Electricity Prices: US Average Cost per kWh, 1978–2026
The US city average price of electricity was $0.196 per kWh in Sep 2026, according to BLS average price data (via FRED). That is 4.3% higher than a year earlier. Since January 2018 ($0.135), it is up 45.2%. In our data, which starts Nov 1978, the highest price was $0.198 (Jun 2026) and the lowest was $0.046 (Nov 1978).
Electricity Prices since Nov 1978
Electricity, US city avg. Monthly values. Weight in the Real Inflation index: 7.0%.
Last 24 months
| Month | Price | vs year before |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2026 | $0.196 | +4.3% |
| Aug 2026 | $0.196 | +3.2% |
| Jul 2026 | $0.197 | +4.2% |
| Jun 2026 | $0.198 | +4.2% |
| May 2026 | $0.196 | +7.7% |
| Apr 2026 | $0.194 | +7.2% |
| Mar 2026 | $0.190 | +5.0% |
| Feb 2026 | $0.189 | +5.6% |
| Jan 2026 | $0.192 | +7.3% |
| Dec 2025 | $0.189 | +7.4% |
| Nov 2025 | $0.189 | +7.4% |
| Oct 2025 | no data | |
| Sep 2025 | $0.188 | +5.6% |
| Aug 2025 | $0.190 | +7.3% |
| Jul 2025 | $0.189 | +6.2% |
| Jun 2025 | $0.190 | +6.7% |
| May 2025 | $0.182 | +4.0% |
| Apr 2025 | $0.181 | +4.6% |
| Mar 2025 | $0.181 | +4.0% |
| Feb 2025 | $0.179 | +3.5% |
| Jan 2025 | $0.179 | +3.5% |
| Dec 2024 | $0.176 | +4.1% |
| Nov 2024 | $0.176 | +4.8% |
| Oct 2024 | $0.177 | +4.7% |
| Sep 2024 | $0.178 | +4.1% |
Yearly averages since 2000
| Year | Average | Lowest month | Highest month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (9 months) | $0.194 | $0.189 | $0.198 |
| 2025 (11 months) | $0.185 | $0.179 | $0.190 |
| 2024 | $0.176 | $0.173 | $0.178 |
| 2023 | $0.168 | $0.165 | $0.171 |
| 2022 | $0.159 | $0.147 | $0.167 |
| 2021 | $0.141 | $0.136 | $0.144 |
| 2020 | $0.135 | $0.133 | $0.137 |
| 2019 | $0.136 | $0.133 | $0.140 |
| 2018 | $0.136 | $0.134 | $0.139 |
| 2017 | $0.138 | $0.134 | $0.143 |
| 2016 | $0.135 | $0.131 | $0.139 |
| 2015 | $0.138 | $0.133 | $0.143 |
| 2014 | $0.137 | $0.131 | $0.143 |
| 2013 | $0.132 | $0.128 | $0.137 |
| 2012 | $0.130 | $0.127 | $0.135 |
| 2011 | $0.130 | $0.125 | $0.135 |
| 2010 | $0.128 | $0.123 | $0.133 |
| 2009 | $0.127 | $0.124 | $0.132 |
| 2008 | $0.123 | $0.116 | $0.132 |
| 2007 | $0.117 | $0.113 | $0.122 |
| 2006 | $0.112 | $0.108 | $0.118 |
| 2005 | $0.100 | $0.094 | $0.106 |
| 2004 | $0.094 | $0.091 | $0.100 |
| 2003 | $0.093 | $0.089 | $0.098 |
| 2002 | $0.091 | $0.088 | $0.095 |
| 2001 | $0.092 | $0.088 | $0.099 |
| 2000 | $0.087 | $0.084 | $0.091 |
Source
FRED series APU000072610
BLS data series APU000072610
BLS Average Price Data
Download the full history (CSV, item_id
APU000072610)Notes and caveats
- BLS average prices are US city averages collected for the CPI. They describe a typical item, not one brand or store. BLS notes that average prices are best used to compare price levels in a given month; for price change over time, the CPI index for the item category is more appropriate.
- Missing months since 2000 (the source published no value): Oct 2025. The chart and tables leave these months blank.
FAQ
How much is a kWh of electricity now?
The US city average price of electricity was $0.196 per kWh in Sep 2026 (+4.3% vs a year earlier). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) average price data, via FRED.
How much was a kWh of electricity in 2018?
In January 2018 the US city average price of electricity was $0.135 per kWh. Since then it has changed +45.2%.
When was a kWh of electricity most expensive?
In our data (starting Nov 1978), the highest price was $0.198 (Jun 2026). The lowest was $0.046 (Nov 1978).
How often is this page updated?
The source publishes monthly. We refresh every week, so the page updates soon after each new month is released.