Bill extrasFixed charge, taxes and surcharges, peak and off peak pricing
Peak and off peak pricingFor time of use plans that charge more in the evening
See the bill breakdown
Your electricity bill is the kWh you use times your price per kWh, plus any fixed monthly charge and taxes. For a single appliance, watts × hours a day × days ÷ 1,000 gives the kWh: a 1,500 watt space heater run 2 hours a day for 30 days uses 90 kWh, about $16.37 at the US average of 18.19¢ per kWh for January to July 2026. The average US home bought 863 kWh a month in 2024 and paid about $142, while state prices now run from 12.36¢ in North Dakota to 46.28¢ in Hawaii.
How to calculate your electricity bill
Every power bill is kWh times the price per kWh, plus a fixed charge and taxes. The two tabs of this electric bill calculator differ only in where the kWh come from.
| Add up appliances from watts and hours | Enter monthly kWh from your bill | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy used | Watts × hours a day ÷ 1,000 = kWh a day, then × days in the month, added across every appliance | The kWh figure printed on your bill |
| Energy usage cost | kWh × rate per kWh. On a time of use plan: peak kWh × peak price + off peak kWh × off peak price | |
| Fixed charges | The flat monthly customer or base charge on your bill, the same whether you use 50 kWh or 5,000 | |
| Taxes and surcharges | (Energy usage cost + fixed charges) × your tax and surcharge percentage | |
| Total monthly bill | Energy usage cost + fixed charges + taxes; × 12 gives the estimated annual cost | |
Worked example: four appliances for 30 days at the US average of 18.19¢ per kWh
No fixed charge or tax here: state average prices already fold the fixed charge in, so add one only when you type the rate from your own bill.
When to use this electricity bill calculator
Run it whenever a power bill needs explaining, before it arrives or after it lands.
- Predicting your upcoming monthly bill: enter last month's kWh, or the appliances you expect to lean on as the season turns, and you get a number to plan around before the utility sends its own.
- Comparing appliances: put an old fridge and a new one side by side by their watts.
- Estimating savings from using less: drop the space heater from 4 hours a day to 2, or run the dryer half as often, and watch the monthly cost move. Small changes on the high watt rows matter far more than switching off a phone charger.
- Planning a household or business budget: the yearly figure from this electric bill calculator drops straight into a spreadsheet.
- Checking a bill that looks too high: type the kWh from the bill and compare it with the average home in your state in the table below. If your usage is close to normal, the price is the problem; if it is far above, one or two appliances usually explain the gap.
- Weighing a time of use plan: enter the share of power you use from late afternoon into the evening to see what peak pricing does to the total.
- Moving to another state: switch the state and the same home costs a very different amount.
- Electricians, HVAC techs and solar installers: a customer calls about a shocking bill, and this is the fastest way to show them where the kWh go. Walk through the big loads together, print the result, and the conversation turns from complaint to the upgrade that fixes it.
How this electricity bill calculator works
Pick an appliance and its typical watts and daily hours fill in; change either to match the label or your habits. Choose your state to load its price, or type your own rate, and the result ranks the appliances that cost the most.
How much electricity do common appliances use?
Anything that makes heat or cold draws the most. A central AC or a 50 gallon water heater can cost more each month than every light, screen and kitchen gadget in the house put together.
| Appliance | Typical watts | Hours a day | kWh a month | Cost a month at 18.19¢ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central air conditioner | 3,000 to 5,000 W | 6 | 720.0 | $130.97 |
| Electric water heater, 50 gallon | 4,500 to 5,500 W | 2.8 | 420.0 | $76.40 |
| Furnace fan, running nonstop | 500 W | 24 | 360.0 | $65.48 |
| Hot tub, pump and heater | 4,700 to 5,800 W | 1.6 | 252.0 | $45.84 |
| Window or room AC | 1,000 to 1,400 W | 6 | 216.0 | $39.29 |
| Space heater | 1,000 to 1,500 W | 2 | 90.0 | $16.37 |
| Pool pump, half horsepower | 373 W | 8 | 89.5 | $16.28 |
| Upright freezer, ENERGY STAR | 200 to 240 W | 7.7 | 50.8 | $9.24 |
| Electric clothes dryer | 3,400 to 5,000 W | 0.4 | 50.4 | $9.17 |
| Dehumidifier, 30 to 70 pint | 350 to 720 W | 2.5 | 40.1 | $7.30 |
| Oven and cooktop | 1,250 to 2,500 W | 0.7 | 39.4 | $7.16 |
| LED or LCD TV, 45 inch | 110 to 213 W | 8 | 38.9 | $7.07 |
| Refrigerator, ENERGY STAR | 150 to 170 W | 7.7 | 37.0 | $6.72 |
| Dishwasher, ENERGY STAR | 633 W | 1.5 | 28.5 | $5.18 |
| Microwave oven | 1,500 W | 0.5 | 22.5 | $4.09 |
| Desktop computer | 40 to 120 W | 8.5 | 20.4 | $3.71 |
| Ceiling fan | 65 to 175 W | 3 | 10.8 | $1.96 |
| Clothes washer, with hot water | 425 to 1,000 W | 0.4 | 8.6 | $1.56 |
| Laptop computer | 12 to 50 W | 6 | 5.6 | $1.02 |
| LED bulb, 60 W equivalent | 9 W | 3.6 | 1.0 | $0.18 |
Cost uses the middle of each wattage range over a 30 day month. Pick any of these in the calculator and change the watts or hours to match your own.
What is the average electricity rate in my state?
US homes paid an average of 18.19¢ per kWh from January to July 2026, about 7% more than in the same months of 2025. Your state sets the starting point: the same 863 kWh costs under $107 in North Dakota and nearly $400 in Hawaii.
Home electricity price, usage and bill by state
| State | Price, Jan to Jul 2026 | Average use a month, 2024 | Average bill, 2024 | That use at the 2026 price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 16.54¢ | 1,143 kWh | $173.50 | $189.05 |
| Alaska | 27.09¢ | 578 kWh | $143.54 | $156.58 |
| Arizona | 15.44¢ | 1,075 kWh | $160.24 | $165.98 |
| Arkansas | 13.61¢ | 1,048 kWh | $129.13 | $142.63 |
| California | 33.25¢ | 503 kWh | $160.86 | $167.25 |
| Colorado | 16.72¢ | 674 kWh | $100.57 | $112.69 |
| Connecticut | 27.97¢ | 695 kWh | $199.66 | $194.39 |
| Delaware | 17.86¢ | 911 kWh | $150.87 | $162.70 |
| District of Columbia | 24.66¢ | 639 kWh | $113.23 | $157.58 |
| Florida | 15.30¢ | 1,104 kWh | $156.09 | $168.91 |
| Georgia | 15.40¢ | 1,074 kWh | $151.25 | $165.40 |
| Hawaii | 46.28¢ | 495 kWh | $212.12 | $229.09 |
| Idaho | 12.96¢ | 944 kWh | $108.73 | $122.34 |
| Illinois | 19.22¢ | 693 kWh | $109.99 | $133.19 |
| Indiana | 17.04¢ | 901 kWh | $133.06 | $153.53 |
| Iowa | 14.20¢ | 832 kWh | $111.54 | $118.14 |
| Kansas | 15.21¢ | 876 kWh | $123.90 | $133.24 |
| Kentucky | 14.27¢ | 1,047 kWh | $133.81 | $149.41 |
| Louisiana | 13.35¢ | 1,202 kWh | $140.96 | $160.47 |
| Maine | 29.99¢ | 550 kWh | $133.60 | $164.94 |
| Maryland | 21.30¢ | 929 kWh | $165.87 | $197.88 |
| Massachusetts | 30.14¢ | 570 kWh | $167.20 | $171.80 |
| Michigan | 21.53¢ | 618 kWh | $119.31 | $133.06 |
| Minnesota | 16.25¢ | 712 kWh | $110.06 | $115.70 |
| Mississippi | 15.19¢ | 1,156 kWh | $154.83 | $175.60 |
| Missouri | 13.96¢ | 1,001 kWh | $129.18 | $139.74 |
| Montana | 13.95¢ | 852 kWh | $107.91 | $118.85 |
| Nebraska | 12.90¢ | 956 kWh | $110.28 | $123.32 |
| Nevada | 13.53¢ | 930 kWh | $139.39 | $125.83 |
| New Hampshire | 26.79¢ | 619 kWh | $144.87 | $165.83 |
| New Jersey | 23.98¢ | 662 kWh | $128.13 | $158.75 |
| New Mexico | 15.08¢ | 654 kWh | $92.88 | $98.62 |
| New York | 29.38¢ | 571 kWh | $139.53 | $167.76 |
| North Carolina | 14.94¢ | 1,015 kWh | $143.50 | $151.64 |
| North Dakota | 12.36¢ | 1,029 kWh | $118.38 | $127.18 |
| Ohio | 18.70¢ | 846 kWh | $135.16 | $158.20 |
| Oklahoma | 13.58¢ | 1,079 kWh | $132.05 | $146.53 |
| Oregon | 15.40¢ | 882 kWh | $129.62 | $135.83 |
| Pennsylvania | 21.04¢ | 817 kWh | $145.17 | $171.90 |
| Rhode Island | 29.22¢ | 567 kWh | $162.40 | $165.68 |
| South Carolina | 15.93¢ | 1,050 kWh | $149.51 | $167.26 |
| South Dakota | 14.50¢ | 994 kWh | $127.81 | $144.13 |
| Tennessee | 13.87¢ | 1,154 kWh | $143.32 | $160.06 |
| Texas | 16.06¢ | 1,096 kWh | $163.72 | $176.02 |
| Utah | 13.16¢ | 774 kWh | $94.57 | $101.86 |
| Vermont | 23.95¢ | 574 kWh | $125.66 | $137.47 |
| Virginia | 16.83¢ | 1,032 kWh | $148.77 | $173.69 |
| Washington | 14.40¢ | 955 kWh | $113.68 | $137.52 |
| West Virginia | 15.47¢ | 1,027 kWh | $154.76 | $158.88 |
| Wisconsin | 19.00¢ | 645 kWh | $110.87 | $122.55 |
| Wyoming | 13.95¢ | 863 kWh | $107.65 | $120.39 |
Prices are residential averages that include fixed charges spread over every kWh sold. Pick your state in the calculator to load its price, or type the rate from your own bill.
How do electricity costs compare across US regions?
The Northeast and the Pacific coast pay the most per kWh. The South pays some of the lowest prices but uses the most power, so its bills still land above the national average of $142.
| Region | Area | Price, Jan to Jul 2026 | Average bill, 2024 | Example state price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | New England | 28.86¢ | $166.48 | Massachusetts 30.14¢ |
| Northeast | New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania | 24.82¢ | $138.85 | New York 29.38¢ |
| Midwest | Great Lakes states | 19.08¢ | $121.66 | Illinois 19.22¢, Ohio 18.70¢ |
| Midwest | Plains states | 14.49¢ | $118.81 | Missouri 13.96¢ |
| South | South Atlantic | 16.03¢ | $152.04 | Florida 15.30¢ |
| South | Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee | 14.87¢ | $150.89 | Alabama 16.54¢ |
| South | Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas | 15.27¢ | $154.89 | Texas 16.06¢ |
| West | Mountain states | 14.83¢ | $122.20 | Arizona 15.44¢ |
| West | California, Oregon, Washington | 25.48¢ | $149.69 | California 33.25¢ |
| West | Alaska and Hawaii | 37.58¢ | $184.65 | Hawaii 46.28¢ |
Knowing your own price per kWh matters more than the regional figure, since neighbouring states can sit far apart.
What are the charges on an electric bill?
Most bills split into a per kWh energy charge, a per kWh delivery charge, a flat monthly charge and taxes. Add the per kWh parts together and you have the rate to type into the calculator.
| Charge | What it pays for | Typical figure |
|---|---|---|
| Energy or supply | The power itself, billed per kWh. In some states a separate retail company sells it. | Part of the 18.19¢ US average |
| Delivery | The poles, wires and substations that carry power to the house, also billed per kWh. | A 10.82¢ rate at one Oregon utility in 2026: 3.99¢ delivery plus 6.83¢ power |
| Fixed or base charge | Metering, billing and keeping the account open. It stays the same no matter how little you use. | $5 to $10 a month in most states, close to $18 in New York |
| Taxes and surcharges | State and local taxes plus program riders set by regulators. | Varies by state and city; read the line on your bill |
| Time of use pricing | Some plans charge more per kWh at busy hours and less overnight, so the same kWh can cost two different amounts. | One common California plan prices 4 to 9 PM as peak |
Why is my electric bill so high?
A high bill comes from a high price, high usage, or both. These are the things that push each one up.
| Factor | What changes the bill | Typical effect |
|---|---|---|
| Where you live | Fuel mix, grid costs and state rules set the price per kWh. | 12.36¢ in North Dakota to 46.28¢ in Hawaii |
| Rising prices | Rates have climbed, so a home using the same kWh as last year pays more. | 18.19¢ in early 2026, up from 17.01¢ a year before |
| Cooling and heating | Central AC is the largest single draw in most homes, and space and water heating usually take the biggest share of the bill, so summer and winter bills swing with the weather. | Central AC draws 3,000 to 5,000 W |
| Water heating | A standard electric tank cycles on for a few hours every day, all year. | 360 to 495 kWh a month for 50 gallons |
| Always on loads | A furnace fan set to run nonstop, a pool pump or a hot tub keeps drawing power around the clock. | Nonstop furnace fan: 360 kWh a month |
| Peak pricing | On a time of use plan, evening use costs more. | Enter both prices in the calculator |
| Fixed charge | The same flat amount lands every month, even in a month you barely use power. | $5 to $10 in most states |
Electrical, HVAC or solar business? A high bill call is a job if someone picks up.
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Book a free demoFrequently asked questions
Plain answers on kWh, rates, fixed charges and what a normal power bill looks like.
Book a free demoHow do I calculate my electricity bill?
Multiply the kWh you used by your price per kWh, add the fixed monthly charge, then add taxes and surcharges. For example, 863 kWh at 18.19¢ comes to $156.98 before any fixed charge or tax.
What is the average US household electricity usage?
The average US home bought 863 kWh a month in 2024, a little over 10,350 kWh for the year. Louisiana homes used the most at 1,202 kWh a month and Hawaii homes the least at 495 kWh.
Why are my electricity bills so high?
Usually it is the price, the usage or both. The US average price rose from 17.01¢ to 18.19¢ per kWh between early 2025 and early 2026, and cooling, space heating and water heating are the loads that push usage up. Compare your kWh with your state's average in the table above to see which side the problem is on.
Does the electric bill calculator include taxes?
Yes. Open Bill extras and enter the tax and surcharge percentage from your bill. It is applied to the energy cost plus the fixed charge, the same way most utilities apply it.
Can I use this calculator for business electricity bills?
Yes. Enter your business kWh and the rate on your bill. Businesses on commercial rates paid an average of 13.97¢ per kWh from January to July 2026, lower than the home average.
What is a kWh in simple terms?
A kilowatt hour is the energy a 1,000 watt appliance uses running for one hour. A 100 watt device takes ten hours to use the same amount.
How much does it cost to leave a TV on for 8 hours?
A 45 inch LED or LCD TV drawing about 162 watts uses roughly 1.3 kWh in 8 hours. At 18.19¢ per kWh that is about 24¢ a day, or $7.07 over a 30 day month.
How much is 350 units of electricity?
One unit is one kWh, so 350 units at the US average of 18.19¢ costs $63.67 before fixed charges and taxes. The same 350 kWh costs $43.26 in North Dakota and $161.98 in Hawaii.
Is $400 for electricity a lot?
For one month, yes. It is nearly three times the 2024 US average bill of $142, and almost twice the highest state average, Hawaii at $212. At 18.19¢ per kWh, $400 buys about 2,200 kWh, which usually points to heavy air conditioning, electric heat, a pool or hot tub, or a very large home.
How can I reduce my monthly electricity bill?
Start with the biggest rows in the calculator, since cutting hours on a high watt appliance moves the bill far more than anything small. Swap old bulbs for LEDs, and on a time of use plan, move laundry and dishwashing out of peak hours.
Do utility rates vary by state?
A lot. Home prices from January to July 2026 ran from 12.36¢ per kWh in North Dakota to 46.28¢ in Hawaii, close to four times as much for the same kWh.
Leads growth and product marketing for ServiceAgent at SaaS Labs, where he has worked in product marketing since 2020. Writes ServiceAgent's coverage of AI call answering, CRM and home services operations.
Published by ServiceAgent, the AI front office for home service teams. Estimates only. Your real bill depends on your utility's rate plan, delivery and fixed charges, local taxes, the weather and how long each appliance actually runs. Check your utility's rate schedule for exact prices.