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

West · Residential electricity

Electricity Rates in Montana

The short answer

Montana households paid an average of 15.0¢/kWh for electricity in July 2026, according to EIA — 18% below the national average of 18.3¢.

That makes Montana the 14th-cheapest state for residential electricity, with prices up 5.0% from a year earlier. The average Montana household used 889 kWh and paid about $133 that month.

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

Average rate15.0¢per kWh · Jul 2026
vs last month−1.0%from 15.1¢
vs last year+5.0%from 14.3¢
National rank14thcheapest of 51

Montana electricity price history

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

Montana vs US average electricity price, cents per kWhMontana moved from 12.9¢ to 15.0¢ between Aug 2023 and Jul 2026.10¢13¢15¢18¢20¢Aug ’23Feb ’24Aug ’24Feb ’25Aug ’25Feb ’26Jul ’2615.0¢US 18.3¢
MontanaUS average

What appliances cost to run in Montana

At 15.0¢/kWh and typical usage. Select an appliance to change wattage and hours.

Appliance running costs in Montana
AppliancePer hour/usePer monthPer year
Heating
Space Heater8 hours a day $0.22 /hour $54.72 $657
Oil-Filled Radiator8 hours a day $0.16 /hour $38.30 $460
Heat Pump8 hours a day $0.45 /hour $109 $1,313
Electric Blanket8 hours a day $0.01 /hour $3.65 $43.77
Electric Water Heater3 hours a day $0.67 /hour $61.56 $739
Electric Baseboard Heater8 hours a day $0.22 /hour $54.72 $657
Cooling
Central Air Conditioner8 hours a day $0.52 /hour $128 $1,532
Window Air Conditioner8 hours a day $0.13 /hour $32.83 $394
Portable Air Conditioner8 hours a day $0.18 /hour $43.78 $525
Ceiling Fan8 hours a day $0.01 /hour $1.82 $21.89
Dehumidifier8 hours a day $0.07 /hour $18.24 $219
Kitchen
Refrigeratorrunning 24/7 $0.19 /day $5.75 $68.94
Chest Freezerrunning 24/7 $0.12 /day $3.50 $42.02
Electric Oven1 hour a day $0.27 /hour $8.21 $98.48
Microwave15 minutes a day $0.16 /hour $1.25 $15.05
Dishwasher5 loads a week $0.22 /load $4.89 $58.62
Air Fryer30 minutes a day $0.18 /hour $2.74 $32.83
Coffee Maker15 minutes a day $0.15 /hour $1.14 $13.68
Electric Kettle6 minutes a day $0.22 /hour $0.68 $8.21
Laundry
Washing Machine5 loads a week $0.07 /load $1.63 $19.54
Clothes Dryer5 loads a week $0.45 /load $9.77 $117
Entertainment
TV5 hours a day $0.01 /hour $2.28 $27.36
Gaming PC4 hours a day $0.07 /hour $9.12 $109
PS53 hours a day $0.03 /hour $2.74 $32.83
Xbox Series X3 hours a day $0.02 /hour $2.19 $26.26
Home Office
Desktop Computer8 hours a day $0.02 /hour $5.47 $65.66
Laptop8 hours a day $0.01 /hour $2.19 $26.26
Wi-Fi Routerrunning 24/7 $0.04 /day $1.09 $13.13
Outdoor & Garage
Pool Pump8 hours a day $0.22 /hour $54.72 $657
EV Charger2 hours a day $1.08 /hour $65.66 $788

Electricity rates in nearby states

See all 50 states ranked

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the average electricity rate in Montana?

The average residential electricity rate in Montana was 15.0¢ per kWh in July 2026 (EIA), compared with a US average of 18.3¢.

Is electricity expensive in Montana?

Montana ranks 14th cheapest of the 50 states and DC — cheaper than most. Its rate is 18% below the national average.

What is the average electric bill in Montana?

In July 2026, the average residential customer in Montana used 889 kWh and paid about $133 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 Montana?

Compared with July 2025, the average residential rate in Montana is up 5.0% (14.3¢ → 15.0¢/kWh).

Sources & method