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 Wyoming was 14.43¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), 21% lower than the US average of 18.16¢. That makes Wyoming the 42nd most expensive of the 50 states and DC. Prices rose 0.7% from August 2025 (14.33¢).
| Year | Avg rate | Avg monthly bill | Avg monthly use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (8 mo) | 14.01¢ | $119 | 848 kWh |
| 2025 | 13.37¢ | $112 | 835 kWh |
| 2024 | 12.47¢ | $108 | 863 kWh |
| 2023 | 11.46¢ | $99 | 866 kWh |
| 2022 | 11.09¢ | $99 | 891 kWh |
| 2021 | 11.17¢ | $97 | 867 kWh |
| 2020 | 11.11¢ | $97 | 869 kWh |
| 2019 | 11.18¢ | $97 | 864 kWh |
| 2018 | 11.29¢ | $95 | 841 kWh |
| 2017 | 11.37¢ | $97 | 854 kWh |
Rates are weighted by kWh sold. Bills and usage are averages per residential customer.
| Sector | Rate | A year earlier |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 14.43¢ | 14.33¢ |
| Commercial | 10.27¢ | 9.72¢ |
| Industrial | 8.80¢ | 8.69¢ |
| Transportation | 0.00¢ | 0.00¢ |
| All sectors | 10.21¢ | 9.90¢ |
At Wyoming's 12-month average residential rate of 14.01¢ 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 | Wyoming | US average |
|---|---|---|
| 250 kWh | $35.03 | $45.40 |
| 500 kWh | $70.05 | $90.80 |
| 750 kWh | $105.08 | $136.20 |
| 1,000 kWh | $140.10 | $181.60 |
| 1,500 kWh | $210.15 | $272.40 |
| 2,000 kWh | $280.20 | $363.20 |
Over the last 12 months, the average residential rate ranged from 12.81¢ (December 2025) to 15.24¢ (June 2026), and homes used the most electricity in January 2026 (1,113 kWh on average).
| Month | Avg rate | Avg bill | Avg use |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2026 | 14.43¢ | $119 | 821 kWh |
| July 2026 | 14.36¢ | $131 | 911 kWh |
| June 2026 | 15.24¢ | $106 | 693 kWh |
| May 2026 | 14.80¢ | $105 | 709 kWh |
| April 2026 | 14.68¢ | $107 | 728 kWh |
| March 2026 | 13.59¢ | $117 | 859 kWh |
| February 2026 | 13.03¢ | $124 | 950 kWh |
| January 2026 | 12.84¢ | $143 | 1,113 kWh |
| December 2025 | 12.81¢ | $124 | 969 kWh |
| November 2025 | 13.89¢ | $107 | 772 kWh |
| October 2025 | 15.09¢ | $99 | 657 kWh |
| September 2025 | 14.97¢ | $93 | 624 kWh |
Wyoming's 12-month average rate is higher than 4 of its 6 neighbors.
| State | 12-mo avg rate | Avg monthly bill | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | 14.01¢ | $114 | #39 |
| Colorado | 17.17¢ | $167 | #20 |
| Idaho | 12.77¢ | $116 | #49 |
| Montana | 13.94¢ | $115 | #42 |
| Nebraska | 12.74¢ | $122 | #50 |
| South Dakota | 14.28¢ | $140 | #36 |
| Utah | 13.26¢ | $104 | #47 |
| Appliance | Typical wattage | Cost per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Space heater | 750–1,500 W | $0.11–$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–$0.34 |
| Electric water heater | 4,500–5,500 W | $0.63–$0.77 |
| Microwave | 750–1,100 W | $0.11–$0.15 |
| Window fan | 55–250 W | $0.01–$0.04 |
All appliance costs · Appliance cost calculator for Wyoming
In Wyoming, 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.
Each kW of solar panels in Cheyenne produces about 1,533 kWh a year (NREL PVWatts). Sized for an average Wyoming home, a 6.4 kW system would cost about $16,448 before any incentives and pay for itself in about 12.3 years. See the full Wyoming solar estimate.
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.
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.
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.
The average residential electricity rate in Wyoming was 14.43¢ per kWh in August 2026. Over the past 12 months it averaged 14.01¢ per kWh.
The average residential customer in Wyoming paid $119 for 821 kWh in August 2026, based on EIA revenue, sales and customer counts.
In August 2026, Wyoming's average rate of 14.43¢ was 21% lower than the US average of 18.16¢.
Generally no. Most Wyoming 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.