U.S. residential electricity EIA data: July 2026 US average 18.3¢/kWh Updated

South · Residential electricity

Electricity Rates in Maryland

The short answer

Maryland households paid an average of 21.4¢/kWh for electricity in July 2026, according to EIA — 17% above the national average of 18.3¢.

That makes Maryland the 15th-most-expensive state for residential electricity, with prices up 13.7% from a year earlier. The average Maryland household used 1,184 kWh and paid about $253 that month.

Source: U.S. EIA, July 2026 data · Updated

Average rate21.4¢per kWh · Jul 2026
vs last month−2.0%from 21.8¢
vs last year+13.7%from 18.8¢
National rank15thmost expensive of 51

Maryland electricity price history

Average residential price per kWh, last 36 months, compared with the US average.

Maryland vs US average electricity price, cents per kWhMaryland moved from 16.4¢ to 21.4¢ between Aug 2023 and Jul 2026.14¢20¢26¢31¢37¢Aug ’23Feb ’24Aug ’24Feb ’25Aug ’25Feb ’26Jul ’2621.4¢US 18.3¢
MarylandUS average

What appliances cost to run in Maryland

At 21.4¢/kWh and typical usage. Select an appliance to change wattage and hours.

Appliance running costs in Maryland
AppliancePer hour/usePer monthPer year
Heating
Space Heater8 hours a day $0.32 /hour $78.16 $938
Oil-Filled Radiator8 hours a day $0.22 /hour $54.71 $656
Heat Pump8 hours a day $0.64 /hour $156 $1,876
Electric Blanket8 hours a day $0.02 /hour $5.21 $62.52
Electric Water Heater3 hours a day $0.96 /hour $87.92 $1,055
Electric Baseboard Heater8 hours a day $0.32 /hour $78.16 $938
Cooling
Central Air Conditioner8 hours a day $0.75 /hour $182 $2,188
Window Air Conditioner8 hours a day $0.19 /hour $46.89 $563
Portable Air Conditioner8 hours a day $0.26 /hour $62.52 $750
Ceiling Fan8 hours a day $0.01 /hour $2.61 $31.26
Dehumidifier8 hours a day $0.11 /hour $26.05 $313
Kitchen
Refrigeratorrunning 24/7 $0.27 /day $8.21 $98.46
Chest Freezerrunning 24/7 $0.16 /day $5.00 $60.02
Electric Oven1 hour a day $0.39 /hour $11.72 $141
Microwave15 minutes a day $0.24 /hour $1.79 $21.49
Dishwasher5 loads a week $0.32 /load $6.98 $83.73
Air Fryer30 minutes a day $0.26 /hour $3.91 $46.89
Coffee Maker15 minutes a day $0.21 /hour $1.63 $19.54
Electric Kettle6 minutes a day $0.32 /hour $0.98 $11.72
Laundry
Washing Machine5 loads a week $0.11 /load $2.33 $27.91
Clothes Dryer5 loads a week $0.64 /load $13.96 $167
Entertainment
TV5 hours a day $0.02 /hour $3.26 $39.07
Gaming PC4 hours a day $0.11 /hour $13.03 $156
PS53 hours a day $0.04 /hour $3.91 $46.89
Xbox Series X3 hours a day $0.03 /hour $3.13 $37.51
Home Office
Desktop Computer8 hours a day $0.03 /hour $7.82 $93.78
Laptop8 hours a day $0.01 /hour $3.13 $37.51
Wi-Fi Routerrunning 24/7 $0.05 /day $1.56 $18.76
Outdoor & Garage
Pool Pump8 hours a day $0.32 /hour $78.16 $938
EV Charger2 hours a day $1.54 /hour $93.79 $1,125

Electricity rates in nearby states

See all 50 states ranked

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the average electricity rate in Maryland?

The average residential electricity rate in Maryland was 21.4¢ per kWh in July 2026 (EIA), compared with a US average of 18.3¢.

Is electricity expensive in Maryland?

Maryland ranks 37th cheapest of the 50 states and DC — pricier than most. Its rate is 17% above the national average.

What is the average electric bill in Maryland?

In July 2026, the average residential customer in Maryland used 1,184 kWh and paid about $253 for electricity, based on EIA revenue and customer data. Bills vary by season — they are usually highest in summer or winter, depending on climate.

Are electricity prices going up in Maryland?

Compared with July 2025, the average residential rate in Maryland is up 13.7% (18.8¢ → 21.4¢/kWh).

Can I choose my electricity provider in Maryland?

Maryland has a deregulated (retail choice) electricity market, so many residents can choose a retail electricity provider and plan, while the local utility still delivers the power.

Sources & method