

Updated with EIA data for August 2026

Average rate
19.41¢
August 2026
12-month average
18.79¢
US: 18.16¢
Average bill
$148
761 kWh / month
National rank
#16
1 = most expensive of 51

In August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in Wisconsin was 19.41¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), 7% higher than the US average of 18.16¢. That makes Wisconsin the 16th most expensive of the 50 states and DC. Prices rose 5.3% from August 2025 (18.44¢).

Wisconsin electricity rates over time

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Wisconsin, cents per kWh US average

Average rate, bill and usage by year

YearAvg rateAvg monthly billAvg monthly use
2026 (8 mo)19.05¢$130684 kWh
202518.08¢$121667 kWh
202417.18¢$111645 kWh
202316.88¢$111658 kWh
202215.62¢$107685 kWh
202114.52¢$100690 kWh
202014.32¢$99694 kWh
201914.18¢$96674 kWh
201814.02¢$97693 kWh
201714.35¢$95660 kWh

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

Rates by sector (August 2026)

SectorRateA year earlier
Residential19.41¢18.44¢
Commercial14.19¢13.60¢
Industrial10.88¢9.58¢
Transportation20.22¢17.56¢
All sectors14.78¢13.87¢

How much does electricity cost in Wisconsin?

At Wisconsin's 12-month average residential rate of 18.79¢ 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 useWisconsinUS average
250 kWh$46.98$45.40
500 kWh$93.95$90.80
750 kWh$140.93$136.20
1,000 kWh$187.90$181.60
1,500 kWh$281.85$272.40
2,000 kWh$375.80$363.20

Wisconsin electricity prices month by month

Over the last 12 months, the average residential rate ranged from 17.74¢ (December 2025) to 19.74¢ (May 2026), and homes used the most electricity in July 2026 (906 kWh on average).

MonthAvg rateAvg billAvg use
August 202619.41¢$148761 kWh
July 202619.06¢$173906 kWh
June 202619.56¢$126644 kWh
May 202619.74¢$109553 kWh
April 202619.21¢$106552 kWh
March 202618.78¢$118627 kWh
February 202618.73¢$120640 kWh
January 202618.18¢$143785 kWh
December 202517.74¢$135760 kWh
November 202518.30¢$107582 kWh
October 202518.27¢$103563 kWh
September 202518.63¢$112604 kWh

Wisconsin vs neighboring states

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

State12-mo avg rateAvg monthly billRank
Wisconsin18.79¢$125#17
Illinois18.91¢$132#16
Iowa14.20¢$120#37
Michigan21.28¢$134#13
Minnesota16.28¢$121#25

What appliances cost to run in Wisconsin

ApplianceTypical wattageCost per hour
Space heater750–1,500 W$0.14–$0.28
Refrigerator725 W$0.14
Clothes dryer1,800–5,000 W$0.34–$0.94
Washing machine350–500 W$0.07–$0.09
Dishwasher1,200–2,400 W$0.23–$0.45
Electric water heater4,500–5,500 W$0.85–$1.03
Microwave750–1,100 W$0.14–$0.21
Window fan55–250 W$0.01–$0.05

All appliance costs · Appliance cost calculator for Wisconsin

Can you choose your electricity provider in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, 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 Milwaukee produces about 1,334 kWh a year (NREL PVWatts). Sized for an average Wisconsin home, a 6.0 kW system would cost about $15,420 before any incentives and pay for itself in about 10.5 years. See the full Wisconsin solar estimate.

Guides for Wisconsin

Wisconsin electricity calculators

Frequently asked questions

What is the average electricity rate in Wisconsin?

The average residential electricity rate in Wisconsin was 19.41¢ per kWh in August 2026. Over the past 12 months it averaged 18.79¢ per kWh.

What is the average electric bill in Wisconsin?

The average residential customer in Wisconsin paid $148 for 761 kWh in August 2026, based on EIA revenue, sales and customer counts.

Is electricity in Wisconsin more expensive than the national average?

In August 2026, Wisconsin's average rate of 19.41¢ was 7% higher than the US average of 18.16¢.

Can I choose my electricity provider in Wisconsin?

Generally no. Most Wisconsin 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.